Why Porto is such an enchanting, magical city + our favorite things to do in Porto. This blog post is all about what to do in Porto, where to stay in Porto and what to eat in Porto.
Updated: February 2025
Visiting Porto
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a fantastic place to explore, especially for a first-time visitor. Nestled in northern Portugal along the Douro River, this beautiful city is known for its steep hills, historic buildings, and world-famous port wine cellars. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with main attractions, making it a great spot for a walking tour.
One of the best things to do on your first day is to visit the Ribeira District, where you can enjoy some of the best views of the Dom Luís I Bridge from the lower level pedestrian walkway. A short walk from here takes you to São Bento Train Station, one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, decorated with stunning azulejo tiles. Exploring the historic center on foot is a good option, but using the metro lines or tram line is a better way to cover more ground without getting too tired.
A Perfect Porto Itinerary
A well-planned Porto itinerary should include enough time to visit iconic landmarks like Porto Cathedral, Bolsa Palace, and the famous Livraria Lello—one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, often linked to Harry Potter. Rua de Santa Catarina is the perfect place for shopping and trying a vegan pastel de nata, while Capela das Almas impresses with its blue-and-white tile facade. For a deeper dive into the local culture, a guided tour or a day trip to the nearby wine region is a good idea.
If you’re visiting during high season, booking restaurant reservations in advance can save you from long lines at popular spots. In the evening, a boat tour or a bridges cruise offers a scenic perspective of the city, and the Miradouro da Serra viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramas. Whether you’re in Porto for a long weekend or as part of a longer Portugal itinerary, this coastal city will leave you wanting more.
How We Traveled to Porto:
We took a 3.5-hour train (second-class) from Lisbon Santa Apolonia Station to Campanha station in Porto. Then, we took a Bolt from Campanha to our apartment rental in the historic district. On our return from Porto to Lisbon, we took a Bolt to the Campanha station so we didn’t have to deal with changing trains from the São Bento station. As we bought our tickets 5 days beforehand, we received a discount on first-class seats on the fast train.
first-class vs second-class train tickets from porto to lisbon
While first class is highly recommended and the fast train was about an hour faster than the train we took to Porto, the kids and I suffered motion sickness halfway through the trip making it quite unpleasant. Next time, if we take the fast train (200km/h), we will take ginger supplements or Dramamine beforehand. Despite the motion sickness, we love traveling on trains and the views were beautiful!
Here are our Reasons why Porto is such an Enchanting and Magical City:
where to stay in porto
Check out this amazing list of places to stay in Porto: HOTELS AND APARTMENTS IN PORTO, PORTUGAL
what to do in Porto:
- Walk along the Douro River on the Cais da Ribeira (riverwalk). It comes alive at night with musicians performing to adoring crowds and restaurant goers. It’s a great place to sit on a bench to enjoy the scenery and ambiance.
- Visit the Palacio de Cristal and the accompanying Jardins. We adore this park and could definitely spend more time there in the future. The Porto Municipal Museum is inside this gorgeous park. It’s an interesting place to see contemporary art that questions and pushes boundaries of what art is. The park is lush and adorned with colorful flowers and foliage. There are also boisterous resident peacocks and chickens and captivating views of Porto.
- Walk along Santa Catarina. Santa Catarina is a walkable pedestrian area with the mall and shops on both sides of the street. This street is lovely with an art installation by Madalena Martins. It consists of flying canopies of various colors which evokes a sense of whimsy. And bonus points that an Amorino Gelato shop is located on the street with their large variety of vegan sorbets!
- Visit São Bento train station. Walk inside arguably the most beautiful train station to see the gorgeous azulejos on the walls that tell the story of Portugal. The murals represent moments in the country’s history and the multicolored panels depict rural scenes showing the people of various regions.
- Visit Palacio da Bolsa and enjoy the lovely grounds with tantalizing Spanish lavender and other nicely fragranced flowers around the plaza. It’s only a block away from the waterfront and definitely deserves a visit.
vila nova de gaia:
- Walk across the Dom Luis I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. We walked along the boardwalk and enjoyed the enthralling view. There is also a sky tram that you can take from the boardwalk to the church on the hill for an unforgettable sunset view.
- Visit one of the delightful beaches nearby, from Matosinhos to Praia de los Ingleses. We decided not to go to Matosinhos as we read reviews about the industrial area close to the beach and preferred a more picturesque beach. After taking a 15-minute Bolt (similar to Uber) from historic Porto to Praia de Molhe, we were thrilled with the alluring archway leading towards the sandy beach. We explored the beaches, walked on the long pier, and were captivated by the pier where one side is the calm Douro River and the other side the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean. Then we took a Bolt back to historic Porto. It was a perfect half-day trip to the beach!
