The second biggest city of Portugal offers a nice retreat along the Atlantic coast with the picturesque Douro River running through and its world-famous Port wine producers. Few European cities have such a laid-back and nostalgic vibe. The historical neighborhoods of Vitoria, Ribeira, Miragaia and Vila Nova de Gaia take the visitor to a travel back in time, with their artisanal shops dealing with ages-old trades and elegant 18th and 19th century buildings, with colorful facades. Porto also has a vibrant restaurant and design scene. Make sure that you take a stroll along the Galerias de Paris for its late night bars, explore the concept stores of local designers and try typical dishes like Tripas a Moda do Porto (tripe with beans) and the popular Portugese sandwich called Francesinha. São João (Saint John) Festival in June is one of the best times to visit the city, with its lively street activities. To have a relaxing day along the ocean, head to the chic Foz do Douro that offers great beaches.To get the true spirit of the region, though, you should enjoy a cruise along the Douro River, or a guided tour of port wine lodges nearby. The old fishing village of Afurada and the beautiful riverside town of Amarante are the spots not to be missed along the Douro.