Head to Porto’s historic center to see preserved buildings that snagged the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Guided tours untangle Porto’s history and most cover essential landmarks, from the Porto Cathedral to the Mosteiro da Serra do Pillar. To avoid trekking up Porto’s steep hills, take a tour by bus, car, or Segway.

Sightseeing is thirsty work, so reward yourself with an afternoon of wine tasting in local cellars called wine lodges. Wine tasting tours in Porto often feature a series of stops, offering an expansive perspective on the region's wines.

Every word in a fado song drips with feeling, but recorded versions can’t compare to a live show. Prebook tickets to a fado performance in Porto, since many venues are tiny and fill up fast.

Now that you’ve seen Porto by land, hop a boat cruise on the Douro River to enjoy views from the water. Morning light is great for photography here—as are the unobstructed city views available by boat.

On your second day, venture beyond wine to try Porto’s culinary specialties, which go from aged ham and cheeses to bolinho de bacalhau, fritters made from salted cod. Not that you have to move on from vintages altogether; many Porto food tours also feature wine pairings.

With one last night in Porto, slip into the local scene at one of the city’s tascas or tabernas. Tascas are simple and traditional restaurants that can often be found tucked into side streets; family-run tabernas often feature homestyle Portuguese cooking such as hearty stews and grilled fish.