When I visited Porto, I was filled with excitement. I had planned a 4-day itinerary in Porto, and my expectations were sky-high. Guess what? The city did not disappoint. Porto is an irresistible blend of history, culture, breathtaking views, and, of course, its world-famous Porto wine.

Located in northern Portugal, Porto is the country’s second-largest city. But don’t let its size fool you. It has the welcoming charm of a small village, with cobblestone streets and stunning azulejos—the hand-painted tiles that adorn churches, train stations, and historic buildings. Walking through Porto feels like flipping through a history book, each page sprinkled with a touch of magic.

Every corner tells a story. Every building seems to whisper the nostalgic notes of fado, the music that touches your soul and stays with you forever.

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When to Visit Porto?

I visited Porto in October 2024, and it was almost the perfect time: mild weather, fewer crowds, and only half a day of rain.

Porto is ideal for a mid-season escape. With low-cost flights from all over Europe, you’ll find yourself in just a few hours immersed in a world of colors, flavors, and unique vibes!

My 4-Day Itinerary in Porto

If you have three or four days, I promise you can experience the essence of Porto without rushing. This city is best enjoyed slowly, savoring every detail—from the scent of pastries wafting from bakeries to the sound of trams clattering up steep streets.

Get ready to fall in love because Porto has everything you could want: charm, a hint of melancholy, and a lively spirit full of surprises. By the end of your trip, when you sip a glass of Porto wine overlooking the Douro River, you’ll understand why this city will stay in your heart forever.

Day 1: History and Romance in the Heart of Porto

Igreja do Carmo

The Igreja do Carmo, also known as the Church of Carmel, was just steps away from our BnB and the first stop on our itinerary in Porto. This church is one of the city’s most stunning landmarks and a must-see for its extraordinary beauty.

Its Rococo architecture is breathtaking. Inside, you’ll find glittering gold decorations, while the exterior boasts a side entirely covered in the iconic blue-and-white azulejos, depicting religious scenes in a mesmerizing visual display.

After exploring this marvel, we headed to the nearby Cordoaria Garden, a charming spot leading to our next stop: the Torre dos Clérigos.

Torre dos Clérigos

The Torre dos Clérigos is a towering 76-meter-high bell tower located next to the baroque Igreja dos Clérigos. The view from the top is one of the most spectacular in the entire city. Climbing the 225 spiral steps is an adventure in itself!

If you’re not particularly fit, it might feel like a challenge, but as with most climbs, the effort is well rewarded with breathtaking views.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the site, making it easy to include this in your Porto guide. Don’t forget your camera—once at the top, you’ll want to capture every corner of the incredible panorama.

São Bento Train Station

After a break with a delicious pastel de nata, I headed to São Bento Station, recognized as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Designed by architect José Marques da Silva, it’s an open-air museum with 20,000 blue-and-white tiles narrating centuries of Portuguese history.

The station stands where a Benedictine monastery once stood, and construction only began after the death of the last nun in 1892. Legend has it that her spirit still roams the corridors, adding a touch of mystery to this already magical place.

Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

In the Batalha district, the Sé do Porto stands as one of the oldest and most significant monuments in the city. This 12th-century cathedral is a stunning blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Inside, the medieval cloister offers a serene retreat, perfect for pausing to admire the intricate carved columns.

The magic doesn’t end indoors. From the Cathedral Square, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view, making it an ideal spot for unforgettable photos of Porto, Portugal.

Ribeira do Porto

Welcome to Ribeira, the picturesque riverside district along the Douro River. The beauty here is tangible: colorful houses lining the water, narrow streets full of restaurants and cafés, and a lively yet welcoming atmosphere.

This is one of the most beloved spots for tourists, offering a range of culinary delights and activities. Among them, a boat trip on the Douro River stands out. It’s a chance to admire the city’s stunning bridges, such as Arrábida Bridge, Infante Dom Henrique Bridge, Maria Pia Bridge, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

At the dock, you’ll see the traditional rabelo boats, once used to transport barrels of Porto wine from the Douro Valley vineyards to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Ribeira truly captures the heartbeat of Porto!

Douro River Cruise

My first day in Porto ended with a magical sunset cruise on the Douro River. Gliding through the calm waters, admiring the city’s six main bridges, was pure enchantment.

The sunset’s reflection on the water created a magical atmosphere, wrapping everything in a unique beauty. Each bridge tells a story, and observing them felt like uncovering Porto’s secrets.

This experience is one of the most popular activities in Porto, so booking in advance is highly recommended. It’s the perfect way to close a day full of emotions. You can book your Douro river Cruise directly from this link

Day 2: Scenic Walks and Portuguese Culture

Miradouro da Vitória

As you descend toward Ribeira, make sure to stop at Miradouro da Vitória. This is one of the most charming viewpoints in Porto, offering an unforgettable panorama.

The view spans the colorful houses of Vitória, the Douro River winding through the city, Vila Nova de Gaia, the majestic Cathedral, the grand Bishop’s Palace, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. It’s a breathtaking scene that encapsulates the essence of Porto and its architectural treasures.

Largo da Pena Ventosa

I then headed to Largo da Pena Ventosa, a quaint street in the Sé district. This less touristy corner of Porto is just as enchanting, with its ancient houses and authentic atmosphere.

Walking through its steep streets feels like stepping back in time, providing a tranquil and genuine experience.

