Three days are enough to see the best of Porto. Day 1: historic centre and Ribeira. Day 2: port cellars and the riverside. Day 3: a getaway to the Douro Valley or to Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal.
Only have a long weekend? That’s plenty to fall under Porto’s spell. Here’s the itinerary we recommend to our travellers to see it all, without rushing.
Day 1 — The historic centre and Ribeira
Ease in with São Bento station and its famous azulejos, climb the Clérigos tower, pop into the Lello bookshop, then drift down to the cathedral and the Ribeira. In the evening, treat yourself to a sunset on the Dom Luís bridge: magical, we promise.
Day 2 — The port cellars and the Douro
Head to Vila Nova de Gaia to tour a cellar and taste a port with a view over the river. In the afternoon, hop on the Six Bridges cruise, then stroll through Miragaia, more secret and just as charming.
Day 3 — The Douro Valley or Guimarães
For your last day, we suggest a getaway: the Douro Valley and its vineyards, or Guimarães, the historic town and cradle of Portugal, just 50 minutes from Porto. Two moods, one guaranteed crush.
Our tips to make the most of it
- Porto is best on foot, but the metro and funiculars spare you the hills
- Book the cellars and the Lello bookshop in advance
- Pack comfy shoes: it’s a hilly city!
Prefer a personalised, hour-by-hour itinerary with an interactive map so you never lose your way? That’s exactly what we love doing for you.
