3 Days in Porto: A Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
Follow my three-day Porto itinerary and I know you’ll agree: it’s impossible not to love this storied, unapologetically authentic city.
Ready to zoom around hilly Porto on a tuk-tuk and snap photos of azulejo-covered buildings? To visit family-run Port wineries and taste regional delicacies like francesinhas and caldo verde? To marvel at baroque churches, meander medieval alleyways, and browse the bookshop that supposedly inspired Hogwarts?
Come with me!
The ancient Romans founded “Portus Cale” in 136 B.C. By the 14th century, Porto had become a formidable merchant hub and port, transporting goods worldwide. And sometime between wars with the French and Spanish, fortified wine (Port!) came into the picture.
This rich history is precisely why Porto feels simultaneously lived-in and grungy. Cool and mysterious. Soulful and old. And ridiculously beautiful.
Make no mistake; Porto is Portugal’s sparkling cultural gem. The cooler climate, moody vibe, and friendly locals only add to its charm.
I recently spent two weeks exploring Porto to create this ultimate 3-day Porto itinerary, just for you!
It includes wandering the vibrant neighborhoods of Baixa, Ribeira, and Bolhão. Touring wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Day-tripping to the Douro Valley. And savoring fresh seafood in the quaint fishing village Afurada.
Read on to discover my favorite things to do in Porto, the best hotels, unmissable Port wine experiences, must-know travel tips, and Porto’s top restaurants and bars (including francesinha joints and natural wine bars with breathtaking views!).
3-Day Porto Itinerary Summary
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of my 3-day Porto itinerary. Read on for all the details!
Where to Stay in Porto:
For a central location, stay in Baixa, near the Torre dos Clérigos. I recommend Hotel Moon & Sun (this is where I stayed!), Wine & Books Porto Hotel, or Torel Avantgarde.
Day 1 in Porto:
Day 2 in Porto:
Day 3 in Porto:
Best Things to Do in Porto:
Porto Map & Walking Routes
I made this Porto map just for you. To save it in your Google Maps app and use it on-the-go, simply:
- Click the star (in the heading) to save this map to your Google account.
- Open your Google Maps app, select “Saved” and go to “Maps.” Find the Porto map listed there.
- Click the tab in the top left corner to see my pinned locations and turn on/off map layers and walking routes.
Day 1 in Porto, Portugal
In 1755, an earthquake, tsunamis, and fires devastated Lisbon. So if you’ve ever wanted to time-travel to Portugal’s heyday, perfectly preserved Porto is the closest you’ll get.
Today will be action-packed! Explore this ancient city by tuk-tuk, stop by epic viewpoints, shop along lively pedestrian streets, try (a lot of) Port wine, taste traditional Northern Portuguese cuisine, and admire Porto’s beautiful art, architecture, and azulejos.
Go on a Tuk-tuk Tour
My husband and I booked this private two-hour tuk-tuk tour to kick off our time in Porto!
We got the lay of the land, learned about Porto’s history from our guide, and saw the sights beyond where our feet could take us (Porto and Gaia are hilly and very spread out!).
Your tuk-tuk tour is completely customizable, and your guide will help you decide where to go. Consider including the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, Palácio da Bolsa, Church of Saint Francis, Batalha district, Fontaínhas district, and Infante Bridge, since they’re not easy to reach on foot!
Book a 9:30 AM departure and request to be dropped off at Clérigos Church (in downtown Porto) after, so you can continue following my 3-day Porto itinerary.
Click here to book your 2-Hour Private Electric Tuk-Tuk tour.
Visit Clérigos Church & Bell Tower
The Clérigos Church, located in the city center, has been a symbol of Porto since 1750. Its grand staircase is the perfect perch for catching views of the busy street, Rua dos Clérigos, below.
Inside and out, the Clérigos Church features beautiful Baroque architecture, but the main event is the landmark Clérigos Bell Tower. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of this 250-foot tower for unmissable panoramic views of Porto!
Clérigos church & bell tower: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- €10 entry fee (includes the church, tower, and a small museum).
- The Clérigos Tower and Church are open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
- The tower is also open from 9:30 to 10:30 PM on Sunday nights.
- There’s no elevator in the tower.
Ride the Historic Tram
For a short tram ride through downtown, walk over to the Carmo Tram Station and hop on Route 22. It loops through town every 20 minutes and costs €6.
