3 Days in Porto: the Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Porto, Portugal

Planning a trip to Porto, Portugal? This curated itinerary for the perfect, cultural 3 days in Porto includes where to eat, how to get there, where to stay, and the 14 best things to see and do. It also includes a 4 and 5-day itinerary option!

Are you looking to spend three perfect days in Porto, Portugal? Then you’ve stumbled upon the right blog. Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is one of the oldest cities in Europe making it the destination of your dreams if you’re envisioning three days spent wandering around cobblestone streets, eating your fill of hearty foods, and standing in awe of the Neoclassical and Gothic architecture that is emblematic of the city. In short, it’s a highly affordable city with a wealth of history and culture for travellers to indulge in.

With this expertly curated 3-day itinerary for Porto, you’ll get to experience the very best of what the city has to offer. The tiled walls, the beautiful bookshops, and the delicious pastel de natas— Porto is sure to woo you. Known as the “City of Bridges”, Porto is a dreamy destination you won’t want to leave.

Read on for how to spend three days in Porto with a customizable itinerary!

best time to visit Porto ↴

Summer is the peak tourist season in Europe. This means that visiting between June through August means longer days, warmer temperatures, but heaps more people. There is also a definite increase in accommodation prices during the summer months. If you visit a little earlier, as I did in May through the start of June, you’ll find prices haven’t quite jumped for the season and the city is not quite as busy as it is in July and August.

September and October are technically shoulder-season months. This is the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and save a bit of money. Don’t worry, the weather is reported to still be warm, just a little breezy. Pack a jumper and a jacket!

Porto by season:

Spring (March-May) | pleasant weather, few tourists
Summer (June-August) | hottest temperatures + largest crowds gathering
Autumn (September-November) | warm weather, fewer crowds
Winter (December-January) | torrential rain at times + temperatures in the single digits

how to get to Porto ↴

Porto is a major hub for northern Portugal, that is serviced by a number of budget airlines, including Transavia, Air Berlin, EasyJet, Ryanair, and TAP (the Portuguese national low-cost airline). There are regular metro and bus services connecting Porto airport to the city. We didn’t fly into Porto, so I can’t speak to the efficiency of the airport-to-city transport services, but it’s said to be rather straightforward.

You can take a high-speed train to Porto, known as the Alfa Pendular, or opt for the slower intercity trains from Lisbon to Porto that run every hour.

We went to Porto via bus, which was rather easy thanks to FlixBus. There are a number of bus networks that run across the country and throughout Europe, so it’s not a bad idea to check with the tourist office wherever you’re coming from to make sure you’ve got the bussing system sussed.

how long to spend in Porto ↴

I always err on the side of more time in every destination, but as an introductory trip to Porto, three days is perfect! There isn’t a laundry list of things to see and do in Porto, but there is enough to fill three days. I think 2-4 days in Porto ultimately gives you enough time to move leisurely, see its main attractions, and enjoy the wealth of delicious food throughout the city. If you have an extra day or two, you could easily add a day trip via train to Duoro Valley for wine tasting or a day in Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal”.

São Bento Railway Station, Porto, Portugal

quick travel tips for Porto ↴

Language | Portuguese Currency | € Euro Population | 214,349

SIM cards in Porto| The MEO SIM card is the best for tourists in Portugal. you can get 5 GB for €5 which includes 500 minutes and free roaming within the European Union.
Make dinner reservations | If you’re planning on dining at any of the fine-dining restaurants in the city, particularly during the summertime, make reservations in advance to guarantee you get a seat. Tables book up at the best restaurants in Porto weeks in advance during peak tourist season.
Purchase an Andante Card | The Andante Card initially costs €0.60, and you can load it with credit to be used on Porto’s metro and buses. This will make getting around Porto easy and cheap. You can purchase an Andante Card at Andante kiosks in the airport arrivals terminal, at many of Porto’s subway and railway stations, and at tourist offices in the city center.
Tipping culture | Tipping isn’t necessary, but many locals round up their bills as a kind way to tip for service.

where to stay in Porto ↴

Before you can enjoy Porto, you need to find the right accommodation to suit your preference and budget.

