3 Days in Porto, Portugal: A Perfect Itinerary for First Timers

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This detailed 3 days in Porto itinerary shares all you need to know about what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.

Porto is a sunny destination in northern Portugal worthy of any bucket list. It’s located along the Douro River, a long and meandering waterway that makes its way to the ocean from the Douro Valley and is world famous for being a hub of Port Wine. In fact, across the river is Vila Nova de Gaia, a city separate from Porto that’s peppered with many of the best wine cellars and tours. 

Aside from wine, this charming Port city is home to oh-so-friendly locals, colorful streets, and a brunch scene to die for. And, of course, many worthwhile attractions to fill any long weekend in Porto. This charming city break truly captured my heart, and I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you too!

Here’s how to spend a perfect 3 days in Porto, or at least an example Porto itinerary to customize and make your own!

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How many days in Porto?

2-3 days in Porto should be enough to experience the beauty of the city for first-time visitors. But if you have time to spare, you could easily fill another day or two with more time in Porto or with day trips to nearby destinations like the Douro Valley, the historic Roman city of Braga, or the colorful port town of Aveiro. 

When is the best time to visit Porto?

The best time to visit Porto is the summertime, for good weather at least. The summer sees sunshine and high temps of 80s and 90s.

But if you’re looking to beat the crowds and take advantage of lower prices, I actually recommend Porto in the spring or fall. I visited in November and had a great time and enjoyed temperatures in the 50s and 60s and endless sunshine, comfy for walking around. 

Is Porto safe to travel alone?

Porto is a great place for solo travel in Europe! Not only is it supremely safe (Portugal ranks seventh worldwide for safest countries according to the 2023 Global Peace Index), but it’s affordable, sunny, and easy to get around! What more could you want as a solo traveler?

Read more: The Complete Guide to Solo Travel in Portugal

Best Areas to Stay in Porto, Portugal

Since Porto is so walkable, you can’t go wrong staying in any of these Porto neighborhoods.

Ribeira: An old part of Porto that’s nestled along the river. It’s a popular place to stay because of the river views, and also puts you close to some of the best restaurants in the city. 

Baixa: The heart of the city, and is centrally located to the river and other Porto attractions. It’s probably one of the best places to stay in Porto overall. 

Bolhão: Another vibrant district bordering downtown area that makes for a great place to stay. Very walkable and close to Porto’s main attractions.

Villa Nova de Gaia: The city across the river from Porto, home to the best port wine cellars and incredible Porto views. 

Best Porto Hotels and Hostels

Onefam Ribeira: A budget-friendly hostel perfect for backpackers and solo travelers that offers dorms and privates in the heart of downtown Porto. 

Hotel Carris: A beautiful boutique hotel with reasonable nightly rates that boasts incredible views of the river and Luis I Bridge. 

The Yeatman: A luxury hotel across the river with a spa, fitness center, and rooftop pool that rocks a front-seat view of all of Porto. 

Read More: A Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Porto, Portugal 

How to Spend 3 Days in Porto Itinerary 

This recommended Porto 3 day itinerary is pretty jam-packed because that’s how I like to travel. So feel free to customize as you deem fit! Porto is a very walkable city, so although the itinerary may seem busy, many landmarks are clustered close together. 

In any case, prepare to up your step count! Here’s a summary of how to have a perfect 3 days in Porto: 

Other Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

If my three day Porto itinerary below doesn’t fit exactly with your interests, this list summarizes more of the best things to do in Porto so you can build your own perfect Porto itinerary!

