Perched on the banks of the Douro River, Portugal’s northern gem is finally having its moment in the spotlight. And with its colourful cobbled streets, buzzing nightlife and fascinating museums, it’s hardly surprising. Thanks to its compact size and easy-to-navigate centre, ticking off Porto’s main sights in a weekend is more than doable too.

Getting from the airport

The metro is the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre. Follow the signs in arrivals to the station and then buy a ticket from the kiosks. For your first trip, you’ll need to buy an andante card for €0.50. You can then top this up and use it throughout your stay. Line E will whizz you to the city centre in 20 minutes for just €2.15. Remember to validate your ticket before you travel and every time you switch metro lines. Buses and taxis are also available.

Day one

Morning

Day one means it’s time to get acquainted with the Ribeira District, Porto’s UNESCO-stamped old town. Ramble along the higgledy-piggledy streets, then make your way to one of the most iconic landmarks, Clerigos Tower. 225 steps stand between you and arguably the best view of the city, so pop on your comfy shoes and start stomping. Once you’ve filled up your camera roll, head around the corner to the Lello Bookstore. Whether you want to peek inside due to its rumoured Harry Potter connections, or you just fancy admiring the ornate architecture, it's a good idea to get here early or pre-book online. There’s almost always a queue! There’s a fee to enter (€8.00) but if you buy a book, they’ll knock this off the price.

Afternoon

One of the nicest ways to see the sights of Porto? By boat, of course! Step aboard one of the traditional rabelo boats that used to transport wine from the Douro Valley and set sail along the river. Trips leave regularly from Ribeira do Porto, cruising under the six historic bridges that connect Porto with its neighbour, Gaia.

Afterwards, refuel with a delicious lunch at Taberna Santo António. This great-value spot serves traditional specialities like pá de porco assado (roast pork shoulder) and bacalhau com natas (salted cod in a cream sauce).

Evening

Round off your first day at a Casa de Fado, where you can enjoy the country’s soulful Fado music. Mal Cozinhado is a fab option, with daily performances from 9pm. You can also dine here, and the menu spans all the Portuguese faves. The oven-roasted octopus gets our vote!

Day two

Morning

Breakfast time in Porto = pastel de nata o’clock. These cinnamon-dusted custard tarts, with a flaky crust and creamy centre, are irresistibly moreish. Head down to Bolhao Market and you’ll be able to pick one up, alongside lots of other local goodies. This recently restored neoclassical building has been the city’s culinary hub since 1914, so it’s a must for foodies. Fuelled and ready to go, it’s on to São Bento Station, where you can marvel at the famous azulejos (tiles).

Afternoon

Dedicate your afternoon to the area’s favourite tipple – port. The majority of tastings take place on the other side of the river in Gaia. Getting there is all part of the adventure, as it involves crossing the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. There are many port wine cellars to choose from, but Sandeman’s is a popular pick. You can’t miss this sprawling building, topped with the brand’s famous emblem. Opt for the Sandeman 1790 visit and you’ll get a tour of the cellar and a tasting of five port wines included!

Afterwards, it’s time to soak up the booze with the city’s signature dish, francesinha. You’ll see a restaurant on every corner selling it, but Tappas Caffé Regional gets the local’s seal of approval. Lip-smacking layers of meat, sausage, bacon and bread make up this sandwich. And if that wasn’t indulgent enough, it’s then covered in cheese and cooked in the oven until at its bubbling best. At this restaurant, you’ll have the chance to customise it as you please. With or without an egg on top? Hot sauce or mild? The choice is yours.

Top tip: In many eateries, you’ll have the option of a half-portion, and trust us, it’s more than enough!

Evening

Now you’ve polished off that calorific treat, resist the urge for a snooze and instead see off that post-lunch slump with a walk up to Morro Garden. Sunsets are serious business here, and this is one of the best places to watch it. Local musicians and vendors selling bottles of beer and snacks, add to the buzz. If you’re not too stuffed from lunch, check out Mercado Beira-Rio, where you’ll find various pop-up style restaurants dishing out everything from Italian to Asian.