Porto is bursting with charm, history, hard-to-resist port wine, and mouthwatering cuisine. Many of Porto’s attractions are located within proximity to each other, making this an ideal destination for a weekend trip. In this quintessential city guide on How to Spend 3 Days in Porto, we’ll take you on a journey through the best of Porto, from famous must-see landmarks to hidden gems that you don’t want to miss out on.
What’s more, in our Porto itinerary we’ll also share some of the best places to eat, recommendations on where to stay, how to get around Porto, and a few travel tips to help you make the most of your 3 days in Porto.
Without further ado, here is how to spend 3 days in Porto including some of the best things to do!
How to Spend 3 Days in Porto
Things to do in Porto on day 1
Explore Porto’s Iconic Landmarks
Start your day savoring traditional Pastéis de Nata for breakfast at a local café before you venture off exploring Porto’s quaint neighborhoods. What better place to try this local delicacy than at one of the World’s most popular cafes, Cafe Majestic! The cafe first opened in 1922, drawing the crème de la crème of society at the time. Nowadays it’s a popular tourist destination and tends to get very busy. Irrespective of that, we believe it is worthwhile to visit. Its wonderful Art Nouveau design and architecture will undeniably make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Begin your Porto sightseeing journey at the historic Ribeira district, and explore it at your own pace. One of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, located right here in Ribeira, is none other than the stunning São Bento Station. This train station is mainly popular because of its exceptional architecture and impressive azulejo panels decorating the walls. The station is operating for the public, so this attraction is free for everyone.
Next, head towards the riverbanks for a casual stroll. The combination of the colorful buildings lining the picturesque waterfront and the river creates beautiful scenery, so don’t rush it. Instead, sit at one of the cafes here and enjoy a drink while you take in the views of the Douro River and the impressive Dom Luís I Bridge.
INTERESTING FACT: Dom Luis I Bridge was designed by Gustavo Eiffel, the same engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower!
Word of advice, while the restaurants by the river may be tempting, it’s best to avoid them as they tend to be tourist traps. Based on our experience, the food doesn’t justify the price. However, they are a great option for a quick stop to grab a drink.
Then, visit Porto Cathedral, and admire its stunning Romanesque architecture. Continue exploring the narrow streets of the medieval district and slowly make your way towards Porto’s bohemian district with its epicenter being Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes.
Many points of interest will catch your attention here, however, a bookstore is what will pique your interest the most. You heard that right! But not just any bookstore, Livraria Lello, has been voted as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world! Famous not only for its ornate interior but also for those of us who are Harry Potter fans (who isn’t?). This very bookstore is believed to have inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter.
This attraction falls in the category of the most popular Porto tourist spots, so make sure to buy your tickets here, so you can save yourself some time.
BONUS TIP: The ticket costs 8 EUR but if you purchase a book, you’ll get a 5 EUR discount off the price.
As you exit Livraria Lello, turn left and then left again, and you’ll find yourself in one of the most bustling streets in Porto, Rua da Galeria de Paris. After a full day of exploring Porto, you deserve to let yourself loose and enjoy some food and drinks, and why not make new friends? This area is brimming with restaurants and bars so your only problem will be which to choose. We ended up opting for a quieter spot just around the corner on Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes. We stumbled upon this cute pub called Bonaparte Downtown – it was the perfect spot to relax and unwind!
TIP: If you want to try the local cuisine, we’d highly recommend ENCAIXADOS, where we ate on our second day in Porto. The food and service were exceptional, and the place itself was very cozy. Make a reservation beforehand as it’s almost always fully booked!
For an authentic taste of Porto’s food and drink scene, a walking tour is a fantastic option. Taking a guided tour is an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into the local cuisine and ensure you don’t miss any of the staple foods that define Porto’s food culture!
RELEVANT READING
Things to do in Porto on day 2
Delve into Porto’s Hidden Gems
Start your day 2 in Porto from yet another iconic landmark in the city, Igreja do Carmo. This beautiful baroque church is widely known equally for its impressive architecture but also its photogenic azulejo tiles hugging one of its exterior walls. It’s a great place to snap an Instagram-worthy photo too, albeit, you’ll most likely have to visit early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.
Next on your Porto itinerary, you can get a taste of local life, if you head to the Mercado do Bolhão. This is a beautiful market where you can sample fresh produce and traditional Portuguese treats. It is a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs and other paraphernalia. I don’t know about you, but I’m down for anything that involves shopping, so including this gem in our Porto travel guide was a no-brainer!
