Planning to spend 3 days in Porto Portugal and looking for an awesome Porto itinerary? I’ve got you covered! Porto is a city full of surprises. Often overlooked in favour of its flashier cousin Lisbon, there is something for everyone and I think I actually preferred it over Lisbon. If you’re booking a trip to Porto and only have three days to explore, no worries! You can easily fit in all the highlights with this comprehensive 3-day Porto itinerary.
Why Visit Porto
Porto has to be one of the best places to visit in Portugal. Completely different to the tourist towns along the Algarve, and even a contrast to cities like Lisbon and Coimbra, Porto will not disappoint anyone looking for a taste of the real Portugal.
There are lots of activities in Porto to enjoy, from exploring colourful streets lined with quaint cafes and shops to digging around in local markets and admiring beautiful azulejo tiles and gorgeous views from hilltop viewpoints. Porto will certainly keep you busy!
Savouring delicious Portuguese cuisine, and tasting some of the world’s finest port wines at renowned cellars are more of the best things to do in Porto, as Portugal has some excellent food and drink to enjoy, as well as some fabulous bars and nightlife.
If you prefer something more relaxing, there are picturesque beaches near Porto to catch some sun or head inland to the Douro Valley wine region for beautiful countryside, wine tasting and a gentle cruise along the river.
Know Before You Go to Porto
Before travelling to Porto, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
🛌 MY RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN PORTO:
$$ Cale Guest House: Excellent location & amazing staff
$$ The House of Sandeman – Hostel & Suites: boutique hotel and hostel across the river
$ BF Suites & Apartments: Great value little hotel
🚌 Pre-book your private transfer from Porto Airport to Porto
⭐ TOP 3 PORTO ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1. From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
Find Deals to Book Your Trip
Lisbon vs Porto
I loved both cities, but there are lots of different opinions when it comes to deciding which is better – Lisbon or Porto! If you have enough time to spend a week in Portugal and visit both places then I’d definitely recommend doing that so you can enjoy both Porto and Lisbon and make your own judgements!
To me, Lisbon was beautiful and clean, but busy and crowded, even in the winter. Porto was a bit dirtier and grittier somehow, but just as pretty as Lisbon. Porto felt more like a real city, with people living and working here instead of just visiting, so for that reason, I preferred spending time in Porto instead of Lisbon.
How Many Days in Porto is Enough?
Porto is an incredible destination that deserves more than just one day of exploration, that is for sure. While you could enjoy a very pleasant day trip to Porto Portugal, for an immersive experience and to make the most of the city and surrounding region, it’s best to plan for at least three days.
I’d recommend spending two full days in Porto itself and another day spent on a fabulous wine-tasting tour to the Douro Valley. If you are short on time then 2 days in Porto is enough to discover the highlights of the city and its surroundings, but three days is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the city and take a day trip.
I spent a week in Porto, with four nights in an apartment and 2 nights in a hostel, so had plenty of time to discover the best things to do in Porto. Assuming you have less time to travel than I did, I’ve condensed the highlights of Porto together with some of my favourite experiences, activities, bars and restaurants in Porto all together in this 3-day Porto itinerary!
The Best 3 Day Porto Itinerary
OK let’s get down to planning your 3 days in Porto Portugal! There are no fixed rules with this Porto itinerary, you can take a look and pick and choose what you like to do or follow it exactly, it’s totally up to you! If the weather is poor on one day of your trip that might influence what you decide to do.
I have planned this itinerary based around 3 main areas, with day one in the historic centre of Porto, day 2 exploring both sides of the river and tasting some port, and day 3 getting out of the city on a fabulous day trip.
Porto Itinerary Day 1: Explore the Historic Centre of Porto
Exploring the historic centre is a must-do for any Porto 3-day itinerary. Wander down narrow cobblestone streets, pass gorgeous buildings decorated with intricate azulejo tiles, and take in the smells (and tastes!) of freshly baked pasteis de nata custard tarts from bakeries and cafes.