• Learn how to surf in nearby Matosinhos, 15 minutes from downtown.
• Go on a guided walking tour of Porto or see the city by Tuk Tuk while getting a history lesson while seeing the city’s best attractions.
• Take a day trip to nearby Douro Valley to see where Port wine grows.
• Get out of the city and stroll through the Jardim Botânico do Porto.
• See the unique sculptures and stroll the treetop walk at Parque de Serralves. 
• Take a tour of the Bolsa Palace, a beautiful, historic building with unique architecture. 
• Visit the Atlantic Ocean and stroll along Ingleses Beach.
• While over by the ocean, check out the Fort of São Francisco do Queijo.
• Shop and dine along the pretty Avenida dos Aliados.
• Take a ride on the Gaia Cable Car.
• Monastery Serra do Pilar
• Viewpoint hopping: Miradouro da Vitória 
• Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

Day 1: Classic Porto

Day 1 of this Porto itinerary is focused on seeing the main attractions in the heart of the city.

Stop 1: Brunch at Zenith Brunch & Cocktails

Porto is a haven for brunch, so if you’re a breakfast fan, I recommend taking advantage of the many cute and tasty spots that dot the city! One of the most well-known spots is Zenith Brunch, a hip joint serving all-day breakfast, cocktails, and excellent drinks. They open at 8:00am, perfect for those who like to start their days early. 

Stop 2: Snap photos against the blue tile wall of Igreja Carmo Church

The Igreja Carmo Church is a famous Porto landmark best known for its gorgeous and expansive blue tile wall. Many come to snap photos, but it’s worth popping by to see them in person. The interior of this baroque church is also worth seeing, where ornate decor and a museum await for those interested. 

Stop 3: Shop at Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores

Book and architecture lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to witness the beauty that is Livraria Lello Bookstore. This insanely popular bookstore attracts long lines, but it moves fast and is worth the wait. 

Although a functioning bookshop, there’s a €5 euro entrance fee, the value of which can be used towards any purchase in the shop. You can buy tickets at the door or online in advance. This bookshop is said to have inspired the Hogwarts library in Harry Potter. 

Stop 4: Climb to the top of the Clerigos Tower

Clérigos Church and Tower is a famous Catholic Church in Porto where visitors can climb the 246-foot tall bell tower. From the top, you can enjoy far-reaching views of the city. 

Entrance is €6 for adults and includes the bell tower and access to a third-floor walkway that allows you to look into the church’s nave. Clerigos Church is a minute from Livraria Lello bookstore. 

Stop 5: See more of Porto’s famous blue tiles at Igreja de Santo Antônio and São Bento Station

Porto’s incredible blue tiles, known as azulejos, are a major highlight of the city. Two other worthwhile spots include Santo António dos Congregados, a historic church with an iconic blue tile facade, and the São Bento Station, often regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. 

Both of these landmarks are more things to see, making them quick stops. And they’re conveniently about a five-minute walk from Clerigos Tower. They’re also conveniently on the way to our next stop!  

Stop 6: Stroll to Porto’s Sé Cathedral + Miradouro da Rua das Aldas for excellent city views

Catholicism is a major theme of Porto’s top attractions, so of course, the city has an iconic cathedral. Porto’s Sé Cathedral is noted for its fortress-like exterior, incredible ornate interior, and, you guessed it, vaulted-blue tile accent walls. It also has some pretty great views because it’s perched atop a hill! 

Entrance to the cathedral is free, but if you’d like to witness the beauty of the cloisters and the beautiful azulejos, it’s €3 entry. 

Stop 7: Explore the Largo de Pena Ventosa Neighborhood

Less than five minutes from the cathedral is the Largo de Pena Ventosa neighborhood. This charming part of the city boasts colorful buildings, narrow winding cobblestone streets, and cafes. It’s a great place to snap photos and see how locals live in this sunny destination. I highly recommend taking the time to roam and maybe even stop and rest with a coffee.  

Stop 8: Enjoy a sunset dinner on the riverwalk + Porto’s Ribeira Square 

No visit to Porto is complete without spending some time along Porto’s riverfront and checking out Ribeira Square. Here very colorful tiled buildings overlook the Douro River. The river walk is lined with a variety of restaurants and bars, making it an excellent place to unwind with a drink in hand, watching the sun turn everything golden. 