BONUS TIP: if you’re in Porto on a Saturday, be sure to visit the quaint Mercado de Portobello. This is a small flea market where you can browse through vintage and second-hand items.
Once you’re done exploring the market and the surrounding areas, indulge in a traditional Francesinha sandwich, a Porto specialty made with layers of meat, cheese, and spicy sauce. We recommend Brasão Aliados, one of the most renowned restaurants in Porto. Make sure to book way in advance, especially if you’re going for dinner.
Next, explore the trendy neighborhood of Cedofeita, home to artisan shops, trendy cafés, and vibrant street art. Many of the buildings here date from the 17th to the 20th centuries, so there is a lot of history behind the modern facades.
End your day at the Crystal Palace Gardens, a tranquil oasis offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Don’t fret if you feel that you got lost in the maze of the small gardens, just follow the river views and you’ll find your way out. On our Porto highlights list, this attraction was pretty high as it’s unlikely to find a better spot in the city to watch the sunset.
The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April to September, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October to March.
Things to do in Porto on day 3
On your final day in Porto, head to Foz and spend a few hours strolling along the promenade. This area of the city is only 20 minutes from downtown Porto, but it feels like you’re in a beach village away from the frenzy of the city. As you wander, you’ll come across a few beach huts where you can relax with a cocktail in hand and soak up the sun.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Porto’s historic port wine district, where you can learn about the city’s winemaking traditions and sample the famous wine. This is perhaps one of the best of Porto’s cultural experiences and a visit at Cais de Gaia and WOW Porto, is not to be missed.
End your day with a leisurely dinner at a riverside restaurant, and indulge in a seafood platter and a delectable glass of wine.
How to get around Porto
Porto is a walkable city, however, for attractions further afield, fret not! You’ve got plenty of transport options at your fingertips, including taxis – Uber and Bolt both operate in the city – and public transportation. While renting a car is an option, if you’re not venturing on any Porto day trips, we’d suggest skipping it to avoid potential traffic jams and the hassle of finding a parking spot.
Is Porto a walkable city?
Yes! Porto is a walkable city, with many of its main attractions and neighborhoods easily accessible on foot. The narrow cobblestone streets of the historic center of Porto, including areas like Ribeira, Sé, and Miragaia, and the pedestrian-friendly squares are perfect for exploring on foot.
Additionally, many Porto landmarks, such as the Porto Cathedral, Livraria Lello, and Clerigos Tower, are conveniently located within proximity to each other, so it’s easy to visit several sights in a single day of walking.
It’s worth noting that Porto is also hilly in some areas, so be prepared for some uphill climbs. We’d strongly recommend leaving your heels at home and instead, consider wearing comfortable shoes.
Where to stay in Porto
It’s essential to choose a location that offers convenient access to the best things to do in Porto and its historical sites. We stayed at Torel Avantgarde Boutique Hotel, which was conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Igreja do Carmo cathedral.
Alternatively, some of the best places to stay in Porto are located in the Ribeira district, nestled along the scenic Douro River. This vibrant neighborhood not only provides picturesque views but also puts you within walking distance of Porto’s iconic landmarks. Another great option is the charming neighborhood of Cedofeita. This area offers a mix of modern amenities and historic charm, with easy access to cultural attractions like the Livraria Lello bookstore and the Clerigos Tower.
Best time to visit Porto
While Porto is a year-round destination, the best months to come are typically May through September, when the weather is warm and sunny. This period is perfect for experiencing some of the best things to do in Porto. Beware, however, that temperatures might rise to uncomfortable levels during this period. We usually prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, so we visited in December and we were very lucky with the weather, which was sunny and about 13 degrees Celsius during the day. Alternatively, the best time to visit Porto is during the shoulder seasons of spring April-May, or fall September-October.
Is Lisbon or Porto better?
Each city has its distinct characteristics and unique things to offer. Both cities can be easily explored on foot. Furthermore, both cities offer excellent opportunities for day trips, such as wine tours outside Port, or in Lisbon’s case, you can visit Sintra. Lastly, Lisbon and Porto can be easily explored in 3 days, making them both great choices for a weekend getaway!
Ready to kick off your trip planning? Check out these handy travel resources:
