Porto Portugal Itinerary: 2 Days in Porto for First Timers

Porto, Portugal Itinerary

Last updated on October 17th, 2024 at 11:13 am

I recently got back from my first trip to Portugal where I spent about a week in Lisbon and Porto. For the Porto section of my itinerary, I spent 2.5 days exploring Portugal’s second largest city. I wanted to drink Port in its birthplace, see the stunning blue and white tiled churches, and indulge in the fresh seafood. In this blog post, I’ll share with you how to build your own two day Porto, Portugal itinerary. Get ready to learn some of the best things to do in Porto including where to eat and where to stay!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

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Best Time of the Year to Visit Porto

The best time of year to visit Porto is in the spring (April-June) or fall (September-October). But, really, as long as you’re prepared for the weather and the crowd levels, any time of the year is a good time to be in Porto.

Spring in Porto (April-June)

Spring is beautiful in Porto as places like the Botanical Gardens are in bloom and the Douro Valley vineyards are lush with greenery. There are fewer tourists than the peak summer months so it’s easier to explore the city and accommodation prices are more affordable. You’ll see the temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Porto’s biggest festival, the São João Festival, takes place on June 23rd. This festival celebrates St. John with street parties, music and fireworks. The city will be crowded for it, but if you don’t mind larger crowds it could be a great cultural experience.

Summer in Porto (July-August)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Porto, and the rest of Portugal. Expect large crowds, long lines for attractions, and more expensive accommodations. However, with sunny days and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) this time of year is perfect for hitting the beach!

Fall (September-October)

I visited Porto in early September expecting fewer crowds, but it was still quite busy and a bit overwhelming. While typically the fall sees fewer crowds, it may be better to go later in September or early October to avoid crowds. You’ll still have good weather in Porto with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).

Fall is grape harvest season in the Douro Valley so it’s a great time of year to visit the nearby wineries, taking part in wine tastings! Also, fun fact, International Port Wine Day is September 10th.

Winter (November-March)

If you don’t mind cooler (18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)) and rainy days, consider visiting in winter, the true off season. Winter is the least busy time of year so expect cheaper accommodations, but attractions may be closed so prepare in advance. 

If you’re visiting in December, be sure to check out one of Porto’s Christmas markets

No matter what time of year you’re able to visit Porto, you’re in for a good time!

Porto, Portugal

What to Pack for Porto

I’ve got a complete packing list for Portugal, but here are the essentials you need to pack for Porto. Don’t forget to leave space in your bag for souvenirs!

Clothing: Porto can have unpredictable weather (it randomly rained while I was there) so bring layers. During the day you’ll want to wear comfortable and casual outfits for walking around and in the evenings you’ll need a light jacket or sweater. If you’re planning to enjoy a fancier dinner, consider adding a dressy top and cute pair of shoes to your packing list.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Porto’s hills and cobblestone streets require sturdy walking shoes. A good pair of white sneakers will do, make sure they have good traction in case it rains. The cobblestones are slick when they get wet! I love these Keen sneakers! They’re cute and comfortable!

Crossbody Bag: I love my Uniqlo crossbody bag. It holds everything I need for a day of exploring, is comfortable, and keeps valuables close to me!

Reusable Water Bottle: You can drink the tap water in Porto, so bring your water bottle to fill up and stay hydrated, especially on hot days! I love this HydroFlask.

Portable Charger: You’ll be out all day long using your phone for GPS and a camera. This can eat up the battery life. Bring a portable charger, I like this one, so you can stay powered.

Universal Travel Adapter: If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget a plug adapter for Portugal’s Type C and F outlets. I use this one!

Sun Protection: This includes sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen!

Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal

How to Get to Porto

To start your adventure in Porto, you first need to get there. Here are your main options.

Getting to Porto by Air

The Porto airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport with airport code OPO) is located about 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the city center. There are direct international flights to Porto from many European cities, the U.S., and other parts of the world. Airlines like TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Iberia fly there.

