
Porto
Portugal
The Portuguese coastal city with pretty, distinctive mosaic tiles was one of the most popular destinations this summer for a weekend fling. Visitor numbers soared as quickly as the temperatures. But as soon as the leaves start changing, the crowds start departing and cobbled streets become pleasantly clear. Visiting in the quieter months ensures the wait outside Café Santiage for a filthy francesinha is minutes, while tables at Nabos da Pùcara (order traditional tripas à moda) are occupied predominantly by a local crowd. Rosa et Al always has rooms. Aside from the fortified wine that gives Porto its fame, a flurry of galleries, year-round festivals and art exhibitions means that even with the occasional rain shower, the city's interior is just as pretty. For creative culture, seek out Serralves Museum for cutting-edge contemporary art and gallery-cum-fashion-store, The Gallery Wrong Weather, a contemporary wonderland devoted to the visual arts.