Leixões (Porto)

Leixões is the cruise port for Porto, sitting in the suburb of Matosinhos about 20 minutes north of the city centre by metro or taxi. Matosinhos itself has one of the best fish restaurant strips in Portugal, where grilled sardines and sea bass are served at outdoor tables along the waterfront. The metro runs directly from near the port into central Porto. Porto's Ribeira district, a UNESCO-listed stretch along the Douro River, has colourful buildings covered in azulejo tiles. The Dom Luís I Bridge spans the river at two levels, with the upper deck offering the best views. The port wine lodges are across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can tour cellars and taste vintage ports. Livraria Lello, a bookshop with a striking Art Nouveau interior, draws crowds. A francesinha (a heavy meat sandwich drenched in cheese and beer sauce) is the local signature dish.