You have a lot of choices for restaurants, but I recommend Bacalhau. This charming joint serves upscale Portuguese dishes and is a bit away from the main hubbub of the square. 

Day 2: Porto + Vila Nova de Gaia

Day 2 of this Porto itinerary focuses on more classic sights of Porto and crosses the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for city views and port wine tastings. 

Stop 1: Have breakfast at Do Norte Cafe

Another breakfast joint I really enjoyed in Porto was Do Norte Cafe. I had the most incredible toast that had blueberries, Brie, and peanut butter with a nice cup of Joe. This is one of the best brunch spots in Porto, and I highly recommend it! But be warned, it gets busy, and they don’t accept reservations. 

Stop 2: Witness the beauty of the Chapel of Souls and church of Santo Ildefonso

I was completely captivated by the azulejos throughout Porto, and the Chapel of Souls and Santo Ildefonso are two more places to take in their beauty. Both landmarks are churches and are known as two of the most beautiful places to see in Porto. 

Stop 3: Grab a snack at the historic Mercado do Bolhão

Dating back to the mid-1800s, the Mercado do Bolhão is a traditional market where vendors sell fresh produce, meats, flowers, and more. Even if you’re not in need of picking up fresh fare, it’s worth wandering the interior of this classic Porto landmark. Plus it’s in the center of the city so it’s very easy to walk to and see. 

Stop 4: Walk across the iconic Luis I Bridge with epic views of Porto and the Douro River

This may seem like an overstatement, but walking across the Luis I Bridge was absolutely one of my favorite things to do in Porto. This incredible double-decker bridge features a lower and upper walkway that offers two different vantage points of the city.

But nothing quite compares to the view from the very top, where the pedestrian walkway soars about 150 feet high. The bridge takes you to the other side of the river into Vila Nova de Gaia.

Stop 5: Explore Vila Nova de Gaia, the city across the river 

Often confused as a neighborhood of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia (Gaia for short) is actually its own city! But if you have plans to visit a port wine cellar, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself in the area. That’s because Porto’s most recognizable port wine brands dot the opposite of the river, where the climate is cooler for wine storage, and you can enjoy a front-seat view of the Porto skyline.

Aside from the port wine tours, things to do in Gaia include:

• Snapping photos of the Half Rabbit, a beautiful piece of street art
• Riding the cable car Teleférico de Gaia
• Sipping coffee on a waterfront terrace
• Eat delicious and fresh seafood 

Stop 6: Visit a traditional port wine cellar for a tour and tasting 

While in Porto, you should make time to drink some port wine! Port wine comes from the nearby Douro River Valley and is known for its sweet flavor and is often served with dessert. 

There are many different port wine cellars in Porto to choose from, but some of the more popular cellars are Calem Caves, Graham’s Port Lodge, and Taylor’s Port. 

We booked the Cálem Cellar Classic Tour for the afternoon. The tour took about an hour and included an exhibit dedicated to the growing process as well as wandering through the cellars. We finished with a tasting of port wines. Calem also offers an incredible Fado Tour with live music and a premium tour with additional wine and food pairings. 

No matter where you book, it’s best to do so online in advance because spots and time slots are limited. When booking your port wine tour, you’ll be able to choose the language (English, Portuguese, and others as available) and the kind of tour you’d like (number of wines, food pairings, etc.). Prices vary but are typically between €15-€25 per person. 

Stop 7: Watch the sunset at Kitties Rock or Jardim do Morro Park

While over in Gaia, I recommend staying to watch the sunset over Porto. Two incredible places to take in the view are from Jardim do Morro Park and Kitties Rock.

Morro Park is a grassy hill to the left of the Luis I Bridge. It attracts picnics, pet owners, musicians, and groups spending quality time together. It really is a cozy spot to watch the sunset.

Kitties Rock is more of a hidden spot. It’s tucked away down a grassy trail on the right side of the bridge. You have to scramble up some rocks, but you can take in views of the bridge and the city behind it.