Breakfast/Brunch in Porto
If you want to start the day off right, a big breakfast at Do Norte Café should sort you out! Otherwise, a coffee and an egg custard pastry or two from Nata Lisboa is another excellent option.
A Porto Walking Tour
Have the flexibility of exploring at your own pace with Around walking tours in Porto where you have access to an online interactive tour of the city. It’s a great budget-friendly way to get to know the city with the help of a guide where you are in control of the schedule.
If you would like a guided tour to learn more about the history of Porto and have someone show you around the best of the city, this 3-hour walking tour starts at 10am and gets great reviews for the knowledgeable guides and comprehensive tour (although there is a minimum of 2 people required to book).
For solo travellers, this tour also starts at 10am and can be booked for just one person. It’s great value and you can add an optional picnic to enjoy after the tour.
If you’d prefer an e-Bike tour, check out this one, or how about a tuk-tuk tour for a unique way to visit Porto? You might even prefer to do a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
However, if you would rather explore Porto without a guide, these are the must-see places to visit in Porto’s Old Town. I’ve arranged them in order so you can do your own self-guided walking tour in Porto, but of course, you can mix and match to suit your own exploring speed and preferences.
Livraria Lello
I’m kicking off your first day in Porto with this beautiful bookshop, said to be an influence for J.K Rowling’s Hogwarts. It is ridiculously touristy, there is a fee to get in and always a line of people outside but if you are looking for Instagram spots in Porto this definitely qualifies!
Insider Tip: This walking tour includes skip-the-line access to Lello Bookshop
I took one look at the queue of people and decided to give it a miss. When there are so many people around it is hard to get those perfect photos, so if you do want to go inside I’d suggest heading there early.
You can book tickets online here, either €5 for a standard ticket, which is discounted against the purchase of a book in store, or €15,90 for priority (skip-the-line) entrance which also includes a book.
Clérigos Tower
Close to Lello Bookshop you’ll find the Clérigos Tower and Church. The Igreja dos Clérigos has an interesting façade with designs including seashells, but the real draw is the 25m tall baroque bell tower which has panoramic views of Porto.
You can buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time (a great idea if you just have 2 days in Porto), or just buy them at the entrance. Be prepared to climb the 225 steps as there is no lift to the top!
Igreja do Carmo
This was one of my favourite places in Porto as it is just so pretty! The Church of Carmo is twinned with the Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços, which is right next door – separated by a tiny house in between the two churches.
It is free to go inside the churches, and there are tours where you can learn more about them and the Carmelite Monastery. Once you’ve had a look inside and at the façades, take a look around the corner at the wall of the Igreja do Carmo and be blown away by the beautiful blue tilework. Have a look up close then cross the street to see it in all its glory!
If you’re here on a Saturday, stroll up to Praça de Carlos Alberto to take a look at the Portobelo market which runs from 10am to 7pm (Saturdays only).
The Town Hall
Head towards the Mercado del Bolhão, via the Town Hall in Praça do Município. It’s another impressive building that’s worth a look as you’re passing by.
Mercado del Bolhão
This market is a must-do in Porto for food lovers, and for anyone really – it’s a lovely neoclassical building filled with stalls selling fresh produce & prepared foods so if you’re feeling peckish it’s a great place for snacks or to buy something to cook later.
Sample a Pastel de Nata
Two of the most popular places to buy these delicious Portuguese custard tarts are super close to the market, so take a moment to have a rest and enjoy a tasty treat!
Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata and Fábrica da Nata are both delicious so why not try one from each place? In the name of research of course. Alternatively, carry on the itinerary and pop back here after lunch, my suggested café is only 5 minutes’ walk away.
Chapel of Souls
My oh my Porto has some gorgeous buildings! The Chapel of Souls is moments away from the Market so wander up here and get an eyeful of the blue & white tiles painted with scenes depicting the lives of saints.
Rua Santa Catarina
If you want to do some shopping in Porto then this is the street to do it! There’s a large mall called Via Santa Catarina that leads off the street, or just wander down towards the Church of Saint Ildefonso.
