The Ribeira district, Porto's UNESCO-listed riverside old town, rewards slow wandering through its narrow, colorful streets. Livraria Lello, an ornate early-20th-century bookstore, has become a genuine attraction in its own right (partly thanks to rumored Harry Potter connections), though a timed ticket is now required given its popularity. Crossing the Dom LuÃs I Bridge on foot offers some of the best views over the river and both sides of the city.
A port wine cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river, is close to essential for understanding the city's namesake product, with most cellars offering tastings alongside the tour. The São Bento train station, decorated with thousands of hand-painted azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history, is worth a stop even if you're not catching a train.
