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I’VE BEEN WANTING TO VISIT PORTO, PORTUGAL SINCE I MOVED TO EUROPE.

But over the years, it kept getting passed over for other trips and destinations.

Late last year, when I sat down to write my list of the Top Places to Go in Europe in 2025, Porto’s spot on the list was already well-earned.

I longed to experience its white and blue tile adorned churches and relaxed atmosphere.

Lisbon had already been ticked off my list of must-visit destinations, and I was curious to see how much Porto differed from its southern neighbor.

I was lucky enough to spend three days in Portugal’s northern city, and was surprised at how much there was to see and do.

HERE’S MY RECOMMENDED THREE DAY ITINERARY FOR PORTO, A MAGNIFICENT PORT CITY THAT SHOULD BE ADDED TO YOUR OWN EUROPE TRAVEL BUCKET LIST.

3 Days In Porto: How To Explore Portugal’s Most Beautiful City

Top Experiences in Porto

Planning your trip to Porto?
Here are my FAVORITE experiences for a memorable visit to Porto.

🔍 Discovery | Learn more about your destination

🤝 Connection | Meet locals, learn a craft, and trade stories

🎭 Performance | Immerse yourself in the local art and culture

Fado at Casa da Guitarra

🚌 Excursion | Explore nearby places of interest

🚀 Adventure | Seek thrill and excitement in the great outdoors

Porto Bridge Climb

Curious how to find the best experiences no matter what destination you visit?
Download my Europe Experience Planner now!

How to Get Around Porto

Porto is a relatively small city, making it easy to explore on foot, though it also has a public transportation system with bus and tram lines.

Taxis and ride-sharing platforms are widespread and affordable in the city, too.

WE USED AN UBER DURING A BRIEF RAIN STORM AND TO TAKE US TO ATTRACTIONS FURTHER FROM THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER, LIKE CASA DA MÚSICA, AND TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT.

Where to Stay in Porto

During our visit to Porto, we stayed at Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments, in the Ribeira neighborhood.

Torel 1884 is a luxury boutique hotel established in a restored 19th-century palace.

IT ALSO INCLUDES A SEPARATE BUILDING WITH ELEVEN APARTMENTS ON RUA DAS FLORES.

I loved the hotel’s furnishings and overall vibe — sophisticated and relaxed — and breakfast each morning was a treat.

The location was perfect for exploring Porto, with major attractions just a short walk from the hotel.

I would recommend Torel 1884, and would probably stay there again myself.

When to Visit Porto

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PORTO IS IN SPRING AND EARLY FALL — FROM APRIL TO JUNE AND SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER — WHEN THE WEATHER IS MILD, SUNNY, AND IDEAL FOR WALKING THE CITY’S HILLS AND RIVERSIDE.

It’s also a popular destination in December, when festive lights and holiday markets add charm to the city.

The off season is January and February, when rain is more frequent and temperatures dip, though you’ll have Porto mostly to yourself.

The shoulder months of March, July & August, and November are when Porto is still lively but not overcrowded.

JUST KEEP IN MIND THAT AUGUST CAN BE VERY HOT AND HUMID.

Though Porto doesn’t really shut down like southern beach towns, it can feel quieter as locals take their own summer holidays.

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Day 1: Arrival in Porto – São Bento Station, Pastel de Nata, and Miradouros

After checking in and dropping your bags, ease into Porto with a relaxed afternoon that blends food, art, and iconic architecture.

Savor Porto’s Iconic Architectural Gems

START WITH LUNCH AT TAPABENTO, A HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANT TUCKED INSIDE THE SÃO BENTO STATION.

Reservations are a good idea — it’s a popular spot known for its fresh seafood, bold flavors, and warm service.

After lunch, walk a few steps to the main lobby of São Bento Station, where 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles line the walls and depict scenes from Portuguese history.

It’s a masterpiece hidden in plain sight.

CONTINUE JUST A FEW BLOCKS TO MANTEIGARIA FOR THE FIRST PASTEL DE NATA OF YOUR TRIP TO PORTO.

These Portuguese egg tarts have buttery crusts and a custard-like center, still warm from the oven, are best paired with a bica, or Portuguese espresso.

From there, make your way to Livraria Lello.

Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, there’s an entrance fee — but the neo-Gothic staircase, stained glass ceiling, and carved wood details are not to be missed, especially for architecture enthusiasts.

If you only have one day in Porto, or aren’t a fan of crowds, then skip this spot and instead seek out Rosebud Bookshop, an independent English language bookshop beloved by locals.

Watch the Sunset Over Porto’s Impressive Bridges

For golden hour, trade the crowds for calmer sunset moments.

Walk uphill through the Cedofeita neighborhood to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a peaceful public park with winding paths, peacocks, and sweeping views over the Douro River.

IT’S ONE OF THE BEST MIRADOUROS, OR VIEWPOINTS, IN ALL OF PORTO FOR WATCHING SUNSETS.

As dusk turns to evening, stroll back downhill through the collection of gardens towards the Cais das Pedras tram stop and ride it to the Infante tram stop, then take the short walk to the Cais da Ribeira.

End your first day here on Porto’s colorful, buzzing waterfront.

The atmosphere is lively, but the quieter side streets are full of charming restaurants serving cold glasses of vinho verde and traditional Porto specialties.

Day 2: Port Cellars, Rua das Flores, and Fado

Explore Porto Cathedral and Gaia’s Treasures

Start your day by visiting Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, to admire the Gothic-and-Baroque structure and wander its corridors to admire walls of azulejo tiles.

Before leaving, take in the view of the city’s rooftops and the land across the river — that's where you’re heading next.

HEAD TO THE LUÍS I BRIDGE AND CROSS IT VIA THE UPPER PEDESTRIAN LEVEL.

It won’t be too crowded in the morning, allowing you time to take great photos over the Douro River and the city’s red rooftops.

Once across the bridge, you’ll enter Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto’s port wine cellars and the best spot for views of Porto’s old town.

Make your way to Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, perched beside the uniquely circular Monastery of Serra do Pilar.

THIS IS THE PERFECT SPOT FOR TAKING PHOTOS IN PORTO, SO BE SURE TO LINGER AND CAPTURE SOME GREAT SHOTS IN THE MORNING LIGHT.

Learn about Port Wine and Browse the Shops of Rua das Flores

HEAD DOWNHILL FOR A GUIDED PORT TASTING AT SOME OF THE CITY’S MOST RENOWNED CELLARS.

You can opt to tour a single port lodge, or you can take a guided tour of multiple port wine cellars.

If you’re interested in visiting a single port lodge, it’s a good idea to book a tour directly with the brand.

The most popular port lodges include:

Taylor’s, for a museum-style experience
Graham’s, if you prefer something quieter with a heritage vibe
Caves Cálem, for interactive exhibits, a 5D film, and optional Fado shows
Burmester, for elegant tastings in vaulted cellars right beneath the Dom Luís I Bridge
Cockburn’s, for a working cellar and a behind-the-scenes look at barrel-making

IF YOU’RE NOT FOCUSED ON VISITING A SINGLE PORT LODGE, IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO TAKE A TOUR THAT WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT CELLARS.

The Porto Wine and Dine is a combination of a food tour and a port wine tour, great for those who are interested in the wider culinary heritage of Porto.

If you’re focused on port wine, though, the Port Wine Lodges Tour will immerse you in the history, craftsmanship, and varieties of port.

Afterward, hop on the Gaia Cable Car from the Cais de Gaia station for a short, scenic ride along the waterfront, or just walk back towards the Luís I Bridge.

Cross back over to Porto and spend a little time wandering Rua das Flores, a stylish pedestrian street full of boutiques, wine shops, and independent artisans.

My favorites are Claus Porto, known for its luxurious hand soaps, and Benamôr 1925, a Portuguese cosmetics brand that makes the most intoxicating jacarandá hand cream.

GRAB A GELATO ALONG THE WAY, THEN HEAD BACK TO YOUR HOTEL OR APARTMENT FOR A MID-AFTERNOON REST.

Listen to Fado and Dine at a Hidden Gem Restaurant

After freshening up, walk back across the Luís I Bridge, this time with the city lit up against the darkening dusk.

Full disclosure — if you don’t like heights, then walking across the bridge might be a tad anxiety-inducing.

Then, make your way to Casa da Guitarra, a guitar shop near the cathedral that hosts Fado performances in the evening.

