Whether you’re after a culinary adventure or a cultural escape, this pretty piece of Portugal lays on the lot. It has all the trappings of a dream city break, but where to start? Let our top ten things to do be your starting point...

1. Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge

Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (yep, the man behind Paris’ iconic landmark), Porto’s most eye-catching bridge should be top of your sightseeing itinerary. It’s made up of a lower and higher level, both of which can be crossed by pedestrians. Go for the upper deck and you’ll be rewarded with epic panoramas.

2. Explore the Ribeira neighbourhood

When you close your eyes and think of Porto, it’s the Ribeira neighbourhood’s terracotta-topped houses and cobbled streets which instantly come to mind. It’s a charming place for a wander, with wine bars and traditional restaurants tucked into every nook and cranny.

3. Tour a port wine cellar

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, and you’ll arrive in Gaia, home to Portugal’s renowned port cellars. There’s no better place to learn about this top tipple than at the World of Wine, a vast complex made up of museums, a wine school and a handful of restaurants and bars. Caves Calem wine cellar and Taylor's Port Wine Cellar are two more popular supping spots.

4. Climb to the top of Clerigos Tower

Looking for the best views in the city? Call off the search! At 75m high, this is the country’s tallest bell tower. Drink in the sweeping scenes, which stretch right to the ocean. If you don’t fancy taking on the 240 steps during the day, opt for an evening ticket and experience Porto by moonlight.

5. Visit the world’s most famous bookshop

Lello Bookstore’s beautiful décor is said to have captured the imagination of J. K. Rowling when she was writing the first Harry Potter book. And once you’ve clocked the sweeping wooden staircases, endless bookshelves and stained-glass window, you’ll soon see why.

6. Visit one of the food markets

Porto’s postcode, surrounded by the Douro vineyards and with the Atlantic on its doorstep, makes it a prime pick for foodies. Head to Bolhão or Bom Sucesso markets and scour stalls laden with fruit, fish and so much more. Be sure to save some room for a francesinha – an open sandwich topped with roasted meats, cheese and a fried egg.

7. Make a beeline for the beach

If you need a break from all that sightseeing, Foz do Douro is just the ticket. The tram journey to this urban beach is all part of the fun, and you’ll whizz along the edge of the river. Take a stroll down the seaside promenade, which runs for 2.5km, or meander towards the jetty and the 19th-century Felgueiras Lighthouse.

8. Explore the Alto Douro wine region

Welcome to one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions. This stunning landscape of rolling vineyards and whitewashed quintas is primed for a day trip. Book a tour and learn all about the wine-production process, as well as enjoying a few tastings, of course!

9. Admire the azulejo tiles

Design is in this city’s DNA, and it’s best admired through the walls of colourful tiles known as azulejos. Some are simple patterns, while others are masterfully intricate. São Bento station is often viewed as more of a free art gallery than a transport hub, decorated with over 20,000 blue and white tiles depicting scenes from Portugal’s past.

10. Relax in Morro Garden

This hilltop park is the perfect location for a few hours’ chill time. Hop on the cable car from the riverside, then find a shady spot under a palm tree. Come here at sunset or sunrise and trust us, you won’t be disappointed.