Perched on the steep banks of the River Douro, Porto is many people's favorite part of Portugal. A center for the arts, culture, and cuisine, picturesque Porto has come into its own as a modern city with plenty to offer beyond its best-known export, port wine.

Although steep streets traverse downtown neighborhoods like Baixa and Ribeira, the city is compact and easily navigated on foot (just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time for pit stops in the many cafés and restaurants you'll encounter along the way).

Across the river, sister city Vila Nova da Gaia revels in its status as center of the port wine industry, with an opportunity to sample the local tipple at virtually every scenic step. And while few people think of Porto as a beach destination, no su... Read More