Church of Saint Ildefonso
Yes, it is another church with blue azulejo tiles! I couldn’t go inside this one as the gate was closed when I visited, but it was still a lovely building to admire, with steps leading up to the façade.
Lunch: Try a Francesinha
One of the best foods to try in Porto is a francesinha – it is quite possibly the best/most calorific sandwich you’ll ever try! It is made with white bread, filled with meats like ham, linguiça, fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat, then covered with melted cheese, a fried egg and thick spicy sauce. If that’s not enough, it usually comes with fries.
Lado B Café (Coliseu) is one of the best places to eat a francesinha, although this was the only one I tried it was very good! It’s just around the corner from the Church of Saint Ildefonso.
I’ll be honest though, while I did manage to finish the whole thing I did feel a little sick afterwards! If there are two of you travelling I’d suggest buying one to share, then saving a bit of space for some custard tarts!
Brasão Coliseu, Café Santiago éLeBê Baixa (only Friday to Sundays for lunch) are other highly-rated places to eat nearby.
Miradouro das Fontainhas
If you want a walk after lunch then head down to Miradouro das Fontainhas for lovely views of the Douro River and famous Luís I Bridge which stretches across the river. In the other direction you can also see the Ponte Dona Maria Pia bridge, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel (of the Eiffel Tower).
There’s another fabulous viewpoint at Miradouro para a Ponte D.Luís I a little closer to town so make sure you take a look at one of these, if not both!
Porto Cathedral – El Sé do Porto
The cathedral sits up high and overlooks the city, so you will see it from various viewpoints around Porto – you may as well see it up close too! It is free to go inside, and while you’re there take a look at the view from Rua das Aldas Viewpoint as well.
Sao Bento Station
Sao Bento Train Station in Porto has to be one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The walls are covered in azulejo tiles which make it a very popular photo spot, and a busy place especially when train arrivals coincide with tour groups trying to take photos.
I came here once during the day, then again in the evening when it was much quieter but sadly quite poorly lit so the photos had fewer people in them but didn’t turn out as well! By this time of the afternoon it should be reasonably quiet.
Sunset at Miradouro da Vitória
Another viewpoint with views of the Cathedral and Luís I Bridge, which is particularly lovely as the sun goes down and casts a golden glow over the buildings.
Dinner at a Traditional Restaurant in Porto
There are so many excellent restaurants in Porto it’s hard to pick the best! If you’re nearby Miradouro da Vitória then check out Taberna Santo António for traditional Portuguese food. It’s best to book in advance to guarantee a table.
Porto Itinerary Day 2: Down By the River
I’ll start today’s itinerary more or less where we finished yesterday, around Sao Bento Station, so you have another chance for photos there without crowds of people. From here, work your way down to the Douro River and the Ribeira district, the city’s oldest neighborhood, before heading across the water to explore Vila Nova de Gaia and its famous port houses.
Breakfast in Porto
If you haven’t already eaten at your accommodation, treat yourself to a custard tart from Nata Lisboa or a sandwich at A Sandeira do Porto – or prepare for a brunch on Rua das Flores at Mercador Café or Floresta Café by Hungry Biker, both of which get great reviews.
Rua das Flores
I loved this street, my Airbnb was actually right here so I walked up and down it several times! It’s got cute shops, some excellent cafes and is a very pleasant street to stroll down. Keep an eye open for The Cat mural on the wall of one of the buildings. Do some souvenir shopping or have breakfast here.
Mercado Ferreira Borges
On your way down to the river, take Rua de Ferreira Borges to pass by Mercado Ferreira Borges, a striking 1880s market building of iron and glass, which is now a nightclub. If it’s open you can have a nose inside or just admire the bright red paintwork.
Igreja Monumento de São Francisco
You’ll also walk past the Bolsa Palace and Igreja Monumento de São Francisco; the church is worth a visit for the gold décor and altarpieces. It’s €8 per adult entry fee.
La Ribeira
La Ribeira is a colourful neighbourhood, with the houses in narrow streets and lining the banks of the river all painted in different colours and designs. Take time to wander around, get lost and make your way back to the river to stroll along the Cais da Ribeira boardwalk.
