Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and a very busy commercial hub. It lies alongside rolling hills and overlooks the Douro River estuary, making it a very scenic city. It has been inhabited since the Fourth century AD and the historical centre was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The city is home to a wide variety of different architectural forms. There are medieval buildings side by side with modern office blocks and traditional houses. Many of the old buildings are popular tourist attractions, and just wandering around the streets will delight architecture buffs.

One of the best areas to head if you want to walk is Ribeira. This is the ancient quarter. Many original buildings still remain and the quaint houses will take you back in time. This district is also the best place to head for a night out as it comes alive with bars, clubs and restaurants once the sun goes down.

Popular tourist attractions include many of the city’s churches, notably the Clergymen Church and Tower and Porto Cathedral. Both of these buildings date back centuries and are beautiful constructions as well as housing a variety of historic artefacts. Museums are found in abundance and cover a wide variety of interests such as military history, fine art and important historical figures.

If you are travelling with the family, the kids will find much to keep them occupied. There are parks, gardens, theme parks and activites such as horse riding to keep them busy. Many of the restaurants are children-friendly and many of the bigger hotels have kids clubs and babysitting services.

There are many accommodation options which will suit every taste and budget. Top-class hotels can be found throughout although some of the most beautiful are located along the river. Midrange hotels are also found scattered around, with a large selection close to all amenities and many of the sights. Most of these hotels are suitable for families. For those who are on a tighter budget, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are numerous and while they may be basic, offer a cheaper alternative.

Getting to Porto is very easy as the main airport, Francisco Sa Carneiro, services many destinations throughout the world. There are also many good motorways leading in and out of the city and numerous train lines. Once you are in the city, trams, buses, taxis and the metro offer connections throughout Porto and the surrounding areas.

Porto experiences a coastal Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. However, the city is situated just north of the coast and therefore is also prone to sudden rainstorms and long heat waves. At the height of these heat waves, temperatures can reach 38°C although the average summer temperature is about 25°C. During the heat waves, forest fires are common. Therefore, it is important to check on the air quality before you go, especially if you have asthma or other lung problems. The air clears up quite quickly after a large fire because there is usually a heavy rainstorm.

Winter temperatures usually hover between 5°C and 14°C during the day and can get below freezing at night. Rain is common, as are strong winds although there can also be long periods of sunshine. To avoid the extreme weather and also to avoid the crowds, it is worth visiting Porto in the shoulder months of spring and autumn. These are very stable months with regards to climate and are warm without being too hot. The city is also far less crowded and the sun can always be seen shining.