Make it your first Porto call

With its food and wine elixirs and towering historical attractions, Julie Delahaye raises a glass to Portugal's vibrant, second-largest city

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As a travel editor, I've been lucky enough to tick off more than 50 cities, but this year there's one that's instantly become a firm favourite after just one visit - and that's Porto.

I headed to Portugal over the summer for a friend's wedding and having never been before I decided to extend the trip. Porto had been popping up on my social media feeds and I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. I can confirm it lived up to the hype.

A city that boasts history, excellent food and wine, friendly locals and attractions from a Hogwarts-worthy bookshop to the “world’s most beautiful McDonald's” was always going to win me over.

And it is so walkable. Everything can be reached within half an hour on foot. But a word of caution: it's very hilly so definitely wear comfortable trainers. There are public transport options but most of the time it was so much fun to wander around, especially as throughout the city you'll find quirky architecture, beautiful buildings covered in colourful tiles and independent shops tucked away in little side streets.

If you fancy a sit down, then take a ride on one of the vintage trams - it’s a unique way to take in some of the sights.