Restaurants are more expensive here thanks to the waterfront views, but it’s hard to resist taking a seat here in the sunshine. Praça da Ribeira is a popular place to do that, don’t miss the Fonte do Cubo sculpture and fountain.
You don’t have to pay to enjoy the views though, you can always perch on one of the benches along the river too.
Take a River Cruise
A great way to see Porto is from the river. There are various tour operators offering boat trips on the Douro River from Porto, so you can see which are available on the day or buy a ticket online. For the pre-booked tickets you still need to exchange them with the operator for a pass to board the boats.
The boat cruises usually last around an hour, and have some commentary about Porto, the six bridges that cross the Douro River and the history of the rabelo boats which transported wine from the Douro Valley to the city.
Boat tours leave from both sides of the river, so pick whichever one best suits your timings. This ticket allows you to choose between either option for maximum flexibility.
Walk Across Dom Luís I Bridge
The impressive Dom Luís I bridge is a two level bridge, with a car and pedestrian route on the bottom level, and a tram and pedestrian route on the top. The bottom part was undergoing construction work when I was there which blocked most of the view, so you won’t get as good a view from there until the works are finished.
If you have the option, walk across one way, then do the other on the return journey to get the best of both worlds!
Stroll Along the Ribeira de Gaia
I loved this side of the river as you get lovely views of Port and the bridge, as well as the chance to see traditional boats lined up in the water. Stroll along the riverfront and head towards the market, and don’t miss the street art installation Half Rabbit on the corners of R. Dom Alfonso III and R. Guilherme Gomes Fernandes (Google maps location here).
Lunch in Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is famous for its port cellars and wine tasting. Before you dive into the port though, it’s best to line your stomach! The Mercado Beira Rio has a range of great places to eat or there are also several restaurants on the waterfront if you see something you like on the way past.
Cable Car & Monastery of Serra do Pilar
Gaia Cable Car or Teleférico de Gaia gives you wonderful views of the river and Porto as you glide above Vila Nova de Gaia. Keep an eye on the time with this one though as it closes at 6pm. I’ve put it in here after lunch so you can take the cable car from the station by the market, up to the top near Dom Luis I Bridge.
One way tickets cost €7 per adult, or a return ticket is €10, so I’d suggest getting a return ticket and having a look at the park and viewpoints around the cable car station like Miradouro da Ribeira, then hopping back on to go back down for a port tasting.
If you have time before going down, walk over to Monastery of Serra do Pilar which has incredible views over the Douro River. The monastery has an unusual round church and cloister, which you can see from the outside but unfortunately it is currently closed to the public for restoration.
Alternatively, wait until after your port tasting and take a one-way ticket on the cable car around 5.45pm so you can walk back to Porto across the top of the Luís I Bridge for dinner on the other side.
You can buy tickets online in advance here, or from the cable car stations at either end of the line.
Port Tasting in Porto
There are lots of historic port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia where you can arrange a tour of the cellars and port tastings in Porto, (the city gave the drink its name) but you’ll need to book in advance to guarantee a place at your preferred time.
You can book tastings at individual port houses or visit several as part of a guided port tasting tour like this one. Here are some suggested options for booking a port tasting, or do some more research and choose your own:
· Cockburn’s Cellar Tour Classic or Pairing Option
· Port Wine Tasting w/Cheese Pairing Option
· Graham’s Port Lodge Tour & Premium Tasting with Pairings
· Cálem Cellar Tour, Interactive Museum & Wine Tasting
· Port and Douro Wine Walking Tour with Tastings
Fado Show
After an afternoon of drinking port, watching a Fado performance is a lovely way to absorb more Portuguese culture. While Fado didn’t originate here, there are some excellent Fado shows in Porto to enjoy.
You could combine a visit to Cálem Wine Cellars with a Fado performance as you sip on more port, or head back across the river to La Ribeira and watch a show there during or before having dinner.
O Fado is one of the best places to watch Fado in Porto, and as you enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal there are performances from renowned Fado singers. You will need to book a table in advance which you can do on their website here.
