Three Days in the Vibrant Coastal City of Porto

Today you will be exploring the city center, a Unesco World Heritage Site. All of the main sights are within walking distance, but get ready to get those steps in.

The Lello Library is known as the place that inspired the Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter series. Spoiler alert: it did not. But the library is absolutely gorgeous, so if you want to go, make sure you buy tickets in advance. Get there early and in line, it gets quite busy, but you only need about 30 minutes in the library.

Head over to the Torre Dos Clerigos, the Baroque-style church with a 75-meter tower. Get ready to climb the steps to witness the most beautiful sights of Porto. It’s a steep and narrow climb - you’ve been warned! It is absolutely worth it.

After you’ve caught your breath, walk down to the Bolsa Palace, the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace. You can admire the beauty outside or head in for a guided tour.

Keep going toward the river and enjoy the Cais da Ribera, Porto's riverfront Promenade. Enjoy the little shops, tons of restaurants and the gorgeous Duoro River as you stroll under the Ponte Luis I toward the Funicular dos Gindais. Take that up and keep walking to Sé de Porto, the cathedral which was built in the 12th century, but don’t stop there. Make sure to visit The Cloisters within the Cathedral.

Finish a day of sightseeing with a peek at the São Bento Station, where you can marvel at the murals representing important moments in the country’s history.

Last but not least, walk up toward the Igreja de San Idelfonso to admire its tile facade.

Start your second day by visiting the Bolhao market, the marketplace where you can savor produce and prepared meals.

Continue with a stroll down the Avenida de Aliados and enjoy the architecture as you wander toward the river.

Cross the Ponte Luis I which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, a hub for the port wine industry.

Next, head to the riverwalk and enjoy a Port tasting at one of the many cellars, Caves Calem is one of the most famous.

For the culturally curious, head over to the WOW Center, a cultural district with museums, restaurants and shops to learn about Porto’s history.

If you’re hungry, walk back down to the river and go to the Mercado de Beira Rio to indulge in a Franchesina, one of Porto’s famous foods.

Your visit to Vila Nova de Gaia is not complete without taking in the views from Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. A 15th-century church and cloisters.

Finish your day by walking over to the Jardim do Morro, grab a drink and enjoy the sun set over beautiful Porto.

I highly recommend taking a day tour of the Douro Valley region, especially if you happen to be there around late August or September during the grape harvest season.

Located about 90 minutes from Porto, the Douro Valley Wine Region is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. You will not regret taking the time to see the landscapes, enjoy the gastronomy and yes, keep sipping and learning all about Port wine.

You cannot get away with a half-day trip for this one, so make sure you are allocating some time for this gorgeous place. Trust me, you won't want to leave!