PORTO: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Porto, a jewel of Portugal, charms visitors with its blend of historic allure and vibrant energy. Nestled along the Douro River, the city features stunning architecture, from the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to the ornate Livraria Lello. As you walk through Porto's winding streets, you'll find colorful buildings, bustling cafes, and inviting wine cellars where the world-renowned port wine is aged. The city's lively atmosphere is complemented by its rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming locals. A visit to Porto promises a captivating experience that lingers long after your stay. Let's plan your 2-day or 3-day trip to Porto with this ultimate guide and uncover why it's one of the best cities to visit in Portugal!
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1. HIGHLIGHTS
Before we get into the details of our suggested itineraries, here’s a quick look at what you can expect and a summary to help with your planning:
Day 1: Riverside Charm
Ribeira District, Dom Luís I Bridge, Vila Nova de Gaia, Live Fado Performance
Day 2: Historical Landmarks and Local Flavors
Palácio da Bolsa, São Bento Railway Station, Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral, Bolhão Market
Day 3: Culture and Coastal Relaxation
Livraria Lello, Café Majestic, Casa da Música, , Matosinhos Beach
Walking Tour in Porto, Visit the World of Discoveries Museum, Visit Estádio do Dragão, Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour, Day Trip to the Douro Valley, Day Trip to Guimarães and Braga
Aveiro, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Viana do Castelo, Coimbra, Espinho, Amarante
GETTING AROUND PORTO
Getting around Porto is easy with many transportation options like trams, buses, and the metro. Additionally, for longer journeys or late-night travel, taxis and ride-sharing services provide a convenient and reliable option.
To make the most of your sightseeing in Porto, consider getting the Porto Card. This pass provides free access to public transportation and offers discounts and fast-track entry to many museums and attractions.
If you're flying into Porto, check out Skyscanner for the best flight deals. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) serves as the main entry point and offers taxis, shuttles, and metro to the city center.
If you plan to venture beyond Porto, renting a car is a practical option. However, within the city, it's best to use other means of transportation due to the narrow streets and limited parking availability.
2-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Riverside Charm
Morning: Start your day in the iconic Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque riverfront and colorful buildings. Walk along the Douro River and take in the stunning views of the Dom Luís I Bridge. Enjoy a scenic 6 Bridges Douro river cruise to experience Porto from a unique perspective, sailing under the city's famous bridges and enjoying panoramic views of the historic skyline.
Lunch: Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine at Cantinho do Avillez, a popular local restaurant. Don’t miss dishes like bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (codfish), marinated scallops with avocado cream, or their signature duck red curry.
Afternoon: Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge and explore Vila Nova de Gaia. Visit the renowned wine cellars to learn about the history of the famous Portuguese wine.
Evening: Experience the charm of traditional Fado music by attending a live performance and enjoying the warmth of local hospitality.
Day 2: Historical Landmarks and Local Flavors
Morning: Visit the Palácio da Bolsa, a 19th-century stock exchange palace with stunning neoclassical architecture. Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture. Then, marvel at the azulejo tiles in the São Bento Railway Station, depicting scenes from Portuguese history.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Café Santiago, a traditional Portuguese restaurant known for its authentic flavors and local specialties, including the famous francesinha.
Afternoon: Climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views of the city. Then, explore the Porto Cathedral, one of the city's oldest monuments, with its beautiful Gothic architecture and stunning views from the terrace.
Evening: Visit the vibrant Bolhão Market, where you can sample local delicacies, buy fresh produce, and experience the lively atmosphere of one of Porto's most famous markets.
3-DAY ITINERARY
If you're planning to spend 3 days in Porto, think about adding these activities to make your trip even better:
Day 3: Culture and Coastal Relaxation
Morning: Visit the famous Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. This bookstore is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling's descriptions of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. Tip: Due to long queues, consider purchasing a VIP ticket to skip the line, but be aware that it can still get quite crowded inside.
Lunch: Savor lunch at one of the numerous local restaurants, offering a delightful mix of international and Portuguese cuisines. After lunch, have coffee at the iconic Café Majestic, known for its beautiful Belle Époque ambiance.
