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 in case you assume nothing says ‘autumnal’ fairly like just a little escapade throughout the pond, the place stunning fall colours mesh with Old World attraction, you are completely heading in the right direction.

But hey, we really feel you. Europe is an enormous continent, and narrowing down choices may be laborious. 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 hundreds 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, greatest recognized for its well-preserved historic heart, plethora of wineries, and extra laid-back environment when in comparison with Lisbon.

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

The Ribeira District, which straddles the river, is minimize via 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, in case you’ve come to Portugal for the Old World attraction, you may’t miss Livraria Lello. This bookshop was made widespread via its affiliation with Harry Potter.

Legend has it that J. Okay. Rowling acquired impressed by its Neo-Gothic structure, ornate wood 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 gives the very best Old Town views, and naturally, it isn’t a visit to Portugal till you’ve got seen your fair proportion 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, resulting from its detailed stonework and sculpted facade.

Though not as widespread, Capela das Almas can be totally coated in azulejos, depicting the lives of saints, and the opulent inside, with its gilded altar coated in gold leaf, is bound to go away an enduring 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 can 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 inside 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.

Lucky for Americans, Porto will not 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, outfitted with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main seats, and it is a part of a broader Transatlantic growth subsequent yr:

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.