Once you arrive at the airport you can take public transportation to the city center. Porto’s Metro, Line E, connected with the city center in around 30 minutes. There are also multiple bus routes connecting the airport to the city center.

Alternatively, you can take an Uber or Bolt which are both budget friendly and safe options for getting to and around the city.

Getting to Porto by Train

If you’re already in Portugal, you can take a train from Lisbon to Porto. In Lisbon, head to the Santa Apolónia train station for the 3.5 hour train ride to Porto. You can purchase your ticket in advance online (highly recommended during peak travel season) or at the ticket office. 

If you’ve finished your Camino and are in Galicia, Spain, there is a train you can take from Vigo. It takes about 2 hours to get to Porto from Vigo.

Depending on the time of your train a ticket will cost anywhere from €20-40.

See timetables and buy your tickets here.

Getting to Porto by Bus

Companies like FlixBus operate bus routes from nearby countries and cities. Buses from Lisbon to Porto take around 3-4 hours. Bus travel is often a cheaper option than trains but a bit slower.

Getting to Porto by Car

If you’re doing a Portugal road trip, it’s about a 3 hour drive from Lisbon to Porto on the A1 highway. From Galicia, Spain it’s about 2.5 hours and from Madrid it’s a 5-6 hour drive.

Just be aware that driving in downtown Porto is difficult as is parking. Make sure that your accommodation has parking or you know where to find a parking garage.

Check out rental cars here.

Porto, Portugal

How to Get around Porto 

Porto is a very walkable city, but there are also quite a few steep hills and staircases so it’s important to consider multiple ways to get around.

Porto by Foot

Porto’s historic center is compact, and many of its main attractions, such as the Ribeira district, Livraria Lello bookshop, and São Bento train station, are within walking distance. As long as you don’t mind a little sweat and burn in your legs you can see just about everything on foot.

Porto by Funicular dos Guindais

One way to avoid the steepest staircase in Porto is to ride the Guindais Funicular. The Funicular connects the Ribeira district (riverside area) with Batalha, at the top of the hill.

It costs €4.00 for a single ride.

I stayed in Vila Nova de Gaia, so I rode the funicular to help me get to the top of the hill in the morning! It was a fun way to start the day and the views are spectacular.

Porto by Metro

Porto has six metro lines (A, B, C, D, E, and F) each are a different color. 

Line E is the purple line and will take you from the airport to the city center.

Line D is the yellow line that connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge. 

Tickets are based on zones, so you will need to know what zone you’re in. You can buy an Andante card which costs €0.70 then a single trip costs €1.40 to €3.20 depending on the zone. 24-hour passes are also available.

In full transparency, I did not use the metro at all in Porto. But if you think you’ll be using the metro frequently, purchase the Andante Card, which can also be used on buses. 

The Andante card costs €0.60 and then each journey costs anywhere between 

Old town Porto, Portugal
Old town Porto, Portugal

Porto by Tram

Like Lisbon, Porto has a historic tram which is a unique way to see the city. 

There are three tram lines: 1, 18, and 22. Line 1 is the most scenic route as it runs along the river from the city center to Foz do Douro. Line 18 runs from the city center down along the river joining Line 1. Ride these to get out of the busy city center and check out a few of the beaches!

Line 22 runs a loop through downtown Porto with stops near the São Bento Train Station and the Majestic Cafe.

A single tram ticket costs €5.00 for an adult, a return is €7. You can purchase your ticket on board, with cash. There is also a 2-day ticket that costs €10.

I wanted to ride the tram out to the beach, but there was a long line, so I hopped on the bus instead.

Historical tram in Porto, Portugal
São Bento Train Station, Porto Portugal

Porto by Bus

Porto has a great bus system, ride route 500 out to the beaches!

You can purchase a ticket on board with cash or use the Andante Card. Typically, a one way ticket costs €1.80.

Porto by Tour

If you want to maximize your time and minimize your steps in Porto, consider the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour. This also includes two walking tours of the historic city centre and Gaia as well as a wine tasting. 

You can also upgrade this to include a river cruise!

Book your bus tour here.

Solo Travel Safety Tips for Porto

Generally speaking, Porto is incredibly safe for solo travelers. However, like with any city there are certain considerations to take in Porto by following some of these solo travel safety tips.

Walking Alone at Night: I walked back to my hostel after dark each night in Porto and I felt incredibly safe. That being said, consider taking Uber or Bolt late at night if you’re unsure.

Research Neighborhoods: Stay in populated and well-known areas like Ribeira, Baixa, Foz do Douro, or Vila Nova de Gaia.

Beware of Pickpockets: Watch your valuables in crowded areas like the Bolhäo Market or on the trams. Use a cross body bag to keep your items close to you, and leave irreplaceable items at home.

Trust Your Gut: If you are in a situation that feels off don’t be afraid to walk away.

Be Careful with Port Wine: Port wine is delicious, but it is strong! Enjoy it but be mindful of how much you’re drinking and make sure to eat!

Porto, Portugal

Porto Portugal Itinerary Day 1

Get your walking shoes on and ready for your first full day experiencing the charm of Porto.

Take a Walking Tour

The first item on your Porto itinerary is to take a free walking tour of Porto. A walking tour will help you get a better understanding of how Porto is laid out, allow you to ask questions about the history of the city, and you’ll see most of the main attractions in a short amount of time!

The tour typically lasts 3 hours so it’s the perfect way to spend your morning while leaving enough time for other activities in the afternoon.

I recommend booking with Porto Walkers, it’s who I used and the tour guide was great!

The walking tour will include stops at popular places like the São Bento train station and Porto Cathedral but it will also include a stroll through Old Town which is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It may even include a stop at a tiny bakery for a sweet treat. The tour will end in Cais da Ribeira (the riverfront) which is the perfect place to find lunch before continuing on with your day.

Whether or not you book with Porto Walkers, make sure your tour includes the following stops.

São Bento Train Station

Often called one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, the São Bento railway station is filled with azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Porto’s history like the Battle of Valdevez in 1140 and the Conquest of Ceuta in 1415. Construction started on the station in 1900 and took about 11 years for the 20,000 blue and white tiles to be placed. Whether you go there with a tour guide or on your own, the São Bento station is a must visit in Porto!

São Bento Train Station, Porto Portugal

Sé Catedral

Another must visit that will be included in the walking tour is Porto Cathedral. The Cathedral was built in the 12th century and since then has been rebuilt and renovated numerous times. That’s why you’ll see various architectural styles like Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic. 

You can visit the cloisters which are decorated with azulejos tiles depicting biblical scenes for €3.00.

Most people visit the Cathedral as the starting point for the Camino de Santiago.

The courtyard in front of the Cathedral is a pillar where people were once hanged. But today, the courtyard offers amazing views over the city and the Douro River. Just a few steps down from the courtyard is the Miradouro da Rua das Aldas viewpoint if you want your photo opp!

Porto Cathedral
View from the Porto Cathedral

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is an 18th century church near Batalha Square and is notable for its facade covered in over 11,000 azulejos depicting scenes from the life of St. Ildefonso. 

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso in Porto, Portugal

Lunch on the Riverfront

Now that you’re on the riverfront, find a spot for lunch! There are plenty of options right on the river, but I recommend wandering the narrow streets away from the water for a better deal and possibly better food.

A few spots to try are Taberna Dos Mercadores (expect a very long line for this tiny spot). Two other great options are Mescla or Terreiro.

You could also head back into town and find a place to eat on the pedestrian friendly street R. das Flores.

Lunch in Porto
Lunch in Porto

Enjoy the Views from Miradouro da Vitória

After lunch you’re going to backtrack only slightly by heading to Miradouro da Vitória which was my favorite place for views of the city! You’ll be able to see Porto Cathedral, the Ponte Luis Bridge and across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia.