Pro tip: grab a bottle of port wine to go after your tasting to sip while the sun sets. 

Day 3 Option 1: Douro Valley Day Trip

Day three is an excellent opportunity to get out of the city and see some new sights! Since Porto is the land of port wine, there’s no better day trip than to the rolling vineyards where port wine comes from. 

The best way to visit the Douro Valley is via an organized tour, which can be booked on reputable sites like Get Your Guide and Viator. 

This Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour and Douro Valley Full-Day are two high-rated picks. They both include wine tastings, visiting two local vineyards, and a Portuguese lunch and an hour-long river cruise.  

Day 3 Option 2: Porto Continued

On the other hand, if you haven’t quite finished with Porto yet, there’s still so much to see in this golden city. Here are more ways you could spend a third day in Porto. 

Stop 1: Grab brunch at Nicolau Porto or Lazy Breakfast Club

Of course, I’m going to recommend another brunch spot to kick off the day! I actually went to Lazy Breakfast Club during my visit to Porto and really loved it. But Nicolau is another popular spot, and I liked the Lisbon location when I went on another trip. Both are fantastic and offer classic brekkie options and a hip vibe. 

Stop 2A: Travel to the Foz do Douro Neighborhood and soak up some sun on Porto’s Beaches

Although the city center is a bit far from it, Porto is actually a city on the ocean! Specifically, the city’s Foz do Douro neighborhood boasts ocean views, some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, and more to do and see! The seaside is about a 15-minute taxi ride or 25-minute bus ride on the 500 bus. 

Some of the things to do in Foz do Douro include:

• Visiting the Atlantic Ocean and strolling along Ingleses Beach.
• Checking out the Fort of São Francisco do Queijo.
• Walking out to the Farolim de Felgueiras lighthouse as waves crash around you. 
• Snap photos at the Pérgola da Foz. 
• Soaking up some sunshine at beaches like Praia de Matosinhos, Praia de Leça da Palmeira, and Praia de Lavadores. 

Stop 2B: Check out more of Porto’s attractions

If you skip the ocean (or maybe only pop by for a couple of hours) here’s more to do and see downtown: 

• Get a bird’s eye view of the city from Miradouro da Vitória and Porto’s other lookout spots. 
• Visit the 15-century Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (monastery) if even just for the views it offers  
• Tour the beautiful Bolsa Palace to learn more about its unique history and witness some pretty incredible architecture.
• See “Accidentally Wes Anderson” vibes and a pretty garden at the Parque de Serralves.
• See more of Porto’s incredible blue tiles like Igreja de Santo Ildefonso.

Stop 3: Finish the day on a peaceful Douro River cruise 

If you opt to stay in Porto instead of taking a day trip to the Douro Valley, I recommend taking a short river cruise from downtown (like this Douro River Panoramic Tour or 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise). There are a few options that are specifically for the sunset or include wine tastings. But no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to be wowed by a peaceful cruise and pretty views.

Going to Lisbon too?

I have a guide for that! Check out my Perfect Lisbon Itinerary: How to See Lisbon in 3 Days and the 30 Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal.

Travel Tips for Your 3 Days in Porto

Here are just a few simple things to keep in mind for your travels in Porto:

• Porto is a very walkable and affordable destination.
• If you’re a student, don’t forget your student ID: many of Porto’s attractions offer a discounted rate for students. 
• It’s pretty easy and afforeable to get to downtown Porto from the airport via public transportation. The violet line goes between the airport to Trindade which is in the heart of downtown for only about €2.50 oneway.
• There are also shuttles and a bus you can take between the airport to avoid taxi fare.
• Some of the best things to eat in Porto include pastel de nata, the francesinha sandwich, cod fish fritters, sardines, and other seafood.

There you have it! How to enjoy a perfect three days in Porto, Portugal. Any questions or comments? Share below!