- Visit any of the intricate churches and towers in Porto, such as Dos Clérigos and Igreja das Carmelitas. We didn’t go into any of the churches, but definitely enjoyed the architecture from the outside and conjured up ideas of how these gorgeous churches were built before modern technology.
- Visit Livraria Lello. While we didn’t get a chance to visit this one-of-a-kind bookstore, it’s absolutely at the top of our list for our next visit to Porto. It’s heralded as the most beautiful bookstore in the world! We reveled in the view from the outside and the unique park with bar above a shopping area next door with alluring views of Clerigos.
where to eat in Porto:
- Remedio Santo – this restaurant comes highly recommended on Happy Cow so we knew we had to eat there on our last night in Porto. While it’s a bit on the expensive side, the creatively prepared food is divine and absolutely worth it. I had the lemon mustard seed gnocchi while the kids shared a burger and carob pie and Fernando had the mushroom delight.
- My Green Pastry – they serve a weekend brunch, light lunches, and the most delicious delicate French pastries! The pastries are spectacular. Get as many as you can to try! We ordered 4 pastries and I wish we had ordered all of them.
- Amorino – the vegan sorbets are amazing! Our favorites were chocolate, mango, strawberry, and blackberry. Our kids wanted to go here frequently for the rose-shaped delectable sorbets. They have convenient locations in Santa Catarina with captivating flying art installations and near the most beautiful bookstore, Livraria Lello.
- Da Terra – we ate the buffet at Da Terra, which happened to be a 3-minute walk from our apartment rental. It was good, but not mind-blowing. The vegan desserts (paid separately, but very affordable) were our favorites, especially the molten chocolate cake and the tofu cheesecake.
where to stay in porto:
- Letheshome Apartments (talk about amazing location and roomy apartment)
- São Miguel Apartments (sustainable + amazing location)
- Apartamentos the Arc Carris (budget-friendly + awesome location)
- Habitatio Aliados (great location + a balcony)
- Canto de Luz (sustainable + luxurious + affordable)
other fun ideas for porto:
- Next time we go to Porto, I am definitely going to do this Douro Valley Tour!
- This hop on/hop off bus tour looks amazing! BUS TOUR
- This Fado show at Calem Port would be spectacular! Fado + port tasting = you can’t go wrong there!
- This cruise sounds like so much fun!
- And don’t forget this transportation card that makes it so much easier to get around Porto! PORTO CARD
Best Time to Visit Porto
The best time of year to visit Porto depends on your travel style and preferences, but generally, spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are the ideal seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the high season in summer. This makes it a great time to explore the city center, wander through the historic buildings of the Ribeira District, and take a walking tour without dealing with heavy traffic or long lines at main attractions like Livraria Lello or Bolsa Palace. It’s also the best option for enjoying outdoor activities like a boat tour on the Douro River or a cable car ride for panoramic views.
Summer (June to August) is the high season, bringing warm weather, lively festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere, but it also means higher prices, large crowds, and steep hills feeling even steeper under the sun. If you visit during this time, it’s a good idea to book restaurant reservations in advance and consider purchasing an Andante Card for easier access to the metro lines and tram line to avoid excessive walking.
On the other hand, winter (November to February) is the best time for budget travelers, as accommodation prices drop and tourist attractions are less crowded. While it can be rainy, Porto’s charm remains, and you can still enjoy port wine tasting in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia or visit São Bento Railway Station, one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, without rushing.
How many days should you spend in Porto?
The ideal number of days to spend in Porto depends on your travel pace and interests, but for a well-rounded experience, 3 to 4 full days is the best option.
1 Day in Porto (Quick Visit)
-
If you’re short on time or including Porto as part of a larger Portugal itinerary, you can cover the main attractions in a single, busy day. A walking tour of the historic center, a visit to São Bento Train Station, and a stroll through the Ribeira District are musts. Don’t miss Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores, and a quick stop for a pastel de nata on Rua de Santa Catarina. End your day with a bridges cruise or a port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia.
2 Days in Porto (Classic Itinerary)
-
With two full days, you can explore at a better pace. Day one can focus on historic buildings, including Porto Cathedral, Bolsa Palace, and the Dom Luís I Bridge. On day two, take a guided tour of the wine region, enjoy a boat tour, or visit cultural spots like Casa da Música. A ride on the cable car offers some of the best views of the city.
3 to 4 Days in Porto (Ideal Stay)
A long weekend in Porto allows enough time to explore beyond the city center. You can take a day trip to the Douro Valley for port wine tastings, visit the Miradouro da Serra for panoramic sights, or check out local gems like Capela das Almas. Using the metro lines or tram line makes getting around easier.
