Looking across to the World Heritage Ribeira district in Porto.

Portugal's second-largest city lies on the banks of the Duoro River and is at once seedy and elegant.

For the best view of this bustling, industrial centre, climb the 225 steps to the top of the baroque tower, the Torre dos Clerigos.

Rising up from the river you'll see the steep and atmospheric Ribeira district - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its wonderful tangle of alleyways are filled with malnourished dogs, boisterous children and moody mamas hanging washing from colourful, tumble-down houses.

Porto's culinary specialty may be tripe, but the city's choice of tipple is far more tasteful - sipping your way through the port wine lodges located just across the river from the Ribeira district is not a bad way to while away an afternoon.