If you prefer to watch a show before dinner here are some options for you to pre-book:
· Fado Na Baixa Live Performance with Port Wine
· Intimate Fado Concert Ticket with a Glass of Wine
· Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine
Dinner in La Ribeira
If you haven’t eaten dinner yet, then book a table at a traditional Portuguese Restaurant in the heart of Porto’s historic old town. While you can find free tables it is best to book ahead to guarantee one at your top choice.
I had a lovely meal at Taberna Dos Mercadores, which is a tiny place but I was lucky to snag a table as I hadn’t reserved! Nearby Taberna Dona Antonia also gets great reviews.
After dinner, have a last walk along the waterfront (and perhaps another cheeky glass of wine at Bacchus vini), before heading to bed.
Porto Itinerary Day 3: A Day Trip from Porto
By now you have spent a wonderful couple of days in Porto, exploring the city streets, admiring the views and sampling the excellent food and drink on offer. Now it’s time to head out of the city on a day trip from Porto.
The most popular Porto day trip has to be to the Douro Valley wine region. There are various Douro Valley day tours on offer which take you to various wineries, including lunch and often a boat trip on the Douro River too.
I took this Douro Valley full day tour and LOVED IT! We tried lots of different wines and ports and had an amazing lunch in a local restaurant too. Transport was included in a mini-van from Porto, and I really enjoyed the Douro River boat trip too, although it was chilly as it was in January!
You can read more about my Douro Valley day trip from Porto in this post.
If you’re not into wine then take a look at some of these other Porto Day trips for inspiration:
· From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip
· From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge
· From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch
· From Porto: Peneda-Gerês Park Tour with Lunch
· Fátima and Coimbra Full-Day Tour from Porto
Alternatively, spend your third day covering anything you missed over the last two days in Porto, perhaps visiting a couple of museums in Porto or just taking it easy and enjoying the views from a café alongside the river.
I hope you have enjoyed this 3 day Porto itinerary, and I’ve covered everything you might need to plan an epic trip to Portugal! If you have any questions or if you think I’ve missed anything please do let me know in the comments below.
Where to Stay in Porto
With just three days in Porto, you’ll want to be as central as possible so you can explore without worrying about public transport or taxis into the city.
The two best neighbourhoods to stay in Porto are Ribeira, the medieval old city which spreads along the north bank of the Douro River, and Baixa or Sé which is the centre of Porto and is great for exploring the city. These are the most popular places to stay in Porto, and the prices often reflect that, although you can find some great value hostels and hotels in Porto and bag a bargain.
Top Picks for Accommodation in Ribeira and Baixa include:
$$ Cale Guest House: This lovely hotel has bright, spacious rooms with balconies or patios and breakfast is included in the rates. Guests love the friendly and helpful staff and the excellent location. >>>CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICES
$ BF Suites & Apartments: This cute little guesthouse is slightly further from the centre of Porto but still close to the main attractions, and is a bargain. >>>CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICES
$ Onefam Ribeira: This highly rated hostel close to the Cathedral is a great option for solo travellers and anyone wanting to meet people in Porto. There are private rooms and shared dorms available. >>>CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICES
Vila Nova de Gaia is across the river from the old town but is another popular place to stay in Porto as it is home to many of the port producers, with lots of bars and restaurants along the riverfront. It is easily accessible to the Old Town across Dom Luís I Bridge.
Recommendations for Hotels in Vila Nova de Gaia include:
$$ The House of Sandeman – Hostel & Suites: This boutique hotel and hostel offers a social atmosphere combined with spotlessly clean and chic rooms, with dorm beds inspired by Port wine barrels. The private rooms are all en-suite and guests love the waterfront location. >>>CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICES
Hi Anair! Thanks for reading and commenting, it is interesting isn’t it – it feels like Porto has something a bit more special than Lisbon! Happy Travels 🙂 Claire
Hi!
I think it is very interesting that you mentioned the differences between Porto and Lisbon. Both beautiful cities but I share the same opinion as you: I preferred spending time visiting Porto.
Anair