Palacio da Bolsa

The Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a symbol of art and history in the heart of Porto. The real treasure is the Arabian Hall, a stunning Moorish-style room that took 18 years to complete.

Its intricate details and vibrant colors create a dreamy and exotic ambiance. To admire it, you’ll need to join a guided tour, which adds fascinating stories about the palace. It’s truly a breathtaking place.

Avenida dos Aliados

Next, I took a stroll along the Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s main avenue. This elegant boulevard is lined with beautiful buildings and the Câmara Municipal de Porto, the town hall. Its imposing architecture and the vibrant energy here perfectly represent the spirit of Porto.

An Intimate Fado Show

The evening ended with an emotional experience: an intimate candlelit Fado show while sipping Porto wine.
Fado is a music genre deeply connected to the Portuguese soul, born in Lisbon’s working-class neighborhoods in the 19th century. With its nostalgic melodies and intense lyrics, it expresses “saudade” – a mixture of longing and desire.

Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Fado explores themes of love, fate, and everyday life, accompanied by the guitarra portuguesa, which gives it a unique and enveloping sound.
To learn more about Fado, read this post I wrote about it!

Day 3: Books, Bridges, and Porto Wine

Ponte Dom Luís I

The Dom Luís I Bridge is an icon of Porto, with its impressive 385-meter-long and 85-meter-high iron arch. Designed by Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, a collaborator of Gustave Eiffel, it combines genius and boldness, faintly resembling the Eiffel Tower but with a distinctly Portuguese identity.

The upper level, reserved for pedestrians and the metro, offers breathtaking views of Porto and the Douro River, making each crossing a unique experience. A UNESCO heritage site since 1996, the bridge is much more than an infrastructure: it’s a symbol that unites Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, modern and ancient, city and river, embodying the welcoming and strong soul of the city. A masterpiece to live and admire.

Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge and finding yourself in Vila Nova de Gaia is like seeing Porto from a completely new perspective. The first must-see stop for me was the viewpoint from Serra do Pilar. This panoramic spot, one of the most picturesque, offers a spectacular view of Porto: the city stretches before you with its red-roofed houses, the monumental Sé Cathedral, and the Douro River flowing slowly to the estuary. It’s one of those views that take your breath away, almost impossible to describe in words!

The viewpoint is part of what was once a 16th-century convent, now a military barracks. I found it fascinating how this place manages to maintain its spirituality and charm despite its change of use: it’s as if every stone still echoes with centuries of history.
Being there at sunset was a near mystical experience, with the sun reflecting on the river and the city lighting up with a golden glow.

Porto Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

A visit to the Porto wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia offers an unmissable experience to understand the soul of Porto and its inseparable bond with the famous wine. The unique production method of Porto, with the addition of brandy during fermentation, gives the wine its distinctive sweetness and body.

The grapes come from the Douro Valley, where the climate and terrain create complex and intense wines. Walking among the wooden barrels, surrounded by aromas and centuries-old stories, transports you to another era. Each cellar tells a unique story, culminating in tastings that reveal authentic and unforgettable flavors.

Mercato Bolhão

The Mercado do Bolhão, opened in 1914 in a neoclassical building, is the authentic heart of Porto. On two floors around a central courtyard, the market offers a lively and colorful atmosphere. The stalls display the freshest fruits and vegetables, fish, and bacalhau (salted cod), a revered symbol of Portuguese cuisine.
Next to it, small restaurants and shops offer spices and local products. Walking through the stalls is like diving into a genuine world, full of traditions and smiles. Bolhão offers a sensory experience like no other, where every corner tells the authentic story of Porto.

To find out all the typical dishes to try in Porto, read my guide to the unmissable dishes that you absolutely must try

Capela das Almas

The Capela das Almas is one of those places that immediately captures your heart when you see it. This small gem is a corner of pure blue poetry, with its exterior walls covered in white and blue azulejos depicting sacred scenes and moments from the lives of saints. Each tile seems to speak, conveying a deep serenity, as if every painted detail invited contemplation and calm.

The chapel is located on Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s bustling shopping street, and that’s what makes it so surprising: between modern boutiques and cafes, this artistic wonder seems almost suspended in time.

Walking along this street, between the colors of the shop windows and the hum of people, it’s impossible not to stop and observe the Capela das Almas, captivated by its discreet elegance and the contrasts it creates with the surrounding environment.

Being just a few steps away from the Bolhão Market, one of my favorite places to immerse myself in the daily life of the city, and the historic Confeitaria do Bolhão, where you can taste the best pastel de nata in the area, the chapel is the perfect stopover point for those who love to combine beauty with the most authentic spirit of Porto.

For me, it was a special moment, like a little break from the energy of the city, a corner to stop and savor the beauty of the past, in the pulsating heart of today’s Porto.

Day 4: Day Trips Out of Porto

Foz do Douro, Valle del Douro, Braga e Aveiro

For day four, you can take some lovely trips. One ideal stop is Foz do Douro, a charming coastal neighborhood where the Douro River meets the ocean. This place is perfect for a walk along the beach, enjoying the sea breeze and admiring the lighthouse that stands majestically.

Next, you cannot miss an excursion to the Douro Valley, famous for its terraced vineyards and breathtaking views. This valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers scenic roads that wind through hills and vineyards, providing an unforgettable experience.

Finally, we recommend visiting Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal” for its picturesque canals and colorful boats, or Braga, famous for its historic sanctuaries and churches. These destinations offer a perfect combination of culture and natural beauty.

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