Day 8: Porto, Portugal

Porto, city and port, northern Portugal. The city lies along the Douro River, 2 miles (3 km) from the river’s mouth on the Atlantic Ocean and 175 miles (280 km) north of Lisbon. World-famous for its port wine, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and is the commercial and industrial centre for the zone north of the Mondego River. The historic centre of Porto was designated a UNESCOWorld Heritage site in 1996.

Portugal’s second-largest city, and the one that gave the country (and port wine) its name, Porto is the perfect blend of classic vibes and modern energy. First off, it's a fantastic walking city. Stroll the winding cobblestone streets and take in 18th-century townhouses alongside chic shops, restaurants, and design-forward boutique hotels. And be sure to check out the port wine cellars across the Douro River at Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto's also a hotspot for contemporary art, from the Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Serralves (a modern art mecca) to the galleries on Rua Miguel Bombarda. But to deep dive on the city’s history, head to its old town—the vibrant Ribeira district.