There are quite a few steep stairs to climb to this viewpoint or you could take an Uber.

View from Miradouro da Vitória in Porto, Portugal.
View from Miradouro da Vitória in Porto, Portugal

Walk Across the Ponte Luís I Bridge

It’s time to make your way across the Ponte Luís I Bridge! This is a double deck metal arch bridge that connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. While it was originally presented by Gustave Eifel, one of his students, Théophile Seyrig, actually oversaw its construction.

There are pedestrian walkways on either level, however the upper deck is where the metro line D crosses and the lower level is where cars cross the bridge. 

Ponte Luís I Bridge in Porto, Portugal
Sunset from Ponte Luís I Bridge in Porto, Portugal

Indulge in a Port Wine Tasting

Vila Nova de Gaia is a separate city from Porto and it’s where you’ll find all of the port wine cellars. This is the place where all of the port wine originates! You’ll see boats on the river that are examples of the boats that once transported barrels of wine from the Douro Valley to the port lodges on the riverfront.

Porit is wine that is fortified with brandy. Making it much sweeter, and stronger, than your typical glass of wine. There are ruby, white, tawny and vintage varieties of port that you can taste at one of the many port cellars.

There are actually 60 port cellars in Gaia, 20 of which you can visit. A few of the most popular port lodges are Sandeman, Taylor’s and Cálem. You can do port wine cellar tours at these or simply enjoy a port wine tasting along the river.

I did the Sandeman House tour and wine tasting and it was super interesting! 

Port wine tasting in Porto, Portugal
Vintage port wine cellar in Porto, Portugal.

Take a River Cruise

After your port wine tasting, take a river cruise! These river cruises are called the six bridges river cruise and multiple companies offer them. The cruise lasts approximately one hour and you’ll cruise along the Douro River passing the six bridges of Porto. It is a unique way to see the city from a different perspective.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to do a Douro Valley day trip, you can skip this and simply enjoy your time in Gaia.

Book your river cruise here.

View of Vila Nova de Gaia from the river cruise.

Enjoy Sunset from Jardim do Morro

As the day winds down, head to gorgeous Jardim do Morro for sunset. This park is located at the top of a very steep hill, just below the 17th century monastery, Mosteiro da Serra de Pilar. The monastery is now property of the Portuguese military and can only be visited on a guided tour!

However, you’re here to enjoy the park as the sun sets with tourists and locals alike. There will be people selling wine, beer, and other snacks. I purchased a local beer and a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band played as the sun set.

I kind of wish the band wasn’t there to be honest, but it was still one of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever witnessed. The crowd clapped once the sun disappeared behind the buildings of Vila Nova de Gaia, it was such a wholesome moment.

If you want to see the sunset from here, but don’t want to climb up the very steep hill you can take the Teleferico de Gaia to the top of the hill. It costs €5.00 and takes about 5 minutes.

Sunset from Jardim do Morro in Porto, Portugal.
Sunset from Jardim do Morro in Porto, Portugal.

Dinner at Bia Lounge Tapas Bar & Cocktails

I am still dreaming of the dinner I had at Bia Lounge. This small restaurant has a wide menu of tapas and the best Porto Tonico (an absolute must).

I ordered the steak chimichurri, the tuna, an eggplant dish, and a reuben inspired dish. All of it was freaking delicious and the staff was so friendly.

It’s right over the bridge, near the cathedral!

Dinner at Bia Tapas in Porto
Dinner at Bia Tapas in Porto

Porto Portugal Itinerary Day 2

You saw quite a bit on your first day in Porto, so today we are going to head out of the city center. You can either take a Douro Valley Day Trip or spend the day at the beach!

Take a Douro Valley Day Trip

One of the most popular things to do in Porto is take a day trip to the Douro Valley. This will take an entire day with the tour starting at 8:00 am and returning around 5:00 pm. But you will visit 2 family run wineries in this popular Northern Portugal wine region sampling different wines, pure olive oil, enjoying a farm to table lunch, and a 1 hour river cruise (with more drinks).

