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The Top Things to See and Do in Porto, Portugal

Foodies, culture vultures and adventurous types will all find plenty to keep themselves occupied in the vibrant northern capital of Portugal . Porto is characterised by its Medieval, Unesco-listed old town, the mighty Rio Douro and port wine. Expect beach promenades, the most beautiful bookshop in the world, vibrant markets and impressive neoclassical monuments. Here’s our pick of the best things to see and do in Porto.

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Praia dos Ingleses

Natural Feature

If you prefer your beach visits to involve more promenading and people-watching and less salty water and sand, head to Praia do Ingleses. This large sandy beach, in the upmarket Foz do Douro district of Porto, features a long promenade lined with buzzing cafes that stay open long after dark. There’s even a popular cafe on the beach itself, where you can watch locals and tourists strolling by as the sun goes down. It can get quite windy, however, so make sure to bring a light jacket.

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Livraria Lello

This historic bookshop has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world – and is rumoured to be an inspiration behind the Harry Potter series. Built in 1906 by engineer Xavier Esteves, the store was once a popular haunt for the city’s creative set and features a colourful, neo-gothic facade adorned with paintings. The interior is just as impressive, with a stained-glass and carved-plaster ceiling, a room for rare books and a double spiral staircase at the heart of the store carved from timber and carpeted in striking crimson. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the long queues – the store receives up to 5,000 visitors each day.

Mercado Bom Sucesso

This formerly dilapidated late-1940s market hall has been transformed into a bright and modern marketplace housing fresh produce stalls, a food court and the Hotel da Música design hotel. Stock up on fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, and flowers at the market, followed by lunch at the food court, which serves everything from traditional pork-filled pastel (pastries) to pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). There are also regular events, including live music and cooking demonstrations.

Zoo Santo Inácio

Discover more than 200 species of animals – including rare snow leopards and southern white rhinoceros – less than 10 minutes from Porto’s city centre at Zoo Santo Inácio. The spacious green habitats housing more than 600 animals are set across 15ha (37 acres), making it the biggest zoo in north Portugal. Highlights include the Asian Lion Tunnel, the daily feeding of the Humboldt penguins – which includes an educational talk by a zookeeper – and a sprawling African Savannah populated by giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest, zebras and ostriches.

Câmara Municipal do Porto

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

Porto’s imposing town hall, Câmara Municipal do Porto, stands at the top of Avenida dos Aliados and dates back to 1920, although construction was only completed in 1955. The palatial, neoclassical building is crafted from marble and granite, and it features an impressive clock tower at its centre. The statue that stands proudly at the front of the hall depicts poet Almeida Garrett, known as the founder of Portuguese Romanticism. The popular restaurant Cervejaria Brasão Aliados is also nearby – try the hearty francesinha sandwiches and the fried onion in black garlic mayo.

Rua das Flores

Architectural Landmark

This historic 16th-century street takes its name, Flower Street, from the many gardens that once surrounded it. Today, it’s one of the city’s most charismatic – and busy – streets. Aristocratic homes from the 17th to 19th centuries still line the street, resplendent with coats of arms and ornate balconies, alongside the baroque Misericórdia Church. The area has been recently restored and is now classed as a pedestrian zone, making it the perfect place to while away an afternoon exploring its many cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Grab lunch at chef Luís Americo’s Cantina 32, or head to Mercearia das Flores for gourmet souvenirs.

Jardim do Morro

Looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset over the Rio Douro? Gaze down on Porto’s winding cobbled streets and pastel-hued houses from above at Jardim do Morro, a hilltop park in Vila Nova de Gaia. There’s a lake, a bandstand and an impressive variety of plants, including a grove of shady palm trees and linden trees lining a stretch of Avenida da República. The park can be accessed either by a cable car or by crossing the upper level of Ponte de Dom Luís I.

Igreja do Carmo

Some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in Porto can be found in its many churches, which range in style from gothic to ornate baroque constructions. Igreja do Carmo – the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Carmo – was built between 1756 and 1768 and features a stunning, azulejo -covered facade that was added in 1912 and showcases the beautiful blue-and-white tiles the country is well known for. It’s separated from the Igreja dos Carmelitas, a 17th-century convent, by a narrow, 1m-wide (3ft) house designed to prevent any relationship between the nuns and the monks who originally inhabited the twin churches.

Piscina das Marés

Swimming Pool

Fancy a dip in the Atlantic Ocean without having to worry about waves and currents? Head to the iconic Piscina das Marés, a pair of tidal ocean pools – one for children and one for adults – designed in the early 1960s by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Built into solid rock along Leça da Palmeira beach in the town of Matosinhos, the pools appear to be a part of the landscape itself. After a refreshing dip, take a wander down the beach – it’s the longest stretch of sand in northern Portugal. Planning your trip to Porto? Make sure to check out the best places to stay in the city, or book one of the top boutique hotels . Discover Porto’s most beautiful neighbourhoods before relaxing at one of the city’s beautiful beaches . Finish your trip off with an excellent meal at one of the top restaurants in town .

This is an updated version of an article originally by Nina Santos .

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Captivating Porto in 3 Days: Your Must-See Itinerary

• Isabelle Hoyne
• February 15, 2024

** Disclosure: some of the links on this site are affiliate links and should you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!**

As someone who has strolled Porto’s cobbled lanes and delighted in its culture and cuisine, I offer you this 3-day Porto itinerary. In just 72 hours, unveil Porto’s rich history, its iconic bridges and its delectable food scene. This itinerary, packed with my personal recommendations, will ensure you savour every bit of this enchanting city. Let’s make your Porto in 3 days experience truly memorable.

Porto is a vibrant city that it sure to get under the skin of most visitors. From its cobbled streets and bridges to its burgeoning hipster scene and historic sites, it’s no wonder why this port city has become a popular destination for travellers from around the world in recent years. 

The River Douro is a spectacular sight that cuts through the city of Porto. It stretches along the port city for miles, snaking between beautiful bridges that link the banks on either side of the river. The Douro is one of the most iconic sights in Porto, with its glistening waters reflecting light from the sun and the city’s monuments at various stages throughout the day. 

Porto is a great place to indulge in fantastic cuisine; port wine, cured meats and seafood dishes are just some of the local delicacies that you can sample while exploring this wonderful city. Porto is also a millennial’s paradise, with plenty of modish eateries and speciality coffee shops to be found amongst its colourful buildings.

If you are lucky enough to spend three days in Porto, then you have the perfect opportunity to experience all that this incredible city has to offer.

Get ready to unearth the enchanting layers of Porto with this curated itinerary that I’ve meticulously crafted from my own unique experience and extensive research. Whether it’s unearthing hidden gems in narrow alleyways, savouring lip-smacking local cuisine, marvelling at iconic monuments, or embracing the hustle and bustle of shopping on Rua de Santa Catarina, there’s something captivating at every turn.

And, fear not about the perfect retreat to recharge after a day of adventure—I’ve handpicked a selection of prime accommodations to enhance your Porto experience.

Here’s how to spend 3 days in Porto.

Essential links for booking your Porto trip

Transport : book your train tickets here and search for and book car rentals here . Top rated tours & experiences in Porto: ☆  Porto walking tour  (great for a general overview) ☆ Six Bridges Boat Tour  (a must do in Porto) ☆ Food and wine tasting tour  (perfect for foodies) ☆ Douro Valley Small-Group tour  (great for wine lovers) Cultured Voyages accommodation picks: Torel Avantgarde  (5* hotel with pool & city views //  Rio & Sol  (incredible riverside apartment where I stayed) //  Vincci Ponte de Ferro  (stylsh & affordable luxury //  Rosário Luxury Suites  (affordable boutique guesthouse) Don’t leave home without! Compression packing cubes (my #1 packing essential // Pocket Porto Travel Guide // Rick Steves Portugal

Table of Contents

Getting organised before your visit to porto, where to stay for your 3 days in porto, 3 day porto itinerary in full, map with all spots included on this 3 days in porto itinerary, logistics for this 3 day porto itinerary, common questions to have prior to spending 3 days in porto, read up before visiting.

Before you get started on this 3-day itinerary for Porto, I’d recommend that you read our related Porto travel guide , which features a range of top tips and things that you should know before visiting Porto. With sections on how to get around Porto and overviews of Porto’s history, architecture, cuisine and culture amongst others, it will equip you with all you need to know before you head to Portugal’s vibrant second city.

RELATED READING | 23+ Essential Porto tips & things to know

Figure out what you need to book in advance

As with any popular destination, it’s important to plan ahead when visiting Porto and book certain things in advance so that you can make the most out of your 3-day trip. The following are a few things I’d recommend that you book before your visit:

Accommodation | Finding a place to stay in Porto is relatively easy, but with the city’s popularity, it’s best to book in advance to ensure that you get the accommodation that you want for your stay. Check out our comprehensive “Where to stay in Porto” guide for an overview of our recommended neighbourhoods, as well as some hand-selected accommodation picks for each that include hotels, guesthouses and apartments.

Tickets to certain attractions | Booking tickets in advance can help you avoid long lines and disappointment if popular sites become fully booked on the day. If you plan on visiting Livrario Lello, I would definitely book that in advance. Any guided tours or river cruises should also be booked in advance too if you’re travelling during the high season. I’d also recommend booking your ticket for Clerigos Tower too.

Restaurants | There are some superb restaurants in Porto and many will require a booking in advance. For any popular eatery, you will likely not be able to walk up on the day of and get a table, so if you’re a foodie who has picked out some restaurants to try, do yourself a favour and make sure to book these in advance. We got into a couple of restaurants as walk-ins by the skin of our teeth (in January, which is one of the quietest times to visit) – it’s highly unlikely we would have been able to do this at any other time.

Is the Porto Card worth it?

If you’re planning on taking full advantage of everything that Porto has to offer, and plan on doing lots of sightseeing to attractions that involve an entrance fee, then investing in a Porto Card could be an excellent decision.

Depending on what you purchase, not only can it provide you with unlimited access to public transportation, including buses, trams, and metro lines, but it also grants discounts or even free entry to a variety of museums, monuments, and attractions. It can also be customised to fit your specific travel itinerary to give you the flexibility to see and do what you want, when you want.

It may also, however, be overkill. Unlike many other cities I go to, I felt less inclined to rush around to museums and the like in Porto, as the city itself is so incredibly beautiful and the atmosphere alone is enough to pass the time basking in. If you plan on visiting a couple of things like the Bolsa Palace and Clérigos Tower (which I recommend) and getting around primarily on foot, then you may not require it – we didn’t.

PORTO CARD | See all options and prices for the Porto Card here.

In our comprehensive guide to Where to Stay in Porto , we provide an overview of the city’s key neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant and lively area full of bars and restaurants or a quieter neighbourhood where you can relax and unwind, we are sure that there’s something to suit all tastes.

We also provide a selection of hand-picked accommodations for each neighbourhood, from luxury hotels to cosy guesthouses and self-catering apartments.

RELATED READING | Where to stay in Porto: Unveiling the best neighbourhoods & accommodations

If you’re in a hurry, however, here are some more specific recommendations below.

Should you stay in an apartment or a hotel in Porto?

Staying in an apartment in Porto is a great way to make the most of your 3-day trip. Not only will you have more space, but you can also experience the city like a local and enjoy all the amenities that come with it. Plus, many come with access to outdoor terraces where you can soak up some sunshine while taking in stunning views of Porto’s iconic skyline.

For our time in Porto, we decided to ditch the confines of a hotel room and embrace the local way of life in Miragaia, a hilly, authentic neighbourhood full of colourful buildings that are set just to the west of Porto’s touristic Ribeira district, yet within walking distance of Porto’s main attractions.

I stayed at this gorgeous Plum Guide apartment (read my full Plum Guide review here ), which was a tranquil refuge in a buzz-filled city and offered front-row tickets to the meandering Douro River directly from our own balcony.

Cultured Voyages recommended hotels in Porto

There are, however, some fantastic hotels and guesthouses in Porto. Here are some of our favourites.

Where to stay in Porto

Torel avantgarde.

5* hotel with pool & city views

The award-winning 5-star Torel Avantgarde is a beautiful luxury hotel,where luxurious interiors are complimented by its picturesque outdoors, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a garden with panoramic views over the city.

Vincci Ponte de Ferro

stylish & affordable luxury

Vincci Ponte de Ferro is a beautiful 4-star hotel located near the riverside area of Porto. It offers luxurious accommodation, private parking, a fitness centre and a seasonal outdoor pool. Some bedrooms offer stunning city views.

Rosário Luxury Suites

AFFORDABLE BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE

Situated in Porto’s thriving arts district, this bed and breakfast provides guests with spacious suites, some complete with balconies offering either a garden or street view. It has a delightful garden at the back of the house for guests to enjoy.

The first two days of this 3 days in Porto itinerary will focus on all of Porto’s best offerings – from admiring its stunning architecture to taking in the views of its iconic bridges, as well as exploring its vibrant neighbourhoods and tasting some of its delicious dishes.

The third day will take you beyond city limits to the jaw-dropping Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a world-famous wine region, where you can explore its picturesque villages, take a boat ride along the river, and sample some of its acclaimed port and red wines.

If that’s not your thing, I’ve also included plenty alternative ways to pass your third day in Porto.

Day 1: Sightseeing and a tour

The first of your three days in Porto will focus on some city centre historical highlights to get a feel for Porto’s downtown area and a sense of its culture and history. After lunch, I recommend that you take a tour of your choice, to better understand Porto’s culture through the particular lens of your own personal interests, before concluding the day by revelling in the vibrant ambience and mesmerising scenery of the riverside Ribeira area.

Tour the Bolsa Palace

Bolsa Palace, also known as the Porto Stock Exchange Palace, was built in the mid-19th century by the Porto Commercial Association. The Association were gifted the site, comprising a ruined convent, by Queen Mary II. Its architecture is heavily influenced by the French and Italian styles of the time, with ornate detailing and opulent finishes. Inside, you’ll find an array of breathtaking rooms, each with its own unique story and character.

The highlight of the palace is undoubtedly the Arabian Hall, a jaw-dropping space inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The hall is adorned with intricate stucco work, colourful stained glass windows, and a massive chandelier that weighs over 1,000 kilograms.

I’d highly recommend a visit to the Bolsa Palace if you’re a fan of architecture – it’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer scale, beauty and grandeur of this iconic building. You’ll be able to see some of the best examples of neoclassical architecture and decoration in Portugal, too, as well as learn about the history of the city and its commercial past.

It’s only possible to visit the palace by guided tour, which lasts for approximately 30 minutes and which are run in Spanish, English and French. There is one tour carried out in each language every hour, with a tour departing every 20 minutes – which means you may have to wait up to 40 minutes or so for a tour in your language of choice.

While a beautiful spot to take photos in, take note that you’ll have very little time to do this and you will also be chaperoned – so for anyone who does wish to bring along their camera you will have to be quick and will not have much time to set up shots.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Open daily from 9:00AM – 18:30PM. Visits are only available via a guided tour, which lasts for approx. 30 minutes. Buy tickets here .

Stop by Miradouro da Vitória

The Miradouro da Vitória is a breathtaking lookout point that offers panoramic views of the city and its historic landmarks. When you’re finished at the Bolsa Palace, take the walk uphill via the staircase that leads to this spectacular viewpoint.

The Miradouro da Vitória is located in the heart of the old city and was named after the Church of Our Lady of Victory, which stands nearby. From this slightly rough-around-the-edges viewing point, you’ll be able to enjoy views of several of Porto’s most famous landmarks, including the Ribeira district, the Douro River, Sé Cathedral and the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge. The lookout point is also surrounded by charming, traditional Portuguese houses and narrow streets, adding to the unique atmosphere of the area.

To make the most of your visit to the Miradouro da Vitória, it’s best to arrive outside the middle of the day, when the sun is at its highest – ideally early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the light is at its best. Either way, however, you’re still in for a mighty view. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as there are quite a few uneven steps to climb to reach the lookout point.

Climb Clerigos Tower

Clérigos Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks of Porto and is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture, or photography – or even if you simply appreciate a good view. This Baroque bell tower, designed by Italian Nicolau Nasoni, was completed in 1763, stands at an impressive 76 meters tall and offers a stunning panoramic view of the city from its observation deck.

There are 240 steps to the top and it is the highest point in the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the historic centre and the Douro River. The tower’s intricate details, including its ornate carvings and statues, make it a true architectural masterpiece.

But the tower is just one part of the attraction.

The adjoining church of the Brotherhood of the Clerics is also worth exploring. The church boasts a collection of cultural assets of considerable artistic value, including sculptures, paintings, furniture, and gold smithery collections dating back to the 13th century. The church was the first in Portugal to have an ellipse-shaped plan, which can be best appreciated from above when making your way through the museum to climb the tower.

Visitors should take advantage of the opportunity to explore the museum, which delves into the spaces once used by the Brotherhood of the Clerics. It showcases a range of artefacts from different eras, providing a window into the rich history of the region.

Bear in mind that the tower can get busy (as can other attractions on this itinerary), so it’s best to visit during the weekdays if you can. 

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Open every day from 9:00AM to 7:00PM, except on 24/12, 25/12, 31/12 and 01/01. Purchase skip the line tickets in advance.

Admire the azulejos at Igreja do Carmo

Close to Clérigos Tower and fairly hard to miss, the Igreja do Carmo is a fascinating example of late Baroque/rococo style religious architecture.

Constructed between 1756 and 1768, this church boasts a stunning exterior covered in blue and white azulejos, which were locally produced in Vila Nova de Gaia. These tiles illustrate important moments in the founding of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel. While the church’s exterior draws Instagrammers from near and far, the church’s interior is equally impressive with seven lavish gilt altars, which were crafted by sculptor Francisco Pereira Campanha, and numerous fine oil paintings.

Located next door to the Igreja do Carmo is the Igreja dos Carmelitas.

Completed in 1628, this church was part of a convent that no longer exists. What’s interesting about these two churches is that they are separated by a very narrow (1 metre wide) house called the “Hidden House,” which served as a residence for chaplains, artists, and doctors in years past. The house was also the site of secret meetings during the French invasion of Portugal by Napoleon and the Siege of Porto in 1832-1833.

When visiting the Igreja do Carmo, be sure to take the time to appreciate the beautiful exterior, including the religious sculptures of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, which were carved in Italy and flank the rectangular portal of the church’s façade.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | entry is typically free for both churches, however there was an exhibition on at Igreja do Carmo while we were there (which we didn’t have time to visit) that required an entrance fee. We were, however, able to pop into Ingreja dos Carmelitas.

Lunch: zenith brunch & cocktail bar

See address and listing on Google

Zenith is a trendy spot that offers an all-day brunch menu, along with cocktails, coffee, and juices. The restaurant is housed in a cool, industrial-style space, with upbeat tunes pumping and a very trendy vibe. We had a very tasty brunch here. 

Porto University and Jardim da Cordoaria

Walk off your lunch a little by taking in the nearby Porto University and by strolling through Jardim da Cordoaria.

Porto University has a number of museums that are open to the public and showcase centuries-old objects that offer fascinating insights into the history of medicine, science, and pharmacy over time, should these topics be of particular interest to you.

Jardim da Cordoaria, on the other hand, is one of the first green spaces in Porto.This romantic-style park is home to ancient trees as well as a small lake and striking sculptures by Juan Muñoz. The garden was transformed into a public park in the 19th century and was completely renovated between 1999 and 2000 as part of urban remodelling works.

It’s a nice spot to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquillity in the heart of the city.

Explore some of Porto’s downtown area

As you make your way from Porto University towards the river, now is a good opportunity to see some of the heart of downtown Porto.

One of the best ways to soak up some of Porto’s lively atmosphere it is by strolling along Rua das Flores , a picturesque street lined with beautiful buildings and trendy cafes. The area closeby is also home to some of the city’s most iconic squares, such as Praça da Liberdade , a grand plaza that boasts a stunning statue of King Peter IV atop a towering column.

Other notable streets and squares to visit in Porto’s downtown include Avenida dos Aliados , a bustling boulevard that leads to City Hall, and Praça do Infante Dom Henrique , a lively square filled with outdoor cafes and street performers.

These streets and squares all pretty much link up with each other – if you start your exploration at City Hall and work your way down, you’ll easily be able to saunter through these in 30-40 minutes.

Do a Six Bridges boat tour…

The meandering waters of the Douro River, fringed by historic buildings and spanned by great bridges, is a key component to the city of Porto and its charming visual appeal – and what better way to experience this beauty than by taking to the water?

“ Six Bridges Boat Tours ” depart from either Ribeira or Vila Nova de Gaia (make sure to check details upon booking), taking you on a journey under six iconic bridges, offering stunning views of the city’s landmarks and architecture. Expect to see the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Arrabida Bridge, the Freixo Bridge, and more.

The tours typically last around 50 minutes to an hour, which means it’s not too taxing in terms of time when it comes to any itinerary, leaving you plenty of time to explore on land before or afterward.

BOOK | Check availability and book your Six Bridges cruise here .

…or take a guided tour based on your interests

Depending on your interests, a guided tour can be the perfect way to immerse yourself in the soul of Porto and allow you to explore it through a particular lens of your own personal interest.

From discovering the city’s rich history to tasting its renowned wines, there are tours that cater to every area of interest. A knowledgeable guide can offer a deeper insight into the city’s hidden gems and offer a unique perspective on its culture.

Here are some of our suggested picks below:

A Classic Walking Tour of Porto – Discover all that makes Porto captivating: its architecture, traditions, and stories – on this 3-hour guided walking tour. Delve into centuries of history while winding your way down its narrow streets, explore rustic neighbourhoods, and take in breathtaking views of both the cityscape and Douro River.

Walking & Wine Tasting Tour (with snacks) – Indulge in the finest wines that Porto has to offer with this walking tour and wine-tasting experience. Taste exquisite Ports, Douro, and Green wine complemented by a delightful selection of Portuguese cheeses and smoked meats.

Pastel de Nata Cooking Class – Immerse yourself in the traditional taste of Portugal while learning to make pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) during this delightful cooking class at a local home in Porto. Follow an age-old recipe and savour your delicious masterpieces together around the table.

Porto Street Art Tour – Unravel the complex relationship between City Hall and local street art, while finding the best and new pieces at secret locations. See how far the scene has come since its inception, as you explore a side of Porto that not many typically see.

Enjoy the sunset in the Ribeira district

As the sun sets over Porto, the city takes on a dreamlike quality; the buildings and bridges bathed in a warm golden light.

For a perfect end to your day of sightseeing, head to Ribeira, Porto’s quintessentially charming neighbourhood on the banks of the Douro river. Pull up a chair at any of the outdoor cafes along the waterfront, grab a drink and become mesmerised by the gentle bobbing of boats on the water. Enjoy an evening spectacle as vivid colours ranging from pink to orange are slowly consumed into darkness.

Afterwards, indulge in the local cuisine and savour the flavours of Portugal as the night falls around you.

Dinner: Restaurant casario

High on my list before going, I (rather negligently) forgot to book this superb food spot before going to Porto and through a stroke of divine luck, we managed to get the last table in the restaurant going that night when we turned up at the door.

Named for (and seated among) the traditional casario townhouses that characterise the riverside area of the city, this refined restaurant starkly contrasts the neighbourhood’s many tourist traps. Affiliated with the illustrious Quinta de Ventozelo in the Douro Valley, many of the vineyard’s excellent wines are on the winelist. The food menu is a joy – make sure to have the fish bonbons and ask for a table outside for dreamy Douro and Ribeira views.

Day 2: More iconic sights and Port wine tasting

Livraria lello.