If you’re looking for specific areas to stay in, consider:

Baixa | smack dab in the middle of everything
Bonfim | a local area that’s considered up-and-coming, complete with breweries + cafés
Cedofeita | a short walk from the city center, near cool cafés + artsy galleries
Ribeira | close to the river, a little romantic

There are loads of Airbnbs throughout the city if you’re planning on visiting for an extended period of time. Many of them are small flats that include a kitchen and a lounge. There are also a number of beautiful boutique hotels and well-reviewed hostels to choose from.

We also love using Booking.com to book the best places to stay around the world.

Here are the hotels and hostels I recommend:

Selina Porto | a chic hostel designed with digital nomads in mind
The Passenger Hostel | eco-friendly, located in the S.Bento's Train Station
Torel 1884 Suites + Apartments | great midrange option. for longer stays
Bessa Hotel Baixa | centrally-located luxury hotel

getting around Porto ↴

walk

Porto, despite its hills, is an incredibly walkable city. Luke and I racked up miles on foot, but it really is the best way to see the many lanes and courtyards that make up Porto.

taxi apps

You can download the free Bolt, Uber or FREE NOW apps for grabbing a taxi around the city. Using these apps is cheaper than hailing a taxi right off the street. We used Bolt a few times throughout our stay and found them quick and reliable.

trams

Lisbon might have the most well-known reputation for its trams, but Porto was the first Portuguese city to install a tram network. These trams are amongst the oldest electric transportation system in Europe and there are three routes you can utilize to get around Porto today. The trams aren’t the cheapest way to get around at €3 per ride, but you can purchase a 2-day tram pass for €10, which is obviously better value for your money.

Check the route details and hours of operation for the Porto trams here

suggested 3-day itinerary in Porto ↴

DAY 1: free walking tour, Chapel of Souls, Porto Cathedral, + Porto Bridge Climb

After a leisurely breakfast, kick start your explorations with a free walking tour around Porto. I recommend Free Porto Walkers which leads a tour of Porto twice a day (10:45 AM and 3:30 PM). After your tour, stop by Chapel of Souls for a photo op and to get an up-close look at Porto’s family tile work. Continue your architectural adventures with a visit to the Porto Cathedral. Finally, end the day with a sunset spent on the Porto Bridge Climb, the only bridge climb in Europe.

DAY 2: Livraria Lello, Clérigos Tower, scenic boat cruise, + port tasting at Cálem Cellars

On your second day in Porto, be the first in line at Livraria Lello, the famous bookshop located in the Cedofeita area of the city. You’ll have to buy a ticket from the kiosk near the Livaria Lello’s entrance and join the queue before being admitted. Once you’ve perused a selection of books, make your way to Clérigos Tower and climb up. Later, take a scenic boat cruise and finish the day with a Port tasting and finger food sampling at Cálem Cellars.

DAY 3: street art tour, Mercado Bom Sucesso, + Jardim do Moro

Explore the city’s street art and best sights completely by tuk-tuk. Enjoy lunch at Mercado Bom Sucesso, an indoor market where local food vendors sell mouthwatering Portuguese cuisine for a reasonable price. Spend the afternoon enjoying the botanical gardens at Stroll along the riverside and finish off your third day in Porto with a picnic at Jardim do Moro in time for an epic sunset.

Day 4 (optional): day trip to the Douro Valley

Take the train out of Porto to spend a day visiting wineries and sampling the best wine in the Duoro Valley. This stunning wine region is a World Heritage Site and is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Even if you aren’t interested in wine (*cough, me, cough*), the Douro Valley has some renowned hiking trails with views of the valley that will take your breath away.

