With the leaves turning a vibrant amber, the girlies bringing their hand-knit sweaters out, and pumpkin spice lattes back on the menu, it could only mean one thing:
Fall is here, much to the dismay of the summer mourners, and if you think nothing says ‘autumnal’ quite like a little escapade across the pond, where beautiful fall colors mesh with Old World charm, you’re absolutely on the right track.
But hey, we feel you. Europe is a vast continent, and narrowing down options can be hard. That’s why Travel Off Path exists, and as always, we’ve got your back.
For a European city break, with all the culture and hearty food you can fit in, and that, 1) will not set you back thousands of dollars, 2) can be reached hassle-free from the States, Porto is your port of call:
The unofficial ‘capital’ of Northern Portugal, Porto is a vibrant city on the banks of the fast-flowing Douro River, best known for its well-preserved historic center, plethora of wineries, and more laid-back atmosphere when compared to Lisbon.
Lisbon may get all the attention, but Porto is equally beautiful in our book:
The Ribeira District, which straddles the river, is cut through with cobble-paved winding paths and dotted with family-owned restaurants serving Portuguese-style codfish, pastries, and other local delicacies at affordable prices.
Restaurante A Marina is our personal favorite go-to spot here: ordering freshly caught, grilled sea bream and a glass of port wine will set you back around $15.
Whereas Lisbon has a San Francisco-inspired 25th of April Bridge, Porto has the shorter, just-as-scenic Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-deck iron crossing boasting views of Ribeira, its rival district Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro, and the meandering river itself.
Now, if you’ve come to Portugal for the Old World charm, you can’t miss Livraria Lello. This bookshop was made popular through its association with Harry Potter.
Legend has it that J. K. Rowling got inspired by its Neo-Gothic architecture, ornate wooden carvings, and curving staircase when describing Hogwarts.
A Baroque tower rising 250 feet above the cityscape, on a prominent hill in the historic center, Clérigos offers the best Old Town views, and of course, it’s not a trip to Portugal until you’ve seen your fair share of azulejo-clad churches.
Azulejos are Portugal’s signature blue-and-white-patterned tiles, and Igreja do Carmo is probably the most iconic of all, due to its detailed stonework and sculpted facade.
Though not as popular, Capela das Almas is also entirely covered in azulejos, depicting the lives of saints, and the opulent interior, with its gilded altar covered in gold leaf, is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
This is more of a hidden gem, but hey, we’re Travel Off Path, after all. You know you can count on us to unveil a place’s best-kept secrets that are yet to be spoiled by tourism.
The McDonald’s on Rua de Santa Catarina is arguably the most beautiful in the world. Its inner walls are covered from ground to ceiling with historic azulejos, and it’s something you just wouldn’t expect to find in a fast-food chain.
Lucky for Americans, Porto is not another one of those inaccessible European destinations that will involve taking multiple flights, and then a three to five-hour train journey to get there.
You can fly direct to Porto (OPO) from the following U.S. airports:
With TAP Air Portugal or United, 3 flights per day
With TAP Air Portugal, 1 flight per day every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Just this week, Delta also announced they will be launching their first-ever direct flights to Porto from their New York (JFK) hub, beginning May 21, 2026.
The route will be serviced on board the Boeing 767-300, equipped with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main seats, and it’s part of a broader Transatlantic expansion next year:
From next summer, Delta customers can choose from a myriad of sun-drenched, Southern European destinations, from Porto itself, to the tiny Mediterranean nation of Malta, to the underrated Italian island of Sardinia.
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