Afternoon: Head to the Casa da Música, an iconic concert hall known for its modern architecture. Take a guided tour or attend a concert if available. Later, relax at Matosinhos Beach, where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Evening: Dive into Porto's nightlife with dinner at a local restaurant, followed by drinks at a rooftop bar or a visit to a chic nightclub.
WHERE TO STAY
Porto offers a wide range of accommodation options, from charming mid-range hotels to luxurious resorts. Here are some recommendations:
Mid-Range:
Pao de Acucar Hotel: Enjoy a unique stay at this charming hotel, featuring retro-themed decor, comfortable rooms, and a central location perfect for exploring the city.
Hotel da Bolsa: Enjoy a delightful stay at this welcoming hotel, offering cozy rooms, friendly service, and a prime location near Porto's main attractions.
Casual Raízes Porto: Experience a charming stay at this stylish hotel, featuring comfortable rooms, personalized service, and a convenient location for exploring the vibrant city of Porto.
Legendary Porto Hotel: Enjoy a memorable stay at this well-appointed hotel, offering modern rooms, excellent service, and a prime location perfect for discovering the best of Porto.
Luxury:
GA Palace Hotel & Spa, a XIXth-Century Villa: Indulge in luxury at this beautifully restored 19th-century villa, featuring exquisite decor, a full-service spa, and a serene setting that promises a tranquil escape.
PortoBay Flores: Enjoy a luxurious stay at this elegant hotel, offering beautifully designed rooms, exceptional amenities, and a prime location in the historic center of Porto.
Torel Palace Porto: Experience luxury at this magnificent palace, offering lavish rooms, personalized service, and a stunning ambiance that captures the essence of Porto's rich history and elegance.
Torel Avantgarde: Experience contemporary luxury at this avant-garde hotel, featuring uniquely designed rooms, modern amenities, and breathtaking views of the city and the Douro River.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE
If you have additional time in Porto or want to diversify your experience, consider these extra activities:
Visit the World of Discoveries Museum: Discover Portugal's maritime history and explore interactive exhibits showcasing the Age of Exploration. Book your ticket here →
Visit Estádio do Dragão: If you're a football fan, don't miss the chance to visit FC Porto's iconic stadium and its museum, where you can learn about the team's history and explore exhibits celebrating the club's achievements. Book your ticket here →
Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour: Explore Porto in a fun and unique way by taking a Tuk-Tuk tour. These small, open-air vehicles are perfect for navigating the city's narrow streets and offer a great way to see the sights. Book here →
Day Trip to the Douro Valley: Experience the scenic beauty and renowned wine region of the Douro Valley on a day tour. Enjoy a river cruise, visit local vineyards, and take in the stunning landscapes of terraced vineyards and rolling hills.
Day Trip to Guimarães and Braga: Discover the rich history of northern Portugal on a day tour by visiting Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, with its charming medieval center and UNESCO World Heritage site, and Braga, known for its stunning baroque architecture, beautiful churches, and rich cultural heritage. Book here →
Alternatively, explore these curated activity options that offer a memorable journey through the heart and outskirts of Porto.
BEYOND PORTO
Porto is surrounded by many wonderful destinations that are worth exploring if you have extra time:
Aveiro: Often called the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro is known for its picturesque canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and charming Art Nouveau architecture. Book here →
Peneda-Gerês National Park: For nature lovers, a visit to this national park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Book here →
Viana do Castelo: Visit this coastal town with its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and charming town center.
Coimbra: Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, Coimbra is a city rich in history and culture, with beautiful architecture and vibrant student life. Check out our ultimate Coimbra itinerary →
Espinho: Visit this seaside town, popular for its long sandy beaches, surf spots, and a vibrant weekly market.
Amarante: Walk through the charming old town of Amarante, situated on the banks of the Tâmega River, and visit the beautiful São Gonçalo Church.
Be sure to check here for curated day trips from Porto that allow to combine some of the destinations above or explore additional locations, making the most of your Porto trip.