Day 5 (optional): day trip to Aveiro

Aveiro is a laidback village on the west coast of Portugal. Luckily, it’s just a train ride away from Porto, making it an excellent day trip. Aveiro has a romantic atmosphere and is often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal” thanks to its canals. Aveiro is also known for its famous colourful boats (known as barcos moliceiros) that are traditionally used to harvest seaweed and its lavish art nouveau buildings. Visitors can easily enjoy a day here shopping, eating, and enjoying the art.

food to try + where to eat in Porto ↴

You will not go hungry in Porto. The Portuguese city is brimming with fine-dining restaurants, casual eateries, and “cervejarias” (pubs). I highly recommend indulging in delicious and hearty local foods while you visit. It was relatively hard to find local foods that were vegetarian-friendly while I was in Porto, but Luke thoroughly enjoyed the meat-centric, calorie-heavy dishes he noshed on.

Portuguese foods to try:

Francesinha | a famous Portuguese sandwich comprised of steak, sausage, and ham stuck between two thick slices of bread, smothered in cheese, and topped with a fried egg
Caldo verde | a green soup made of potatoes, sausage, and shredded cabbage
Bifana | classic Portuguese pork steak sandwich
Pastel de Nata | sweet egg tart
Rabanadas | Portuguese-style French toast traditionally served on Christmas
Sardines | typically served with potatoes + vegetables as a whole meal

best restaurants in Porto:

Majestic Café | coffee in a luxurious setting
Cruel Restaurante | for the truly adventurous, “fancier” fare, experimental menu that changes regularly
Vegana by Tentugal | traditional Portuguese food with a vegan twist
Casario | prides itself on Portuguese food served with spectacular views of the city
Tia Tia | an innovative take on Portuguese classics
Confeitaria do Bolhão | pastries, breakfast bites, coffee
Zenith Brunch + Cocktail Bar | brunch
Birds of Passage Coffee | brunch

inside the famous bookshop in Porto, Portugal

best things to see + do in Porto ↴

the Porto bridge climb

I heard about the Porto Bridge Climb after watching 48 Hour Travel Man’s recent Porto episode {honestly, how I got most of the ideas for this particular trip around Europe}. A true Richard Ayoade fan at heart, I didn’t want to leave Porto without doing the climb. The climb was a real highlight for me. Luke and I walked up 262 steps, 65 meters above the Douro river to the “summit” and then celebrated by drinking port wine out of chocolate cups. We took photos and heard about the history of Porto and the bridges it’s so well known for. At less than €20 per person, you really can’t miss it! It’s also the only bridge climb in Europe {at time of publishing}.

ADMISSION | €16.50 per person for groups of 4 or less

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Porto Bridge Climb, but, as always, all my opinions are my own and my experience is expressed authentically.

climb up Clérigos Tower

While we’re talking about climbing, no trip to Porto would be complete without visiting the Clérigos Tower. The tower is truly an iconic landmark of Porto, and climbing the narrow, spiral staircase to the top is a must-do. Walk up the 240 steps to the top of the tower for views of the city from above. Built in the 1700s, the Clérigos Tower stands an impressive 76 meters high making it the tallest in Portugal. You can enter the tower’s adjoining church for free, but you do have to pay to visit the tower. However, admission grants you access to the museum. Make sure to book in advance, as only a certain number of people can climb the tower every hour and it regularly sells out during the peak season.

ADMISSION | €6

sample port wine

Sampling port in Porto is pretty much a must-do, even for a beer drinker like myself. We tried it somewhere small and cheap, as we’re not wine enthusiasts. The closer to the city center or the transportation hubs near the river, the more spendy your tasting experience will be. Go a little further away and you’ll find more affordable, but equally delicious tastings available.

ADMISSION | varies by supplier

take a free walking tour

We had a lovely free walking tour with Porto Walkers. Specifically, we enjoyed the “Lifestyle Free Walking Tour” at 3 PM, since it fit in better with our itinerary. The tour lasted approximately 3 hours and covered a lot of ground. The guide was easy to find in the meeting spot {the middle of the city square} thanks to his bright red jacket and umbrella.

ADMISSION | free, tip appreciated at the end of your tour

Bolsa Palace

The Palácio da Bolsa was built between 1842 and 1910 on the ruins of the cloisters of the St. Francis Church. It stands as an ode to the city’s rich merchant history. The interior is simply stunning and will have you saying “wow” every few steps. It’s a steep €25 for a half-hour guided tour, but it’s worth it if you’re at all interested in history and design details.

