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 season mourners, and should you assume nothing says ‘autumnal’ fairly like a bit of escapade throughout the pond, the place stunning fall colours mesh with Old World allure, you are completely heading in the right direction.

But hey, we really feel you. Europe is an unlimited continent, and narrowing down choices may be arduous. That’s 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) may 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 identified 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 guide:

The Ribeira District, which straddles the river, is lower via with cobble-paved winding paths and dotted with family-owned eating places serving Portuguese-style codfish, pastries, and different native delicacies at inexpensive 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, should you’ve come to Portugal for the Old World allure, you may’t miss Livraria Lello. This bookshop was made common via its affiliation with Harry Potter.

Legend has it that J. Ok. Rowling acquired 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 distinguished hill within the historic heart, Clérigos presents the perfect Old Town views, and naturally, it is not a visit to Portugal till you’ve got 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 probably the most iconic of all, on account of its detailed stonework and sculpted facade.

Though not as common, Capela das Almas can be fully lined in azulejos, depicting the lives of saints, and the opulent inside, with its gilded altar lined in gold leaf, is bound to go away a long-lasting impression on you.

This is extra of a hidden gem, however hey, we’re Travel Off Path, in any case. You know 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 probably the most stunning on the earth. Its interior partitions are lined 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.

Lucky for Americans, 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 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

Just 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 May 21, 2026.

The route shall be serviced on board the Boeing 767-300, geared up with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main seats, and it is a part of a broader Transatlantic growth subsequent 12 months:

From subsequent summer season, Delta clients 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.