INSIDER TIPS

The seaside isn’t far away from Porto. Head to nearby Foz de Douro, at the river mouth, or Matosinhos, for fish and seafood restaurants, or the fishing town of Espinho, famous for its prawns and brightly painted wooden boats.

Boat trips along the Douro offer another perspective on Porto, and a private charter with a group of friends cruising for two hours costs considerably less than in other major cities. feeldouro.com

An iced white port and tonic is the perfect drink on a hot day. If drinking local lager Super Bock, remember: small glasses mean colder beer.