Ending where you started, continue following this Porto itinerary…
A stone’s throw from the tram station is Igreja do Carmo, one of Porto’s must-see baroque churches that’s covered in tiles. Check it out!
Enjoy Lunch at Popina
Ready for lunch? Skip the tourist traps and head to Popina – one of my favorite restaurants in Porto!
A five-minute walk from the tower, Popina serves delicious Portuguese tapas (at fair prices!) and excellent local wine by the glass. We had padron peppers, herby octopus salad, garlic shrimp, and veal cheek stew. The setting is cute and cozy, and the service is friendly.
Open daily for lunch and dinner. Make a reservation here.
Visit Miradouro da Vitória
After lunch, continue your stroll around Porto’s downtown. Standing atop a section of Porto’s ancient city walls, you’ve reached one of Porto’s most scenic viewpoints: Miradouro da Vitória.
This is the best spot to gaze across the Douro River into Vila Nova de Gaia – the bustling home of Port wine. You’ll spot iconic Port houses, including Taylor’s and Graham’s, and many smaller cellars.
HOT TIP: The view is equally impressive at night, when the Porto Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace of Porto, and the Luís I Bridge are aglow. Consider returning later on.
Stroll Rua das Flores Street
Next, stroll up Rua das Flores, toward the Porto Cathedral. There’s a little incline, but nothing crazy! This pedestrian street is full of street art, beautiful tile-covered buildings, cute boutiques, flower gardens (hence the street’s name!), and maybe even street performers. Browse and enjoy the atmosphere.
Admire the Murals of São Bento Station
Next up, walk through the main entrance of São Bento station to see one of Porto’s most-loved artworks (for free!).
Composed by Jorge Colaço (an important azulejo painter in the early 1900s), 20,000 azulejos depict key moments in Portuguese history between the 12th and 15th centuries – including important battles, King John I’s wedding, and wine production in the Douro Valley.
Assembling this tile collage involved painting the tiles on the ground, numbering them, and fixing them to the wall like a jigsaw puzzle. It was such an undertaking that a few tiles were placed upside down or sideways; see if you can spot them!
See the Porto Cathedral
Perched atop one of Porto’s highest hills, the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is a must-visit.
Originally constructed in the 12th century, the cathedral’s mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture tells the story of Porto’s evolution. Entry is free, though it’s €3 to enter the cloister and treasure room.
The ornate decor, beautiful rose window, and azulejo tiles are worth seeing – or simply enjoy the cathedral’s grand Romanesque façade. People watch and enjoy live music in the plaza. Check out the historic Pillory of Porto. And soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Baixa and Gaia below!
Stop by Arco das Verdades
Love natural wine (and stunning views) as much as I do? As you meander down the narrow walkways, toward the riverside, Arco das Verdades is your obvious next stop!
Kick back, indulge in a cheese platter and a glass (or bottle!) of local, natural wine, and enjoy the incredible views of Gaia and the Douro. The bookshelves are lined with antique encyclopedias to peruse as you sip. If I lived in Porto, I’d come here all the time. You’re going to love it.
Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Stroll the Riverfront
The lively pedestrian streets lining either side of the Douro River are perfect for an afternoon stroll, amongst live musicians, street food stalls, and locals selling cork souvenirs.
After exploring the Porto side, follow your nose to the main pedestrian bridge (Luís I Bridge) and cross into Vila Nova de Gaia.
Walk Across the Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia
Now, journey across the Luís I Bridge on foot, into the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, this stunning double-decker arched bridge has been synonymous with Porto since 1886. Both top and bottom are pedestrian-friendly, offering breathtaking views of the river and the traditional rabelo boats sailing by.
About Vila Nova de Gaia
With the name “Port” wine, you might wonder where the port actually is… It’s here!
Thanks to its strategic position between the Atlantic and the rest of Europe via the Douro River, Vila Nova de Gaia has been a massive Port wine industrial complex since the late 17th century. It hosts everything from boat workshops to merchant hubs to wine cellars.
From the riverside to the wine cellars, wandering Gaia is a must while in Porto!
Ride the Gaia Cable Car
The Gaia Cable Car offers a 5-minute riverside journey with aerial views of the Douro River.
