Porto, Portugal is quickly gaining a reputation as a destination hotspot-and for good reason. Vineyards lie to the north, white sandy beaches to the west, historic colorful buildings sit along the river and there's great year-round weather.

You can't visit northern Portugal without seeing one of the world's oldest wine regions. The gorgeous valley showcases steep terrace vineyards carved into the mountainsides, historic orange "quintas" and fantastic wine cellars. Come for the wine, stay for the views.

Ribeira is Porto's riverside gem. It's historic and colorful buildings line the banks of the Douro River. You can walk along the water, explore zig-zag alleyways or relax at one of many local cafes.

A short walk over the Ponte de Dom Luis Bridge will lead you straight to Porto's sister-city, Gaia. On this side of the river, you'll find port-wine lodges and the best views of Porto's colorful Ribeira.

You can't visit a city and not eat their namesake dish. The traditional mixture of tripe, vegetables and sausage is a must-try for any traveling foodie. Fun fact, people from Porto are nicknamed 'Tripas' because of the amount of tripe they used to eat!

Porto and the Douro region is to port-wine as Champagne is to sparkling wine. Visit world-renowned vineyards in the north, explore wine-cellars in the city or simply enjoy a glass along with dinner.

Climb to the top of this central garden for the best view of Porto. From the top, you can see the Ribeira, Dom Lu¨ªs Bridge and Douro Rio. You don't want to miss watching the sunset here.

Take a cruise in an old wooden boat. You can find rides lasting from 30 minutes to a couple of hours in the northern Douro Valley or in the heart of the city. Sometimes they even offer complimentary snacks and drinks onboard.

You don't have to be a bookworm to appreciate the beauty of Livraria Lello. This is the library that supposedly inspired JK Rowling's Hogwarts.

Located in downtown Porto, the Carmo and Carmelitas churches look as one. However, they are two churches separated by one of the world's narrowest houses, measuring only three feet wide. There's a lot of speculation as to why these churches are side by side. Some say it was the local law, others say it was because the archbishops were fighting and, finally, some offer that the two churches were separate to keep the monks and nuns from getting too cozy.

Relax in the sun. The summer months offer the best weather, but you can still enjoy some warm seaside views year-round. Winter is coldest, but temperatures rarely get below a mild 55 degrees.

Portugal, in general, is one of the best places in the world to find surf. There are consistent waves, clean beaches and a friendly community. Also, it's relatively affordable to rent from many shops or take lessons from a local pro.

You'll find this stunning botanical garden sitting atop one of Porto's many hills. It's actually a mosaic of many small gardens that connect along rustic paths. You can weave around fountains and sculptures or simply relax with an expansive view of the cityscape below.

Azulejos are the stunning blue and white tiles that have become a defining feature of Portugal. Take an art class and make your own or wander through the city gazing at each intricate Azulejo design. Sao Bento station is covered in 20,000 tiles depicting the history of Portugal.

The melancholic music of fado has been around for centuries. Although more popular in Lisbon, you can find still find many small restaurants playing live Fado in Porto. Make sure you hear the Portuguese guitarra at least once during your time in Portugal.

The vines are born in the Douro Valley but it's the city of Porto that gives a name to the wine. This is where the wine ages. If you don't have time to head north to the Douro Valley, visit one of the many Port Lodges in Gaia for a tour and some history surrounding the popular drink.

The Portuguese cousin to the French croquet madame, a Francensinha is quite the tasty sandwich. It's a combination of bread, ham, sausage, cheese and tomato-beer sauce. Make sure you're hungry or find someone to share with as the portions are huge!

Eager to explore? Rent a car and drive through the countryside to see more of Portugal. You can wind through the mountain vineyards or drive along the coast, hopping from village to village.

The Dom Luis Bridge connects Porto and it's sister city of Gaia. Take a stroll back and forth to experience activities on both sides of the river. Also, if the bridge reminds you of France, you're on the right track. It was built by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.

If you are unfamiliar with these portage custard treats, you'll have to have at least one a day. A trip to Portugal isn't complete without a belly full of these sweet delicacies.

While visiting the north, make sure you stop in one of the many vineyards for a tour and tasting! Even if you're not tasting the wine, you'll stay engaged listening to historic stories of prosperity and hardship. Fun fact, you can spot the difference between old and new vineyards by the way their terraces are sloped: horizontal steps are old and vertical rows are new.