There are other places to see Fado in Porto — we even visited one — but the Fado at Casa da Guitarra stands out for its intimate performance space and emotionally powerful performances.

PLUS, SHOWS LAST ABOUT AN HOUR, MAKING IT EASY TO FIT IN JUST BEFORE DINNER.

Speaking of dinner, traipse down the cobbled streets to Ora Viva, a casual and charming spot where the seafood is fresh, the port tonics are strong, and the vibe feels more local than touristy.

It’s the kind of place you’ll remember, but be sure to have reservations.

Day 3: Azulejo Tile Churches, Cachorrinhos & Francesinha, and Casa da Música

Admire Porto’s Azulejo Tile Churches and Wander Mercado do Bolhão

Start your final day in Porto with a walking route that reveals the city’s personality through its architecture and food.

Begin at Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, a stunning baroque church tiled from top to bottom.

It overlooks Batalha Square, a peaceful contrast to the city’s bustle and a great spot to enjoy a takeaway coffee and pastel de nata.

FROM THERE, WALK A FEW MINUTES TO THE CHAPEL OF SOULS, LOCATED RIGHT ON RUA DE SANTA CATARINA.

Its vivid blue-and-white tiled façade tells scenes from the lives of saints — and is one of Porto’s most photographed spots.

After taking photos, stroll to the recently renovated Mercado do Bolhão, a historic market where locals buy everything from fresh sardines to pastries.

Wander the stalls, buy some tinned fish as a souvenir, and take in the colorful, noisy charm that still defines daily life in Porto.

Cachorrinhos, Casa da Música, and Francesinhas

For lunch, make your way to Gazela, a no-frills spot famous for its cachorrinhos — a sort of chopped hot dog made with crispy bread and a spicy sauce.

Enjoy it like the locals do, with a beer and fries.

After lunch, catch a tram or taxi west toward the Boavista neighborhood for a tour of Casa da Música, Porto’s angular, ultra-modern concert hall designed by Rem Koolhaas.

TIME YOUR VISIT TO COINCIDE WITH THEIR GUIDED TOURS SO THAT YOU’RE ABLE TO EXPLORE THE MAGNIFICENT INTERIORS OF THE CONCERT HALL.

Afterward, walk a few minutes to Mercado Bom Sucesso, a modern food hall popular with locals.

Head to Lado B’s stand and grab a francesinha, Porto’s iconic take on the croque monsieur, a sandwich layered with meat, cheese, and a rich beer sauce.

It’s a filling snack that should help fuel your final few hours in the city.

Choose-Your-Own Porto Farewell

Depending on your energy and departure time, you can end your Porto experience in a few ways:

Grab a final pastel de nata at Castro and head to the Miradouro da Vitória for one more panoramic view of Porto’s sunset.
Photograph the twin Baroque churches of Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas.
Toast to a great trip with a glass of vinho verde at Prova wine bar or with a cocktail at Curioso Cocktail Bar.
Admire one last architectural gem of Porto by swinging past the McDonald’s housed in the historic Imperial Café, with its impressive Art Deco stained glass and grand chandeliers.

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How Many Days in Porto, Portugal

My initial plan for this trip was to spend a full two days in Porto and then take a day trip to either Aviero or Coimbra.

But there was just too much to see and do in Porto proper that we couldn’t make a day trip work.

I THINK THAT THREE DAYS IN PORTO IS THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF TIME TO EXPERIENCE THE CITY.

If you’re hoping to add a Duoro Valley day trip, then I would consider extending your time in Northern Portugal to four or five days.

Conclusion

Even after spending three days in Porto, I’m still dreaming about what I’ll do on my next visit to the city.

A visit to Palácio da Bolsa and its ornate Arab Room are high on my list, as this landmark was closed for a private event during our visit.

I ALSO WANT TO VISIT NEARBY AVIERO AND COIMBRA THE NEXT TIME I’M IN NORTHERN PORTUGAL.

And since I loved the tour of Casa da Música, I hope the next time I’m in Porto I can take in a performance there.

The truth is, Porto is a magnificent city that has so much to discover — don’t be surprised if you’re still longing for a second visit even after your own trip is over.

Until next time,

Angela

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