The top terminal is beside Jardim do Morro. Nearby, you can access the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar and the upper part of the Luís I Bridge (good for sunset). The bottom terminal, along the Gaia riverside, is a 10-minute walk from the bottom deck of the Luís I Bridge.
Gaia Cable Car: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Tickets cost €7 one-way or €10 round-trip.
- Open late-April through late-September, 10 AM to 8 PM, daily.
- MY TAKE: If you have extra time, consider it. But there are so many incredible (and free) viewpoints in Porto that it’s far from a “must-do.”
Visit the World-Renowned WOW Museum
The World of Wine (WOW) is a beautiful and vast cultural complex in Vila Nova de Gaia, filled with wine-focused museums, restaurants, and bars.
If you’re visiting Porto to dive deep into Port, then The Wine Experience is a must-do! Considered the world’s best wine museum, it offers an immersive wine-making journey, covering everything from soil quality to barrel types. Plus, there’s a guided tasting of three Portuguese wines at the end. You’ll walk away with lots of new wine knowledge – and feel more confident in choosing wines at restaurants!
HOT TIP: A highlight of my last trip to Porto was watching the sunset from WOW’s terrace. What a hidden gem! Grab a Port tonic (Porto’s version of gin and tonic) from one of WOW’s terrace bars and enjoy the epic view!
World of Wine: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
Order a Francesinha for Dinner
Ask any local where to eat in Porto, and they’ll point you to their favorite francesinha joint. But, what’s a francesinha?
This ultra-indulgent sandwich is a Porto delicacy (and what I’d classify as a gut bomb). Stacked high with different meats (steak, ham, Portuguese sausages, etc.), the sandwich is covered in melted cheese, topped with a runny fried egg, and doused in a tomatoey beer and port wine sauce. It’s usually served with French fries.
A few locals suggested ordering one at Restaurante T&C at World of Wine. So, nestled inside a huge port wine barrel, we tried T&C’s classic francesinha alongside some Super Bocks (local beer).
Did it meat the hype? Delicious, yes. Rich, yes. Indulgent, yes. Am I in a hurry to find another? No. And is your Porto itinerary complete without trying one? Also, no.
Day 2 in Porto, Portugal
While in Porto, I knew we had to go on a day trip to the Douro Valley. So do you! From the Port wine tastings to the lush scenery to cruising the river, this is one of the best things to do in Porto!
Once you arrive back in Porto, head out for a hearty Portuguese meal and see a traditional fado show (if you haven’t already during 3 days in Lisbon!). Then, enjoy a nightcap at every locals’ favorite bar.
Take a Douro Valley Wine Day Trip
I spent a lot of time researching the best Douro Valley day trip. I wanted to visit small-scale, organic, high-quality wineries, cruise the Douro River on a rabelo, and eat traditional food – with a great guide and a small group.
And, after such an unforgettable day (with a fun group of five travelers), I can confirm: this tour ticked all the boxes!
During our day trip from Porto, we visited two family-run wineries to taste fine Ports (late bottled vintage, tawny, ruby, and rosé) and D.O.C. Douro Valley wines (reds, whites, and rosés).
We learned all about the grapes, the differences between wine and Port (there are many!), Port barrels and aging processes, and the history of the Douro Valley and Port wine.
This was one of the most in-depth wine tours I’ve ever been on – and the wines were great.
In between wineries, we boarded an authentic wooden rabelo boat for a scenic 1-hour river cruise through the valley. It was beautiful – and our new friends brought a bottle of red from the first winery along for the ride. We also enjoyed a traditional lunch (including feijoada, fried fish, fresh salads, and potatoes) hosted in an old firehouse.
What a day! I can’t recommend adding this Douro Valley day trip to your Porto itinerary enough.
Click here to book your Authentic Small Group Douro Wine Tour with Lunch & River Cruise.
Enjoy Northern Portuguese Cuisine
After all that wine, it’s time for a hearty meal, typical of Northern Portugal.
Head to one of tese Portuguese restaurants for dinner!
- Solar Moinho de Vento was easily one of our favorite restaurants in Porto! This timeless Portuguese restaurant (featuring exposed wooden beams, white tablecloths, and warm hospitality) feels like stepping into a living piece of Porto’s culinary heritage. We had the most divine mushroom Feijoada stew, acorn-fed Iberian pork, and specialty grilled “Farinheira” sausages.