5+ Days in Porto (Slow Travel)
If you want a relaxed experience and time for off-the-beaten-path spots, a 5-day Porto itinerary is a great option. You can explore nearby small towns, enjoy live music in the evenings, and take multiple day trips to places like Braga, Guimarães, or Aveiro.
For first-time visitors, 3 days is the best way to experience Porto without feeling rushed, but if you love European cities with a mix of history, food, and wine, you might want to stay even longer!
DIY Walking Tour of Porto
Here’s a DIY Walking Tour of Porto, covering the city’s most iconic sights, historic buildings, and hidden gems at your own pace. This route will take you through the historic center and Ribeira District, with stops for pastel de nata, port wine tasting, and some of the best views in Porto.
Distance: ~5 km | Duration: 4-6 hours (including stops)
Best Time to Start: Morning (to avoid crowds at main attractions)
1. São Bento Train Station (Start Here)
📍 Why Visit? One of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, famous for its stunning blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history.
⏳ Time: 15-20 minutes
2. Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
📍 Reason to Visit? One of Porto’s oldest buildings, offering a fantastic panoramic view of the city from its terrace.
⏳ Time: 20-30 minutes
💰 Entry: Free for the main church, cloisters have an additional cost
3. Dom Luís I Bridge (Upper Level Walkway)
📍 Why Visit? Walk across this famous iron bridge for one of the best views of the Ribeira District and the Douro River.
⏳ Time: 15-20 minutes
💡 Tip: Be mindful of the metro line that also runs across this pedestrian walkway.
4. Vila Nova de Gaia & Port Wine Cellars
📍 Reason to Visit? Cross into Gaia to explore port wine cellars like Graham’s, Sandeman, or Taylor’s for a tasting experience.
⏳ Time: 1-1.5 hours
💰 Entry: Wine tastings have an additional cost
5. Ribeira District (Lunch Break)
📍 Why Visit? Porto’s most photogenic area, filled with narrow streets, colorful houses, and traditional Portuguese food.
🍽️ Where to Eat? Try a vegan Francesinha or other local dishes at Época or Da Terra.
6. Bolsa Palace
📍 Reason to Visit? One of the most beautiful historic buildings in Porto, with its Arab Room being a highlight.
⏳ Time: 30-45 minutes
💰 Entry: Around €12
7. Livraria Lello (One of the Most Beautiful Bookstores)
📍 Why Visit? A must-see for Harry Potter fans, with a stunning wooden staircase and historic charm.
⏳ Time: 20-30 minutes
💰 Entry: ~€8 (can be used as a discount on book purchases)
💡 Tip: Long lines are common—buy a ticket online in advance.
8. Rua de Santa Catarina & Capela das Almas
📍 Reason to Visit? A great shopping street featuring the blue-and-white tiled Capela das Almas. Stop for a vegan pastel de nata at a local bakery.
⏳ Time: 30 minutes
9. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar (Best Sunset Spot)
📍 Why Visit? One of the best views of Porto, especially at sunset.
⏳ Time: 20-30 minutes
💡 Optional: Take the cable car from Gaia for an easier way up.
Extra Stops (If You Have More Time)
Casa da Música – Porto’s famous modern concert hall.
Tram Line 1 – A scenic ride along the Douro River to the Foz do Douro coast.
Bridges Cruise – A relaxing way to see Porto’s famous bridges.
This DIY walking tour is a good option for a first-time visitor and lets you experience Porto’s top tourist attractions at your own pace.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
We would be thrilled if you would use our Affiliate links attached here. If you buy something using our links, we receive a small commission. This helps us to continue creating amazing content on the blog for free. Thank you so much!
AFFILIATE LINKS – CLICK HERE
THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!
OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
- NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
- Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
- Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
- Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities
Why Porto is such an enchanting, magical city + our favorite things to do in Porto. This blog post is all about what to do in Porto, where to stay in Porto and what to eat in Porto.
Hope y’all enjoyed our Porto trip ideas! Have you been to Porto? What was your favorite thing to do there? I’d love to hear your ideas as we will definitely travel to Porto again in the near future!
We also took a day trip to Braga. What an amazing, gorgeous city that reminded me a bit of Portland, Oregon. Here’s the blog post about Braga: BRAGA BLOG POST
RELATED POSTS:
How to have an amazing trip to Coimbra and Aveiro
How to have an insanely fabulous weekend in Ericeira
The Best Things to do in Braga
Why Viana do Castelo Should Be Your Next European Vacation
The Hidden Gems of Ponte de Lima
10 Must-See Things in Douro Valley
[…] We spent the first 2.5 weeks in Cascais, then 8 days in Porto and now we are in Lisbon, where we are living […]