Things to do — Porto

Porto's unmissable highlights cluster around several complementary poles.

The Ribeira-Douro pole is the historic heart of the city. The Ribeira (UNESCO-listed), with its tilting coloured houses leaning over the quayside, its terraces and its rabelo boats moored along the Douro, is Porto's most famous image. Walk across the Ponte Dom Luís I on the upper level for a spectacular view of both riverbanks. The bridge, built by an Eiffel associate in 1886, is one of the finest works of structural ironwork in Europe.

The Vila Nova de Gaia pole holds the lodges of the major Port wine houses, all reachable on foot from the bridge. Taylor's (founded 1692, terrace with a sheer drop to the Douro below), Sandeman (spectacular cellar, six-wine tasting) and Graham's (careful architecture, quality-focused range) are the three benchmarks. Each visit includes a walk through the ageing warehouses and a tasting of two to four wines. Budget €15-25 per person. In the evening the cellar terraces light up and provide the best night view of Porto.

The historic centre pole unfolds on foot. The Livraria Lello (1906) is an absolute priority despite the crowds — arrive at opening time. The São Bento railway station (1916) is covered in 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history — one of Europe's finest station interiors and entirely free to enter. The Sé Cathedral (12th-18th century) dominates the old city with its Gothic azulejo-lined cloister. The Palácio da Bolsa (19th century) contains the Arab Room, a masterpiece of Moorish-style stucco, accessible by guided tour.

The Douro Valley is the unmissable excursion from Porto. By train from São Bento (1h30 to Pinhão), you travel through UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards — the world's oldest demarcated wine region. Quintas welcome visitors for tastings and vineyard walks. In September, some open their harvest to visitors by prior booking.