- Patio 44 serves traditional fare, crafted with modern flair and high-quality, seasonal ingredients, in a cozy, unpretentious setting. (Similar to the Parisian bistronomiques in my Paris foodie guide!) Make a booking!
- Taxca is a super local, very casual, Porto-style eatery. Draft beer, caldo soup, and bifanas (stewed beef sandwiches) are mainstays here. Very cheap. Highly delicious. We loved this place.
Experience a Traditional Fado Show
Next up, go see a traditional one-hour fado show!
Fado rose from lower-class Lisbon neighborhoods, captivating the middle and upper classes with the somber, fatalistic songs sailors sang during their voyages. Their hauntingly beautiful performances introduced musical elements from the Americas, Africa, and beyond.
Portugal’s military dictatorship (which fell in 1974) censored Fado for nearly 50 years. Now, Fado is a UNESCO-listed intangible heritage experience – and a must-see while you’re there! Click here to book your Fado show!
Go for a Nightcap
In case your alcoholic foray isn’t done for the day, here’s your chance to hang out with the locals! Bar Aduela is super popular and attracts a crowd rain, hail, or shine. We went here twice to enjoy Port tonics in the small outdoor plaza.
Day 3 in Porto, Portugal
On Day 3, you’ll spend more time in Porto’s historic city center, visiting must-sees and stopping by one of the best food markets in the world. Plus, consider doing a fun tile-painting workshop.
In the evening, explore a Port cellar in Gaia and have an authentic Portuguese seafood dinner in Afurada.
Browse Livraria Lello
If you’re a Harry Potter fan (I am!) or just want to visit “the most beautiful bookshop in the world,” consider visiting Livraria Lello.
So the story (or rumor?) goes, J.K. Rowling lived in Porto during her mid-twenties and wrote the first three chapters of The Philosopher’s Stone there. Livraria Lello’s whimsical staircases and stained-glass windows, and the University of Porto students’ black cloaks, helped inspire her Wizarding World.
So, is this an overhyped gimmick or a worthy attraction? In my opinion, it’s both. As expected, it’s packed with people taking selfies. But I’m glad I went. I bought a book I’ve been dying to read (Throne of Glass) and loved flicking through the different Harry Potter picture books. Livraria Lello really is gorgeous and filled with a vast selection of books in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Livraria Lello: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Open: 9 AM to 7 PM daily.
- I recommend visiting at 9 AM before the crowds amass, or not at all.
- You must book your timeslot in advance here.
- It costs €10/person to visit (but you can take €10 off the price of any book).
Join a Tile-Painting Workshop
Want to bring a pretty piece of Porto home with you? Learn the fascinating history of Portugal’s iconic azulejo tiles while painting your own traditional tile at this Tile-Painting Workshop!
As you paint, you’ll drink a Porto tonic or two… As if you’d expect anything different at this point! The workshop is held at 10:30 AM in Porto’s historic center. Reserve your spot here!
Wander Bolhão
Porto’s downtown became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Ancient buildings, bakeries slinging pastel de nata, specialty coffee shops, baroque churches, and panoramic viewpoints lie around every corner… And there’s still a lot to discover in the Bolhão neighborhood!
As you wander the calçada portuguesa, stop by these highlights:
have Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão
From Paris to Oaxaca to Kanazawa, every great foodie city has a must-visit market. Mercado do Bolhão is Porto’s! This charming and historic open-air market hosts a dizzying variety of artisanal food stalls.
Here, you’ll find everything from olives, dried fruit, nuts, rare spices, Port-spiked pastéis de nata (must-try!), and specialty coffee, to bacalhau (dried cod), tinned fish, freshly shucked oysters, raw and grilled seafood platters, local wine and Port, and artisanal cheeses.
Wander the market, and as your hunger builds, narrow your focus. Do what the locals do. Source yourself some cheese. Some fresh seafood. Some wine. Sit on the stairs in the sunshine. And enjoy.
Mercado do Bolhão: MUST-KNOW DETAILS
- Open: Weekdays 8 AM – 8 PM. Saturdays 8 AM – 6 PM.
- Closed on Sundays.
- You can book this Authentic Food and Wine Tour to explore Bolhão with a local foodie!
- You must book your timeslot in advance here.
- It costs €10/person to visit (but you can take €10 off the price of any book).
