3 Best Sights in Baixa and Ribeira, Porto

Legend has it that one of J. K. Rowling’s chief inspirations for the fantasy world of Harry Potter was this century-old bookstore, often cited as the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Although Rowling hasn’t confirmed these rumors, an undeniable fairy-tale magic permeates this place, whether you’re marveling at its 60,000-plus books, painted-glass ceiling, fanciful facade, or crimson double-helix staircase. In recent years, the bookstore has become so overrun with tourists that queues snake down the street, and there’s now a €10 admission fee, which is redeemable against any purchase in the store.

Although there's no longer an actual crystal palace here (the grand original building, built to host the city's 1865 International Exhibition, fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1952 to make room for the somewhat unsightly sports stadium dubbed "the UFO" by locals), the Crystal Palace Gardens remain a lovely place for a stroll in the shade. With ornate fountains and statues, strolling peacocks, hidden chapels, rose gardens, and views over the Douro, it's a romantic spot beloved of both locals and out-of-towners. 

Time Out Market Porto follows the same model as the wildly popular Lisbon original, bringing together top local chefs and producers under one roof. Housed in the redeveloped south wing of São Bento station, it’s a buzzy, central spot for shopping, eating, and drinking, with occasional live music and DJ sessions.