Under $100: Porto, Portugal

The coastal city of Porto, located in northwest Portugal, is widely known for its architectural beauty, bridges and port wine production.

In the medieval Ribeira riverside district, visitors can stroll cobblestone streets past merchant homes and cafés, and enjoy random splashes of street art and painted ceramic tile work throughout the city. While the capital city of Lisbon has a lot to offer, Porto is equally impressive from a cultural and historic standpoint and is far more affordable for the budget traveler.

Porto’s architectural wonders can all be seen for a few euro. The famous Igreja de Sao Francisco boasts a façade of a Gothic church, but inside features one of the most dazzling displays of baroque, gold-plated architecture in Portugal. Take it all in for only €4.

© Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

Tour the palatial, 19^th-century Palácio de Bolsa for only €8 or Serralves, a combination of impressive museum collections, a pink-stone mansion and charming gardens for only €10. Visit the top museum in Porto, the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, for only €5 and enjoy an impressive collection from Neolithic carvings to Portugal’s take on modernism, housed in the formidable Palácio das Carrancas.

For no cost, escape from the city to the picturesque Jardim do Palácio de Cristal, situated atop a bluff featuring mosaic botanical gardens, manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures, magnolias, cypress and olive trees.

After a day of sightseeing, head to the Mercado do Bolhao, a 19^th-century market offering a wide array of local produce and handmade goods, including cheese, olives, smoked meats, breads and local wines. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite and enjoy an authentic Portuguese culinary experience.

Clerigos Church © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

For a hearty sandwich and fresh soup made with authentic ingredients and flavors, head to A Sandeira, where a large meal costs only around €4. For a Portuguese home-cooking classic, visit Taberna Santo Antonio on the Rua das Virtudes. This charming and quaint spot boasts dishes for less than €10 per entree.

If you’re not walking, public transportation is the way to go in Porto. If you plan on seeing a lot of the city, invest €7 in a 24-hour pass, which covers the city’s entire network of transportation.