Things to see in Porto

One of Portugal’s leading contemporary art centres, the Serralves Art Museum is housed in a striking, airy building as well as a pink-hued, art deco structure designed by the renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. It is all set in a lovely rambling park that was originally designed in the 1930s to complement the galleries. The grounds encompass fountains, rose gardens and statuary, while the buildings displays national and international contemporary art and has a permanent collection of work from the late 1960s to the present. It also hosts a great number of cultural events, including concerts, discussions and workshops.

This former prison from the 18th century housed inmates until 1970s; today the fascinating building is home to photograph displays, which are exhibited in the cells. Turned over to the General Directorate of the Book of Archives and Libraries in 1997, Centro Português de Fotografia now hosts rotating exhibitions that showcase the country’s photographic heritage.

Built in the mid-19th century, this temple to money was constructed in lavish neoclassical style, and shows evidence of the English influence on Porto architecture. It has to be visited via half-hourly guided tours, which allow an opportunity to explore its fantastical interiors. Inside it has an atrium covered by a huge glass and metal dome. The most impressive rooms are the Assembly or Golden Room with a gilded stucco ceiling, and the splendid Arab Hall, designed by Goncalves de Sousa and inspired by the Alhambra Palace of Granada. This hall, a dazzling combination of eastern and western influences, was completed in 1880.

While it has become rather touristy over the years, there is still a strong air of authentic 1920s European cafe culture in Porto's Cafe Majestic. It opened in 1921 and is the last of its kind in the city. A true Porto landmark, it has a beautiful Belle Epoque decor, and it still offers the kind of refined atmosphere and service that made it the city's favourite more than 80 years ago.

Porto's best known export is the fortified wine, which takes the city's name, and is made from grapes grown upstream in the Douro Valley. There are plenty of port wine cellars dotted around the Gaia area on the south bank of the river, and their prominent branded roofs are a distinctive sight from a vantage point across the water. Many of them offer guided tours, tastings and shops, including Caves Calém and Sandeman, plus other international household names. To visit is to understand and taste something of the essence of Porto - an experience not to be missed.

At 76m (249ft) high, this baroque tower from the 18th century is the highest city tower in Portugal. It is well worth climbing the 235 steps up to the top for breathtaking views over the old city. The tower was constructed by the architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 1700s and it is attached to the Clérigos Church, which is worth peeking in to for its baroque rococo gilt carvings.