Join the tour at Praça da Liberdade, the standard meeting point. These tours cover the main historic sites and give useful context for the rest of your stay in Porto.

Step inside the main hall to see the stunning blue and white azulejo tile panels depicting Portuguese history and daily life. It is a quick but essential stop.

Visit the Gothic cloisters and the silver altarpiece. The terrace has panoramic views over the old city and the Douro River.

Walk to Rua das Flores and find one of the historic cafes. Order a bica (Portuguese espresso) and try a local pastry or caldo verde soup for a light lunch.

Book tickets online in advance to skip long queues. The bookstore has the famous red staircase and stained glass ceiling that inspired the Harry Potter books.

Climb the 225 steps for a 360 degree view of Porto. Buy your ticket at the base before heading up.

Walk across the upper deck for dramatic views of the Douro River and the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. The lower deck has car traffic and trains.

Stroll the narrow cobblestone alleys along Cais da Ribeira and look for the traditional Rabelo boats docked on the riverbank. Search for a bench facing the river.

Search for a casa de fado in the Ribeira district or across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Book ahead in summer as shows sell out early.

Head to the recently renovated market hall on Rua Formosa. Wander the two floors of fresh produce, seafood stalls, and local vendors selling cheese and cured meats. Arrive early to beat the crowds and grab a coffee at a market counter.

Walk west along Rua de Santa Catarina and the side streets off Praça da Batalha for independent boutiques, bookshops, and tile shops. Search for handmade azulejo souvenirs or cork crafts unique to Portugal.

Find a tasca (small traditional eatery) in the Bonfim or Campo 24 de Agosto area off the main tourist strip. Order a Francesinha, a layered sandwich with cured meats, melted cheese, and a tomato-beer sauce, served with fries.

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge upper deck to Gaia and pick one of the major lodges along Avenida Diogo Leite for a guided tour and tasting. Compare a Tawny versus a Ruby Porto and take a bottle to enjoy later.

Climb the stairs behind the Gaia cable car station to this garden perched at the top of the hill. It offers a panoramic view of Porto's old town and the Douro River, especially beautiful in late afternoon light.

Take a standard 50 minute six bridges boat trip departing from the Gaia riverfront. Choose a late afternoon or sunset departure to see the bridges illuminated as the sun sets over Porto.

Photo: K, Pexels

End the night at a cafe in Ribeira along Cais da Ribeira. Order a glass of Vinho Verde, a light sparkling young wine from the region, or a shot of Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur.

Spend time in both the contemporary art galleries and the sprawling gardens with outdoor sculptures. The Art Deco villa and on-site cafe make for a pleasant mid-morning break.

Walk through the themed gardens with views over the Douro River and spot the free-roaming peacocks. The iron gazebo at the main viewpoint is a good photo spot.

Join a guided tour to see the Arabian Room, a lavish Moorish-style hall covered in gold and intricate plasterwork. Entry is by guided tour only so check times in advance.

Search for tours starting at Mercado do Bolhão or in the Ribeira district to sample local bites like bifanas and seafood. Tours typically last two hours and include 5 to 7 stops.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a concert at this Rem Koolhaas designed building. The metro stop of the same name drops you right at the entrance.

Find live music venues along Rua de Cimo de Vila or in the Cedofeita neighborhood. Many bars host local indie bands, jazz nights, or Fado performances.

Take metro line A to Matosinhos Sul station. Walk west to find the wide sandy beach with surf breaks and a coastal promenade lined with seafood restaurants.

Photo: Uiliam Nörnberg, Pexels

Search for cooking schools near Bolhao market or in Cedofeita. You will prepare and eat several Portuguese dishes during the session.

Rua de Miguel Bombarda is lined with contemporary art galleries. Walk between gallery buildings to find quiet interior courtyards with street art and small cafes.

Walk to the Douro riverfront near Cais da Ribeira or cross to Vila Nova de Gaia. Buy a glass of port wine or vinho verde from a riverfront quiosque and watch the sunset over the bridges.

Spend your farewell evening in Porto's UNESCO-listed Ribeira district. Walk along the colorful riverside promenade between Ponte Dom Luis I and Praca da Ribeira.