The Livraria Lello is a neo-Gothic style bookshop that should be on the list for any book lover or architecture enthusiast. It also (incorrectly), finds its way onto Potter fans’ radars, due to the incorrect assumption that J.K. Rowling was inspired by this very book shop for the Harry Potter series.

This building, built in 1906 by the engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, is packed with unique architectural details, from elaborately carved arches and imposing ceilings to walls and columns with Art Deco touches. Busts of Portuguese writers inside, as well as stained glass windows, only add to the unique charm of this place.

However, due to its status as one of the oldest bookshops in Portugal and regularly rated as one of the most beautiful in the world, Livraria Lello is now often crowded with tourists. It can be quite difficult to take it all in with so many people bustling around and to be awfully honest with you, I was quite happy to leave after around 20 minutes of jostling against other visitors to try and take some photos.

One silver cloud, however, is that buying tickets in advance can help alleviate some of the wait times – which are lengthy if you don’t buy a ticket with an allocated time in advance. It’s important to note that this means you’ll have to stick to your specific time slot, but it’s worth it for the time it shaves off. It also entitles you to a book of your choice, from a small range of pocket-size classics.

Although it’s not quite as magical as it may have been before the crowds, it’s still a rather lovely destination for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike – just remember that you’ll be sharing it with quite a few others.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Standard entry is €5, but get skip-the-line tickets instead here for €16 Otherwise, it’s not worth the wait. Open every day 09:30AM to 07:00PM, except for December 25th, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and June 24th

Mercado do Bolhão

The Mercado do Bolhão, occupying an entire block in the heart of Porto’s downtown, is a must-visit destination for any foodie seeking an authentic taste of the city. I loved the market – in fact it’s one of my favourite things I experienced in Porto. This vibrant fresh produce market boasts 79 stalls located on the ground floor, 10 restaurants on the top floor, and 38 shops facing outside, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences.

The market has undergone several transformations over the years, including a major restoration in 2018, which has resulted in a modern and functional space while retaining its historic charm.

The Bolhão Market dates back to the mid-19th Century, and a municipal decree in 1839 marked its official opening, consolidating all of the city’s existing markets into one central location. The current building was constructed during WWI and has since become an iconic structure of the city. Throughout the years, the market has undergone several interventions to improve its facilities, including the construction of a central staircase and a more definitive structure to replace the original stalls.

At the Bolhão Market, you can expect to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours, sounds, and smells of the bustling market while also appreciating its rich history and architecture. The restoration project completed in 2022 has elevated the market’s modern appeal while still preserving its authentic character. Grab a glass of wine from one of the wine sellers, and sit on the steps to watch the activity of the market unfold below – I can assure you that it’s extremely pleasant!

If you’re visiting Porto at the weekend, make sure to visit the market on Saturday instead (you may need to rejig this itinerary a bit), as the market is closed on Sundays.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Open Monday-Friday 08:00AM – 20:00PM. Open Saturday 08:00 – 18:00PM. Closed Sundays.

Indulge in some shopping, if you’re inclined

The vibrant Rua de Santa Catarina is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Porto. The bustling street is filled with a mix of local and international stores, cafes, and restaurants.

But Rua de Santa Catarina is not only about shopping, it is also home to the Majestic Cafe , a historical and iconic cafe where J.K. Rowling reportedly spent time writing parts of the Harry Potter series.

The Majestic Cafe and Rua de Santa Catarina are adjacent to the Mercado do Bolhão, making it a very easy next thing to do on this 3-day Porto itinerary.

Walking along Rua de Santa Catarina, you can take as long as you feel inclined to in order to soak in the lively atmosphere, enjoy some shopping, or stop for a coffee at the Majestic Cafe.

Do some tile spotting

After a morning spent exploring the busy Livrario Lello and the bustling Mercado do Bolhao, it’s time to take in some more of Porto’s beautiful blue-tiled churches.

The first stop is Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls), a building from the 18th century known for its tile-covered façade. The panels, added in 1929, represent episodes from the lives of S. Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine, and an impressive 16,000 tiles were needed to create this magnificent work of art. The chapel is conveniently located near the Mercado do Bolhao, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

The next stop is the Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso .

Completed in 1739, the church was built in a proto-Baroque style and features a stunning retable by the Italian artist Nicolau Nasoni. However, it’s the façade of the church that truly sets it apart, featuring an impressive 11,000 azulejo tiles created by artist Jorge Colaço and placed in November 1932. The tiles depict scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and figurative imagery from the Gospels.

Don’t miss the chance to take in the beauty of these blue-tiled churches, which are very easy to visit from Rua de Santa Catarina and the market – both are steeped in history and adorned with magnificent artwork.

Sao Bento Station

Next on the itinerary is a stop at the stunning São Bento Station. While a train station won’t usually make it onto an itinerary – except, in the case of logistics – this train station is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks.

Constructed over a number of years, starting in 1904, this impressive station was built on the site of a Benedictine convent. The station’s grand entrance hall is adorned with approximately 20,000 azulejo tiles, dating from 1905-1916, that were designed and painted by the renowned artist Jorge Colaço.

The murals depict moments in Portugal’s history and the multicoloured panels showcase rural scenes and the people of various regions. The azulejo panels are a true masterpiece, and their intricate details and vibrant colours leave are worthy of some ogling.

Porto Cathedral

At the highest part of Porto’s old centre, you’ll find the city’s most important religious building – the Sé Cathedral, also known as the Porto Cathedral. The Cathedral’s construction began in the twelfth century and throughout its lifetime it’s been rebuilt and renovated many times.

Despite its many renovations, the Cathedral’s predominantly Baroque style still retains elements of its Romanesque and Gothic roots. Inside the Cathedral’s fourteenth-century cloister (my favourite part of the visit, and likely many others, too), you’ll find decorative tiles featuring scenes from the Bible, including the life of the Virgin Mary and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The terrace is decorated with tile panels by António Vidal, and the chapter house’s coffered ceiling is painted with allegories of moral values by Pachini.

After exploring the cloister, visit the Casa do Cabildo, where you’ll find the Cathedral Treasure – a collection of the Cathedral’s most precious possessions.

The square on which the cathedral sits has a column in the middle that was once the site where criminals of Porto were hanged. During the Middle Ages, the square was also the epicentre of major commerce and trades in the city.

In 1147, the crusaders from northern Europe, the Normans, agreed to join the Portuguese Army in the conquest of Lisbon, which was held by the Moors at the time. The agreement was made in this square, adding further to its historical significance. The eighteenth-century palace, inhabited by Porto’s bishops, is also located in this square.

Today, the square provides visitors with stunning views of Porto, the Douro River, and the wine cellars on the waterfront.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | April – October, open 9:00AM– 18:30PM. November – March, open 9:00AM – 17:30PM. Closed Christmas and Easter. Entry costs €3 and is available at the door.

Luis I Bridge

Having visited the cathedral, it’s time to make your way to the other side of the river. This you will do by crossing Porto’s most famous bridge.

The Dom Luis I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. Its 172-meter span was the longest of its type in the world when constructed. The bridge was initially designed as a single-deck bridge by Gustav Eiffel, but plans were rejected due to dramatic growth in urban population.

A competition was initiated in 1880, and the Belgian Société de Willebroek was awarded the public work. Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, authored the project and administered its construction.

The bridge carried road traffic on both decks for over a century, including electric trams and trolleybuses, until the upper deck was closed to motor traffic in 2003 to adapt the structure for the metro system.

Crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge on foot is a unique experience that offers stunning views of the River Douro and the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The walkway on the upper deck provides a thrilling perspective of the bustling riverfront, the colourful facades of the buildings, and the imposing steel structure of the bridge itself. The bridge also serves as a vantage point for admiring the sunset over the city or watching the boats sail up and down the river.

late lunch: 7g roasters

7g Coffee Roasters is a hidden gem tucked away in the charming neighbourhood of Vila Nova da Gaia. Appended to an apartment building, we found this specialty coffee shop and eatery to be a buzzy, inviting space to relax in, with a broad menu catering towards brunch and more substantial meal options, as well as anything that a speciality coffee lover should so desire.

Visit one (or more) of the Port lodges

First – a little about Port wine

The experience of visiting one (or more of) the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova da Gaia stretches further than merely tasting this distinctive, fortified wine, but also draws you into a key aspect of the city’s cultural heritage that has been built upon the production of this drink for a number of centuries. You don’t have to be a Port wine drinker to enjoy this experience – I, for one, wasn’t before I visited!

Port wine is a true symbol of Porto, with its roots stretching back to the 17th century when British merchants began adding brandy to wine to preserve it during shipping. The demand for this fortified wine grew, and by the 18th century, Port wine had become a popular drink in Britain and other European countries.

Today, the production of Port wine remains steeped in tradition, with every bottle embodying centuries of expertise and craftsmanship – although many producers are deploying and developing new methods and varieties today.

The wine itself is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley region of Portugal, which is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, established in 1756. There are several types of Port wine, including Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), and White Port.

During the production process, a neutral grape spirit, called aguardente, is added to the wine to stop fermentation, leaving residual sugar and creating a wine with a higher alcohol content and a unique sweetness. Port wine is typically aged in oak barrels, adding flavours such as vanilla, caramel, and nuttiness. The longer the wine is aged, the more complex and nuanced its flavour becomes.

Visiting the cellars at Vila Nova da Gaia

Visiting the port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia is a relatively short and inexpensive experience, with many offering basic tasting packages that allow you to sample a variety of ports at an affordable price. However, if you want to upgrade your experience, there are various flights of Port available, ranging up to the premium and more expensive older vintages.

If you’re visiting at a quiet time of the year that’s outside of season, then you should be able to wander up without a booking, as we did (but note that some cellars may be closed – we had wanted to visit Graham’s but they were closed in January when we visited). Otherwise, I’d advise doing a little research in advance and booking your port cellar experience in advance.

Some popular cellars to consider include:

• Graham’s : Offers guided tours of the ageing cellars and tastings with panoramic views of the city and the Douro River. Take the Giaia Cable Car from the bridge for unique city views.
• Burmester : Founded in 1730, Burmester offers guided tours of the historic cellars and tastings of their Port wines in a convenient location next to Dom Luiz I Bridge.
• Cockburn’s : The largest of the Port wine lodges, Cockburn’s offers guided tours of the cellars and tastings of their wines, as well as the unique experience of being able to watch coopers work on barrels – which you won’t see anywhere else.
• Poças : Poças is a family-owned Port wine producer, offering guided tours of the cellars and tastings of their wines, including their Vintage Port.
• Calem : Calem offers guided tours of the cellars and tastings of their Port wines, as well as an interactive museum showcasing the history and culture of Port wine.
• Taylor’s: Differs from the others in that this is a self-guided experience. It’s really informative, and we spent a couple of hours there. It might be too information heavy for some, however.

BOOK A COMPREHENSIVE PORT EXPERIENCE | If you’ve decided that you want to deep-dive into the port production and tasting aspect of Porto while visiting the city, then you may be better off taking a longer tour with a local expert. This half-day tour has 700+ 5 star reviews, is well priced and provides 7 tastings during a multi-cellar experience during a 4-hour tour.

Hang out in Jardim de Morro for sunset

Jardim de Morro, is located just across the Douro River from Porto’s historic centre on the Vila Nova da Gaia side of the river Douro. It’s an idyllic public space that provides the ideal spot to enjoy the beauty of the sunset.

From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city while admiring the grandeur of Dom Luis I Bridge, which stands majestically against an orange-tinted sky as dusk approaches. As the day draws to a close, the park becomes a hub of chilled-out activity, with people flocking to this hilly outlook for its lively atmosphere and captivating views.

Along the front wall of the park is a bar with a terrace that offers breathtaking views of the city, should you wish to set up camp here, but equally, you can grab a drink from a small vendor, find a perch on the grassy hill and enjoy the live music performers who set up for the sunset.

Dinner: Cantina 32

Head back over the bridge to the centre of Porto to drop into Cantina 32 – just make sure that you’ve booked in advance. This restaurant is a modern, popular and aesthetically pleasing spot that serves an array of Portuguese dishes, including the iconic Bacalhau à Bráz (salted cod with fried potatoes and egg), as well as imaginative creations. I really enjoyed our meal here – there was a really lively atmosphere, the food was great and the service friendly.

Porto Itinerary Day 3: Take a day trip to the Douro Valley

On your third day in Porto, take a journey out of the city into the breathtaking Douro Valley, a place that is so intrinsically linked to the city via the centuries old wine trade. 

Visiting the Douro Valley from Porto is relatively straightforward thanks to its close proximity to the city. It’s just a one-and-a-half to two-hour drive from Porto (depending on where you’re heading), and there are also train, bus and private tour options available for those who don’t have a car.

Why you should visit the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most beautiful and iconic regions, famous for its terraced vineyards, picturesque villages, stunning landscapes and delicious wine. There are numerous activities to experience here that guarantee a memorable day out – from visiting traditional wineries to taking boat rides down the river.

The Douro Valley really is a sight to behold. Here is a land where rolling hills are blanketed in lush vineyards, with vibrant shades of green creating a patchwork across the landscape. Interspersed amongst these verdant slopes are small villages, their whitewashed houses nestled among the trees like sleeping giants.

We experienced quite a bit of rain, as we travelled in January – when you’re typically advised not to visit! – but when the sun shone its rays lit up a glistening Douro river as it wound its way through this rather majestic valley.

In the rolling hills of Douro Valley, you don’t have to solely indulge in the fruit of the vine to fall under its spell. One of the most rewarding things to do is to partake in a leisurely boat ride along the meandering waters of the river, taking in the valley’s verdant slopes from the deck of your vessel.

If you travel by car, you’ll land upon charming towns and villages nestled within the valley, where you can discover quaint architecture and local handicrafts that speak to the region’s unique cultural heritage.

For those with a taste for adventure, a scenic hike through the valley will unveil awe-inspiring vistas of the vineyards and waterway. And, should your appetite be whetted by these wonders, the region’s culinary offerings will prove a feast for any foodie – ranging from traditional eateries to modern, award-winning restaurants.

RELATED READING | A Guide to Visiting the Douro Valley for the First-time

How to get to the Douro Valley from Porto

Option 1: Take a boat tour

If you’re looking for a leisurely and picturesque way to get to the Douro Valley, a boat tour is an excellent option. You’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the river and surrounding hills as you wind your way towards your destination. The tour also includes stops at local wineries and villages, giving you the opportunity to sample some of the region’s famous port wines and explore its charming culture.

However, keep in mind that boat tours can be weather-dependent and may not be available during certain seasons. Also, they can be more expensive than other transportation options and may not provide as much flexibility in terms of timing and itinerary. They are, however, a stress-free option for visiting the Douro Valley.

BOOK A BOAT TOUR | Check availability/price or book your boat tour from Porto here

Option 2: Join a guided tour

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Douro Valley experience and have a knowledgeable guide show you the best spots, then a guided tour may be the best option for you. You can find various tour companies that offer different packages, at a variety of price points.

With a guide, you can learn about the history and culture of the region while seeing the most beautiful and unique sights.

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR | This small-group Douro Valley tour packs a punch, including lunch, two vineyard visits for wine tasting and an optional river cruise at Pinhão, as well as a stop off at scenic points along the drive.

Option 3: Hire a private driver

If you’re looking for the most comfortable and completely personalised way to get to the Douro Valley, hiring a private driver is the way to go. You’ll have the flexibility to create your own itinerary, stop at wineries and villages at your leisure, and enjoy the comfort of a private vehicle.

As can be expected, hiring a private driver is the most expensive option, especially if you’re travelling solo or with a small group, but would be worth it if you’re looking for a completely individual programme.

FIND A PRIVATE DRIVER | This 10-hour private Douro Valley tour receives exceptional reviews from previous guests.

Option 4: Take the train

For a more cost-effective option, taking the train to the Douro Valley is a solid choice. You can catch the train from Porto’s São Bento station, which takes you on a scenic journey through the valley, passing vineyards, quintas, and charming towns along the way. Plus, train travel allows for more flexibility in terms of timing and scheduling, as there are multiple trains departing throughout the day.

However, keep in mind that train travel can be crowded during peak tourist season, and you may need to book your tickets in advance to secure your spot. Also, while the train journey is scenic, it may not allow for as many stops or opportunities for exploration as other transportation options.

BOOK DOURO VALLEY TRAIN | Search timetables and book your Douro Valley train tickets here .

Option 5: Self-drive

If you are a more adventurous and independent traveller, consider self-driving to the Douro Valley. You’ll have complete control over your itinerary, can stop at any point, and have the freedom to explore the valley at your own pace. I’d also particularly recommend this if you’re planning on visiting the Douro Valley for more than a day trip.

We based ourselves in the Douro Valley for three nights, and I drove from downtown Porto and around the Douro Valley, booking our car through RentalCars . While the majority of the routes are relatively easy to deal with, do be aware that some roads in the region can be quite windy and narrow, so make sure you’re comfortable driving on these kinds of roads if you choose to rent a car.

This is particularly true if you want to visit some of the Douro Valley’s iconic viewpoints, as many require you to take to the tiny, often steep single-lane roads in order to reach them. If you’re a confident driver, you shouldn’t have a problem, but I would consider alternative transport options if you consider yourself to be a nervous one.

RENT A CAR | Compare rental companies and prices here before booking your car.

Dinner: muro do bacalhau

See address & listing on Google Maps

You’ll likely be rather peckish when you get back to Porto, and right along the river’s edge in Ribeira you’ll find this cosy but modern Portuguese restaurant. It has a succinct but delicious sharing menu which is perfect for those with a mix of appetites, or for a smaller bite if you’ve already eaten lots during the day. Plates are beautifully presented and there is outdoor seating too, if you’re lucky enough to nab it.

What to do if you don’t want to visit the Douro Valley

While the Douro Valley makes for an exceptionally good day 3 of any Porto itinerary, there are also plenty of alternatives – you may wish to spend a third day in the city, or visit another area outside of it instead.

In and around Porto city

You could easily draw out days 1 and 2 from this itinerary across a third day, but you do also have plenty of room to explore some additional sites, or perhaps visit a beach if you’d like some downtime.

Suggestions below:

Serralves Museum and Gardens | A cultural complex with a contemporary art museum, beautiful gardens, and a modernist villa designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.

Casa da Música | Porto’s modern concert hall, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, is likely to interest music lovers. Its striking design and excellent acoustics make it a unique and exciting venue for live performances.

Palácio de Cristal Gardens | These lush gardens offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city. They feature several walking paths, fountains, and stunning views of the Douro River.

Museu Romântico | This charming museum offers a glimpse into the romantic era of the 19th century. It features antique furnishings, art, and personal items of the Romantic period.

Matosinhos | A fishing town famous for its seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches, Matosinhos is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and relax by the sea.

Foz do Douro | A neighbourhood in Porto located at the mouth of the Douro River, Foz do Douro offers stunning ocean views, a beautiful promenade, and several excellent restaurants and bars.

Day trips outside of Porto

Guimarães | Known as the “birthplace of Portugal,” Guimarães is a charming medieval city with a UNESCO-listed historic centre and a castle that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Braga | A lively city with a rich history and several beautiful religious monuments, including the 12th-century Braga Cathedral and the absolutely glorious Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Book a combined tour of Guimarães and Braga here .

Aveiro | Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a picturesque town with canals, colourful boats, and art nouveau architecture. Book a half-day tour from Porto here .

Coimbra | A university city with an impressive library and a World Heritage-listed old town. Book a guided tour of Coimbra and its university here .

Viana do Castelo | A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and the famous Santa Luzia Sanctuary, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea. For something different, discover the area on horseback .

Peneda-Gerês National Park | The only national park in Portugal, Peneda-Gerês offers stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. Book a tour from Porto here .

How to use the map : Use the toggle on the left on the header bar to open/close map contents. You can also zoom in and out and interact with the saved items on this map. To save the map to your own Google account, click on the star sign beside the map title on the header.

How to get to Porto

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is the closest airport to the city, located 8 miles (13 km) to the north. There are numerous flights available from major cities in Europe and other parts of the world.

Porto is well-connected to other major cities in Portugal by train. Estacao de Sao Bento (Sao Bento Train Station) and Estacao de Campanha (Campanha Train Station) are the two main railway hubs in Porto.

The train journey from Lisbon to Porto is an enjoyable and convenient way to travel between the two cities. Travellers can take one of the high-speed InterCity (IC) or Alfa Pendular trains, which depart from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station and arrive at Porto’s Campanha train station in approximately 3 hours.

Porto is surrounded by motorways, meaning the city enjoys excellent road connections. Either by bus or by car (private vehicle or rented car), Porto can be reached from virtually all corners of the country. There are plenty of buses to Porto – check Omio for various routes and schedules.

Getting from Porto Airport to city centre

The Metro is the quickest and most affordable option, with frequent service to the city centre and a travel time of 30-40 minutes, depending on your final destination. There’s a direct metro route from Porto Airport to Porto city centre (Trindade Station). You can reach the metro station by walking 5 min from the arrivals terminal and it runs every 20 minutes, starting at 6am and running through to a little after midnight.

Tickets are a very reasonable €2, but if you’re planning on using public transport more than once while in Porto then it’s a good idea to purchase an Andante card for an additional €0.60 at this point and to purchase some additional journeys (which are loaded onto your card) at this point.

Taxis are available outside the terminal building and can take around 20 minutes to reach the city centre. It cost us €25 to reach Miragaia. For more budget-friendly options, rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are available. We found Bolt to offer great value while travelling in Portugal.

How to get around Porto

By foot | Porto is a compact city and it is easy to get around by foot, especially in the historical centre. However, should you require it at any stage, then the public transportation system is well-developed and affordable.

By metro | Porto’s metro system consists of four lines that cover most of the city and its suburbs. The metro is fast, efficient, and runs frequently, making it a convenient way to get around. Should you have the desire to leave Porto, it is linked to regional stations via Sao Bento station, and to Lisbon via Campanha Train Station.

By bus | There is a well-developed bus network that connects all the major attractions and neighbourhoods. The buses are air-conditioned and run frequently, making them a convenient option if that’s how you prefer to make your way around a city.

By tram | The tram is a historic and charming mode of transportation in Porto, and there are several lines that run through the city, including the famous electric tram line 1 which runs along a very scenic line along the Douro riverfront.

By bike | Bicycles are also a popular way to explore the city, with bike rental services available throughout the city.

By rideshare or taxi | Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and I found these to be affordable, particularly ride-sharing apps like Bolt.

Are 3 days in Porto enough?

Yes, 3 days in Porto can give you a great introduction to the city’s rich culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere. You can visit iconic landmarks such as the Dom Luís I Bridge, the historic Ribeira district, and the impressive Clerigos Tower. You can also explore the city’s museums, indulge in its delicious cuisine, and experience the lively nightlife. However, if you have more time to spare, you can immerse yourself even more in the city’s charm and discover some of its hidden gems, as well as explore further afield.

Is Porto a walkable city?

Yes, Porto is a very walkable city. With its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and scenic riverfront, walking is the best way to explore Porto’s rich history and culture. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot, and there are plenty of pedestrian-friendly areas to explore, such as the Ribeira district and the lively Santa Catarina Street. Walking is also a great way to discover (and access) the city’s many viewpoints and hidden alleys. Just make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes that can handle uneven cobbled terrains and plenty of hills!

What is the best month to visit Porto?

When it comes to choosing the ideal time to visit Porto, you’ll need to consider several factors such as weather, crowds, and seasonal events. Although the summer months of May to September are the peak tourist season in Porto, the best time to visit is arguably during the shoulder months of April, October, and November.

During these months, the weather is still warm and pleasant, the crowds are lighter, and visitors can savour a true taste of Porto without the sweltering heat and congested crowds. During the shoulder months, Porto offers a chance to stroll the narrow streets of Ribeira, savor the fresh seafood in the local taverns, and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Douro River without the throngs of tourists.

So, whether you prefer to enjoy Porto’s charming historic centre, its picturesque beaches, or its trendy and hipster cafes, try time your visit with the shoulder months, when the city’s beauty and character can be best experienced.

Where are the best viewpoints in Porto

Some of the best viewpoints in Porto that are easy to get to include:

• Miradouro da Vitória: Located in the Ribeira district, this viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Douro River, the Luís I Bridge, and the city’s colourful buildings.
• Torre dos Clérigos: This iconic tower, located in the city centre, offers panoramic views of the city from its top.
• Miradouro da Serra do Pilar: This viewpoint, located across the Douro River, offers a stunning view of the Ribeira district and the city’s historic centre.
• Jardim do Morro: This garden, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, offers a beautiful view of the city and the Douro River.

Do you have more time to spend in Porto?

If you have more than 3 days to spend in Porto, consider spending an extended period of time in the Douro Valley, by staying a couple of nights at a quinta . Otherwise, you could consider adding some beach time to your itinerary (there are several within easy reach of city centre), or take more day trips into the surrounding area, as detailed above in the Day trips outside of Porto section of this post.

Related posts for Porto & Douro Valley 

• Porto city guide |  Visiting Porto: 23+ Essential Porto Tips & Things to Know
• Where to stay in Porto  |  Where to Stay in Porto: Unveiling the Best Areas and Accommodations
• 1 day in Porto | Discovering the Best of Porto in One Day
• Douro Valley quintas | 23 Fabulous Douro Valley Winery Hotels & Quintas to Stay at
• Douro Valley guide | A First-time Visitor’s Guide to the Douro Valley

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Hi there! I'm Isabelle, aficionado of immersive travel experiences and unique, luxurious hotels. You'll most likely find me camera in hand, or nerding out on research in advance of my next trip. A major foodie, history and scenery lover, nothing makes me happier than soaking in the atmosphere and culture of the destination I'm visiting.

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©Mapics/Shutterstock

Opening up like a pop-up book from the banks of the Rio Douro, edgy-yet-opulent Porto entices with its historic center and sumptuous food and wine.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Porto. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Igreja de São Francisco

Igreja de São Francisco looks from the outside to be an austerely Gothic church, but inside it hides one of Portugal’s most dazzling displays of baroque…

Foz do Douro

This fabulous cultural institution combines a museum, a mansion and extensive gardens. Cutting-edge exhibitions, along with a fine permanent collection…

From Praça da Ribeira rises a tangle of medieval alleys and stairways that eventually reach the hulking, hilltop fortress of the cathedral. Founded in the…

Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Porto's best art museum presents a stellar collection ranging from Neolithic carvings to Portugal’s take on modernism, all housed in the formidable…

Palácio da Bolsa

This splendid neoclassical monument (built from 1842 to 1910) honours Porto’s past and present money merchants. Just past the entrance is the glass-domed…

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Sitting atop a bluff, this gorgeous botanical garden is one of Porto's best-loved escapes, with lawns interwoven with sun-dappled paths and dotted with…

Casa da Música

At once minimalist, iconic and daringly imaginative, the Casa da Música is the beating heart of Porto's cultural scene and the home of the Porto National…

São Bento Train Station

Aliados & Bolhão

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Porto and beyond

Porto City Guide: A Complete Plan For First-Timers

Porto, Portugal. The ideal place for a weekend trip and to get a great dose of culture, architecture and top-notch food and wine all in one. I hope this Porto city guide gives you all you need to know to spend some amazing days.

The unique sweetness of world-famous Port wine has been putting Porto on the spotlight of wine lovers for many years.

But this city is much more than good wine.

It might be the second-largest city in Portugal but it feels much more authentic and traditional in comparison to Lisbon . Plus it has the ideal size to create a bubble boasting with lively culture, great tasty food and inspiring architecture.

These days, it’s becoming hard for one to give non-touristy local tips of Porto , but at least I hope this helps you see Porto with the knowledge of a local. Without skipping the must-dos, naturally. Enjoy!

Sections of this Porto city guide

Best time to visit Porto ☀️

Weather in porto.

As a general rule, weather in northern Portugal is a bit more greyish and cold than in the rest of country. However, if you time your visit to anywhere between May and October, you should face more than acceptable temperatures and a majority of sunny days.

Porto is a city to be enjoyed with sunny weather. I think all the cities are like this to some extent, but I found this to be especially true there. Might have to do with the architecture, the colors of pavements and buildings or just with the light reflecting in the traditional tiles of the houses.

So the best time to visit Porto is anywhere between March and October. During peak winter months the temperatures are cold – yet not freezing – but the days tend to be very dark and gloomy.

What else to consider

Of course choosing the best time to visit Porto is more than just looking at the good weather. I highly recommend you visit during São João , probably one of the and largest craziest street parties in Europe!

In July and August the crowds take over Porto and prices get inflated. It might also be too hot to be wandering around, even though there some nice Atlantic beaches close by.

June is also a popular time, particularly around the 23th. Not only the weather is warm and nice, but the massive street party of São João takes over the entire city and there’s just an infectious happiness in the air.

How to get around Porto

By far the best way to explore Porto is to walk. It is a quite hilly city, but small in size so almost all the major sights are within reach.

Regardless, much of the magic and charm of Porto stems from walking around. The city is full of hidden gems that will surprise you at every turn: a viewpoint with river views, a tiny hole-in-the-wall arts-and-crafts shop or a local restaurant.

Other ways to get around Porto

The network of the Metro is very good, considering the scale of the city. It can take you to all major spots, including from the airport. You’ll need a reusable Andante card which you can top-up with individual trips.

Uber is also widely available.

Travel map of Porto 🗺️

I’ve put all the major attractions, favorite restaurants and other points of interest on this Google map. Feel free to use it during your trip.

Top 5 places to go in Porto 🌟

It’s really hard to keep the list so damn short, but here you go!

The iconic symbol of Porto , Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower) is a Baroque bell tower of the church with the same name. At the moment of its construction in the 18th century, the tower was the tallest building in Portugal !

Just in front, the recently renovated Passeio dos Clérigos is a shopping street with a neat-looking garden with olive trees on top. The outdoor seating of BASE is a cool spot to grab a drink or a coffee.

Livraria Lello (Lello Library)

With a building that is a piece of art by itself, Livraria Lello & Irmão is the oldest bookshop in the world. Make sure you enter there just to experience the impressive wooden ceilings inside and the famous red art noveau staircase. As cool as it looks, it somehow looks like a vagina from above – sorry, someone has to say it!

Rumour has it that this place was the inspiration for JK Rowling to write about the Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter . UPDATE: J.K. Rowling herself has said this is NOT true! But apparently the Hogwarts costumes seem to have been inspired by typical portuguese students’ outfits.

The most traditional neighborhood of the city is Ribeira right next to the river Douro .

Bearing World Heritage status, it’s easy to fall in love with the tiny streets where you can indulge on local’s lifestyle. Housewives putting their laundry out to dry on the balconies, the chit-chatter of the men in the local bar and kids playing football outside.

Not only this is Ribeira , this is the soul and essence of Porto .

Ponte D. Luís (Dom Luís Bridge)

  🇵🇹⏫ Skywalk. The upper platform of the double-decker Ponte Dom Luís, the most iconic bridge in Porto. The bottom deck carries road traffic, while this one carries the Metro trains and pedestrians. Needless to say it’s easy to get distracted with the views over Douro! #porto #architecture #portugal #🇵🇹   Uma foto publicada por BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) a Jul 7, 2016 às 10:47 PDT

If I had to choose a picture to define Porto as its most iconic postcard, this is it. The entire landscape is dominated by this ironwork masterpiece by a Gustave Eiffel’s student. You can definitely feel Eiffel’s hand on this.

Make sure you cross the bridge on foot both in the bottom and upper platforms. The upper one is not for the fainthearted though, specially if it’s a windy day!

Just after you reach the other side – Vila Nova de Gaia – there’s a small park to your right. If you can time your visit to see the sunset from there, prepare yourself to a magnificent moment.

Wtf? What so special about tiles? Well first of all they’re everywhere in Portugal , but Porto manages to keep better the tradition of decorating beautiful colorful facades with them.

You can find the finest examples of typically-portuguese blue tile art on the inner hall of Estação de São Bento (São Bento Railway Station) and on the lateral facade of Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church). But my personal favorites are the residential buildings all covered in green, blue and red little tiles.😍

Top 3 Things To Do In Porto

In such a naturally gifted place, outdoor activities should be on top of your priorities.

Go On A Cruise

There are cruises departing daily from Cais de Gaia that go upriver to the Douro wine region . There are day trip cruises all the way up to one-week long rides for the most fierce wine and/or nature lovers.

In any case, the landscape is the selling point. Steep terraced vineyards dotted with quintas (farms) are a recipe for a very chilled day.

Learn More About Wine

Let’s start with the basics. The Douro wine region is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in Europe and it’s most famous for the Port wine. Sweeter and stronger than general wines, it’s generally drank as a dessert wine.

Despite the somehow spooky experience – there are bats flying around – visiting the Port wine cellars is one of those experiences everyone must have in Porto . Not only you get to see the huge warehouses in which the barrels are kept but also you get to learn about the different types of grapes and vineyards, how to drink the wine from your glass and everything in between. Fascinating.

Most of the cellars stand uphill in Vila Nova de Gaia , just across the river, and make themselves visible from a long distance, with their names displayed in giant signs.

Most popular port wine cellars in Porto

Always remember: life is too short for cheap wine.

Go Out For Drinks In A Stylish Place

One of the things I enjoy the most when I’m in Porto is to go out for a drink. Going out to Galerias is very popular with locals and tourists on the weekends. These streets have the higher concentration of cool bars and discos I’ve seen.

I’m not talking about booze bars or Irish pubs. Like most of new architecture in Porto these are stylish and the best of all: with affordable prices! You can choose to stay inside or drink outside in the street, if the weather allows.

Best bars to go out in Porto

• CaipiCompany . Start your evening with a fruit-based caipirinha .
• Champanheria da Baixa . Boho-cool ambiance where the champagne is king.
• Galerias de Paris . Once a fabric shop, this place was kept almost intact and is now a kitsch bar, café and restaurant.
• Plano B . With a full-on retro look, it’s of the most iconic discos in Porto.
• The Wall Bar . Great for either a quick glass of wine or a stylish night out with friends.

If this ain’t enough, Hotel Malaposta has an interesting selection .

A Weekend in Porto

Only got a weekend in Porto? Check out a detailed itinerary I used to do with my family and friends who were visiting. Read now >>

Tourist Traps in Porto 🙅

A few years ago, I would never include a section like this about Porto . The truth is this is a side effect of any tourism boom.

Mercado do Bolhão

The largest trap I see in Porto these days is Mercado do Bolhão . I can see the appeal of visiting local markets – trust me, it’s one of my favorite things to do – but there’s absolutely no reason this one.

Bolhão is a decrepit and ran-down market, with more souvenir stalls than actual local goodies. It’s so bad I fear for my safety when I look into the cracks in the building. The market is undergoing a 2-year renovation, so at least until end 2022 there’s no real reason to come here.

Majestic Café

Don’t get me wrong, I can see why this Belle Epoque cafe is so popular. It was once the meeting point of artists, writers and thinkers – the Elite (the first name of the place) of the city.

However be aware that the prices are an elegant form of robbery. If you’re on a budget, short down your visit to a photo and head to one of the cheaper options in Porto .

São João Festival

Most towns in Portugal celebrate their local holidays in honour of saints, with loads of fireworks, stalls and street parties involved.

It happens to be that São João ( Saint John ) is the patron saint of the city and one of the postcards of Porto.

São João do Porto festival happens every year in the night of the 23rd to 24th of June. The whole city goes out to the street and it’s guaranteed partying and dancing all night!

What to do during São João in Porto

• Have a local dinner . Go for one the improvised street restaurants and have delicious grilled sardines.
• Watch the huge fireworks show in Ribeira at midnight . Seriously, don’t miss it. Surely one of the best I’ve seen in my life!
• Hit on each others’ heads with plastic hammers . Expect to hit and get hit obviously.
• Light up a paper lantern . And make a wish.
• Dance and party . The portuguese traditional popular music is catchy!
• Buy a little manjerico . The little basil plants are the perfect gift.

Food in Porto 🥘

It’s time to loosen your belt. No, seriously. Food is a standalone reason to visit Portugal but in Porto things get even better. Food in northern Portugal is quite meat-based, but you still can find lots of fish and healthy stuff.

Apart from superbly seasoned food made with the best regional produce, portions are HUGE and prices are borderline ridiculous. You can easily grab a lunch menu for less than 6 euros. And if you’re having a dinner for more than 20 euros, well… it better be a VERY good one!

What to Eat in Porto

• Francesinha . Probably one of the most caloric meals you’ll ever have but hey, save your diet for later. This massive sandwich on a platter dish has all the goods on it: cured meats, linguiça , steak, cheese, egg and a delicious beer-and-tomato sauce. Have it at lunch time rather than at the evening.
• Pataniscas de Bacalhau . I associate this dish with typically homemade meals made by portuguese grandmas. Confectioned ​​with cod (or octopus) mixed in a dough mixed with egg, flour, pepper, parsley and fried in vegetable oil. It’s served with beans or tomato rice.
• Arroz de Pato . This tasty rice is made with duck meat with gratin cheese on top can be found at its best in Porto .
• Pastries . Obviously don’t miss on the unbeatable pastel de nata , available at literally every pastelaria of the city. And there’s éclair . This pastry with sweet whipped cream filling is the highlight of Leitaria da Quinta do Paço .

My Favorite Places to Eat in Porto

Like I use to say, you got to be very unlucky to have a bad experience eating out in Porto . But I sure do have some favorite places with local food I always come back to:

• Museu D’Avó . Literally translated as the Grandma Museum , it’s an extremely kitsch place with amazing portuguese “tapas”. Suggestion: go for the choriço !
• Cervejaria Brasão . Many rate Santiago as the #1 Francesinha in Porto but the one from Brasão looks and tastes much batter. It’s made in a wood-fired oven and is so delicious you simply can’t dare to try anything else.
• Árvore . Portuguese food presented in a modern way. The weekday lunch menu at 8,50 EUR is pricey for Porto standards, but the gorgeous view over Douro is more than worth it.
• Taberna Santo António . This small family-run restaurant is a hidden gem but popular amongst locals especially during lunch time. Try the codfish pataniscas !

There’s more restaurant suggestions on my map with Porto sights .

Where to stay in Porto 🏨

A good side effect of gentrification (the only one?) in downtown Porto is the fresh new face it got. A few years ago the number of buildings in ruins was simply depressing. These days it’s a delight to see the colorful tiled historical constructions brighting up the city vibe and projecting it into a whole different era.

The obvious downside is that the vast majority of these buildings are serving as Airbnb rentals and the housing industry is now completely unbalanced. Owners are now much less keen on doing long-term rentals and the few of them who still do it, ask for ridiculously high rents that locals can’t afford.

That’s why I suggest for you to book a hotel via Booking.com which has less of an impact on the local housing market. Moral standards come into play here. From my experience, it’s less of a hassle to check-in, cleaning standards are higher and prices are not that different anyway.

Best Areas To Stay In Porto 🏨

Porto has got a relatively small city center so by staying anywhere in downtown you’ll be in walking distance from all the major sights.

With that said, my favorite areas to stay are Aliados , Bolhão and Trindade . These might not be the prettiest , but they are public transport hubs (bus, metro) and have great places to eat and shop nearby.

I’d avoid staying in Fontainhas and Heroísmo just because it has a history of being a problematic neighborhood (even though this is changing now). Ribeira and Rua das Flores areas are both charming places to stay, but they’re now SUPER touristy.

My top suggestions of places to stay in Porto

Oporto Stories Apartments

Superbly located next to Bolhão market and to the main shopping street, this is a clean and modern place to stay in the heart of Porto. Book now

Casas do Rivoli

Not only I stayed here, but I lived here for 5 months. Exceptional minimal and modern decoration, impeccably maintained and extremely close to the beating heart of Porto , Aliados . Book now

Search on your own

To make your life easier, start searching with my pre-selection of best value-for-money hotels in Porto . This hotel shortlist only includes rooms in downtown Porto with WiFi and excellent reviews.

Porto Day Trips

If you have extra time to explore the surroundings of Porto, well great, because indeed there’s a lot to do in Northern Portugal. I’ve listed some day trips from Porto before , but here are some of the most popular:

• Foz : Quick and accessible bus ride from Porto, this posh area is where the Douro meets the Atlantic. Expect blue-flag beaches, great seafood and big seaside promenades.
• Braga : One of the largest cities in Portugal is only about a 40-min ride by bus or train from Porto . Don’t miss the hilltop where Bom Jesus de Braga is located.
• Guimarães : Nicknamed the birthplace of Portugal , where the first King of Portugal fought the Moorish for the independence of the country back in the 12th century (!). The whole medieval city center is lovely but Castelo de Guimarães (Guimarães castle) was a true highlight for me. Just a 30-min distance by train or bus.
• Douro Valley : A must-go if you’re a wine or nature and/or wine lover. It’s a dreamy place where the Douro river winds right through impressive hills packed with Port Wine vineyards. There are several day cruises departing from Ribeira , but you can also hop on a 2h30 lovely train ride to Pinhão , right in the heart of the wine demarcated area. I suggest planning for 2-3 days in Douro !
• Aveiro : The “Venice of Portugal” boasts colorful boats ( moliceiros ) in the traditional city canals. It’s about an hour train ride further south from Porto.

Porto Travel Review

I love Porto for its authenticity and kitsch vibe. I feel it’s a superb choice for a weekend trip . People treat you like you were a old friend, the food is simply awesome and I will never get tired of the views in the Ribeira district.

It’s an amazing value destination and somehow it still doesn’t feel as a tourist Disneyland like downtown Lisbon .

And there’s also the having fun part. I’m not a party animal – far from that actually! – but somehow Porto is one of the places I feel the urge of going out for drinks or even partying all night long. It’s cheap, people are super friendly, and it has some hell of cool places to choose from.

Porto is completely unpretentious and that’s exactly why I ALWAYS have a great time.

Useful Links

• Visit Porto – the official tourism board of Porto & Northern Portugal
• CP – the official train company in Portugal

My own articles about Portugal

The top azores hot springs & thermal baths in sao miguel, furnas, azores: unique things to do in the furnas valley, ponta delgada, azores: 12 things to do in my hometown.

• The 13 Most Beautiful Azores Beaches
• When Is The Best Time to Go To Azores?
• 47 Reasons To Visit Portugal In 2024
• The Best Hotels in São Miguel, Azores For All Kinds Of Travelers
• Azores: 20 Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
• How to Get Around Azores
• The Ultimate Itinerary of São Miguel Island (Made By An Azorean)

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Destinations🌎

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Porto Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 8, 2024

While Porto lacks the iconic “wow!” factor of Lisbon , I still think it’s a beautiful riverside city filled with lots of good food, plentiful wine, and cozy riverfront cafes.

Moreover, this is the best place to start your trips to the nearby Douro Valley, where you can explore and tour the region’s famous port vineyards. It’s also one of the main launching grounds for the Camino Portugues (a multi-day hike to Santiago de Compostela in Spain), making it a popular hub for hikers and pilgrims alike.

This travel guide to Porto will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your visit here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Porto

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Porto

1. Wander the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

This is a free 24-acre botanical garden in the center of Porto. The gardens were designed in the late 1800s and include an avenue of lime trees, walking paths along the river, and a space for concerts and exhibitions. There are also sculptures, fountains, and olive trees scattered around as well. It’s one of the best places in the city to relax, people-watch, and take in the view of the river.

2. Cruise the Douro River

For a relaxing break from the city, take a boat trip up the Douro River. The river stretches some 897 kilometers (557 miles) into Spain, though tours focus almost exclusively on the section around Porto where the city’s six famous bridges can be seen. During an hour-long cruise, you’ll pass under the city’s six massive bridges that span the river while learning a bit about the history of the city. Living Tours offers a scenic hour-long cruise for just 15 EUR.

3. Take a tour of the Douro Valley

Port, a sweet dessert wine, hails from this region, and the mountainous Douro Valley is filled with small family-owned wineries. These wineries are all high up in the hills, offering jaw-dropping views as you sip your wine. If you don’t have your own vehicle, full-day wine tours usually last around 8-10 hours and include multiple stops, lunch, and usually a river cruise as well. Get Your Guide runs a popular full-day tour for 95 EUR that visits two wine estates and includes lunch and a cruise.

4. Admire the city’s azulejo art

Introduced by the Moors (Muslims from North Africa who conquered parts of Europe), this traditional ceramic tilework dates to the 13th century. The artwork usually tells a story, often about the history or daily lives of the people of Porto. Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, Capela das Almas, and the port Cathedral are some of the best places to see this traditional art up close.

5. Visit Livraria Lello

Other things to see and do in porto, 1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Porto Walkers runs daily free tours that cover all the highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace

Known as the Palácio da Bolsa, this palace was built in 1842, taking over three decades to complete. The building and its cathedral were designed in the Neoclassical style and are both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument. The palace was originally intended to showcase Portugal’s economic might. The interior is ornate and entirely covered from floor to ceiling with paintings, sculptures, and architectural decoration. You’ll find lots of commemorations of Prince Henry the Navigator here as well (he was a 15th-century Portuguese figure central in the establishment of the country’s empire). Admission is 10 EUR.

3. Daytrip to Povoa de Varzim

The city of Povoa de Varzim is a small resort town 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Porto. It has a wide, sandy stretch of beach where the rich locals used to sunbathe in the 19th century. The tiny town’s Praça do Almada central square has some colorful architecture, including the Neoclassical town hall from 1791. There’s not a ton to do here, but it makes for a nice place to stroll and escape the city. The one-hour bus ride from Porto costs less than 5 EUR.

4. Listen to live music at Casa da Música

This state-of-the-art concert hall is the best place in the city to see live music and theater. Built in 1999 to commemorate Porto’s designation as a European Capital of Culture, performances are held here regularly. Though most of them are in Portuguese, there are a lot of classical and jazz performances too. Ticket prices vary but check the website to see what is available during your visit as there are tons of free concerts and events.

5. Shop at Mercado do Bolhão

Bolhão Market is an eclectic local market full of fresh produce, meats, fish, bread, flowers, and local handicrafts. The market, housed in an old Neoclassical building, has been around since 1914 and is popular with locals and tourists alike. You can find pretty much everything here. If you’re cooking your own meals, it’s a cheap place to buy groceries. (Temporarily closed for renovations).

6. Watch a football match

Like the rest of Europe, the Portuguese love football (soccer). If you’re a fan of the sport, pay a visit to Dragão Stadium to take in a football match. The stadium holds over 50,000 people and FC Porto’s fans are some of the most passionate in Europe. They have huge rivalries with other Portuguese teams, so matches are always exciting and energetic. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it’s an amazing event to experience while you’re here.

7. Get lost in Ribeira

Porto’s old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, is full of narrow and winding medieval streets, delightful cafés, and historic architecture. Have lunch, enjoy some port, and try to get purposefully lost in the meandering alleys. It’s located along the water opposite Vila Nova de Gaia (a district in Porto) and is my favorite part of the city. Don’t miss stopping by the Casa do Infante, which is said to be the house where Prince Henry the Navigator was born in 1394 (admission is 2.20 EUR).

8. See São Francisco Church

Built in the 15th century, the Gothic Church of Saint Francis is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike its drab exterior, the interior is lavishly designed in a Baroque style. The church took around 50 years to build and almost every inch is covered in gold and ornately decorated (over 500 pounds of gold dust was used to cover everything). Below the church are catacombs and an ossuary as well. Be sure to dress appropriately as this is a place of worship. Admission is 7.50 EUR.

9. Admire Porto’s vibrant street art

Many of Porto’s buildings are beautifully decorated with street art and murals. Stroll down Rua de Miguel Bombarda, Rue da Madeira, and Escadas do Codecal (the stairs leading down to the Duoro riverfront under Luis I Bridge), and you’ll see some of the city’s coolest public art. If you want to learn more, book a street art tour . It’s the best way to see the main works and learn more about the street art scene in Porto.

10. Climb up the Clérigos Tower

Built between 1754 and 1763, this Baroque-style tower was home to the Brotherhood of the Clerigos, a 17th-century religious order. At 75 meters tall (and with 225 steps) it offers some of the best views of the city. Declared a National Monument in 1910, admission is 6 EUR and includes access to the museum, which showcases the cultural and religious history of Porto during the 18th century.

11. Visit the Soares dos Reis National Museum

This museum is home to a permanent collection of Portuguese paintings, ceramics, furniture, metalwork, and sculptures. Founded in 1833, it was the first museum in the country that focused on Portuguese art. One of the primary exhibitions is by Portuguese sculptor António Soares dos Reis, after whom the museum is named. Admission is 5 EUR.

12. Hike up to the Virtudes Garden at sunset

This vertical garden is located behind the Palace of Justice. Composed of several raised platforms, the park offers a spectacular view of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia district. After a long day of touring the city, this garden is the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks, people-watch, and take in the sunset over the river. It can get busy though so arrive early. Admission is free.

13. Take a day trip to Guimarães

Located 45 minutes from Porto, this charming city was not only the first capital of Portugal, but it’s also where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born around 1111 CE. The city has a beautifully preserved historic center that dates to the 12th century. Some notable sights to check out Guimarães Castle, the city’s old quarter, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. You can visit as part of a day trip or stay overnight to escape the busyness of Porto. You can take the bus or train for under 5 EUR each way.

  For more information on other cities in Portugal, check out these guides:

• Lagos Travel Guide
• Lisbon Travel Guide

Porto Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for around 8-10 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star budget hotels near the city center start around 40-65 EUR per night. Some include free breakfast and all have free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is a budget-friendly option in Porto with private rooms starting from 30 EUR per night (though they average double that if you don’t book early). Entire homes/apartments cost at least 60 EUR per night, though expect to pay closer to 100 EUR.

Food – Fish and seafood form the backbone of Portuguese cuisine (Portugal eats the most seafood per capita in Europe). Cod, sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), sea bass, and shellfish are some of the most common staples. Other popular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (boiled stew), peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried vegetables), and cured ham. Be sure to also try the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich). You can find them at local cafes for around 5 EUR.

Another local favorite is francesinha . It’s a sandwich typically made with bread, ham, linguica (Portuguese sausage), and steak, with everything covered with melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce. A fried egg is placed on top of the sandwich and it’s accompanied by fries (that you dip in the sauce). It’s incredibly heavy and filling (and delicious) and should be tried at least once. Expect to pay around 9-14 EUR. For one of the best in the city, visit Bufete Fase’s.

For a cheap meal at a local café or restaurant, expect to pay between 8-10 EUR. Small baked goods and snacks cost under 5 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 7 EUR for a combo meal. For something more mid-range, like a three-course meal with table service and a drink, expect to pay at least 15-20 EUR.

Many restaurants offer a “Prato do Dia” (dish of the day) for around 8-11 EUR. These are usually quite filling and consist of 2-3 courses.

A beer costs 2-3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 2 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 35-45 EUR. This covers basic staples like pasta, vegetables, rice, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Porto Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Porto for around 45 EUR per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like the gardens and free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of 110 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like a river cruise or a wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 230 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Porto Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Porto is a cheap city in an affordable country so it’s hard to spend a huge amount unless you are splashing out at a lot of expensive dinners. Nevertheless, here are some ways to save money in Porto:

• Pick up a Porto Card – The Porto Card provides free access to around a dozen museums, 50% discounts on 14 other attractions, free public transportation, and discounts to local restaurants. The card is 13 EUR for a one-day pass, 20 EUR for a two-day pass, 25 EUR for a three-day pass, and 33 EUR for a four-day pass. If you plan on seeing a lot, get this card.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and people of Porto then take a free walking tour. They last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!
• Get the Andante Ticket – For unlimited rides on the bus and metro pick up an Andante ticket. It has 24-hour and 72-hour options and tickets cost 7 EUR and 15 EUR respectively.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Porto. By staying with a local you’ll not only save money but you’ll get to spend time with someone who can show you the city’s hidden gems and share their insider tips. Just make sure to send your requests early as there are not a ton of hosts here.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis add up in Porto, often adding fees for luggage and airport pickups. Simply use the metro or bus system to get where you need to go. The taxis add up fast!
• Say “no” to bread – When eating out, a selection of bread and olives may be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so politely decline the offer if you’re not interested.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto has a lot of budget-friendly hostels that are comfortable, social, and clean. The hostel scene here is really good. Here are my top places to stay in Porto:

• Onefam Ribeira
• Rivoli Cinema Hostel
• Gallery Hostel
• Pilot Design Hostel & Bar
• Nice Way Porto

How to Get Around Porto

The metro is composed of six lines and 81 stations. It operates from 6am-1am and tickets are 1.20 EUR.

The Andante Card is a rechargeable card that can be refilled in metro stations, newspaper shops, and select cafes. Once you tap your card, you’ll get one hour of access to Porto’s entire public transportation system.

The Andante Card, along with the Porto Card, also offers an unlimited ride option. The Andante card offers costs 7 EUR for the 24-hour pass and 15 EUR for the 72-hour pass. A one-day Porto Card including transportation costs 13 EUR, while a three-day card costs 25 EUR.

Taxis – Taxis in Porto are safe though expensive. Prices start at 3.25 EUR and increase 0.25 EUR per kilometer. Most drivers speak English but showing them the address on your smartphone will help.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Porto but it’s not much cheaper than the taxis. Bolt and FreeNow are two other ridesharing apps that are usually cheaper than Uber, but I’d still skip ridesharing altogether if you’re on a tight budget. Public transportation is cheap.

Bike rental – Porto is relatively flat so riding a bike is an easy and fun way to see the city. Bike rentals cost around 15-22 EUR per day.

When to Go to Porto

Peak season in Porto is during the summer months of June-August. Temperatures hover around 22-25°C (73-77°F) and the overall atmosphere during this time is lively. There are lots of places to swim or relax on the beach so it’s still worth visiting during peak season even if the city is a bit busier. Since Porto is in the north and on the coast, you can expect temperatures to not be as warm as in the south, where they can reach 33°C (92°F). Since this is the busiest time to visit, expect prices to be slightly higher.

Personally, if you’re on a budget, I think the best time to visit Porto is the shoulder season (April-May and September-October). Temperatures range from 11-20°C (53-68°F) so it’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. It may be a bit rainy, but you can still enjoy the city without much inconvenience.

Winter lasts from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary but linger around 13°C (57°F). It’s still warmer than much of Europe, so if you’re on the continent and are looking to avoid the worst of the weather, head to Porto. Otherwise, save your visit for the summer or shoulder season.

How to Stay Safe in Porto

Porto is very pretty safe for travelers to visit. Violent attacks here are uncommon and petty crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime (though it’s still quite rare). Be aware of your surroundings when you’re in markets, on busy streets, and when using public transportation. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach and you should be fine.

Additionally, young backpackers here are often approached and offered drugs as Portugal has a relatively lax approach to illegal narcotics (drugs are decriminalized here). But, while drugs are decriminalized, that doesn’t mean you’re legally allowed to do them. Always decline any drug offers politely but firmly and continue on your way.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the city but read this article on common travel scams to avoid .

The emergency number in Porto is 112.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Porto Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Porto Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Portugal and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

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The Perfect 3 Days in Porto Itinerary – Culture, Port & Food

Table of Contents

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Porto is surely one of the most beautiful – and underrated – cities in Europe . Although I’m currently living here, I understand many people will be visiting for a short trip. I’ve put together this 3 day Porto itinerary so you can experience the best of Portugal ‘s second-biggest city.

PORTO ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ), train ( Omio ), bus ( Flixbus ) Activities: GetYourGuide Getting around: walk / Metro / bus / taxi Guidebook: Lonely Planet Porto

In a rush? Pin this 3 day Porto itinerary for later.

Read next: 80 things to see and do in Porto – main attractions, hidden gems, nightlife & more

Is 3 days enough in Porto enough?

For a first trip to Porto, three days is a great amount of time to spend. Porto isn’t a city with hundreds of must-see attractions so it’s easy to tick off the notable sights in the historic city centre during one day, unlike the capital: you need at least 3 days for your Lisbon itinerary ! However, the charm of Porto isn’t measured by its number of monuments. Porto is worth visiting for its quirky details and architectural delights to be found in the backstreets. To enjoy Porto properly, you’ll want more than one day. With two days, you can add port tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia to your Porto itinerary and, with a third day, you can take a choice of day trip; Porto has several to choose from. Here’s how to visit Porto in 3 days…

Where is Porto?

Porto is on the Iberian Peninsular in the north of Portugal, located close to the coast. As you can see from the map above its located on the Douro Estuary where the Douro River meets the sea before continuing inland to the Douro Valley. Porto is around 320km to Lisbon, around a 3.5 hour drive (an hour less on the train).

How to get to Porto

By air: fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Flights from the UK start from €7. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. By train: these arrive into Campanhã (the largest station to the east of Porto) or São Bento (a beautiful station in the city centre). Use Omio to book trains to and from Porto . By bus: the most affordable bus network around Europe is Flixbus. Tickets from Lisbon to Porto start from €5. Browse Flixbuses into Porto . From Porto airport to the city, catch the Metro for €2.50 (the purple Line E to Trinidade station), a bus ( GetBus runs 6 times daily) or a taxi for around €10 if you call Uber or Bolt (an airport taxi will likely cost double).

How to get around Porto

If you’re staying somewhere central, you can easily spend 3 days in Porto without needing to catch public transport. Porto is walkable but make sure to bring comfy footwear because there are steep hills, particularly between the city centre and Ribeira.

Public transport

Metro: This runs underground in the city centre and above ground in the suburbs. It’s really affordable: single journeys around the city centre are €1.20 and they increase in price as you travel further out.

Tip – pick up an Andante Card when you arrive and top up using the machines in the station. You can. geta 24-hour pass for €7 or a 3-day card for €15.

Public bus: Journeys also cost €1.20 with an Andante Card or €2 with cash. Journey times are listed on Google Maps although, in my experience, the buses don’t always arrive when scheduled. Get a 1-4 day public transport card from €20 including 50% off Porto attractions . Tour bus: For a fun, touristic way to get around, take the open-top bus tour around the main attractions. Book your ticket here . Historic tram: This old-fashioned tram is more of a touristic attraction than anything but it has the dual purpose of getting you to the Foz district. Trams depart every 20 minutes and cost €3 each way. Beware they get busy in peak months; the 500 bus to Foz is cheaper and less crowded. Funicular dos Guindais : To travel between Ribeira and the elevated city centre, a single funicular ride costs €3.50. Get a combined ticket for the tram, funicular and open-top bus . Cable car: To travel between the upper and lower levels of Vila Nova de Gaia, take the scenic cable car for €6 one way / €9 return.

Use Uber, Bolt or FREE NOW. The latter two are slightly cheaper.

Where to stay in Porto

Ribeira (the riverside district) is a beautiful, popular place to stay but it’s also very busy with a steep walk required to reach the city centre. If you’re keen to stay here, I would recommend The Editory House Ribeira . Baixa is the city centre and a convenient place to stay near to the nightlife so may be ideal for solo travellers visiting Portugal . For a hotel, check out B The Guest Downtown (€85 per night), for an apartment check out Oportolazaro Apartment and for a hostel, go for Oporto Invictus Hostel . Cedofeita is a trendy neighbourhood known for cool galleries and cafes on Rua Miguel Bombarda. It’s just a short walk from the city centre. Casa Antiqua (€100 a night) is a beautiful rustic option with a garden while Almada Apartments are great for more privacy. Oporto Sky Hostel is the best budget option. Bonfim , a 15-minute walk from the city centre, is an authentic local area with just a few hipster places popping up like craft breweries and speciality coffee roasters. Read my Bonfim area guide for why you need to visit! Catalonia Porto is a lovely luxurious option and Moov Hotel is a great budget choice.

When to spend 3 days in Porto

Spring (March-May): This is a lovely time to visit Porto with pleasant weather and fewer tourists than the summer months. Summer (June-August): These months in Porto can be blissfully hot with temperatures of up to 32°C (90°F) but expect the city centre to be totally rammed. Autumn (September-November): This is another good season to visit as the warm weather can stick around until mid-November although mornings and evenings do get chilly. Winter (December-January): Porto is one of the rainiest cities in Southern Europe (or the ‘ Manchester of Portugal’ as another Brit put it) so bring a good raincoat and umbrella. Temperatures go down to 5ºC (40ºF).

What kind of Porto itinerary is this?

This is a first-timers itinerary suitable for those spending 3 days in Porto. We’ll see the highlights and get stuck into the history and culture. It’s a fairly busy itinerary but not too jam-packed. I don’t generally enjoy rushing through a trip, so I create itineraries that balance the must-sees with time to wander, eat and visit coffee shops. 3 day Porto itinerary – quick overview:

• Day 1: city centre, history and culture
• Day 2: Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia (inc port tasting)
• Day 3: choice of popular day trips or Porto hidden gems.

Since I travel on a budget , you won’t overspend while following this Porto 3 day itinerary. You also won’t miss any meals because I make it my mission to find the best food wherever I go!

DAY 1 PORTO ITINERARY (CITY HIGHLIGHTS)

For our first day in Porto, we’ll explore city centre and finish with a sunset bar. We’ll also start with my favourite activity, a…

Free walking tour

Free walking tours operate around the world and I’m a huge fan. I’ve taken them everywhere from Cape Town to Copenhagen . The two most popular operators in Porto are Porto Walkers and Sandeman’s New Europe Tours , both led by local guides who offer informative introductions to the city. If you’re taking the Sandeman’s one, it departs at 11am near the Clérigos tower. Climb it beforehand for spectacular 360-degree views over Porto. After the tour, go back to the attractions that most interested you for a second, more in-depth look.

Notable sights for day 1

Whether you see them during a walking tour or independently, don’t miss these sights from your Porto itinerary. The following places are all close together meaning you can easily see them on foot during day 1. If you save Ribeira (the riverside area) for tomorrow, you can avoid climbing any steep hills during this first day.

Clérigos tower climb

This baroque church is one of Porto’s most famous landmarks. There’s rarely a time you won’t see it jutting above the city skyline. For views of Porto and the Douro River, there’s nowhere better. Inside, the church is decadent and covered in gold. There’s also a museum about its history but I confess I whizzed through this to reach the tower. Visitor details: Entrance including the museum and tower costs €6. It’s open from 9am-7pm with last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Igreja do Carmo

One of the most famous buildings in Porto is Igreja do Carmo , a ‘twin’ church joined with Igreja dos Carmelitas. Separating the two churches is Casa Escondida (Hidden House) measuring just 1 metre in width. It was built to fill the awkward gap and improve the look of the two important chapels beside Jardim de Cordoaria. The tiny house was inhabited until the 1980s and, before that, used for secret meetings during the Siege of Porto (1832-1833).

Miradouro da Vitória

Soak up views of Porto and snap photos from Miradouro da Vitória not from the central Clérigos area. Although there are countless elevated viewpoints in this aesthetically-pleasing city, this is one of my favourites.

São Bento Station

A train station as a tourist attraction? Stay with me. Spectacular São Bento  is known as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. Chances are if you catch a train to or from Porto, it will be from the larger station, Campanhã. Regardless, make sure to visit this masterpiece designed by Portuguese architect, José Marques da Silva, depicting centuries of Portuguese history via 20,000 blue and white tiles. São Bento was built on the site of an ancient Benedictine monastery. Officials had been planning to convert it into a station for several decades but couldn’t until the last nun died in 1892. Legend has it she haunts the station to this day! Wander nearby Rua de Flores, one of the prettiest streets in Porto with outdoor dining and live music in summer.

Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados

Next door to São Bento Station is the Church of St Anthony’s Congregation, built in the 1600s and decorated in the Porto uniform of blue and white tiles. Although it’s more of a local place of worship than a tourist attraction, it’s worth admiring from the outside and snapping some photos. It’s free to enter.

Rua das Flores

This famous walking street shouldn’t be missed when spending 3 days in Porto. With 500 hundred years of history, it’s a notable street lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, and it’s ALWAYS busy. You can find better bargains elsewhere but it’s worth visiting to soak up the atmosphere and listen to buskers perform live music. Rather than pay for an overpriced tourist restaurant, grab an espresso and pastel de nata at Natas Lisboa and perch yourself on a chair in the outside seating area, watching the world go by.

Capela Das Almas ( Chapel of Souls)

If the thought of yet another church doesn’t entice you, perhaps its Instagrammable nature will. The blue and white tiled wall is a regular haunt for photographers. Entry to the chapel is free and so is having a photoshoot outside! The Chapel of Souls is on Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s main shopping street near Mercado do Bolhão and foodie gems like old-school cafeteria, Confeitaria do Bolhao , and my two favourite pastel de nata cafes in Porto , Manteigara and Fábrica da Nata.

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

A small, attractive church near Porto city centre is Igreja de Santo Ildefonso  featuring artwork by Porto’s best-known architect, Nicolau Nasoni. Despite being small, the church is made of 11,000 blue and white azulejos (tiles). Entrance is free so take a quick peek inside. Time this stop for lunch or dinner to eat at nearby Casa Guedes (serving famous pulled pork sandwiches) or Cafe Santiago (an iconic place to try Porto’s national dish, the francesinha).

Porto Cathedral

One of the oldest and most important monuments to add to your Porto itinerary is Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto). With views of the Douro River, this 12th-century cathedral has collected elements of Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic architecture throughout the ages. Although it’s a pleasant place to wander today, it has a gory history: the column in the central square is where the criminals of Porto were once hung. Gulp! Wander through the cloisters and admire yet more blue and white azulejos, then climb the tower for spectacular views over Porto. Entry to the Cathedral as of 2024 costs €3 .

Bishop’s Palace

About 20 steps from Porto Cathedral is the Episcopal Palace (Bishop’s Palace), built in the 12th century for, unsurprisingly, the Bishop. In the 18th century, it was redesigned by Nicolau Nasoni, the architect responsible for half of Porto’s notable buildings. The main reason to venture inside is the walk up the Baroque staircase and admire the bejewelled ceiling. Tip – entry is €4 but if you buy a combination ticket, you can enter the Bishop’s Palace and Porto Cathedral for €6, saving €1 compared to buying separate tickets.

Day 1 – afternoon

If you see the above sights during a morning walking tour and choose not to revisit any, you’ll have some free time in the afternoon. After a busy start to your 3 day Porto itinerary, you may wish to simply wander and relax in the cafes (it’s what I would do!). Otherwise, here are a few other city centre attractions to check out:

Livraria Lello

When I first strolled along Rua das Carmelitas during my first day in Porto, I wondered what everyone was queuing before. Perhaps something cultural or religious? Well, I wasn’t exactly wrong: Harry Potter is basically a religion, right? This famous bookstore has a link to the wizarding world because J.K. Rowling spent several years living in Porto before penning her novels. Many people will tell you Livraria Lello is not worth a visit and, if you only have 3 days in Porto, I’m inclined to agree. You’ll be queuing for ages to visit a beautiful but small and crowded library that’s only rumoured to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s books (unfortunately she recently busted this myth ). If you DO decide to visit, here’s some advice:

• Entrance is €5 online or €6 on the door but if you buy a book, the price is deducted from your purchase
• Visit early or late to reduce time queuing. It’s open from 9.30am-7pm so, if the line is long, consider arriving at 9am on day 2 or 3 of your trip
• If time’s tight, consider paying €15.90 for a skip-the-line ticket
• Large bags need to be left in lockers. To save time, just bring a small bag.

Crystal Palace Gardens

For a slice of peace in central Porto, end your day in Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens). Peacock strut around a curious dome building (the Superbock stadium) and locals and tourists take sunset picnics overlooking the Douro River. Inside the gardens, you’ll also find the  Porto Romantic Museum  and the  Port Wine Museum .

Where to eat during day 1

If you’re spending just three days in Porto, plan your meals with precision. There’s so much to eat and drink; you wouldn’t want to miss the highlights. Foodie options for day 1 of your Porto itinerary:

For coffee & brunch: For enormous breakfast dishes and excellent coffee in an atmospheric cafe, head to Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker . The cheesy waffles with smoked salmon are unusual but very tasty. I also like Zenith and Nicolau Porto (both have good vegan options).

Read next: my Porto coffee guide and my Porto brunch guide

For affordable food: Visit Conga to try the ubiquitous Portuguese bifana (spicy marinated meat in a crusty bread roll) for €2.30. For a fantastic meal in a hidden gem of a restaurant, Casa Guedes to legendary pork leg sandwiches (sande de pernil), Cana Verde is an affordable option with excellent rissóis (croquettes) and other typical dishes. Gazela is the place to go for famous cachorrinhos (hot dogs) as visited by food god, Anthony Bourdain. For vegan food: Try burgers and ‘cheese’ boards at Apuro Vegan Bar , healthy brunch at Nola Kitchen , veggie versions of Portuguese dishes at Vegana by Tentugal and burgers, bowls and sharers at Kind Kitchen . Don’t miss daTerra for an impressive buffet!

Read next: where to eat vegan food in Porto

For pastel de nata: My favourite cafes are Manteigaria on Rua de Alexandre Braga and Fábrica da Nata on Rua Santa Catarina. In both cafes, you can see pastry chefs making fresh nata. Natas D’ouro is also worth a try for their orange, lemon, port and caipirinha-flavoured natas.

For pastries and snacks : to try fish and meat croquettes, tasty sandwiches and more pastries and sweets than you knew existed, Confeitaria do Bolhao is an authentic but touristic cafe in Bolhão. Eat in or stock up for a sunset picnic. For francesinha: to try the national dish of Porto (steak, sausage and ham between slices of white bread, drowned with a cheesy, beer sauce and topped with a fried egg), head to Cafe Santiago . Avoid peak hours if possible – it gets VERY busy. Try a veggie version at Brasão or Francesinha al Forno da Baixa . Mercado do Bolhão : this historic market has been around for centuries boasting 80 stalls, 10 restaurants and 40 shops. Even if you don’t stop to eat, it’s worth browsing so soak up the atmosphere. Stalls sell fresh fruit, veggies, cheese, fish and meat while the restaurant serve all kinds of delcious delicacies. The market hosts occasional live music events like jazz.

Read next: what to eat in Porto – the must-try dishes

Day 1 evening options

Provided you’re not tired from a busy day exploring Porto, you should absolutely make the most of the nightlife while spending 3 days in Porto. The city has a nice range of rooftop terraces, cosy bars and lively clubs.

Sunset from Guindalense Football Club

Catch sunset overlooking Dom Luis I Bridge from the terrace of Guindalense Football Club . This bar is nothing fancy but the views are spectacular. They serve a range of local drinks including port and vinho verde (Portuguese green wine) and snacks including chouriço (chorizo) mopped up with crusty bread. If you want to end the day somewhere fancier, try Miradouro Ignez or 17th Restaurant & Bar.

Watch a fado show

Catch a cultural performance at Fado na Baixa auditorium. Practised in Portugal since the 1820s, fado music has earned a spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Book a Fado show in Porto .

Porto bar crawl

Porto has lively bars and clubs so why not enjoy them as part of a bar crawl? Porto Walkers run a good one departing at 10.30pm. If you’d rather explore without a tour, there are plenty of cool bars like Royal Cocktail Club and Candelabro .

Read next: what to do in Porto at night

DAY 2 PORTO ITINERARY (RIBEIRA & VILA NOVA DE GAIA)

For day 2, explore Porto’s most beautiful neighbourhood, Ribeira, then head south of the Rio Douro (river) to find out what’s good in Vila Nova De Gaia. Clue: it’s port! First up…

Morning – Ribeira

On a sunny day, there’s no area of Porto more atmospheric than Ribeira. This district on the banks of the Douro River is known for its impressive townhouses and many cafes and restaurants (although expect to pay tourist prices).

Although the riverside area, Cais da Ribeira , is most famous, don’t miss the backstreets. Just behind popular Ribeira Square is a maze of alleyways and ancient houses. Find one of the city’s most ancient houses at Torre da Rua de Baixo . For excellent coffee and beautiful views, start your day at My Coffee Porto halfway down the steps between the city and Ribeira.

Take a scenic boat cruise

Board a 6 Bridges boat cruise from Ribeira Square. These cruises in traditional rabelo boats depart regularly, lasting 50 minutes and offering a commentary on the bridges you sail underneath. Get a boat cruise, bus tour and cellar tour for €28 .

São Francisco Church

On the waterfront is one of the oldest monuments in Porto, Igreja de São Francisco , built in the 14th century. Entrance is a little pricey at €8 but you may wish to part with the money to spy the decadent interior laden in 1 00kg of gold leaf.

Bolsa Palace

The Stock Exchange Palace ( Palácio da Bolsa ) beside São Francisco Church is a neoclassical building, protected by UNESCO. The Arab Room, which took 18 years to construct, is the jewel of the palace and can be visited only as part of a guided tour (€12). It’s worth visiting early in the day to find out when the next tour will be departing in your language. You may need to buy a ticket and return a couple of hours later, or you may be lucky and find one is departing right away.

Mercado Ferreira Borges

The bright red market building is worth a quick stop if you’re passing nearby Bolsa Palace and São Francisco Church. It houses modern art, a restaurant with outdoor seating and even a nightclub.

Afternoon – Vila Nova De Gaia

After your morning in Ribeira, cross the low level of Luís I Bridge to reach Vila Nova De Gaia. This suburb of Porto is best known for its many wineries producing the city’s most famous beverage, port wine .

Lunch at Beira-Rio Market

Eat lunch at Mercado Beira-Rio to line your stomach. Unlike the traditional markets in Porto with centuries of history, this is a stylish modern market open since 2017. Eat Italian food at Piadini Mia, seafood at More Sea, authentic Brazilian food at Botequim a Brazilian, or simply sip coffee and snack on a pastel de nata. Another nearby option for quality coffee and brunch is 7g Roasters .

Port tasting

No three day Porto itinerary would be complete without port. This sweet beverage was invented when the French raised taxes on Bordeaux wine and the British were forced to find a new export supply. They settled on the wines from Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley but the product spoiled during its journey back to the UK. The solution? Add a slug of brandy to keep it fortified. The sweet, strong wine has remained a hit ever since! Port wine-tasting experiences in Porto:

• Cálem Cellars: to see the cellars and barrels where port is made, take a trip to Cálem Cellars. Book a ticket including a tour, museum access and wine tasting or upgrade to include wine, chocolate and cheese tasting !
• Tour other notable port houses like Taylors, Sandeman, Ferreira and Grahams ( book in advance as it’s by appointment only)
• World of Wine (WOW) – tour nine interactive museums and take workshops at this brand-new cultural centre. Book a ticket .
• Budget wine tasting – there are plenty of small restaurants along the Douro offering five port wines for €5!

Find the street art rabbit

Just around the corner from Beira-Rio Market is this incredible street art mural of a giant rabbit. The artist, Bordalo II , created it from trash found around Porto to demonstrate how wasteful society can be.

Read next: complete Porto street art walking tour

Sunset viewpoints for day 2

Finish your day at…

Jardim do Moro

This beautiful garden viewpoint can be accessed by walking across Luís I Bridge from the city centre or if you’ve previously been exploring Gaia, by walking up the hill or catching the cable car from Cais de Gaia station. With views over the Douro River and Ribeira, this is one of the most atmospheric places in Porto to watch the sunset, added to by live musicians playing for the crowds. Tip – pack a dinner picnic. I brought some takeaway rissol (croquettes) and pastéis de bacalhau: the perfect picnic after a busy day sightseeing.

Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (monastery)

This ex-monastery set on a hilltop behind Jardim do Moro is another popular sunset spot in Vila Nova de Gaia, not to mention a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The monastery was used as a makeshift fort during the Siege of Porto, having been under construction for 72 years due to a lack of funds. Nowadays, it remains one of the city’s most iconic buildings, seen from any viewpoint. Like Jardim do Moro, watching sunset here is free.

For lesser-known miradouros like Miradouro das Fontainhas, see my guide to the best sunset viewpoints in Porto

DAY 3 PORTO ITINERARY

Finish three days in Porto with either a day trip or another round of city sightseeing. A few of the best day trips from Porto are…

Option #1 – Douro Valley

If there’s a part of Portugal more beautiful than the Douro Valley, I’m yet to hear about it. This vast wine region is one of the oldest in the world, protected by UNESCO and known as the birthplace of port wine. Expect sweeping valleys, lofty viewpoints along curvy, cliffside roads, and family-run vineyards nestled on the banks of the Douro River. Although I spent a few days exploring this region, you can visit the Douro Valley as a day trip from Porto . You can hire a car or catch a train/bus to one of the main towns then a taxi to one of the many vineyards. A more convenient option if you just have one day is an organised day tour from Porto including tasting, boat cruise and lunch . If you take just one day trip from Porto, let it be this one!

Option #2 – Cycle to Senhor da Pedra beach 

One of my favourite days in Porto was spent cycling to Capela do Senhor da Pedra (Chapel of the Lord of Stone) on Senhor da Pedra beach, 10 kilometres from central Porto. This relaxed, non-touristic beach is easily reached by a flat cycle path that follows the coast. Stop at points of interest including São Pedro da Afurada , a quaint fishing village with colourful houses and friendly locals, and Douro Estuary , a nature reserve home to various bird species. There are plenty of coastal beach clubs where you can stop for an upmarket lunch or, for those on a budget, a selection of modest restaurants near the church. I had sardines and a drink in a restaurant for €5. Hire a bicycle from Porto Rent a Bike costing €12 a day. Cross the lower level of Luís I Bridge, turn right and follow the coast the whole way.

Option #3 – Aveiro day trip

This pretty Portuguese city with canals, boat rides and Art Noveau architecture is just an hour from Porto by train or bus. In addition to riding a painted moliceiro boat, you can take a sub trip to Costa Nova to snap colourful beach houses and relax on white sands; learn about the history of salt at the open-air salt pan museum ( Ecomuseu Marinha da Troncalhada ), or hire a bike and explore 48km of scenic cycling trails. To learn how to visit Aveiro as a day trip from Porto and what to do there, follow my guide. Other day trips from Porto include Braga and Guimarães.

Option #3 – more city sights / hidden gems

If you’d rather explore the city thoroughly, finish your 3 day Porto itinerary by touring any attractions you’ve missed or seeking out the hidden gems.

Foz do Douro: Spend a day exploring the Foz district of Porto where the river meets the ocean. Promenade through Pérgola da Foz, visit Felgueiras Lighthouse or take the 1-hour coastal walk (or quick bus/taxi ride) to Matashinos , a beach where you can surf and eat fresh seafood. To get to Foz, ride the historic tram to Foz (Line 1) from Ribeira for €6 return (you’ll need to purchase two €3 singles) or the cheaper 500 bus. Alternatively, purchase the ultimate Porto transport ticket including the trams, hop-on-hop-off bus and funicular. Parque de Serralves : Between Porto and Foz lies an 18-hectare park boasting a museum, cinema and pink Art Deco villa. Tickets cost €20 . One option is to visit in the morning, then head to Foz in the afternoon, finishing with a sundowner.

Street art : Porto may not be famous for street art like Lisbon but there are a few cool murals to check out. As well as the Bordalo II rabbit in Vila Nova de Gaia, there’s an impressive blue cat mural off Rua de Flores. A notable street is Rua de Miguel Bombarda with urban murals and modern art galleries. If you visit this part of town, check out Rota Do Chá tea house and Frida Mexican restaurant. Take a street art tour by tuk-tuk for €25

Jewish Quarter tour: With a fascinating yet tragic history, Porto has one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Take a Porto Jewish heritage walking tour stopping at hidden synagogues and other places of interest. Mercado Bom Sucesso : Although it doesn’t feel overly Portuguese, foodies spending 3 days in Porto may wish to visit this modern, indoor market near Casa da Música. There are some stands serving traditional Porto dishes like Lado B (famous for its francesinha) as well as world cuisine. I can vouch for the veggie buffet at Datera and the banoffee pie at Chocolate Rosa .

What to eat during 3 days in Porto

• Francesinha – as I already mentioned, Porto’s national dish is a white bread sandwich filled with steak, sausage and ham, drenched in a rich sauce made of beer and topped with a fried egg. To really give your arteries a workout, it’s served with a side of fries.
• Prego em prato – steak is topped with fried egg, cheese, fries and ham (just in case you didn’t eat enough meat already!).
• Bolinhos de bacalhau  – salted cod croquettes are best eaten warm when the breadcrumb exterior is still crispy.
• Sardines – Portuguese sardines are large and meaty. To make them a meal, they’re often served with potatoes and vegetables.
• Cachorrinho – rich, spicy Portuguese sausages are served in crispy bread. To call them hot dogs would be sacrilege.
• Caldo verde – tasty green soup is a classic Porto starter. Garlic, onion and black pepper are cooked with stewed greens and potato.
• Pastel de nata – well, obviously! These egg custard pastries don’t originate in Porto but that’s no reason not to eat them in excess.

Read next: the best pasteis de nata in Porto

Thanks for reading!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

I hope you have a better idea of where to eat the best food in Porto. You’re in for a feast!

Read my other Porto blogs:

• Absolutely everything to see and do in Porto
• Is Porto a good city to visit?
• Porto day trips by public transport
• Douro Valley day trip – car, bus, train or river cruise
• The best cafes & coffee shops in Porto
• The ultimate Porto nightlife guide
• Why to visit Bonfim, Porto – a local’s guide
• Sunset spots in Porto not to be missed
• 25 best Porto foods to try
• A complete guide to vegan food in Porto

More Portugal content:

• The best places to visit in Madeira island, Portugal
• What to eat and drink in Madeira
• 3 days in Lisbon itinerary
• Solo female travel in Portugal
• Ultimate guide to Lisbon solo travel
• Lisbon hidden gems
• Things to do in Aveiro, Portugal

Want more Europe city break itineraries ?

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• How to spend 3 days in Barcelona
• 3 day Venice itinerary for first-timers
• 2 perfect days in Milan
• A complete itinerary for Vienna, Austria
• Things to do during 3 days in Copenhagen (winter itinerary)
• The perfect weekend in Hamburg, Germany
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Liked this Porto 3 day itinerary? Pin it for later.

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING PORTUGAL Getting there by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For trains , I use Omio . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. This is also a handy tool to compare trains and buses in one search. For buses, I use FlixBus . Find journeys between European countries from €1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s some of the most affordable insurance out there but still covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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A Blissful Wanderer

Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Europe , Portugal · October 30, 2023

3 Days in Porto, Portugal: The Ultimate Porto Itinerary for First-time Visitors

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the captivating city of Porto, Portugal? Picture yourself strolling through narrow cobblestone streets, adorned with colourful buildings and ornate tiles, as the sweet scent of port wine fills the air. In just 3 days, you can immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine that make Porto truly one-of-a-kind. This 3 day Porto itinerary is the ultimate guide for first-time visitors. And will ensure you make the most of your time in this enchanting city. From exploring the historic center to indulging in Porto’s vibrant food scene, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Join us as we navigate through the highlights, hidden gems, and unmissable experiences in Porto. Let’s dive in and discover the ultimate itinerary for 3 incredible days in Porto, Portugal.

Why visit Porto, Portugal?

If you’ve stumbled upon this blog post about the enchanting city of Porto, Portugal, you’re probably already under its spell. And I don’t have to convince you to go. But if you’re still on the fence, and torn between the allure of Porto and Lisbon , let me share my perspective. In my humble view, Porto embodies the very essence of authentic, traditional Portuguese charm. 

While I hold a special place in my heart for Lisbon , it has become a magnet for digital nomads , which adds an international flavour to its character. Moreover, Lisbon’s bustling nature, as a city twice the size of Porto, infuses it with a cosmopolitan dynamism. 

Yet, Porto’s magnetic pull cannot be denied. It beckons with its delectable culinary scene, its close ties to the picturesque Douro Valley, a paradise for wine enthusiasts, and its enchanting traditional architecture. This city whispers tales of a bygone era and invites you to savour the beauty of Portugal’s cultural roots.

When to visit Porto, Portugal?

Porto, Portugal is a city ready to be explored at any time of year. Each season bringing its unique charm and appeal. Whether you prefer the warmth of the summer sun or the cozy ambiance of winter, Porto offers something for everyone. Before diving into the details of our 3 day itinerary, it’s important to consider when you should visit this enchanting city.

Summer in Porto, Portugal

During the summer months of June, July, and August, Porto is bathed in glorious sunshine and warm temperatures. This is the perfect time to soak up the city’s outdoor attractions, such as the surrounding beaches and lush gardens. The charming riverfront promenade, Ribeira, is particularly buzzing during this time. Here you’ll find outdoor cafes and restaurants welcoming visitors to savour the lively atmosphere.

Fall or Spring in Porto, Portugal

If you prefer milder temperatures and smaller crowds, spring and autumn are excellent seasons to visit Porto. In these shoulder seasons, the city exudes a peacefulness that allows you to appreciate its architectural wonders and cultural heritage. The streets are less crowded, allowing for strolls and intimate exploration of Porto’s hidden corners. Plus, you may get the chance to witness some of the city’s traditional festivals and events, which take place throughout the year.

Winter in Porto, Portugal

For those who appreciate the cozy charm of winter, Porto offers a unique experience during the colder months. The city’s historic center is adorned with festive lights and decorations. Thus, creating a magical atmosphere that makes it a winter wonderland. Enjoy a glass of warm port wine by a crackling fireplace or indulge in hearty Portuguese cuisine at cozy taverns. Winter in Porto is truly a time to embrace the city’s intimate and charming character.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Porto depends on your personal preferences. Each season has its allure and offers visitors a chance to experience the city in a different light. So, whether you’re chasing sunshine, avoiding crowds, or seeking a cozy winter escape, Porto is ready to welcome you with open arms. And will provide a memorable and delightful visit no matter the time of year.

Is 3 Days in Porto Enough Time?

How many days do you need in Porto? Well, that depends on how much time you have and what you want to see and do. Porto is a vibrant and dynamic city with so much to offer! From its stunning architecture to its rich history, delicious cuisine, and of course, its world-renowned port wine. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, it’s important to consider how many days you’ll need to fully immerse yourself in all that Porto has to offer.

If you’re limited on time, 3 days in Porto can allow you to see the major highlights. You can explore the historic Ribeira district, stroll along the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and visit the Livraria Lello bookshop. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to indulge in some wine tasting at the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Plus, you can take a day trip to the picturesque Douro Valley. Here you can admire breathtaking landscapes and sample exquisite wines . A 3 day visit allows you to experience the essence of Porto and its most iconic landmarks.

If You Have More Time in Porto

However, if you have more time to spare, you won’t regret extending your stay. Spending five days in Porto will provide you with the opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s culture and history. You’ll also have more time to savour the local gastronomy and wander through charming neighbourhoods like Foz do Douro. And maybe even catch a performance at the stunning São Bento Railway Station or modern Casa da Música.

For those with a week or more to spare, you’ll truly be able to soak up the Porto experience. You can explore lesser-known gems such as the Crystal Palace Gardens. Venture to nearby cities like Guimarães or Braga. And take leisurely walks along the Douro River. With extra time, you can also immerse yourself in the local art scene, by visiting contemporary art museums like Serralves. Or simply relax at one of the city’s beautiful parks.

No matter how many days you choose to spend in Porto, you’ll find that each day is filled with discoveries and unforgettable moments. However, I will be focusing on a 3 days in Porto itinerary, as I think that’s the perfect amount of time in this charming city.

So, now that you have an idea of how much time you need in Porto, let’s dive into where to stay and find the perfect base for your adventures.

Where to Stay in Porto?

When choosing where to stay in Porto, you’ll find a range of options that cater to different preferences and budgets. From luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Overall, I found prices in Porto fairly affordable.

Ribeira district

If you’re looking to soak up the rich history and culture of Porto, consider staying in the Ribeira district. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located on the banks of the Douro River. It offers a charming mix of narrow streets, colourful buildings, and lively waterfront cafes. Also, by staying here, you’ll be within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Porto Cathedral. So here are some accommodation options at different price points.

• Ribeira do Porto Hotel
• Cale Guest House
• Ribeira Flores 59 Downtown Apartments

Foz do Douro Neighbourhood

For those who prefer to stay near the ocean and have an upscale experience, the Foz do Douro neighbourhood is an excellent choice. Situated near the mouth of the river, Foz do Douro boasts stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere. Here, you’ll find boutique hotels and upscale restaurants, as well as beautiful beaches where you can unwind after a day of exploring. And the best part is that a trip into the city Center will only take you around 30 minutes by bus or cable car.

• Bartolomeu Beach Apartments
• Romantic – Casa Rua Bela
• Maison D’Oro
• Liiiving in Porto – Luxury Beachfront Apartments (great for groups)

Bolhão and Cedofeita Districts

If you’re on a tighter budget, the Bolhão and Cedofeita districts offer more affordable accommodations without compromising on charm. Bolhão is known for its bustling market and lively atmosphere, while Cedofeita is a bohemian neighbourhood with trendy cafes and independent boutiques.

But no matter where you choose to stay in Porto, you’ll find that the city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate and explore. In the next section, we’ll delve into how to get around Porto and make the most of your time in this captivating city.

• Blau 1911 (Great Price!)
• Seventyset Flats – Porto Historical Center (River Views)
• Ando Living – Flores Townhouse

How to get around Porto?

No matter where you choose to stay in Porto, you’ll find that the city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate and explore. With a well-connected public transportation system and plenty of walkable areas, getting around Porto is a breeze for first-time visitors.

One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot. Porto’s historic center is relatively small and its narrow, winding streets are filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Take your time to wander through the charming neighbourhoods, stopping to admire the beautiful architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street art along the way. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes , as Porto’s hilly terrain can be a bit challenging at times.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

A hop-on-hop-off pass in Porto is the perfect choice for a 3-day visit, allowing you to maximize your exploration of this beautiful city. With limited time, you can effortlessly cover all the must-see attractions, from historic landmarks to stunning waterfront views, while enjoying the flexibility to disembark and explore at your own pace. This pass ensures you don’t miss out on any key sights, and with the convenience of frequent buses, you can make the most of your time, creating an unforgettable Porto experience that’s both efficient and enjoyable.

Public Transportation

If you prefer to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time, Porto’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and the Metro, making it easy to reach all the major tourist attractions. The Metro is particularly convenient for getting around, with four lines that connect key areas of the city.

For a unique and scenic way to explore Porto, hop on one of the traditional trams that still operate in the city. Tram Line 1 takes you on a picturesque ride along the Douro River. Thus, offering breathtaking views of the city’s iconic bridges and colourful riverside houses. It’s a must-do experience that combines transportation with sightseeing.

Another popular mode of transportation in Porto is the iconic cable car, known as the Funicular dos Guindais. This cable car connects the riverside area with Batalha Square. This offers a convenient and enjoyable way to travel between these two points. The ride itself is an attraction! It provides panoramic views of the city as it ascends and descends through the hilly landscape.

Rent a Bike

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, renting a bike or joining an electric bike tour is a great option. The city has a growing network of cycling lanes and paths, and there are numerous bike rental shops where you can easily get set up with a bike for the day. Or, if you’d like a local to show you around, I recommend this electric bike tour . Pedalling along the riverside or through the lush parks can be a fantastic way to discover the hidden corners of Porto.

Overall, getting around Porto is a seamless experience that adds to the charm of this captivating city. Whether you choose to explore on foot, utilize the public transportation system, hop on a tram or cable car, or even rent a bike, you’ll find that navigating Porto is as enjoyable as the destination itself.

In the next section, we’ll delve into what to see and do in Porto in 3 days. Here I’ve summarized the top highlights and must-visit attractions that you won’t want to miss. But read onwards to gain more details on each activity and of course, where to eat!

What to See & Do in Porto in 3 Days: A Quick Summary

In this section, we’ll provide you with a quick summary of what to see and do during your 3 days in Porto. This will ensure that you make the most of your visit to this vibrant city. From exploring the historic centre to tasting the renowned port wine, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences awaiting you.

Exploring the Historic Center – Day 1 in Porto

Explore ribeira, a unesco world heritage site.

• Visit the São Bento Train Station , and Igreja do Carmo Church . Both known for its stunning azulejo tilework, which is a true symbol of the city’s architectural heritage.
• Bolhão Market for lunch 
• Livraria Lello, a renowned bookshop that inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series with its enchanting staircase and beautiful architecture. Or take a walking tour that shows you all the incredible places in Porto that J.K Rowling took inspiration for Harry Potter

Discovering the Art and Culture – Day 2 in Porto

• Art lovers should not miss the Serralves Museum
• Alternatively, you can opt for an exhilarating ride on the historic tram. This will take you through the charming streets of the Foz do Douro neighbourhood to the picturesque beaches.
• Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and the charming waterfront below.
• Port tasting at some of the top cellars. Or see and hear a live Fado performed at Cálem Wine Cellars in Porto. 

Indulging in Port Wine and River Cruises – Day 3 in Porto

• Embark on a leisurely river cruise along the Douro River . Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of terraced vineyards and picturesque towns. This will take up your whole day, and includes lunch and wine tasting!

With this quick summary of what to see and do in Porto in 3 days, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your adventure and create lasting memories in this captivating city. However, be sure to read on if you want more details on these activities and where to eat and drink!

What to See & Do in Porto in 3 Days: An in-depth 3 Day Porto Itinerary

Welcome to our in-depth 3 days in Porto itinerary, where we’ve meticulously crafted the perfect guide to help you explore this enchanting city in Portugal. Over the next 3 days, we’ll take you on a journey through Porto’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. From iconic landmarks like the Ribeira district and the Dom Luís I Bridge to hidden gems only the locals know about, our itinerary is designed to make your visit an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a taste of Porto’s unique charm, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone. Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this captivating city.

**Day 1 in Porto: Explore the Historic Center & Immerse Yourself in Porto’s Enchanting Charm**

Breakfast at mercador cafe & brunch.

Your 3 day Porto adventure begins with an enticing array of experiences that will transport you through time and culture. Kick-start your day at Mercador Cafe & Brunch! This is a delightful spot that not only serves up a scrumptious breakfast but also sets the tone for the day with its charming ambiance. As you savour your first meal in Porto, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the inviting aroma of fresh coffee and pastries, preparing you for the journey ahead.

With your energy replenished, you’ll embark on an exploration of Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic district is like a living museum, where every winding alleyway and colourful façade tells a story of Porto’s rich past. Cobbled streets lead you to the São Bento Train Station. Here you will find a true architectural gem known for its exquisite azulejo tilework, which adorns the walls like an intricate tapestry. Just a short walk away stands the Igreja do Carmo Church! Another masterpiece of azulejo artistry, painting the cityscape with vivid blues and intricate patterns. The Igreja do Carmo Church has become a Porto icon, thanks to Instagram!

Lunchtime at Bolhão Market

Lunchtime beckons, and the bustling Bolhão Market awaits with a tantalizing array of local delights. Here, you can savor Porto’s culinary treasures while absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved marketplace.

Livraria Lello

In the afternoon, venture into the world of literature at Livraria Lello , a legendary bookshop that once inspired J.K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter series. The enchanting wooden staircase and the grand architecture of the bookshop will transport you into a realm of magic. Alternatively, consider joining a walking tour that unveils the various Porto locations that left an indelible mark on J.K. Rowling’s creative process.

*Warning: Livraria Lello has become extremely famous thanks to social media and it’s connection to Harry Potter. Because of this, come prepared to stand in a long line just to enter the bookstore. Plus, they also charge an entrance fee of €8, which is fully discountable against the purchase of a book. 

In order to skip the line and see other Harry Potter inspired sites in Porto, be sure to check out this walking tour .

Just next door to Livraria Lello, you’ll find Fernandes, Mattos & Ca., Lda., a boutique that beckons shoppers with its charming offerings. Here, you can discover unique souvenirs and keepsakes to remember your Porto adventure.

Cocktails & Dinner

As the sun begins to set, head across the street to Base Porto . Here you’ll find a trendy open-air bar set in a serene green space that always has a great vbe. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you take in the twilight views of the city, and people watch. A perfect prelude to the evening ahead.

Cap off your day with an unforgettable dining experience at Bacalhau Restaurant . Here you can savor the flavours of Portugal while gazing out at the shimmering Douro River. If possible, secure a reservation for one of the riverside patio tables, where you’ll be treated to a captivating sunset that bathes the city in a warm, golden glow. This is Porto’s magic at its finest, a testament to the city’s ability to captivate hearts and inspire unforgettable moments. Day one has just scratched the surface of what this enchanting city has to offer.

**Day 2 in Porto: Immerse Yourself in Art, Culture, and Stunning Views**

Breakfast at majestic cafe.

As the sun rises on day two of your Porto escapade, start your morning at the Majestic Cafe . This cafe dates back to 1920, and is considered a treasure of Portugal’s art nouveau style. The decor exudes old-world elegance. And you’ll find yourself sipping your coffee amidst gilded mirrors, ornate chandeliers, and the whispers of the past. While it’s true that prices here might be a tad steeper than other options, dining here is an enchanting step back in time. And if their pricer menu isn’t in your travel budget, stroll past the Majestic Cafe and take a quick peak inside.

Choose Your Own Adventure: Serralves Art Museum Or Head to the Beach

Afterwards, for art aficionados, a visit to the Serralves Museum is a must. This cultural gem is a sanctuary of contemporary art, set amidst lush gardens and stunning architecture. The museum’s exhibitions are sure to leave you inspired, making it an essential stop for those seeking creative stimulation.

If you prefer to explore the coastline, hop on a historic tram for a journey through the charming Foz do Douro neighborhood, leading you to the idyllic beaches. This tram ride is not just a means of transport but a cultural experience in itself, as you traverse picturesque streets and engage with the local way of life.

Head Across the Dom Luís I Bridge for Port Tasting

Afterwards, embark on a walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge . It is an architectural marvel that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Douro River below. The bridge serves as a gateway to the charming waterfront, where the city’s soul truly shines. This vantage point captures the essence of Porto’s allure and is sure to be a highlight of your journey.

For a taste of Porto’s liquid heritage, indulge in a port wine tasting session at one of the city’s top cellars. Alternatively , immerse yourself in the emotive world of Fado music at Cálem Wine Cellars , where you can savour the rich melodies and powerful voices that echo through the heart of Porto.

Dinner & Drinks

As the evening approaches, return across the bridge for a delightful dinner at Tapas Na Boca . This restaurant is a place where the flavours of Portugal take centre stage. The city’s culinary traditions are on full display here, ensuring a delightful feast.

If you still have the energy after dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront. This is where the lively bars and cafes come alive. Porto’s nightlife offers a diverse array of entertainment. And it’s not uncommon to stumble upon hidden gems, like hookah bars and cocktail lounges.

With day 2 winding down, you can look forward to a journey to the Douro Valley Wine region. This day has been a celebration of art, culture, and captivating views, perfectly setting the stage for what promises to be another extraordinary day of exploration and discovery.

**Day 3 in Porto: Savoring the Douro Valley’s Beauty and Culinary Delights**

Your third day in Porto is a culmination of your journey, promising you a remarkable combination of natural splendor, wine tasting, and memorable dining experiences. Today, you will embark on a leisurely river cruise along the Douro River , offering you a front-row seat to the magnificent landscapes of terraced vineyards and quaint towns.

Moreover, the river cruise is an idyllic way to savour the beauty of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its vineyards that produce the world-renowned port wine. As you glide along the river, you’ll be mesmerized by the terraced hillsides that are adorned with lush vineyards, showcasing the centuries-old tradition of winemaking. This journey provides an immersive experience that allows you to appreciate the serenity of the valley. But you’ll also learn about its rich history and viticultural heritage.

For an all-inclusive experience, we opted for a river cruise package that includes wine tasting and a delectable lunch. This experience will deepen your understanding of the local wine production and gastronomy, making it a truly enriching day of exploration.

Final Dinner & Evening in Porto

For dinner, we recommend “Restaurante Toca da Raposa.” This quaint restaurant is known for its authentic Portuguese cuisine and friendly atmosphere. Here, you can indulge in a variety of regional dishes, with a particular focus on the fresh seafood and hearty meat options. The cozy ambiance and the warm hospitality create a perfect setting for a relaxing evening. Tonight reflect on your Porto adventure while savouring the last flavours of your trip.

As you enjoy your final evening in Porto, you’ll find that this city has left an indelible mark on your heart. And the Douro Valley’s charm has added a splendid final chapter to your unforgettable journey. Day 3 encapsulates the essence of Porto’s allure, from its stunning landscapes to its delectable culinary traditions, leaving you with treasured memories to carry forward.

Where & What to Eat in Porto?

Immersing yourself in Porto’s vibrant food scene is the perfect way to experience the city’s culture and culinary traditions. With its wide array of traditional dishes, fresh seafood, and world-renowned pastries, Porto offers a delectable journey for food enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a cozy local tavern or a trendy restaurant with a modern twist, there’s something to satisfy every palate in this gastronomic haven.

Port Wine Cellars

No visit to Porto is complete without indulging in the city’s beloved drink: port wine. Head to one of the port wine cellars located in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto, and take a guided tour to learn about the production process and history of this iconic wine. End the tour with a tasting session, where you can sample a variety of ports, ranging from the sweet and fruity to the rich and complex.

White Port Tonic

For those who appreciate the nuances of a classic gin and tonic, indulging in a white port tonic while in Porto is a must. This distinctive and revitalizing concoction flawlessly marries the sophistication of white port wine with the lively sparkle of tonic water, making it an exceptional choice for your Porto experience. While you can order these at the Port Wine Cellars, we also found that at restaurants and cocktail lounges around the city.

Porto’s Local Food Markets

Porto’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors, combining influences from both its Portuguese heritage and international influences. From quaint cafés serving freshly baked pastries to gourmet restaurants offering innovative interpretations of classic dishes, there is no shortage of options to satisfy your appetite. Begin your gastronomic adventure at one of Porto’s bustling markets, such as Mercado do Bolhão or Mercado Ferreira Borges, where you can browse stalls filled with an array of colorful produce, aromatic spices, and artisanal products.

Traditional Tascas

For a truly authentic experience, venture into one of the city’s traditional tascas, cozy neighborhood eateries that have been serving up hearty Portuguese dishes for generations. Here, you can savor dishes like Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (codfish casserole) or Tripas à Moda do Porto (Tripe Porto-style), both of which showcase the city’s culinary heritage.

Pastel de Nata

No visit to Porto would be complete without indulging in its renowned pastries. Head to one of the many pastry shops scattered around the city and indulge in the iconic pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart with a crispy crust. Pair it with a cup of aromatic Portuguese coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

As you explore the diverse food scene in Porto, keep in mind that reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak tourist seasons. Be open to trying new flavors and dishes, and don’t hesitate to ask the friendly locals for their recommendations. With its rich culinary heritage and passion for gastronomy, Porto is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

What Not to Do During Your 3 Days in Porto?

For first-time travelers visiting Porto, it’s essential not to waste time and money on activities that might not align with the city’s true essence and charm. While Porto is a city rich in authentic experiences, some tourist traps can be avoided. One thing not to waste time on is overpriced, Ribeira boat rides. Most of the time these can be overcrowded and not as authentic as exploring the city on foot or by tram. 

Also, skip overpriced, touristy restaurants in favor of exploring local eateries for a genuine taste of Porto’s culinary culture. With this being said, I will admit that Majestic Cafe’s menu is double the cost of anywhere else. But I really enjoyed admiring the architecture and ambiance.

Finally, don’t be lured by aggressive street vendors or time-consuming shopping in crowded commercial districts. Instead, seek out local markets and boutiques for unique, reasonably priced souvenirs. By focusing on more authentic and personal experiences, you can make the most of your visit to this enchanting city without wasting your time or money on overly commercialized offerings.

What Souvenirs to Buy in Porto, Portugal?

Now that you’re aware of what not to do in Porto, it’s time to move on to the next exciting topic: what souvenirs to buy in this captivating city. Get ready to discover the perfect mementos that will forever remind you of your delightful Porto adventure.

When it comes to souvenirs, Porto offers a plethora of options that reflect its unique culture and heritage. Whether you’re a food lover, a wine enthusiast, or a lover of traditional craftsmanship, there’s something for everyone to bring back home.

One of the most iconic souvenirs to take from Porto is, of course, Port wine. With its rich and complex flavors, this fortified wine is a symbol of the city and its centuries-old winemaking traditions. Head to one of the Port wine cellars for a tasting experience and choose your favorite bottle to savor the memories of your time in Porto.

Portuguese Food Souvenirs

For food enthusiasts, it’s hard to resist the temptation of bringing home a taste of Porto’s gastronomy. Look out for tins of sardines, a beloved local delicacy, which come in beautifully designed packaging. Another popular choice is traditional pastéis de nata, delicate custard tarts with a crisp pastry shell. Wrap them carefully and savor the flavors of Porto long after you’ve returned home.

Ceramics & Tiles

Additionally, if you’re seeking something more tangible to remember your Porto adventure, explore the local craft scene. Porto is known for its handmade ceramics, intricately painted with traditional motifs. From beautiful tiles to decorative plates or even personalized pieces, these ceramics make for unique and meaningful souvenirs. Keep an eye out for local artisans and their workshops to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind these treasures.

Linens and Intricate Embroideries

Finally, consider bringing back a piece of Porto’s textile heritage. The city is renowned for its quality linens and intricate embroideries. From hand-stitched tablecloths and napkins to embroidered shawls or framed pieces of art. These textiles showcase the skill and artistry of Porto’s artisans. By purchasing these items, you not only bring home a beautiful souvenir but also support the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

When packing for your adventure in Porto, don’t forget to leave some space in your luggage for these special souvenirs. With a bottle of Port wine, a tin of sardines, a few delicate custard tarts, a hand-painted ceramic piece, or an intricately embroidered textile, you’ll be able to carry the essence of Porto with you wherever you go. So pack your curiosity, sense of adventure, and a little extra room in your suitcase, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Porto’s treasures.

What to pack for 3 Days in Porto?

When preparing for your 3-day adventure in Porto, it’s important to consider what to pack. While Porto offers a plethora of unique experiences and sights to explore, there are a few essentials that will make your trip more comfortable.

Comfortable walking shoes

First and foremost, don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes . Porto’s hilly terrain and cobblestone streets require sturdy footwear to navigate with ease.

Whether you’re strolling along the picturesque Ribeira district or climbing the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for breathtaking views, comfortable shoes will ensure you can fully enjoy the city’s charm without discomfort. I opted for New Balance sneakers , sandals , or loafer flats that provided good arch support, and my feet didn’t complain.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Check the weather forecast for Lisbon during your trip and pack accordingly. Lightweight and breathable clothing is ideal for the warm summer months, but also consider layering options as temperatures can vary.

Pack a mix of tops, bottoms, this trendy linen short set and dresses that you can mix and match for different outfits. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or linen to help you stay cool and stylish during your trip. But don’t forget to pack a striped sweaters for when it gets cool in the evenings.

Sun Protection

Lisbon experiences plenty of sunshine, so it’s crucial to pack sun protection items. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF . Plus, trendy sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect your face and head.

Small Crossbody Bag or Backpack

A compact bag is essential for carrying your daily essentials while exploring the city. Opt for a crossbody bag or backpack that can securely hold your wallet, phone, map, water bottle, and any other items you may need throughout the day.

Travel Adapter and Portable Charger

Additionally, ensure you can stay connected and keep your devices powered up. Pack this travel adapter compatible with Portugal’s electrical outlets.

Not only does it work with my computer and hair curler, it has the additional four USB plugs at the top, to charge all your phone and any other gadgets! Additionally, bring a portable charger to keep your phone and other electronics charged while you’re out and about.

Remember to adapt this packing list based on personal preferences. As well as, the time of year you’re travelling, and any specific activities or events you plan to participate in while in Porto. For 10 of my best packing tips to ease anxiety, check out this post here . 

Conclusion: Make the most of your 3 Days in Porto, Portugal

In just 3 days, this carefully crafted itinerary will guide you through the enchanting city of Porto, Portugal. Thus, ensuring that you make the most of your visit. From exploring the historic center to immersing yourself in Porto’s vibrant food scene, this itinerary offers a little something for everyone.

As you wander through Porto’s historical landmarks and indulge in its delicious culinary delights, you’ll be captivated by the city’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re strolling along the Douro River or unwinding in one of Porto’s charming cafés, every moment in this incredible city is an opportunity for discovery.

So, don’t hesitate to start planning your trip to Porto today! As the saying goes, “Porto is a city that leaves an indelible mark on your heart.” So, pack your bags, gather your curiosity, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the streets of Porto. Start writing your own story in this fantastic city, and let Porto leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

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Planning on discovering Porto? Explore Portugal’s second city with the  Introducing Porto travel guide, where you'll find all the information you need to make the most of your trip.

Porto Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Porto
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• 2 Day Itinerary

Why visit Porto?

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon , with 1.7 million inhabitants.

Porto was chosen as “The City to Visit This Year” by Forbes in 2017 and is a definite must-see city in Europe , even if it is just for a weekend break.

Located in the north of Portugal by the outlet of the Douro River, it has a unique atmosphere with elegant neighbourhoods  and large villas sitting on narrow cobbled streets . This soulful city was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Porto is just the perfect size to explore by foot. You’ll enjoy wandering down its alleyways full of history and nostalgia . An evening walk along the Douro River, visiting the vibrant Mercado do Bolhão or sampling its renowned Port wine are just some of the many things you can do in this fascinating city.

Need accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend checking out the link below, where  you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels and apartments with the best rates guaranteed  (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination.

• Hotels in Porto – Find the best deals online

How to organize your trip?

If you’ve never been to Porto before, we suggest you read a little about its history , followed by learning about its top areas to visit, its main attractions and best museums . Don’t forget to also find out about the prices , climate and other general information on the city.  

top activities

Guimarães & Braga Day Trip On this day trip, we'll visit Guimarães and Braga, getting to know the culture, gastronomy and natural beauty of northern of Portugal.

Cálem Wine Cellars Guided Tour What's the secret to the famous Porto wine?  Discover what makes it so special with this tour of the Cálem wine cellars; one of the city's finest!

Douro Region Full-Day Trip Get to know the fertile banks of the Duero on this tour of Amarante and Pinhão. Discover the charming landscapes of this world-class wine-producing region .

Free Walking Tour of Porto Let yourself be seduced by Porto’s charming streets and colorful buildings while you wander through its nostalgic historic center.

Six Bridges Cruise This cruise takes in Porto's 6 bridges and is the city's most popular attraction . Don't miss it on your trip to Portugal's second city!

Paiva Walkways + 516 Arouca Bridge Tour On this tour you'll explore the Paiva River and its famous walkways . Also, you'll walk the longest pedestrian bridge in the world! Ready?

Complete Porto Tour With Tickets Discover all of Porto in one day, with this complete tour including food, cruise, a visit to a winery, and wine tasting .

Aveiro and Costa Nova Day Trip On this day trip to Aveiro & Costa Nova , we'll explore the coastal town known as the " Venice of Portugal " and visit one of the best beaches of Portugal .

Allow yourself to be swept away by fado  with this incredible musical performance at Casa de Guitarra, one of the most famous fado venues in Porto.

Porto Sunset Cruise Spend an unforgettable evening in Porto and watch the sun set over the city as you cruise the Douro River. You'll even enjoy a glass of wine onboard!

Aveiro and Paiva Walkways Trip Discover the wonderful Paiva Walkways and Aveiro with this fantastic trip from Porto. You will visit one of Portugal's most colorful cities. .

Cockburn's Port Lodge Tour Join us on a journey through Porto's winemaking traditions! We'll explore one of the largest wineries in the city on the Douro River and taste some wines.

Day Trip to Santiago de Compostela On this tour we'll visit Santiago de Compostela , one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the world, and  Valença do Minho , a beautiful historic town.

Porto Cruise with Dinner & Live Music Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and live music as you sail the Douro River on this unforgettable evening cruise in Porto. 

Visit one of the museums of WOW Porto.  You'll be able to choose between five of the six museums housed within this new complex in Porto - you can't miss it!

Porto Tuk Tuk Tour + Six Bridges Cruise Enjoy the city of the six bridges on this tuk-tuk tour of Porto, a cruise down the beautiful  Douro River , and an optional visit to a winery with  wine tasting !

Burmester Winery Visit & Tasting Delve into the tradition of Port wines during this guided visit to the Burmester winery . Explore the winery and enjoy a tasting of their fabulous wines.

Six Bridges Cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia Enjoy the famous Six Bridges of Porto cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia. You'll embark on a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat, and enjoy great views of the Douro.

Don't miss sailing down the Douro River on this  cruise along Porto's six bridges . An unforgettable tour with a delicious lunch on board included!

Free Walking Tour of Porto Street Art Porto has proven to be a source of inspiration for numerous artists: discover some of the city's most emblematic works of street art on this free walking tour.

Fado Show & Wine Tasting Experience a blend of wine and music at Caves Cálem , where you'll indulge in a delicious Porto wine & enjoy a fado performance in   Vila Nova de Gaia.

Ribeira District Free Tour Join us on a free tour of Porto's Ribeira  - we'll delve into the significance of the Douro River and explore one of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods .

Porto Card With this Porto Card, you'll discover all the medieval corners of the Ribeira and all the landmarks in Porto . And you'll also save both time and money!

Vila Nova de Gaia Free Tour Beautiful landscapes and a passionate history feature on this free tour of Vila Nova de Gaia , a beautiful town separated by Porto and the Duero River .

Old Town Porto Free Tour The  North of Portugal is very enchanting. We'll discover why on this  free tour of the Old Town of Porto , where we'll explore the most historic part of the city.

Murder, ghosts, and the occult ... On this free tour of Porto , we'll visit the most hidden and mysterious side of ' city of the Douro ' and see its night lights!

Private Tour of Porto Fall in love with the magic of Porto: delve into its lively atmosphere, admire its emblematic monuments and discover its history on this private tour.

Full Porto Tuk Tuk Tour Explore Porto in a comfortable way with this exciting  Tuk Tuk Tour . Hop on and discover the charm within Portugal's second-largest city.

Harry Potter Free Tour Explore the city of Porto and discover the places that inspired J.K. Rowling when writing one of the world's most famous literary sagas: Harry Potter.

Douro Valley Wine Tasting and Tour On this tour we'll get to know the history of Port wine , from its origin in the vineyards of the Douro Valley, as well as enjoying a tasting!

Porto Wine Tour + Winery Visit Discover Porto's finest wine cellars , and enjoy their port and feel like a local trying the most traditional dishes in the most typical bars.

Watch the only show in Porto dedicated exclusively to traditional Fado music at the  Ideal Clube de Porto  and get lost in the sounds of Portuguese music.

Peneda-Gerês National Park Day Trip Discover one of Portugal's greatest natural jewels with this Peneda-Gerês National Park Day Trip. You'll explore its streams, waterfalls, forests and much more.

World of Discoveries Ticket With this ticket to World of Discoveries , you'll  see the world through the eyes of Portuguese explorers and navigators  and more learn about this time period.

Régua Day Cruise Sail the River Douro & discover the capital of wine  with this Régua Day Cruise. To get the most out of the local landscapes we'll return to Porto by train!

Matosinhos Surf Class Get your adrenaline pumping by being king of the waves for a day with this Matosinhos Surf Class. You'll learn to control your movements and surf the Atlantic.

SEA LIFE® Porto Ticket Get lost in the depths of the marine world at SEA LIFE Porto - discover the amazing and fascinating creatures that live under the sea.

Segway Tour of Porto Explore the historic centre of Porto with this fun segway tour. A light-hearted and different way to get to know the history of the city in Douro.

Fátima and Coímbra Day Trip Let's discover  Portugal's main place of pilgrimage, Fátima , as well as explore the beautiful town of Coimbra  on this day trip.

Porto Jet Boat Experience See Porto from a new perspective on this unique thrill ride: speed over the Douro River in a Jet Boat. Feel the adrenaline rush as you cruise over the water!

Porto Buggy Adventure Discover the Portuguese city's neighbourhoods including Quintandona and the Castro de Monte Mozinho with this Porto Buggy Adventure.

Bolhao & Batalha Sunset Free Tour The cafés, theatres and even the stations of Porto buzz with alternative energy. See the cultural side of the city with this Bolhao & Batalha Free Tour!

Porto Wine Tour & Tourist Train Discover the delights of Porto on board the tourist train that tours the city and stops at the Real Companhia Velha Winery, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting!

With this ticket , you'll have access to the tourist bus and tram of Porto . You can go up and down as many times as you like - you won't want to miss it!

Food Tour of Porto Enjoy the traditional cuisine of Porto  with this food tour around the centre of the beautiful city in the Douro region . Are you going to miss out?

Porto Vintage Car Private Tour Glamour and fun combine perfectly in this private vintage car tour of Porto. Don't miss out on exploring the city in a replica of a 1920s Ford Model T !

Ribeira and Porto Medieval Walking Tour Discover the most historic side of Porto during a pleasant stroll that'll take you back in time to the Middle Ages and discover the Ribeira district .

On this jeep tour through the mountains in Porto, we'll travel through the valleys and forests around the Portuguese city and enjoy breathtaking views.

Porto Electric GoCar Tour Drive an electric car through Porto and discover the main streets and monuments of this beautiful city - a different way to go sightseeing!

Private Day Trips from Porto Do you want to discover the north of Portugal? On this private tour, you'll visit  Braga and Guimaraes, or you can roam the Duoro wine region .

Show at Casa do Fado - Sé Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the traditional music of Portugal  in this vibrant show at Casa do Fado - Sé, a popular venue in the historic center of Porto.

Porto Legends Ticket Learn all about Portuguese history and discover dark secrets with an immersive audiovisual virtual reality experience at the Porto Legends show. 

Porto Night Tour & Wine Tasting Discover the " city of 6 bridges " with this Porto Night Tour & Wine Tasting . You'll explore its charming streets and sip on some fantastic wines!

Unsolved mysteries and secrets are hidden in the backstreets of Porto . Discover the darkest part of the city on this tour full of legends and crime stories.

Guided Tour of Porto and Wine Cellars In this tour of Porto, we'll pass through the historic centre to get to know its most special nooks & discover why it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe Porto Enjoy good music, a unique atmosphere, and the best dishes in American cuisine by having lunch or dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Porto.

Porto Cooking Class In this Portuguese cuisine cooking class, we'll learn from professional chefs about the delicious traditional dishes of Porto food .

Electric Bike Hire Rent an electric bicycle in Porto and discover the beautiful historic centre of the Douro city while being environmentally friendly . Ready to pedal?

1 Day Cruise to Pinhão On this cruise along the Douro, we'll sail along the river between Porto and Pinhão . And to complete the experience, we'll return to Porto by train.

Excursion to Aveiro & Boat Trip On this excursion to Aveiro , you'll discover the Portuguese   Venice  and admire its   art nouveau architecture   and colourful boats .

Porto Electric Bike Tour With this electric bike tour you'll discover the history of Porto by pedalling through its most iconic streets and cycling past its most important monuments.

Arouca Geopark Canyoning In this activity, we'll enjoy a canyoning descent in the Arouca Geopark , a place of great geological value and scenic beauty . Pure adrenaline!

Porto Sidecar Tour The Dom Luís I Bridge, São Bento Station and other historic monuments await on our  Porto Sidecar Tou r. Explore the city where the Douro River meets the sea 

Duoro River Boat Party Join us for a brilliant boat party as we sail down the Duoro River ! Dance the night away with live music , refreshing drinks and unbeatable scenery !

Paiva River Paddleboarding Tour On this excursion from Oporto we'll travel to the confluence of the Douro  river and one of its tributaries to paddleboard in the Paiva River.

Porto Photo Tour Capture beautiful moments and must-see monuments with this Porto Photo Tour. Enjoy a photographic route to take incredible snapshots of the Portuguese city.

Stained Glass Museum Ticket With this ticket to the Stained Glass Museum in Porto , you'll discover how glass is turned into art . You'll be captivated by the stained-glass windows !

Fonseca Winery Tour + Fado Show How are Porto wines made? Discover just this on this visit to the Fonesca winery in Vila Nova de Gaia , and try a glass with a delicious meal and a Fado show!

Fado Na Baixa Show While in Porto, an unmissable experience awaits you at Fado Na Baixa . Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring world of traditional Portuguese music .

Lamego & Pinhao + Douro River Cruise + Wine Tasting Embark on a captivating journey to Lamego and Pinhão , unravelling the wonders of the Ribeira do Douro region , and take a river cruise with a wine tastin

This dinner cruise is a unique opportunity to discover the illuminated city of Porto and enjoy  its delicious cuisine . You'll spend an unforgettable evening!

On this trip to Amarante, you'll discover one of the greatest jewels in the North of Portugal . Culture, architecture and history await you. Don't miss out!

Poças Winery Tour Discover the Porto wine tradition with this visit to the Poças Winery where you'll learn all about the production process and taste some of its best wines.

Fado Show in Porto de Fados At this Fado show in Porto de Fados ,   you'll enjoy the passion and art of Portuguese music in a cosy concert hall. You'll love it!

Tiles of Porto Free Tour On this tour of Porto , we'll explore the city and discover all the monuments decorated with beautiful traditional blue tiles !

Discover the darkest secrets and most enigmatic stories hidden within the city of Porto with this free mysteries and legends tour. It'll give you goosebumps!

Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, 6 Bridges Cruise & Cálem Wine Cellars Spend 48 hours touring Porto on a hop-on hop-off bus and floating along the Duoro River on the 6 Bridges Cruise . Also, you'll visit the Cálem Wine Cellar .

Porto Walls Free Walking Tour Tour the main sections of the old castle walls of Porto with this free tour of one of the areas with the greatest historical legacy of the city.

Boat Rental with Skipper in Porto Rent a boat with skipper in Porto and sail down the Douro River at your leisure. You'll sail in an exclusive way with your partner, family, or friends

Sailing Tour of Porto Enjoy the city of Porto from a unique perspective when you take our fantastic sailboat trip along the beautiful Douro river !

Night Tour, Dinner and Fado Show Enjoy a unique night with the best views of the city while you enjoy Portuguese gastronomy. And the cherry on top is the fado show, the very soul of Portugal!

Porto Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour + Winery Visit This bus passes through Porto's must-see landmarks , allowing you to get on and off as much as you want. You'll also visit a winery and taste local wines !

Why read our Porto guide?

It's written in an easy, conversational style and it can help you save money! Discover how to get the most out of your trip to Porto and enjoy this updated guide.

All the information and data in this guide has been updated in August 2022 . If you see any errors or anything that should be changed, please contact us .

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How To Plan A Trip To Porto, Portugal’s Hub Of Food, Culture, & Wine

The city doesn’t play second fiddle to Lisbon.

Most travelers bound for Portugal fly into Lisbon and spend a few days exploring the picture-perfect capital. A standard itinerary tends to include a day trip to the Alentejo countryside and perhaps venturing south to the golden beaches of the Algarve for the weekend. That said, vacationers interested in art, culture, and gastronomy should set their sights farther north. Situated on the banks of the Douro River estuary, Porto (also referred to as Invicta, meaning undefeated) is a vibrant cultural hub with a UNESCO-listed cobbled core and centuries of stories to tell. Steeped in history but not stuck in the past, Portugal’s second city has recently become a mecca for expats, digital nomads, and creatives who have brought fresh energy to one of the oldest ports in Europe. Not only does it offer an incredible culinary scene, beautiful tiled buildings, and port lodges along the Vila Nova de Gaia but it’s also a terrific home base for day trips to Douro Valley.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Portgual in 2024, make sure to add a few days in Porto to your itinerary. The underrated gem truly does not disappoint. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip — complete with francesinha sandwiches, riverside strolls, and, of course, plenty of fortified wine.

Where To Stay

For a boutique stay right in the heart of everything, check into Torel 1884 . The sister property of the artsy and elegant Torel Avantgarde is a design lover’s dream that nods at Portugal’s Age of Discoveries with whimsy and a contemporary sensibility. Potted plants and clay masks by sculptor João Pedro Rodrigues greet guests in the entryway. On the three floors above, high-ceilinged bedrooms are themed off Africa, the Americas, and Asia. There’s also an inviting guests-only library and a ground-level restaurant/bar for Portuguese food with international influences.

Set back from the center, Village by BOA took over and transformed a 19th-century working-class community. The present-day structures still reflect the original character on the exterior, only now the interiors are quite fresh and modern with a neutral palette, local ceramics, and wood accents. The reasonable rates and apartment-style setups — which range in configuration from studios to two-bedroom duplexes — make it especially appealing for longer trips and remote workers.

Away from the hustle and bustle on the other side of the river, The Yeatman is a five-star standout in Vila Nova de Gaia. From the decanter-shaped pool and walls decorated with vineyard murals to cellar tours and grape-infused facials at the spa, it’s the ideal retreat for lovers of wine and luxury.

Where To Eat & Drink

Frequently hailed as the best food destination in Portugal, Porto is a culinary superstar with everything from modest hole-in-the-walls to fine dining. To try a real-deal francesinha — a famously hearty open-faced sandwich composed of meat, melted cheese, and fried egg smothered in a rich, boozy sauce that originated in the city — beeline it to Café Santiago . If there’s one thing everyone seems to agree on, it’s the level of deserved fanfare surrounding Taberna Dos Mercadores , a tiny, 20-seat eatery that fires the most mouthwatering seafood rice around and only accepts reservations over the phone. Unpretentious, homespun recipes keep the throngs of locals and in-the-know travelers returning to O Buraco .

A bit off-the-beaten-path in a more residential area, Apego provides an outstanding dining experience with artfully plated dishes, a curated wine list, and warm hospitality to match. Gruta serves refined, Michelin-rated renditions of classics like shrimp sautéed with olive oil and salsa verde in an upscale yet wonderfully unfussy setting.

At the bi-level Mercado do Bolhã you’ll find a variety of vendors selling produce, flowers, tinned fish, and prepared foods. On Friday afternoon, it’s the place to grab a glass of wine, a porto tonico, or a fresh juice and something tasty to nibble, catch up with friends and enjoy the convivial energy.

The city also has a strong cafe and bakery game. Head to Época Porto and Manna Porto , which are both great spots for mid-sightseeing refueling with specialty coffee and plenty of veg-friendly offerings. Sweet tooth? The always-busy Castro makes the most crave-able pastéis de nata.

One of the main reasons people come to Porto is, of course, to drink port. And if you fall into that camp, rest assured the options are plentiful. Cálem and Graham’s rank among the most popular lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia for tours and tastings. In a sea of wine bars, Genuíno and A Cave Do Bon Vivant stand out from the rest.

Porto brims with impressive landmarks. First up, the hilltop Porto Cathedral , an important Romanesque monument known for its stunning tile work and far-reaching vistas. Another spot for amazing views, the iconic bell tower attached to Clérigos Church rises nearly 250 feet. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top for panoramic sweeps before heading downstairs to check out the religious artifacts and listen to organ concerts.

The Palácio da Bolsa boasts a Neoclassical facade and opulent interiors. Around the corner, the Church of São Francisco is well regarded as the most impressive example of Gothic architecture in the city. There's typically a bottleneck of shutter-happy tourists trying to snap selfies in front of the blue-and-white tiled Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls in English). As you’re ticking key attractions off the list, don’t forget about Livraria Lello — which reportedly inspired Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series — Igreja do Carmo, Casa do Infante, and Church of Saint Ildefonso. Cais da Ribeira, the lively riverfront promenade buzzes with pedestrian foot traffic. It’s a great place to walk around or stop for a drink and watch the boats cruise past.

To reach Vila Nova de Gaia, walk across the famous Luís I Bridge and then hop on the Teleférico de Gaia for stunning skyline views and an expedited entry to the riverfront. When the new WOW cultural district opened, it very much changed the landscape of things, turning the area into a thriving enclave of museums — including the Instagrammable Pink Palace that allows patrons to try five different styles of rosé.

The world’s oldest demarcated wine region and the birthplace of port, Douro Valley sits 90 minutes outside of Porto — making for an easy day trip. Besides just sipping and swirling, viticulture enthusiasts will enjoy guided walks through the rolling vineyards, visits to historic quintas, and scenic rides along its namesake river. If you have a night or two to spare, it’s well worth staying over at one of the vinho-centric hotels like the Six Senses Douro Valley .

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This Cultural Wine District in Porto, Portugal, Has 12 Restaurants and Immersive Drink Experiences — Here's How to See It

It'll WOW you.

Portugal's northern city of Porto is well-known for the scenic Douro River that traverses the city, its proximity to the country's Douro Valley, and the production of port. Just minutes away from the city's center, though, is a multilayered experience that encompasses the best of Porto's history, and of course, wine. WOW, The New Cultural District , formerly known as the World of Wine, is located in the historic Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood. First opened in the summer of 2020, the whopping 500,000-square-foot space includes seven interactive museum experiences, and 12 restaurants, bars, and cafes housed within restored port wine cellars. There's also a variety of retail spaces and a school that offers workshops on wine and gastronomy.

Beyond the wine, you'll also be able to enjoy chocolate tastings, exhibitions of Portuguese fashion through the years, or simply people watch in a central square that offers magnetic views of the old city, Dom Luís I Bridge, and glowing Douro River below. WOW's debut made it one of Europe's biggest tourism developments, at the time, and now that international travel has picked up again, there's no better time for a visit.

The Best Things to do at WOW

Party in the Pink Palace

Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure

Get a hands-on experience with the ubiquitous summer wine: rosé. At Pink Palace , 11 colorful rooms offer an education on how rosé grapes are grown around the world along with Instagrammable props. You'll also be able to try five different rosés along the way: Quinta do Vale do Bragão Rosé, AIX Gran Vin de Provence Rosé, Mateus Rosé, Vértice Rosé Bruto, and Croft Pink Rosé Port.

Get Ready for Class

There are 250 grapes indigenous to Portugal, and at WOW's Wine School, you'll learn about many of them, from alvarinho to touriga nacional. The premises feature three training rooms, two with a tasting room and another with a kitchen, and classes focus on wine selection and food-and-wine pairing, among other customizable courses.

Come for the Wine, Stay for the Fashion

Housed in a historic building from the 18th century, the Porto Fashion & Fabric Museum includes two collections showcasing different sections of the fashion and textile industry in Portugal. The first level explains the integral role that the textile industry has played in Portugal's economy, as well as all the steps of production, from creating the material to weaving the final piece. On the second level, gain a true appreciation of Portuguese fashion with a look at styles from more than 46 national designers.

Taste a Range of Varietals

Portugal is a small but mighty country in many ways, including its microcosm of different landscapes that produce some truly excellent wines. At The Wine Experience , the art of demystifying wine is presented to visitors through education on the soil, climate, and grapes that produce the region's sparkling, red, and white wines. This is also a sensory experience, where tastings, vision, and smell are employed to deepen your relationship to the glass.

Get to Know Chocolate in a Different Way

WOW's Chocolate Story takes visitors through an in-depth, 12-step journey, from cocoa plantations to chocolate-manufacturing processes. You'll learn about the origins of chocolate, how to differentiate its varying flavor notes, and of course, have an opportunity to taste the chocolate.

Save Room for a Meal (or Two)

After exploring WOW, you'll likely work up an appetite, and there are no shortage of options among the 12 restaurants , bars, and cafes. For an elevated dining experience, head to 1828, which offers numerous cuts of steak, seafood, and seasonal dishes. For brunch, V.P. serves classics like eggs Benedict and pancakes with fruit compote. Golden Catch offers a number of local seafood dishes, and a catch of the day that's served with mussels, prawns, and coriander. For vegetarians, Root & Vine offers dishes like a shiitake mushroom and white truffle oil soup, and tofu with caramelized pineapple and quinoa.

Where to Stay During a Visit to WOW

After a full day of exploration, there's no better place to retreat than The Yeatman Hotel , just steps from WOW. The 109-room luxury boutique hotel offers the most enviable views in the city from its multileveled terraces, and serves as a great retreat from the bustling streets across the river. Three-and-a-half acres of lush garden drape the property, and a collection of art and antiques highlight the hotel's commitment to showcasing the region's history. Each accommodation is named after one of the hotel's 109 Portuguese wine producers and comes equipped with a furnished terrace or balcony. Three on-site dining experiences include The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant , which has garnered two Michelin stars under the direction of chef Ricardo Costa. For wine lovers, there are a number of opportunities, including the popular Thursday summer wine dinners, tastings from the hotel's roster of 25,0000 Portuguese wine bottles, and WOW just below.

How to Visit WOW

The entrance to WOW's outdoor areas is free of charge, including access to restaurants, cafes, and shops. For more information on entrance fees to exhibitions and the wine school at WOW, visit the main ticketing website here .

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Porto blog — the fullest porto travel guide & porto travel blog for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Known as the industrial center with a busy and vibrant pace of life in Portugal, the city of Porto is gradually becoming one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Western Europe. Located along the mouth of the Douro River in the northern Portugal, Porto is the second largest city after Lisbon and is also home to FC Porto – the famous football club in Europe. It also has a variety of premium and fine wines, especially the well-known one called Portwind. Not only that, Porto also has a strong attraction by the beauty of an ancient historical city blending with civilized and modern. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Porto for the first-time? Let’s check out our Porto travel blog (Porto blog) with the fullest Porto travel guide (Porto guide, Porto portugal guide, Porto tourist guide, Porto visitor guide) from how to get there, best time to go, where to stay, where to go and top things to do to find out the answer!

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As an industrial city but Porto is known for its charming scenery with mountains, long rivers, the sea side by side, beautiful streets and quaint red roof tiles houses winding on the hillsides, exquisite and rich cuisine, friendly people, close-knit lifestyle and especially the service price is very affordable.

Porto is one of the busiest industrial and commercial centers in Portugal. The population of this city is not too large, only about 1,500,000 people living within a radius of 50km with surrounding areas such as: Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia, Gondomar, and Espinho…

Porto blog: A brief history of Porto

The city’s ancient name was Portus Cale, then Portucale and is the origin of the modern country’s name of Portugal. In the 11th century, Porto became the capital of the county of Portugalia, the birthplace of the later Kingdom of Portugal. The Portuguese still consider Porto the “unofficial capital” of their country. What visitors enjoy in Lisbon can also be found in Porto, even more. When traveling to Porto, you will see the charm of the classical architecture from Medieval Times, the red tile roofs of colorful houses blooming on the banks of the Douro River, the jingling trams, the winding streets and steep alleys, the gentle cafes… and a slow melancholy charm.

Porto blog: Overview of Porto

I have never thought I would have so many feelings for a city that I had no idea in mind when I visited. Even what I known about Portugal is only “Spain’s neighbor” or “Ronaldo’s hometown”. Porto, is not the capital, so it’s even more ambiguous. But thanks to that “ambiguous thing” that made my heart not too expect, making me explore this small port city with a slightly excited feeling like a white sheet of paper in the golden sunshine of May.

Porto, if personified, it would be a rustic but classy girl. With a history of forming a port city from the 300s BC, Porto is an ancient city of Portugal, also the second largest city in this country after Lisbon.

Porto is more vibrant and beautiful thanks to the Douro river flowing through, not only that, the whole city is also located on high and steep cliffs. The winding and steep streets are like flowing streams. Walking around will make you feel relaxed when drop downhill and will get tired when have to climbing up. That’s why strolling around Porto and being captivated by each frame is a memorable experience.

This city can be likened to a huge museum of art. Azulejos motif patterns (panels of tile-mosaic, tiles patterns) with blue-and-white tiles and glazed porcelain tiles are used everywhere. Patterns of flowers, human and animals are painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework, decorating houses and beautiful interior mosaics tiles. These blue and white motif patterns are most popular in Porto and you can see no less than three major churches here using this pattern for its exterior design. Azulejos ancient patterns are decorated in a simple arch of color, mostly white and light-blue. These colors are believed to have been influenced by the era of explosive maritime discovery (15th-18th centuries) and are considered neo-modern at that time. Other colors that appeared later were yellow and green.

Porto is a busy and bustling port city that is also world famous for its wine production. Come to Porto, walking through streets, seeing cafes lying close together and find yourself a nice spot to sip a glass of wine while watching the city and people passby is also the great relax moments.

Don’t forget to stop by Porto’s bridges to see Porto from above, you don’t need drones to take real aerial photos because Porto’s topography allows you to do that. And visit Porto when the sun getting down until dusk when the lights by the port are sparkling and warm when the summer sun still not yet fade.

The old town is completely located in the Douro river basin. The center of Porto is planned on both sides of the river in the shape of a V. The traditional houses here are built closely along the hillsides, as if sticking to it, creating a distinctive beauty. Each house in the Old Quarter has existed for hundreds of years, but their architecture are very different.

Porto travel blog: When to come?

Porto has a typical semi-Mediterranean climate, the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius in summer and in winter the temperature can drop to 0 degrees Celsius. From April, the number of tourists begins to be crowded and bustling, lasting until October. However, the best time to visit Porto is around mid-June to September.

Porto has 220 days of sunshine in year. The temperature rises on sunny days, the warm and temperate winter is an ideal sunbathing spot for European tourists. Some travelers choose to come here for their winter break, from November to February, but that trip is more likely to be affected by weather conditions. During the winter months, all restaurants, hotels and bars remain open to serving customers!

Porto Portugal guide: How to get to Porto?

By plane from vietnam.

There are not many airlines flying to Porto directly – most will fly to Lisbon – but Turkish Airlines that will allow you to fly to Porto with one transit in Turkey. Booking tickets 3 months in advance costs from USD691.96 – USD778.45/round trip. You should book tickets on weekdays – do not book on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays – it will be cheaper.

If you departing from other cities, visit sites like Google Flights , Skyscanner , Kayak to find cheap tickets and the most suitable flight route.

By plane from other European cities

This is the means I recommend you to use if you are already in Europe because there are many airlines flying to Porto from European cities. You can use Skyscanner, Momondo, GoEuro apps to find suitable flight routes depending on your departure point.

I flew to Porto from Barcelona by Ryanair and fly back to Paris by Aigle Azur.

The common point of the two airlines is that the cost is cheap and economical, if you book early, one way is about 40 euros / person – excluding checked baggage. If you want to upgrading checked baggage, the fees is 20 euros for Ryanair and 25 euros for Aigle Azur, respectively. If you upgrade at check-in time, the price will be doubled – I recommend you upgrading through the apps of these two carriers.

Note: Before flying with Ryanair and Aigle Azur, you will be required to online check-in 24 hours in advance and self-print out your boarding pass. It is quite inconvenient but is mandatory for non-EU citizens. However, with Aigle Azur, I forgot to print my boarding pass and they printed it for me without any charge. With Ryanair, because I haven’t tried it yet, I don’t dare to advise. But to be sure, you should remember to print your boarding pass first.

Getting from airport to city center

The airport is 50 minutes by car or 40 minutes by subway line E (metro) to central Porto. Tickets of the both types of means of transport are easy to buy at the airport and ticket prices range from €8 to €10. If you take metro, you will go directly to the Trindade central station.

Note: If you take a night flight to Porto between 1:30AM and 6AM daily, there will be no buses or subway lines, so taking a taxi (expensive) is the only option to getting to the city center or you have to sleep at the airport to save money.

Getting to Porto by train

In the city, there are two big stations: São Bento station and Campanha station (Estación de Porto-Campanhã). You can getting here from Madrid and Paris regularly. However, traveling by this type of vehicle you have to change train in Tui with the taxi price for this ride is €5.

Getting to Porto by bus from Barcelona

This is for reference only because the bus ride from Barcelona is nearly 24 hours by Alsa or Eurolines. It takes so much time but the price is not cheap, the tickets cost 75 euros / way / person. So I still recommend you to use plane.

Getting to Porto by boat/ferry

Porto is famous as a seaport city, so it’s not surprising if you want to come here by waterway. There are two ports that help you reach Porto in the easiest way: Leixoes and Douro. You can refer to ferry timetables and routes here .

Porto blog: Getting around Porto

Buses and the metro/tram system provide convenient ways to access to the suburbs, while in the historic center of the city, you can completely walkable.

Traveling by public transport in Porto is very simple with metro. With 6 lines A B C D E F running throughout the city, you can go anywhere with metro. So how to use Metro?

You can buy tickets right at the Aeroport station upon arriving at the Porto airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport). If you traveling a lot, I recommend you to buy a 24-hour ticket (unlimited traveling times) that costs 6.90 euros/ticket instead of buying a single ticket of 1.60 euros/trip.

Steps to buy tickets by ticket vending machines.

• Select language.
• Select a ticket type (single ticket or day ticket).
• Select the number of days. You can choose from 1 to 7 days.
• Select zones. It’s quite complicated at this step but you can choose Z4, because Porto is small and attractions mainly located in Z4 including the airport.
• Payment. The ticket vending machine accepts coins, banknotes and even cards. Note that the swipe card is prone to errors, if you have a chip card, it will be easier to pay.
• Get tickets.

Note: Please note that if you want to buy multiple tickets for many people, you need to buy multiple times, because the machine does not have the function of selling multiple tickets at once. I clicked wrongly when I saw that I bought a card and selected “5 titles” for 5 people in the group, in fact, a card valid for 5 days. This is a pretty bloody experience, LOL.

Porto blog: What to do and where to go?

Ribeira district.

Exploring Ribeira, visitors have the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture filled with color, traditional colorful houses lying close together with red roof tiles, red bricks, mosaics on old windows and the labyrinth of small, narrow, winding old cobblestone roads. In 1996, Ribeira brought pride to the people of the city because it was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Currently in the Old Quarter there are many restaurants, cafes and bars that still retain the old-fashioned architecture.

Ponte Luis I Bridge

An attraction not to be missed is the Ponte Luis I bridge, a double-deck metal arch bridge was desgined by the architects Théophile Seyrig, Léopold Valentin partnered with the great architect Gustave Eiffel (who designed the Eiffel Tower) and started to build in 1880. From Bairro da Ribeira streets, cross the river and climb upstairs by stairs or tram.

Porto Six Bridges Cruise + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The Ponte Luis bridge is the symbol of Porto, connects the two banks of the Douro River. Take a walk across the bridge, standing at a height of 46.5 m above the river at sunset or dusk and admiring panoramic views of Porto city, sometimes stop to watch the trams or vehicles back and forth, watch the boats carrying wine bobbing on the river below, soak up the wonderful scenery here.

Address: PTE Luiz I, Porto Access: Take metro line D to Jardim do Morro/Sao Bento

Jardim do Morro

Don’t forget to stop by Jardin do Morro to try delectable street food in Porto too. There may not be traditional dishes, but the food trucks here are always crowded with diners and the prices are very cheap too. At a nearby park, you can lying on the grass and eating something, warming up in the summer sun is not a bad idea. From here, travelers also can enjoy the panoramic view of the old town of Porto and fall in love with Porto again.

Address: Av. da República, 4430-148 Vila Nova de Gaia Getting there: Metro Line D – Jardim do Morro / Tram / Bus

Majestic Cafe

This cafe is not only famous for its delicious coffee, quaint architecture but also because this is where the writer J.K. Rowling spent a lot of time writing her famous book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. She left Porto in 1994 and in 1997, the book was published after many difficulties.

Address: Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal Hours: 9:30AM–11:30PM/Sunday: Closed

Livraria Lello

This oldest bookstore in Portugal is known as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Here you can find a wide variety of books in different languages. The funny thing is that you have to pay a fee of 5 euros / person to enter the bookstore because the bookstore is regularly in need of renovation and the number of visitors every year is large. If you buy a book here, you will receive a 10% discount when show your entrance ticket.

Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal Hours: 10:30AM–7PM/Monday: Closed

Igreja do Carmo

The world famous Portuguese brick architecture. The 18th century church Igreja do Carmo is a must-see attraction! Located in the heart of the old town, the exterior design of the church is exquisite and wonderful. Classical architecture combined with beautiful murals on the outside walls. The interior of the church is also richly decorated which is well worth a look.

Address: R. do Carmo, 4050-164 Porto, Portugal Hours: 9AM–6PM Getting there: Tram 18 to Carmo

Sunbathing at coloful balconies

Porto’s city center is itself an attraction. Every corner can make for a great Instagram photo, every wall can become a colorful backdrop. On the balcony, people sit and enjoy sunlight. The flowers and plants hanging on railings also make you imagine a bit the delicate life of the local people.

Enjoy the beauty of Duoro River

The Douro is a river that flows through Spain and Portugal. Strolling along the banks of the Duoro River in Bairro da Ribeira distrit and admire the remnants of Baroque architecture. If you want to experience the river in a different way, boat tours can be a good choice.

Sipping coffee in a leisure afternoon

In the afternoon when the sun shines from the west bank to the south bank over Duoro River is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of coffee in the sun.

Street art is a signature feature in the culture of Portugal in general and of Porto in particular. You can easily spot gaffiti street art in any small side street of Porto. Porto is a place where all the streets and alleys are hidden with mysterious beauty. As soon as you look up, you will see 3D murals right in front of your eyes, it’s amazing.

Wine and street performance

You should buy a bottle of wine and bring it to the riverside to enjoy while watching the beautiful sunset and enjoying the street performances.

Monastery of Serra do Pilar

Next to Jardim do Morro is the Monastery of Serra do Pilar (Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar). When climbing up to its rooftop, you can see Porto from above. It’s only 4-min walk from the Dom Luis I Bridge.

Address: Largo Aviz, 4430-329 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal Hours: 10AM–5:30PM/Monday: Closed Getting there: Metro Line D – Jardim do Morro Ticket price: €1, €3 to climb to the top (<12 years old is free)

Stop by to visit the old cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia region, you will learn about the traditional wine production process of this beautiful country, from grape harvesting, processing, distilling and bottling. At the end of the journey, you can raise a glass to enjoy each of the most delicious wines.

Porto Historical Tour with Wine Tasting and Cruise Experience

Don’t forget the beaches around Porto

You need to change the atmosphere, immerse yourself in the beautiful nature with the blue sea is a good choice. Endowed with a unique location, Porto lies along the coast of the Costa Verde and is surrounded by many stunning beaches.

Matosinhos Coast (Costa Nova Coast)

The nearest beach from Porto with soft, white sand bay and clear blue water. If you want to escape the crowds, there are many picturesque beaches dotted along the coast for you to choose from.

Address: Avenida General Norton de Matos, Matosinhos 4450-208 Getting there: Transdev Bus (L5951) in Rossio or near the train station, will take you to Barra or Costa Nova in about 40 minutes. Ticket price: €4.80 (two-way)

Praia de Espinho Beach

This pristine beach is located near the resort town of Espinho. It is a great destination for travelers who want to spend a whole day for relaxing.

Praia do Senhor da Pedra

Praia do Senhor da Pedra is a very beautiful beach, near the city of Porto and famous for the image of a small church located on an island.

​​Foz do Douro Beach

There is another beach that is also very popular with Portuguese on their family vacations, Foz do Douro. Although it is smaller than other beaches, but owns a very unique beauty, including many sharp cliffs lying close together to form extremely dangerous terrain.

Cruise on the Douro River

The history of formation and development of Porto is closely associated with the mighty Douro river. Since ancient times, local people have used boats to transport wooden wine barrels to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Today, wine is transported by large ships.

To fully experience Porto, there is nothing more perfect than take a cruise tour on the Douro River to see the city in a unique way. A very new feeling, Porto looms in front of your eyes, flanked by colorful houses. Far away, ships carrying wine moored on the river as if reminiscent of good stories of the past. The monumental Dom Luis I Bridge is considered a symbol of the city.

Boat tours departing from Ribeira District are offered with two itineraries, a short one-hour cruise and a full-day cruise on the Douro River.

During a long trip, visitors will visit the beautiful Douro valley, located next to the Douro River, creating an extremely poetic natural landscape. Stretching on steep mountain slopes are terraced fields with lush, fertile vineyards.

Continuing the journey, the famous winery town of Pinhão is also the main destination of visitors on the tour.

Douro Valley and Wine Day Tour from Porto

Porto travel blog: What and where to eat?

The best thing when coming to Porto is that you can delightfully enjoy fresh seafood, prepared in the own style of Portuguese cuisine. Local people are quite fond of drinking, so you can find this drink on all menus, from high-end restaurants to casual dining spots.

Here, diners can try delicious traditional local dishes such as Pastéis de bacalhau (Salted Cod Fritters), Caldeirada de peixe (Portuguese fish stew), Francesinha (Portuguese Sandwich), Polvo à Lagareiro (Portuguese style grilled octopus with smashed potatoes) to sip with fine wine.

To save money, it is best to have lunch and dinner in set meals. Such a meal costs from €6 –€10/set, both cheap and quality.

Note: A small note to avoid “unjustly losing money” for you when dining is that during the meal, the waiter often brings out a few delicious seafood plates that you did not order. You will have to pay extra if you eat them, otherwise the waiter will bring them back and no charge.

I love good food and fine wine, Porto both have what I want. Right from the moment I arrived in Porto, while waiting for the owner of Airbnb to stop by to open the door in the Jardim do Marques area. I stopped by a small restaurant that looks very local to find some food, I couldn’t help but suprise because the food was delicious, greasy and rich.

Franceshina was the first dish that I tried. At first, the dish was served at the suggestion of the owner and I was quite surprised because the appearance of the dish was not very attractive. Just something square topped with molten cheese and eggs with sauce and fries. It looked like a boring American dish. But right the first bite, I experienced the flavors of the ham, beef, sausage and sandwich inside, melted with eggs, cheese and beer-flavored sauce to form a combination of flavors that exploded on the tip of my tongue. Although the European portion is not small at all, I ate it all as quickly as possible because of… the deliciousness. So delicious, that night, when I went to the downtown area at Aliados station, I had to stop at another restaurant to taste it once again. The price for this dish ranges from 8-10 euros depending on the restaurant.

Port Wine is the next addictive drink during my stay in Porto. Good food must be accompanied by good wine. I did not hesitate to try it because some friends living in Europe told me that “if you leave Porto without try its fine wine, you have never been to Porto yet”. I just think it’s too common a statement. However, I was stunned by the taste of this Port Wine. The first taste is sweet that is not acrid like many ordinary red wines, the aftertaste is the heat flowing into the larynx, which is more wonderful when sipping with a little wind whistling through the skin.

Zenith – Brunch & Cocktails Bar

Playing will be tiring. What do you need to regain your energy? You can try the signature brunch of Zenith Cafe with a special “classic Eggs Benedict” dish with poached eggs and homemade hollandaise sauce.

Address: Praça de Carlos Alberto 86, 4050-158 Porto, Portugal Hours: 9AM–8PM Getting there: Tram 18 to Carmo Tel: +351 22 017 1557 Website: https://www.zenithcaffe.pt/

Lado B Café (Coliseu)

Every Porto guide book will suggests you to try the “Francesihna”, a traditional Portuguese sandwich consisting of 3 layers of bread, grilled sausage, ham and beef, baked in the oven with melted cheese, and topped with wine, beer, tomatoes and sauce.

Which restaurant should I choose? Lado B restaurant may look like a fast food restaurant but their Francesihnas is actually a local favorite.

Address: ao Coliseu, R. de Passos Manuel 190 Frente, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal Hours: 12–10PM/Sunday: Closed Getting there: Metro D to Aliados Tel: +351 22 201 4269 Website: ladobcafe.pt

Lhau! Lhau! Maria!

If you want to experience like a culinary expert? Come to Lhau! Lhau! Maria! “ Pastéis de bacalhau ” is one of the most favorite dishes here. This dish is a real delight with its crispy cheese crust and sea bass filling inside.

Address: R. do Dr. Ricardo Jorge 67, 4050-514 Porto, Portugal Gettint there: Metro D to Aliados Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 12PM–3:30PM, 7PM–11PM Price: 20 € Tel: +351 22 205 7869 Website: lhaulhaumaria.com

You might even find some familiar faces on magazine covers which framed and hung on the wall here. This is where fashionistas hang out.

Address: R. de Avis 10, 4050-075 Porto, Portugal Access: Metro D to Aliados Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11AM – 1PM (Saturday, Saturday open until 2PM) Tel: +351 22 339 8550 Website: voguecafe.pt

Located next to the University of Porto campus, this hidden gem is a popular spot for students. Try the local draft beer and enjoy a lazy afternoon lying on the grass.

Address: Base – Quisque Jardim, Passeio dos Clerigos, R. das Carmelitas 151, 4050-163 Porto, Portugal Getting there: Metro D to São Bento Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11AM – 1PM (Saturday, Saturday open until 2:00) Tel: +351 910 076 920 Website: baseporto.com

Porto travel blog: Where to stay?

The cost of staying in Porto ranges from 20 – 30 euros for a night in a hostel and 40 – 50 euros for a night in a hotel. However, I recommend using Airbnb because it costs less than $25 to get a good place to stay. However, the big minus point is that most hosts do not speak English and have to communicate by text message to automatically translate.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• NH Collection Porto Batalha ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Torel Avantgarde ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Vincci Porto ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• The House Ribeira Porto Hotel ( Booking.com ).
• Moov Hotel Porto Centro ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top rated and best hotels in Porto on Agoda.com and Booking.com

Porto travel blog: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Porto you can refer to

• Private City Transfers between Lisbon and Porto
• Porto Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Porto Guindais Funicular + Tram City Tour + Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
• Fatima and Porto Day Tour from Lisbon
• Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Traditional Pastry and Cake Walking Tour in Porto

Are you looking for more top things to do in Porto: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Portugal travel guide here .

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Countertop Dining Restaurants: The 28 Best Counters in Lisbon

Where to eat on new year’s eve in lisbon, where to eat in lisbon on christmas day, 8 portuguese cheeses to taste on your next visit, 7 portuguese drinks: from ginjinha to port wine, manueline architecture in portugal – 9 iconic manueline landmarks, 12 amazing facts about cristiano ronaldo’s workout, let’s learn about portuguese folk dance, the women who made portugal, lisbon’s historical movie theaters, top 10 music festivals in portugal – summer 2024.

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get ready for an amazing lineup of artists from around the world all descending on the enchanting country of Portugal to light up the stages. From the buzzing cities of Lisbon and Porto to the beachside vibes of the Algarve and hilltop mountain villages of the Alentejo, you are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to summer music festivals in Portugal. Let’s dive into 10 of our favorites below and get ready for one amazing summer!

1. NOS Primavera Sound

When – June 6-8 2024 Where – Parque da Cidade, Porto Tickets – General 3 Day Admission = 175€, VIP Tickets are already sold out

This large and popular music festival takes place over three days in the Parque da Cidade (City Park) in Porto each June, bringing an incredible line-up of national and international artists playing across several stages. In 2024, SZA, PJ Harvey, Lana Del Rey, Pulp, and the National are scheduled to headline. Due to the popularity of NOS Primavera Sound, try to book your accommodation well in advance.  

2. Rock in Rio 2024

When – June 15-16, 22-23 2024 Where – Parque Tejo, Lisbon Tickets – A daily pass costs 84€ and a weekend pass is 147€. VIP tickets are also available.

Rock in Rio started in Brazil and has become the largest music festival in the world. For the last 20 years, it has hosted a lineup in Lisbon every two years. In 2024, Rock in Rio will take place over two weekends with Evanescence, Jonas Brothers, Scorpions, Dojo Cat, and Ed Sheeran scheduled to perform along with many others!  

3. Waking Life

When – June 19-24, 2024 Where – Crato, Portugal (about a 2.5 hour drive from Lisbon) Tickets – Regular participation tickets are available for 250€ in addition to a 10€ refundable waste deposit  

If you’d like to get deep into the Portuguese countryside and immerse yourself in art and music of many varieties, this well-organized, six-day festival that celebrates creation and experimentation just might be for you. With multiple stages set up around a large lake and several days of camping involved, this is an experience you won’t soon forget. Don’t worry about going hungry. There are several types of food vendors set up around the space along with shower facilities.

4. NOS Alive

When – July 11-13, 2024 Where – Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisbon Tickets – Tickets for July 13 are already sold out, but you can still get tickets for July 11 and July 12 for 79€.

NOS Alive is one of the more popular summer music festivals in Portugal due to its proximity to central Lisbon and its ever-exciting lineup. 2024 will see The Smashing Pumpkins, Jessie Ware, Dua Lipa, Sofi Tukker, and many more. Despite its popularity, NOS Alive is known for being incredibly organized. Just be sure to stay hydrated, as it can get quite hot in Lisbon by July.

5. Cool Jazz

When – July 9-10, 19, 26-27, 30-31, 2024 Where – Cascais at the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, 30 minutes west of Lisbon Tickets – Tickets start at 30€ for standing in the grass and go up to 55€ for the Gold Zone.

Cool Jazz plays over seven different nights throughout July in the gorgeous gardens of Cascais, a short 30-minute drive or train ride from Lisbon. Artists including Air, Chaka Khan, Diana Krall, Dino D’Santiago, and Fat Freddy’s Drop have already been announced. Cool Jazz has three concerts per night. It starts at 8:00 pm with the Cascais Jazz Sessions by Smooth FM. Then, the first concert begins on the main stage followed by the final grand concert.  

6. Super Bock Super Rock

When – July 18-20, 2024 Where – Meco Beach, a 40-minute drive south of Lisbon Tickets – Daily tickets start at 72€ for access to the venue and 154€ for daily concerts + camping. Golden Circle (VIP) tickets start at 154€ without camping and 279€ with camping.

2021 Eurovision champions Måneskin are headlining on July 18 while 21 Savage and Black Coffee are performing on July 19. More artists for July 20 remain to be announced. This is another great option if you’re staying in the Lisbon area, as it’s easy to take direct buses to the venue or even splurge on a ride-share, which will only run you about 30€ one-way per car. You can choose to camp here or just come down each day.  

7. Marvão International Music Festival

When – July 19-28, 2024 Where – Marvão in the Alentejo (about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car from Lisbon) Tickets – Ticket costs vary by day, with prices starting at 25€  

Deep in the Aletenjo lies the beautiful town of Marvão . Enjoy classical music and dance in stunning open-air venues over ten days in this hilltop village. Due to the small size of the town, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you are planning to attend one of the evening performances. Several other performances begin at 11:00 am, so plan accordingly.  

8. EDP Vilar de Mouros 2024

When – August 21-24, 2024 Where – Vilar de Mouros, Caminha (about 1 hour north of Porto) Tickets – Daily tickets cost 53.50€  

EDP is a rock festival held in Vilar de Mouros, one hour north of Porto every August. It is the oldest festival in Iberia, with its first edition held in 1971. Last year’s festival sold out two of its days, so don’t procrastinate on buying your tickets if you want to attend. Queens of the Stone Age are the only performers that have been announced for 2024 thus far, with many more to join in the next couple of months.  

9. MEO Kalorama

When – August 29-31, 2024 Where – Parque da Bela Vista, Lisbon Tickets – You can grab a 3-day pass for 145€  

Heading back to Central Lisbon, MEO Kalorama is an exciting way to end the summer. In 2024, Sam Smith, Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, Peggy Gou, Jungle, and many more will play in Parque da Bela Vista. With such a large lineup at a popular time for tourists to visit the city, you may want to book your accommodation well in advance.

10. Eco Festival Azores Burning Summer

When – August 30-31, 2024 Where – Parque dos Moinhos, São Miguel, Açores Tickets – You can grab a daily ticket pass for 20€ and both days for 30€  

If you’re not feeling like being in Lisbon for the final weekend in August, splurge on a flight to the Azorean island of São Miguel for the 10th edition of this Portuguese summer music festival. Moullinex and Mayra Andrade are set to headline this summer festival which is a wonderful combination of music, community, and nature. We recommend spending a few more days hiking some beautiful trails, visiting the hot springs, and trying some delicious seafood in the area.  

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Want to turn a layover into a trip? These 8 stopover programs can help.

Airline stopover programs offer free hotels and other discounts to incentivize longer layovers.

When you’re traveling great distances, you often take connecting flights to intriguing destinations without getting a real chance to experience the culture. You drop in, scope out the airport gift shop and leave.

A few airlines have been working to change that by running “stopover programs.” These initiatives allow travelers to tack more time on their layover at no extra charge, and sometimes even include a free or discounted hotel stay.

“They’re a good way for people to — at no extra cost — see a destination,” said Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt .

Should travelers be wary of these offers? There’s no such thing as a free lunch, after all, but experts say you can think of it as a form of advertising.

“Usually they exist because they’re sponsored by the home country as a means of promoting tourism,” said Scott Keyes, founder of the flight booking site Going .

Keyes says countries and airlines have a number of reasons for offering free or discounted trips to tourists. No. 1, it’s good advertising. You may be more likely to choose an airline if they have this perk, and you may be more likely to visit a country if you can do it at a discount. Then there’s the influx of tourism dollars from stopover visitors.

Here’s a brief list of places you can go without paying any additional airfare.

Hot springs, wild horses and otherworldly natural beauty await travelers in Iceland, and two airlines offer stopover programs to go see them.

The first is Icelandair , which has offered the program since the ’50s . The program allows travelers — usually on their way to Europe — to spend up to seven days in Iceland before moving on to their final destination.

Second is the new Icelandic airline on the block, Play . The airline offers a “ stayover booking ” option allowing customers on transatlantic flights the option to stay up to 10 days in Iceland on the outbound trip, the return or both.

Stopover in Istanbul , Turkish Airlines’ program, includes a free hotel stay. It’s open to travelers with connections in Istanbul of at least 20 hours. If you’re flying coach, you’re eligible for a night at a four-star hotel. Business class customers can get up to two nights in a five-star hotel. Travelers must book arrangements for their stopover at least 72 hours before their flight, and will need to be approved for a hotel voucher through an application process.

Pause your journey to Central or South America with an interlude of up to seven days in Panama City with the Panama Stopover program from CopaAirlines. On the airline’s flight booking page, customers can select the option to add a stopover in Panama to flights to or from any destination in its network. If you want more time exploring beaches, nightlife and Panamanian cuisine, the airline also offers a second stopover, but it’s not free. According to the website, there “may be an additional cost” of $250 plus taxes and fees.

Unlock a mini trip to one of Europe’s most popular tourist countries with Tap Air Portugal’s Portugal Stopover Program. Unlike most stopover programs, this gives customers two layover destinations to pick: the beachside metropolis Lisbon , or Porto, the gateway to wine country. It also offers customers a 25 percent discount (excluding taxes) on additional domestic flights if you’d like to add a second stopover city to your trip. The program is valid on certain one-way and round-trip itineraries during the flight over or return, and can be accessed on the website’s “ book a flight ” tab. Click on “add a free TAP Stopover” to see whether your trip is eligible.

Qatar Airways stopover packages , in partnership with tourism organization Discover Qatar , include heavily discounted hotel reservations to sweeten the deal. Packages range from the standard option, offering travelers four-star hotel stays starting at $14 a night per person (based on double room share), to a luxury beachside option that includes a five-star hotel stay, breakfast and all-inclusive Doha Sands Beach access from $144. Travelers can book on the Qatar Airways website, and add stays up to four nights. The program is subject to availability and is only eligible for Qatar Airways passengers with at least 12 hours transit time in Doha.

Iberia, the flag carrier of Spain, advertises the chance to explore the country’s capital city with the Stopover Hola Madrid program. First, select a route that stops in Madrid ; next, you can select up to six nights to stay; then book and browse discounted offers available to stopover customers, including tours, food and transportation. The stopover can be selected for the outbound or return flight. While the airline website says the program is available on most routes, you may need to play with dates to find flights with stopover availability.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is home to two lauded airlines, each with programs to entice stopover travelers.

Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover markets itself as a chance to explore the country’s capital city with discounted hotel stays. The more budget-friendly “amazing stopover” offers stays up to two nights at four-star hotels, while the premium version offers up to 40 percent off luxury four or five-star hotels for two to four nights.

Emirates has “Dubai Connect,” a program advertised to customers with layovers of at least eight hours (or six if you’re flying business class) and includes a complimentary hotel stay, some meals and transportation to and from the airport. There are a number of stipulations for qualifying for the program; for example, you must have a connection flight with the shortest layover available (so if there’s one with a four-hour layover to your final destination available, you won’t qualify for the freebies). Make sure to read the fine print before booking online. Already booked an eligible Emirates flight? You can add the stopover to existing reservations.

Choose your own adventure

You don’t actually need an airline to offer a stopover program to take advantage of a layover. Kepnes says you may be able to build your own stopover program for cheaper. All you have to do is search for flights with really long layovers in places you’d like to visit that don’t require too many hurdles to get out of the airport.

Last year, instead of finding the fastest or cheapest flight from Thailand to the United States, I booked one with a nine-hour layover in Tokyo ; I took the train into the city, ate delicious ramen, went shopping and even hit up a hot spring spa before heading back to the airport for my flight home. The year before that, I did something similar in Istanbul and highly recommend such side quests to anyone up for an adventure.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights ..

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.