Everything is included in the price of this day tour, even the air conditioned transportation!

Book your Douro Valley day trip here.

Spend the Afternoon at the Beach

If wine isn’t your thing, no worries! Today you’re going to head out to Foz do Douro for a day at the beach.

This was one of my most memorable days in Portugal.

This area is much quieter than downtown Porto, has a gorgeous park, multiple beaches, and great places to eat as well.

Take either the historical tram line 1 or bus route 500 in the direction of Foz do Douro. You don’t have to get off at the end, I recommend getting off at the Cantareira stop.

Right near the stop is Camélia, a great brunch spot or a place to grab a matcha latte to go for your walk along the coast.

Walk through the beautiful Jardim do Passeio Alegre which is lined by stunning homes on one side and the river on the other. You’ll pass a lighthouse and then join a pedestrian friendly promenade. There are multiple beaches along the way. You can take your pick for which one you’d like to relax on for the day!

Jardim do Passeio Alegre in Foz do Douro Porto, Portugal
Lighthouse in Foz do Douro in Porto, Portugal.

There are also nearby restaurants and bars for when you get hungry.

About two hours before sunset make your way back towards downtown Porto, but not all the way into town just yet. You’re going to stop at Cais Nobre Bar & Cocktails.

This is an amazing cocktail bar where their cocktails are inspired by Portuguese explorers. The servers are incredibly friendly and will make sure you have an excellent experience. While the inside is cozy, try to get a table outside (they’ll bring you a blanket if it’s cold). From your table outside, enjoy the sunset as the historical tram rolls by every 30 minutes or so.

Cocktail with the historic tram in the background.
Sunset in Porto, Portugal.

It’s a relaxed way to end your final day in Porto.

You can either hop on the bus or tram back into town for dinner. Or you can walk back along the riverfront (I did this and felt perfectly safe).

Where to Eat & Drink in Porto

I’ve already mentioned a few places to eat during your trip to Porto, but I want to highlight a couple more.

Do Norte Cafe by Hungry Biker

Hungry Biker has a couple of brunch restaurants in Porto. I chose to visit Do Norte Cafe as it was near the start of my walking tour. The inside is decorated like a cozy mountain retreat and for €15 I had a huge breakfast of eggs, salmon, avocado, toast, cheese, AND a matcha latte. I thought it was great value for what I got and it kept me full during the walking tour!

Entrance of Do Norte Cafe in Porto, Portugal.
Breakfast plate from Do Norte Cafe in Porto, Portugal.

Castro Atelier de Pastéis de Nata

Is there a day in Portugal when you don’t have a pastéis de nata? I don’t think so!

The most popular place for this delicious pastry is Castro located on a busy corner. Stop in here for your pastéis de nata fix!

Pastéis de nata from Castro bakery in Porto, Portugal.
Pastéis de nata from Castro bakery in Porto, Portugal.

Terreiro

I was starving after a port wine tasting and before heading out to Foz, so on my way to the bus stop I popped into Terreiro which was a great decision!

They quickly sat me at the bar at the window overlooking the square. I had oysters, octopus salad, steak and fries and of course a porto tonico! The service was super friendly, the food was amazing. 

Lado Wines

I stopped in to Lado wines after the walking tour as I decided what to do with the rest of my day. I enjoyed a €3.00 glass of vinho verde while people watching on the cobblestone alley (there is a riverfront side as well). They were super friendly and the wine was delicious!

My Coffee Porto

If you want a coffee with a view, the best place is My Coffee Porto. The inside is very small, but the outside offers amazing views of the river and across to Vila Nova de Gaia. They will be busy, so be patient, they’ll do their best to get you in quickly!

The chai latte was perfect and I had their smoothie bowl as well. It was a nice light start to the day!

Me drinking wine at Lado wines in Porto, Portugal.
Smoothie bowl and chai latte from My Coffee Porto.

Where to Shop for Souvenirs in Porto

Prometeu Artesanato

One of the best souvenirs from Porto is a tile and one of the best places to get them is Prometeu Artestanato. They have traditional blue and white tiles as well as more ornate colorful tiles and other ceramic gifts.

I picked up about 10 tiles here and only spent €80! I was nervous about transporting them home, but they did an excellent job wrapping them in cardboard. I carried them in my backpack home and they all made it safely and are ready for Christmas gifts!

Tiles in a souvenir shop in Porto, Portugal.

Claus Porto

Claus Porto has been creating delicious smelling soaps, colognes, candles and more since 1887! These handcrafted soaps make a unique gift for yourself or someone else! There are a number of scents from musky to lavender and everything in between!

Livraria Lello Bookstore

Known as being one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and as an inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter many people consider this library a must visit tourist attraction in Porto.

Full disclosure, I did not visit as I did not want to wait in line. 

However, if you have extra time and would like to visit, purchase your ticket online (€8) and get there EARLY. If you purchase a book while there, the ticket entry cost is deducted from the price of the book.

Where to Stay in Porto

Now that you know about the best things to do in Porto, where should you stay so you’re close to everything? Here are a few of my top recommendations for places to stay in Porto and across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. There is something for every budget and travel style in Porto so you will definitely be able to find the best place for you!

Budget Friendly Accommodation

The House of Sandeman

I love a boutique hostel and the House of Sandeman is one of the best. This is where I stayed during my time in Porto and I loved it. The views from the lobby are spectacular and best enjoyed with the complimentary welcome drink in hand. Since it’s associated with Sandeman Port Wines, you get a discount on the tour and tasting (highly recommended). They can also set you up with any tours.

One word of caution, while the beds are very comfortable, they’re all interconnected. So you feel EVERYONE move throughout the night.

Check rates and availability here.

House of Sandeman seen from the riverfront.
View of Porto from the House of Sandeman Hostel.

Selina Hostel

If you’re looking for a social place to stay to meet people while traveling alone, check out the Selina Porto hostel. This well known hostel brand offers well equipped dorm rooms and lovely private rooms. There is a garden, complimentary breakfast, and onsite bar. Plus it’s centrally located so you’re close to everything!

Check rates and availability here.

Mid Range Accommodation

d’ALMA Boutique Hotel

Located in the lively Bonfim neighborhood just a short walk to the city center is this charming boutique hotel. d’AlMA only has 15 rooms (some are studios), allowing for tailored service. Breakfast is included and they even offer early check-in and late check out when available. I can’t get over the windows that some of the rooms have!

Check rates and availability here.

Sé Catedral Hotel Porto

Sé Catedral is part of the Hilton family and as such you are in for a real treat when staying here! 

Check rates and availability here. It’s in an excellent location, right near the Funicular and the Dom Luís Bridge. Some rooms have views of the Porto Cathedral and others have views of the Douro River. Since it’s part of Hilton, you can use your Hilton Honors points or earn some by staying here!

Check rates and availability here.

Luxury Accommodation

The Rebello Hotel & Spa

Located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river, the Rebello Hotel is an amazing spot for a bit of luxury with amazing views. It’s a bit removed from the center of the action, but it offers amazing views across the river to Porto. There is a gorgeous restaurant on site, a rooftop bar, and a stunning spa. 

Check rates and availability here.

Exmo Hotel

Exmo is a beautifully designed hotel located in the Ribeira district and recently voted one of the best hotels in Porto. There are 9 different types of rooms that either have a view of the river or the city. There is a gorgeous wine and tapas bar on site in addition to the daily complimentary breakfast. Plus, there is an elevator, and air conditioning! 

Check rates and availability here.

There you have it, the perfect 2-day itinerary for Porto, Portugal. With this itinerary, you will see all of the highlights of Porto, as well as a few hidden gems. I hope that you have an amazing time exploring Porto, finding your favorite viewpoints and port wines!

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