Porto, Portugal

Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal, is famous for its historical architecture, vibrant culture, and world-renowned port wine. Whether you’re strolling through its narrow, cobbled streets or enjoying the stunning views along the Douro River, Porto has something for every traveler. This 3 to 5-day itinerary will help you explore Porto’s must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and even a day trip to the beautiful Douro Valley.

Day 1: Historic Center and Ribeira

Morning:

• Begin your journey in Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s grand avenue, surrounded by majestic buildings and historical landmarks. Walk down to Praça da Liberdade, home to the Statue of King Pedro IV.

• Visit the iconic Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) and climb its 240 steps for breathtaking views of Porto and the Douro River.

• Next, stop by Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, with its exquisite Art Nouveau design and spiral staircase. The bookstore is rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she lived in Porto.

Afternoon:

• Head to São Bento Railway Station, known for its intricate azulejos (blue-and-white tiles) that depict scenes from Portugal’s history.

• Enjoy lunch at Café Santiago, where you can try the city’s famous Francesinha, a rich and indulgent sandwich made with layers of ham, sausage, steak, and melted cheese, all topped with a beer-based sauce.

• After lunch, explore Ribeira, Porto’s historic riverside district. Wander along the Douro River, admire the colorful facades of the buildings, and take in the lively atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening:

• Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto’s famous port wine cellars. Treat yourself to a port wine tasting at a renowned cellar like Sandeman or Graham’s.

• For dinner, indulge in modern Portuguese cuisine at DOP, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Rui Paula, located in the heart of Porto’s old town.

  
  

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• Begin your day at Bolsa Palace (Palácio da Bolsa), a 19th-century neoclassical building that was once the stock exchange. Take a guided tour to admire the opulent Arab Room, inspired by the Alhambra in Spain.

• Visit the nearby Church of São Francisco, a Gothic church with an ornate Baroque interior covered in intricate gold-leaf carvings.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at Cantina 32, a trendy restaurant known for its creative interpretations of traditional Portuguese dishes.

• Spend the afternoon at the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, one of Portugal’s most important modern art museums, surrounded by the tranquil Serralves Park.

• Before the day ends, explore the Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal), which offer some of the best views of the Douro River and the city.

Evening:

• Dine at The Yeatman, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its exceptional Portuguese cuisine and stunning views of Porto’s skyline. After dinner, take a peaceful stroll along the riverfront to soak in the illuminated views of Porto by night.

  
  

Day 3: Foz do Douro and Matosinhos

Morning:

• Take a tram or bus to Foz do Douro, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the Passeio Alegre Garden and visit the Forte de São João Baptista.

• After exploring, visit the Lighthouse of Felgueiras for stunning views of the waves crashing against the rocks and lighthouse.

Afternoon:

• Head to Matosinhos for lunch, a coastal town famous for its seafood. Enjoy fresh fish and shellfish at restaurants like O Gaveto or Marisqueira de Matosinhos.

• After lunch, relax at Matosinhos Beach, known for its wide sandy shores, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or surfing.

Evening:

• Return to Porto in the evening and dine at Taberna dos Mercadores, a cozy restaurant offering modern takes on traditional Portuguese dishes in the Ribeira district.

  
  

Day 4: Day Trip to the Douro Valley

Morning:

• Take a scenic day trip to the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions, known for its terraced vineyards and picturesque landscape. You can take a train from São Bento Station or book a wine tour that includes visits to local quintas (wine estates).

• Begin your visit at a renowned estate like Quinta do Crasto or Quinta do Vallado, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and sample local wines.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at DOC, a restaurant by chef Rui Paula, offering exquisite views of the Douro River and gourmet Portuguese cuisine.

• In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Douro River or visit additional quintas for more wine tastings.

Evening:

• Return to Porto for dinner at Terra, a vegetarian restaurant that offers a wide variety of Portuguese and international dishes in a cozy, relaxed setting.

  
  

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Local Culture

Morning:

• Begin your day at the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), one of Porto’s oldest landmarks. Explore its Romanesque architecture and cloisters, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its terrace.

• Next, visit the Carmo Church and Igreja dos Carmelitas, two stunning Baroque churches standing side by side. Don’t miss the intricate azulejos on the exterior of the Carmo Church.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, enjoy an intimate dining experience at O Paparico, a hidden gem known for its excellent Portuguese cuisine and rustic atmosphere.

• Spend the afternoon relaxing in Jardim do Morro, a peaceful park across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, offering incredible views of Porto and the Dom Luís I Bridge.

• Take a ride on the Gaia Cable Car (Teleférico de Gaia) for stunning aerial views of the city.

Evening:

• End your visit with a Michelin-starred dining experience at Pedro Lemos, where creative, refined dishes are served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

• After dinner, head to Prova Wine Bar in the Ribeira district, where you can enjoy a selection of Portuguese wines, including varieties from the Douro and Vinho Verde regions.

  
  

Tips:

• Public Transport: Porto is a walkable city, but the metro, buses, and trams provide convenient options for getting around. Consider purchasing an Andante card for easy access to multiple forms of public transport.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

• Local Cuisine: Don’t leave Porto without trying dishes like Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás (salted cod), Tripas à Moda do Porto (tripe stew), and the city’s fresh seafood specialties.

• Port Wine: Visit the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia to taste and learn about the different varieties of port, including Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage.