Porto is the most popular city in Portugal after Lisbon, the capital. Besides its iconic evening sunlight, it has beautiful views across the Douro River and a few places you won’t want to miss. Here is our pick for two days in Porto!
Day 1 | Downtown, Ribeira & Gaia
Reserve your first day in Porto to explore the city center and its surroundings. The city might be smaller than Lisbon, but it also has its uniqueness. Our first recommendation is one of the most visited sites in the world, but it’s a must, indeed: the Lello Bookshop. There’s now an entrance fee inclusive of perks such as books from their own collection, or entrance to the Gemma Room. It might be less crowded during lunchtime, or late afternoon.
Next up is Clérigos, a baroque-style church and tower designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century. The interior has detailed paintings, and many other characteristics really worth the visit. Go up Santa Catarina, a pedestrian road in Porto’s downtown where you can see street artists performing, peruse through international stores, and more. If you’re feeling hungry, maybe try Porto’s most famous dish, francesinha. It’s said the best ones can be found in a few places, including Café Santiago, Brasão, and Cufra.
Take a 15-minute walk to get to Ribeira, a hip area filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars – locals and tourists alike head there for dinner or a cocktail. On your walk, notice the traditional wooden boats across the river: these are called Rabelos and their existence dates back to the 18th century. The vessels were used to transport wine from the villages surrounding Douro to the rest of the world. They are still operating as fishing boats. From Ribeira, you’ll also be able to take stunning photos of Gaia, set on the other side of the Luís I Bridge. Stop for a “fino” (beer) and snacks at one of Porto’s oldest tascas, “Escondidinho do Barredo”, before heading to Gaia.
On the other side of the bridge is WOW, a cultural hub featuring museums, restaurants, and several events during the year. We recommend visiting the Wine Museum, Planet Cork (which tells the story of this sustainable and durable material), and if you’re traveling with kids, the Pink Palace. There’s also the Porto Region Across the Ages museum, which might be interesting if you like learning about this area’s history.
Complete your day with a Port wine tasting across different wineries. Set in Gaia, just opposite Ribeira, Nieeport, Taylor’s, Cockburn’s, Caves Ferreira, and Graham’s are waiting for you for wine tastings accompanied by delicious local food.
Day 2 | Foz & Serralves
Start your second day in this beautiful city by checking out Casa da Música, a perfect example of contemporary architecture designed by Rem Koolhaas.
We might’ve saved the best for last: visiting one of the most iconic places in Porto. Designed by internationally renowned architect, Álvaro Siza Vieira and inaugurated in 1999, the Serralves Foundation is comprised of a vast garden and a contemporary art museum with exhibitions and events. It’s a serene place, perfect for those looking to get their art fix and a relaxing nature walk at the same time.
End your Porto trip on a breezy note, with a stroll along Foz, Porto’s preferred area for beach lovers. The water’s probably freezing, but you can always bask in the sun for a bit. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants along the riverside, so find the one that appeals to you the most, and relax over food and drinks.
Still have some spare time?
If you’re in Porto and have some days left, we recommend checking out some villages around (no more than two hours away), especially the ones around the Douro River. Some are located uphill and boast gorgeous views into the river, while others sit, just like Porto, close to it. You can also do a Douro cruise – there are options for those who wish to sleep in the boat – or explore vineyards nearby. Peso da Régua, São João da Pesqueira, and Vila Nova de Foz Côa are good options.