HOT TIP: We love craft beer, so we stopped by Cervejaria Nortada after visiting Mercado do Bolhão.
Visit a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia
Your 3-day Porto itinerary would be incomplete without touring a wine cellar in Gaia – or at least sipping in one of their Port tasting rooms!
Out of the dozens of Vila Nova de Gaia cellars, we decided to book a tour of Cockburn’s. I did a lot of research, but this historic wine-maker impressed me most.
We loved Cockburn’s carefully aged wines and the cozy ambience. The Special Reserve was so good. The price for the tour and Port tasting was also super reasonable. Click here to book your visit to Cockburn’s Cellars.
Savor Seafood Dinner in Afurada
Thanks to a local’s recommendation, we hopped in a 12-minute Uber from Gaia to Afurada for a seafood-focused final dinner (without the tourist prices).
This quaint, authentic fishing village is a seafood mecca! As you roam the charming streets, you’ll see freshly caught seafood waiting on ice as chefs roar up their open-fire grills.
Unsurprisingly, our dinner at Armazém do Peixe was one of the best meals I’ve had in Portugal! We ordered padron peppers, octopus salad, grilled branzino, and seafood rice. (Way too much for two people. But, as usual, I couldn’t contain my excitement.)
Restaurante Vapor and Taberna São Pedro are also great options. Whichever you choose, make a reservation!
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Porto
If I were you, I’d stay in Baixa (for a central and convenient location) or Ribeira (for romantic vibes and stunning vistas). Whichever area you choose, the best things to do in Porto will be at your fingertips.
Best Hotels in Porto
- Hotel Moon & Sun Porto: My husband and I stayed here. This 4-star boutique hotel in Baixa features a scenic rooftop terrace and the perfect location, steps from Porto’s best bars, restaurants, and shopping. True to Porto’s famously warm hospitality, on arrival, we were welcomed with a glass of Port wine. We loved the hotel’s spacious rooms (our bathroom was gigantic!), modern design (with a few pops of color), and the rooftop. Comfortable and budget-friendly, I can’t fault our stay here! Click here to book it.
- Wine & Books Porto Hotel: This beautiful 5-star hotel is inspired by Portuguese literature, gastronomy, wine, and music at every turn. This is the hotel you’ll walk by and think, “Oh, I wish I stayed there.” So, do it. Click here to book it.
- Torel Avantgarde: This gorgeous 5-star hotel features stylish, artsy decor and an infinity pool with jaw-dropping views of the Douro – perfect for a summertime visit. Click here to book it.
- Torel Saboaria: This beautiful hotel’s central location feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle, with spa facilities fit for royalty. Torel Saboaria’s elegant guestrooms feature a mix of exposed rock walls, soft-hued lighting, and minimalistic art deco styling. Click here to book it.
How to Get to Porto
Fly into Porto
Porto International Airport (OPO), also known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, is 10 miles from Porto’s city center. On arrival, Uber to the city center (for roughly €13-15), or take Metro do Porto Line E (for €2/person) to Bolhao station. Both options take roughly 30 minutes.
HOT TIP: If you’re flying into Porto, and Lisbon is your next stop, consider booking this customizable private transfer so you can stop in towns like Aveiro, Fatima, Nazaré, and/or Obidos on the way! Click here to check it out.
Train into Porto
If you’re traveling within Portugal, you can click here to book train tickets directly with Comboios de Portugal (CP). After spending two weeks in Lisbon, we hopped on the 2.5-hour train to Porto São Bento train station. Then, we took a quick Uber to Hotel Moon & Sun.
Private Transfer
Traveling to Porto from Lisbon? Consider booking this private transfer so you can stop in cultural hubs like Coimbra and Aveiro on the way! Check it out here.
How to Get Around Porto
Porto is hilly, but in general, it’s pretty walkable – especially if you stay at a central hotel, like Hotel Moon & Sun.
After seeing Porto by tuk-tuk, we walked everywhere – apart from taking an Uber to/from Afurada for dinner. Uber is very affordable in this beautiful region. Journeys around town usually cost €5-10.
Porto also has a great metro system and a historic tramway. We had 3-day Porto Cards (which include “free” use of six metro lines and city buses and discounted attractions), but we didn’t use them at all to create this 3-day Porto itinerary.
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