ADMISSION | €25 per person

take a sightseeing cruise down the Douro River

Porto is arguably the most attractive and extra romantic when viewed from the Duoro River. There are plenty of operators that offer river sightseeing cruises. You can book a fantastic tour through Get Your Guide here.

ADMISSION | varies by tour operator, prices start at ~ €16 per person

check out Porto’s famous tiled churches

It doesn’t take long to notice the many tiled churches that exist around Porto. Most of the churches are constructed in the Baroque architectural style and covered in traditional “azulejo” (Portuguese tiles). The churches have truly become emblematic of the city, and you simply cannot miss checking them out.

My favourites, and possibly the most famous are:

Capela das Almas | One of Porto’s most photographed churches located in the Bolhão district, known for its blue and white tiled exterior is famous for its striking blue and white tiles
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso | A small 18th-century church sitting. on the top of a hill in Old Town near São Bento Train Station
Igreja dos Carmelitas + Igreja do Carmo | Two connected churches built in the 16th and 17th centuries, featuring a mix of Baroque and Rococo style interiors

Mercado Bom Sucesso

This iconic market in Porto has recently been renovated to include more than 40 shops and restaurants, as well as an entertainment area. The market’s new concept is to find balance between modernity and tradition while promoting sustainability and a sense of community in Porto. With new life breathed into it, it’s a great place to eat and drink.

Sao Bento Railway Station

The Sao Bento station is a major transport hub in and out of Porto, but it’s more than just a train depot. Its grand entrance is covered with 20,000 azulejo. The station’s construction started in 1904, designed by architect José Marques da Silva. The azulejo tiled walls were designed and painted by Jorge Colaço, and they all tell the stories of victorious battles, royal families, and other historic happenings in Porto.

ADMISSION | free

Livraria Lello: the “Harry Potter” bookshop

First thing first: it’s not a library. It’s an operational bookstore. Not just any bookstore, though! It’s been ranked and rated as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and, while massively overcrowded, I can promise you the interiors are majorly impressive. Francisco Xavier Esteves designed the bookstore in a Neo-Gothic style. The store was opened by the Lello brothers in 1906 but garnered most of its publicity after catching the eye of JK Rowling during her time spent teaching English in Porto. It’s believed her love of the bookstore even inspired bits of Hogwarts. Because of its popularity amongst Potterheads, it does get busy. You’ll want to book in advance or get there early and wait in line.

ADMISSION | €5 entry fee that can be used towards any book purchase.

hunt down street art

Portugal is steeped with art of all kinds and Porto only adds to the country’s artsy reputation. There are so many beautiful works of art sprinkled through the city streets. The “Half Rabbit” work is one of many done by Bordalo II. His series of “trash animals” is apparently meant to spark dialogue about pollution, litter, and waste and their impact on wildlife and the environment. There are also a number of murals around the city, many with political undertones, that are absolutely worth scouting out. If you’re in need of a free activity in Porto, walk around the city and see how many new pieces you can spot.

ADMISSION | free

Jardim Botânico do Porto

Jardim Botânico do Porto is the ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon wandering around in Porto. The lush garden grounds are filled with giant flowers that seem otherworldly. It isn’t listed as part of my suggested itinerary for Porto simply because there is much are so many other cultural (and honestly more exciting) things to do. Porto’s botanical gardens aren’t the most beautiful I’ve been to, so I wouldn’t mark them a “must do”, but they are worth a trip if you have some time to fill during your Porto trip. The gardens are located roughly 20 minutes by bus out of Porto’s city center. Catch the 207 local bus and use Google Maps to help you navigate if you need to.

ADMISSION | free

enjoy a stunning sunset

There are plenty of sunset spots throughout Porto, and trust me when I say that the city offers visitors incredible golden hours. Cap off your days of exploring by picking a beautiful spot for sunset. Some of my favourites in the city include: