Porto, love at first sight by Gema Díaz Prada, Corporate Management employee at Iberia

Gema loves travelling. Every time she has the opportunity, she takes off to the Americas, Europe, Africa... but her most recent trip is always the one she loves most. And this time it was Porto: “One of those cities that I go back to every so often and where I always discover something new.”

The best views: Jardim do Morro is one of the parks with the best views, especially at sunset, because you have the River Douro at your feet and above you are the façades of the Ribeira neighbourhood. You’ll enjoy the best panoramic views from the Guindalense Futebol Clube restaurant.

A walk: Strolling through the Barredo district, with its steps and alleys that end up in La Ribeira, filled with restaurants and lovely houses, allows you to admire the Dom Luís Bridge from the bottom and the Foz do Douro coastal area.

A museum: My favourite is one that’s open to all visitors: the São Bento Railway Station. Its 20,000 tiles tell the stories of important moments in Portuguese history. 

Shopping: Rua de Santa Catarina is Porto’s main retail street. It’s about a kilometre long and pedestrianised. 

Delicatessen: Try the francesinha – a super-caloric sandwich – and the ultra-famous cod. You’ll find them at any restaurant. 

Family outing: Take a ride on the Dos Guindais funicular (cable car), which will take you to the upper part of Porto (as far as Jardim do Morro), enjoy a cruise along the River Douro and visit the Livraria Lello bookshop. It became famous because of the rumour that Harry Potter bought his books there before going off  to Hogwarts.

Don't miss: The Miradouro da Vitória viewpoint and the Sé district around the Romanesque Porto Cathedral are spectacular.