2 Days in Porto: The Perfect Itinerary

Two days is just right for Porto: enough to explore the riverside, the port cellars and the old town at a relaxed pace. Add a third day and you can head out to the Douro Valley. Here’s the plan our Porto Travel Tips members recommend.

The plan: Day 1 is the old town, the Ribeira and port cellars in Gaia, with sunset from the Serra do Pilar viewpoint. Day 2 is Livraria Lello, the Clérigos Tower, the Bolhão market and the seaside at Foz. Book Lello tickets ahead.

Day 1: São Bento, the Ribeira and Gaia

Morning

• Start at São Bento station to see its hall of 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles telling Portugal’s history.
• Walk up to the Sé (cathedral) for views over the rooftops.
• Wander down through the steep lanes of the old town to the Ribeira riverside.

Afternoon

• Cross the lower deck of the Dom Luís I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Visit a port wine cellar for a tour and tasting, or join a port wine walking tour.
• Take a short six-bridges river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat.

Evening

• Take the Gaia cable car up, or walk, to the Serra do Pilar viewpoint for sunset over Porto.
• Walk back across the top deck of the bridge (shared with the metro), with the best view in the city.
• Dinner in the Ribeira, or try a francesinha. See what to eat in Portugal.

Day 2: books, towers, markets and the sea

Morning

• Livraria Lello: the famously beautiful bookshop. Tickets cost about €8 and you get the price back as a voucher if you buy a book. Book a time slot online and go early to avoid the longest queues.
• Climb the Clérigos Tower (about €6) for a 360° view of the city.

Afternoon

• Browse the restored Bolhão market for snacks and local produce, and walk Rua de Santa Catarina, past the tiled Capela das Almas and the elegant Majestic Café.
• Prefer art and gardens? Head to the Serralves museum and park instead.

Evening

• Take the vintage tram 1 along the river to Foz do Douro, where the Douro meets the Atlantic.
• Watch the sunset by the lighthouse, then have grilled fish in Matosinhos.

Got a third day?

Go to the Douro Valley for vineyards and river views. See our Douro wine tours, or book a small-group Douro day trip. Other options: Braga, Guimarães or Aveiro. See day trips from Porto.

Tips

• Porto is very hilly. Wear comfortable shoes and use the metro, funicular or Uber to save your legs.
• Get an Andante card for the metro. See getting around Porto.
• Where to stay: the Baixa or Ribeira for this itinerary. See where to stay in Porto.
• Coming from Lisbon? See Lisbon to Porto by train.

More ideas: browse Porto tours and tickets.

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