Porto 5 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 5-day itinerary for traveling in Porto:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and take a taxi or metro (Line E) to your accommodation.
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel, preferably in the historic center of Porto (e.g. Hotel Infante Sagres, Hotel Teatro, or Poveiro Boutique Apartments).
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the iconic Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at Café Santiago, a local institution serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Ribeira neighborhood, a picturesque riverside quarter filled with colorful buildings, street performers, and local shops.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the Porto Wine Cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can learn about Porto’s famous wine production and even take a wine tasting tour (optional).
  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Yeatman restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • 9:30 PM: Take a stroll along the Porto Riverfront, admiring the city’s illuminated skyline.

Day 2: Porto’s Historical and Cultural Heritage

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis (National Museum of Soares dos Reis), which features an impressive collection of Portuguese art.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Clérigos Tower, a majestic Baroque-style building with panoramic views of the city.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Casa Goulão, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the São Francisco Church (Igreja de São Francisco), a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
  • 5:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk through the Bolhão Market, where you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Casa Prego, which offers traditional Portuguese cuisine in an elegant setting.

Day 3: Porto’s Natural Beauty

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Matosinhos Beach (Praia de Matosinhos), a picturesque beach town with stunning coastal views.
  • 11:00 AM: Take a leisurely walk along the Porto Coastline, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at A Tasca da Rua dos Caldeirões, a cozy restaurant serving fresh seafood.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Miradouro do Bocage, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Porto and the surrounding countryside.
  • 5:00 PM: Take a leisurely stroll along the Porto Riverfront at sunset.

Day 4: Wine Country

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia (Villa Nova da Gaia), a charming town located just outside Porto.
  • 11:00 AM: Take a wine tasting tour at Taylor’s Port, a renowned wine producer with stunning views of the Douro River.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at The Villa, which serves modern Portuguese cuisine in an elegant setting.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the São Pedro da Gaia (St. Peter Church), a beautiful Baroque-style church.
  • 5:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Day 5: Porto’s Cultural and Historical Heritage

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Museu José de Guimarães (Guimarães Museum), which features an impressive collection of Portuguese art.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Castelo da Guimarães, a stunning medieval castle with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at A Tasca do Chico, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the São Tiago Church (Igreja de São Tiago), a beautiful Gothic-style church.
  • 5:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk through the historic center of Porto, reflecting on your wonderful experiences in this beautiful city.

Things to Know

  • Language: Portuguese is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the local currency.
  • Weather: Porto has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in winter to 23°C (73°F) in summer.
  • Safety: Porto is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Airport: Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is located approximately 15 km (9 miles) from the city center.
  • Metro: The metro system connects the airport with the city center (Line E).
  • Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and in tourist areas.
  • Walking: Porto’s historic center is best explored on foot.

Tips

  • Reservations: Make reservations for restaurants and wine tasting tours in advance to avoid waiting lists.
  • Dress code: Dress comfortably, but respect local dress codes (e.g., no shorts or flip-flops in churches).
  • Currency exchange: Use ATMs or credit cards for currency exchange, as this will save you money on commissions.

Other Interests

  • Shopping: Porto has a wide range of shopping options, from traditional handicrafts to modern boutiques.
  • Nightlife: Porto’s nightlife scene is vibrant, with many bars and clubs in the Ribeira neighborhood.
  • Sports: Porto is home to several sports teams, including FC Porto (football) and Vitoria SC (handball).

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Porto!