2-Day Itinerary in Porto

Welcome to Porto, one of the most charming and historic cities in Portugal. With great food, picturesque streets, and stunning architecture, Porto offers an unforgettable experience to all who visit.

Marcos is a "tripeiro" (a native of Porto), so he knows this city like no other. Today, he will share with us the best tips and suggestions from the city that watched him grow up.

We have prepared a two-day itinerary for you in Porto that will allow you to dive into the city’s history, enjoy the best panoramic views, explore traditional markets, and, of course, taste the famous Port wine.

Come with us and discover this incredible city.

The tram is a classic mode of transport still used in Porto.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Clérigos Tower

We begin exploring Porto with one of the city’s most iconic buildings - Clérigos Tower. Built in the mid-18th century, it is the tallest tower in Portugal.

You can visit both the Tower and the church; entry to the church is free, but access to the tower costs €8, which also grants access to the museum. If you choose to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city.

Carmo Church

Close to Clérigos Tower is the Carmo Church, known for its exterior covered in tiles. This church is one of the many places where you can admire traditional Portuguese tiles.

Lello Bookstore

It’s time to visit one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Lello Bookstore is famous for its neo-Gothic architecture and its central staircase. It is said that it was one of the places where J.K. Rowling found inspiration for her Harry Potter books.

The entrance fee is €8, which can be deducted if you buy a book.

Avenida dos Aliados

Continue your Porto tour on Avenida dos Aliados. This avenue is the heart of the city and one of its busiest areas. It is surrounded by impressive buildings and is home to the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world, so don’t miss a visit while taking a break to rest.

Ribeira do Porto

Walk down Rua das Flores to reach one of the city's most well-known spots: Ribeira do Porto. This is perhaps our favorite place in the city and the one we love to stroll around the most.

With the Luís I Bridge and the Douro River as a backdrop, you’ll find several bars and restaurants offering the best views of the city. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a glass of sangria. Street musicians often perform here, adding to the lively atmosphere.

We also recommend taking a boat trip along the Douro River, passing under the six bridges that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia; the views are stunning. You can book this experience through GetYourGuide.

Luís I Bridge

Now we suggest crossing the bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia side. This bridge is an iconic city landmark, built by a disciple of Eiffel, the same architect behind the Eiffel Tower.

The bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and offers stunning views of the Douro River and Ribeira do Porto. Cars travel on the lower platform, and you can cross it on foot. The upper platform is reserved for the metro, but you can also walk across.

The Luís I Bridge is one of the most well-known symbols of the city of Porto.

Cais de Gaia

Stroll along Cais de Gaia and enjoy the view of Porto. Along the way, there are several "tascos" (small traditional eateries) where you can enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas.

The Gaia riverside is a great place for a stroll with a view of Porto.

Visit the Porto Wine Cellars

Take the opportunity to visit the Porto wine cellars. During the tour, you will learn more about the history and production of this famous wine; at the end, you can sample different varieties of Porto wine.

For a more complete experience, we recommend spending a few days in the Douro Wine Region, where Porto wine is produced. Here, you can explore vineyards and wine estates, participate in tastings, and learn about the wine production process. It’s also a great place to relax, surrounded by one of Portugal’s most beautiful landscapes, full of vineyards with the Douro River as a backdrop. You can also make this visit as a day trip from the city center with GetYourGuide.

Quinta da Pacheca is one of the best wine producers in northern Portugal. — We spent a few days at Quinta da Pacheca and were delighted.

Serra do Pilar

Climb to the Serra do Pilar Monastery for spectacular views of Porto. This historic site offers a panoramic view of the city and the Douro River.

Jardim do Morro

End your day watching the sunset at Jardim do Morro. This garden offers an incredible view of the city and the Douro River, with the Arrábida Bridge in the background. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset while relaxing after a day of exploring Porto.

Try a Francesinha for Dinner

No visit to Porto is complete without trying a Francesinha, the city’s most famous dish. This sandwich is filled with various meats, topped with melted cheese, and drenched in beer and tomato sauce. We recommend "O Brasão", "Yuko" Tavern, and "Capa Negra".

Day 2

Bolhão Market

Start your second day by visiting the city’s most famous market: Bolhão Market. In this traditional market, you’ll find a variety of local products, from fruits, cheeses, and wines to seafood.

Rua de Santa Catarina

Close to Bolhão Market is Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s main shopping street. It has plenty of shops and cafes. Here, you will also find the famous Café Majestic, a historic café and one of the most beautiful in the world.

Almas Chapel

Halfway down Rua de Santa Catarina is the Almas Chapel. This chapel is well known for its blue and white tile facade, depicting scenes from the lives of various saints.

Santo Ildefonso Church

Head towards Batalha Square, where you’ll find Santo Ildefonso Church, another impressive example of Portuguese tile art.

This church is yet another example of the Portuguese tile tradition.

São Bento Station

Now walk down Rua 31 de Janeiro, which faces Clérigos Tower, until you reach São Bento Station. This is one of Porto’s main train stations and attracts many visitors for its tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

The interior of the station also has tiles telling a little about the history of Portugal.

Sé do Porto

The Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest and most important churches in the city. For €3, you can visit the cathedral and its cloisters and enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Porto.

Take some time to explore the alleys in this area. You may find charming spots like Largo da Pena Ventosa.

The Sé Church is located in a privileged place in the city.

Crystal Palace Gardens

The Crystal Palace Gardens are a green oasis in the heart of the city. With winding paths, fountains, and a spectacular view over the Douro, it's the perfect place for a peaceful walk or a picnic.

There is so much more to see in this historic and romantic city, but we hope that with this itinerary, you won’t miss the must-see spots during a short visit to Porto.

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