Porto in 2 days: the perfect itinerary
Two days are enough to fall for Porto. The historic centre is a World Heritage Site that you can walk from end to end, the port-wine cellars are just across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Atlantic is a short tram ride away. This plan keeps the walking downhill whenever possible.
The historic centre and the Ribeira
Start with breakfast at the Bolhão market, then look at the tiled hall of São Bento station. Climb to the cathedral for the view over the rooftops, then cross to the Clérigos Tower and Livraria Lello (book a timed ticket online; the price can be deducted from a book). In the late afternoon walk down to the Ribeira for dinner by the river.
Bolhão Market → São Bento Station → Porto Cathedral (Sé) → Clérigos Tower → Livraria Lello bookshop → Ribeira riverfront
Night: Porto · hotels in Porto
Gaia, the bridge and the sea
See the Arab Room of the Palácio da Bolsa, then walk across the upper deck of the Dom Luís I bridge to Gaia. Visit a port-wine cellar with a tasting, and take the cable car down to the riverside. In the evening take the historic tram along the river to Foz do Douro for sunset over the Atlantic.
Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) → Dom Luís I Bridge and Jardim do Morro → Port wine cellars → Foz do Douro
Night: Porto · hotels in Porto
Practical tips
- Porto is hilly. Wear comfortable shoes and use the Guindais funicular or the metro to avoid the steepest climbs.
- You do not need a car in Porto. Pick one up only if you continue to the Douro valley or the Minho.
- Try a francesinha, the city's famous sandwich, and tripas à moda do Porto if you are adventurous.
- With a third day, take the train to the Douro valley or visit Guimarães and Braga.
Want to go deeper?
Each part of this route is also a full circuit with more stops and extra days.
