Hitting the streets is a great way to catch a city’s real pulse whether you like drifting through indie stores and quirky independent shops, hanging out in cool coffee shops or grabbing a barstool somewhere lively and listening to local bands.

Global listing guide Time Out states a city’s streets are where you’ll find “local life at its most authentic.” That idea powers the magazine’s annual “coolest streets” list, a global roundup of walkways, alleys and other urban arteries.

And one street in Europe took the coveted 3rd place in this worldwide list with this year’s winner: Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the number two plac awarded to Orange Street, in Osaka, Japan, a former antique-hunting district that now mixes streetwear, retro shops, al fresco eats and showy cocktails.

But it was a European street in a pictureque and  historic city just a two and half hour flight from the UK that made it into third place. This city is becoming increasingly popular with young Brits looking for a cool new weekend destination slightly off the usual beaten track.

So, drum roll, in third place and the top scoring street in Europe in the Time Out guide is is Rua do Bonjardim in Porto, Portugal.

Packed with old-school grocers, hotels, including former soap factory Torel Saboari, and restaurants like the artsy Ottto, the street is also conveniently located close to major attractions like Bolhão Market and Avenida dos Aliados, in a part of the city that’s popular with both tourists and locals.

Avenida dos Aliados is Porto’s main and most impressive city centre boulevard, known for its grand scale, ornate architecture, and lively atmosphere. It features the City Hall at one end and Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade) with a statue of King Pedro IV at the other, making it a central hub for tourists and locals alike. The avenue is a popular gathering spot for events and celebrations and is lined with cafes, shops, and notable buildings. 

Along  Rua do Bonjardim itself, new and old businesses mingle in this nearly one-kilometre-long street that has somehow managed to retain its own quiet charm.

It’s home to cute little food stores like Casa Januário and Pretinho do Japão alongside legendary restaurants like Conga, much-loved for its bifanas (pork sandwiches), and Mexican eaterie Duello.

And no trip to Rua do Bonjardim is complete without the grand Rivoli Theatre,  one of the city’s best performance venues, which boasts a year round  vibrant cultural programme.

Porto itself is a World Heritage city, known for its  port wine which is shipped from here all over the world, but also for a heritage which combines ancient churches and monuments.

The region is crossed by the River Douro which enters Portugal between the ravines and mountains of the interior to flow through the entire World Heritage landscape. It is from Porto that the wine is sent to the lodges at Vila Nova de Gaia as the cruises touring the region make their way upriver.

Don’t miss a tour and tasting at one of the many port wine cellars or enjoy the local culture at the Mercado do Bolhaor or a Fado show. For art and views, head to the Serralves Museum or ride the Teleferico de Gaia cable car.

The historic centre of Porto was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996 and one unattributed famous quote about the city is: “A country’s second city always has A Thing. Milan has fashion, Hamburg has its nightlife, Porto has port”

Daily flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol to Porto take between 2 hours 20 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes with British Airways, Easyjet, TAP, Ryanair and Vueling.