Americans Can Fly Nonstop To This Gorgeous & Affordable European City This Fall

With the leaves turning a vibrant amber, the girlies bringing their hand-knit sweaters out, and pumpkin spice lattes again on the menu, it might solely imply one factor:

Fall is right here, a lot to the dismay of the summer time mourners, and if you happen to suppose nothing says ‘autumnal’ fairly like just a little escapade throughout the pond, the place stunning fall colours mesh with Previous World appeal, you are completely heading in the right direction.

However hey, we really feel you. Europe is an unlimited continent, and narrowing down choices will be arduous. That is why Travel Off Path exists, and as at all times, we have your again.

For a European metropolis break, with all of the tradition and hearty meals you may slot in, and that, 1) is not going to set you again 1000’s of {dollars}, 2) will be reached hassle-free from the States, Porto is your port of name:

The unofficial ‘capital’ of Northern Portugal, Porto is a vibrant metropolis on the banks of the fast-flowing Douro River, finest recognized for its well-preserved historic heart, plethora of wineries, and extra laid-back environment when in comparison with Lisbon.

Lisbon could get all the eye, however Porto is equally stunning in our e book:

The Ribeira District, which straddles the river, is lower by with cobble-paved winding paths and dotted with family-owned eating places serving Portuguese-style codfish, pastries, and different native delicacies at reasonably priced costs.

Restaurante A Marina is our private favourite go-to spot right here: ordering freshly caught, grilled sea bream and a glass of port wine will set you again round $15.

Whereas Lisbon has a San Francisco-inspired twenty fifth of April Bridge, Porto has the shorter, just-as-scenic Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-deck iron crossing boasting views of Ribeira, its rival district Vila Nova de Gaia throughout the Douro, and the meandering river itself.

Now, if you happen to’ve come to Portugal for the Previous World appeal, you may’t miss Livraria Lello. This bookshop was made well-liked by its affiliation with Harry Potter.

Legend has it that J. Ok. Rowling bought impressed by its Neo-Gothic structure, ornate picket carvings, and curving staircase when describing Hogwarts.

A Baroque tower rising 250 toes above the cityscape, on a outstanding hill within the historic heart, Clérigos provides one of the best Previous City views, and naturally, it isn’t a visit to Portugal till you have seen your justifiable share of azulejo-clad church buildings.

Azulejos are Portugal’s signature blue-and-white-patterned tiles, and Igreja do Carmo might be essentially the most iconic of all, because of its detailed stonework and sculpted facade.

Although not as well-liked, Capela das Almas can also be fully coated in azulejos, depicting the lives of saints, and the opulent inside, with its gilded altar coated in gold leaf, is certain to go away a long-lasting impression on you.

That is extra of a hidden gem, however hey, we’re Journey Off Path, in spite of everything. you may rely on us to unveil a spot’s best-kept secrets and techniques which might be but to be spoiled by tourism.

The McDonald’s on Rua de Santa Catarina is arguably essentially the most stunning on the earth. Its internal partitions are coated from floor to ceiling with historic azulejos, and it is one thing you simply would not look forward to finding in a fast-food chain.

Fortunate for Individuals, Porto shouldn’t be one other a kind of inaccessible European locations that can contain taking a number of flights, after which a 3 to five-hour practice journey to get there.

You possibly can fly direct to Porto (OPO) from the next U.S. airports:

With TAP Air Portugal or United, 3 flights per day

With TAP Air Portugal, 1 flight per day each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Simply this week, Delta additionally announced they are going to be launching their first-ever direct flights to Porto from their New York (JFK) hub, starting Might 21, 2026.

The route will likely be serviced on board the Boeing 767-300, outfitted with Delta One, Delta Premium Choose, Delta Consolation and Delta Important seats, and it is a part of a broader Transatlantic enlargement subsequent yr:

From subsequent summer time, Delta prospects can select from a myriad of sun-drenched, Southern European locations, from Porto itself, to the tiny Mediterranean nation of Malta, to the underrated Italian island of Sardinia.