Porto (Portugal)

Lisbon's grittier, more authentic little sibling. Porto's Ribeira district along the Douro River is a UNESCO site where port wine cellars offer tastings that turn into group adventures. The city is small enough to feel intimate, cheap enough to splurge on a Francesinha sandwich and wine at every meal, and beautiful enough to make you seriously consider never leaving. Outperforming #2's higher cost of living, Porto's daily budget averages €45, 20% less than the typical Western European rival.