Porto-7-day-itinerary

August 7, 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

Morning: Arrive at Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
Transportation: Take a taxi or metro from the airport to your accommodation
Where to stay: Check-in to a hotel in the city center, such as:
- Hotel Infante Sagres: A 4-star hotel located near the Ribeira neighborhood and the river Douro.
- Residencial Do Chagas: A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and a great location.
What to do:
- Visit the iconic Luis I Bridge (Ponte Luís I) for stunning views of the city
- Explore the Ribeira neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere
- Get familiar with the city’s layout and find your way around
Where to eat:
- Try some traditional Portuguese cuisine at Café Guarany: A cozy spot serving local specialties like bacalhau à brás (cod fritters) and frango grelhado (grilled chicken)
- Enjoy a refreshing coffee or snack at Pastéis de Nata: A popular bakery famous for its custard tarts
Things to know:
- Porto is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Learn some basic Portuguese phrases like “obrigado” (thank you) and “por favor” (please).

Day 2: Porto’s Iconic Landmarks

Morning: Start the day at the iconic Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos): A stunning baroque tower offering panoramic views of the city
What to do:
- Visit the adjacent Clérigos Church, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture
- Explore the nearby Sá da Bandeira Street, lined with shops and cafes
Where to eat:
- Try some delicious seafood at Fórmula 1: A modern restaurant serving innovative dishes like seafood risotto
- Enjoy a traditional Porto-style meal (Portuguese comfort food) at Casa Guedes: A cozy spot serving local specialties like frango grelhado and bacalhau à brás
Where to stay: Consider moving to a hotel in the São Nicolau neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and great restaurants.

Day 3: Porto’s Cultural Heritage

Morning: Visit the iconic Church of São Francisco (Igreja de São Francisco): A stunning Gothic church with intricate stone carvings
What to do:
- Explore the nearby streets and alleys, discovering hidden gems like tiny shops and art galleries
- Visit the Porto Museum (Museu de Porto): A museum showcasing the city’s history and cultural heritage
Where to eat:
- Try some traditional Portuguese cuisine at O Paparico: A cozy spot serving local specialties like bacalhau à brás and frango grelhado
- Enjoy a refreshing coffee or snack at Café Sotto: A popular spot with stunning views of the city

Day 4: Day Trip to Guimarães

Morning: Take a day trip to Guimarães, a charming medieval town located just outside Porto (approximately 45 minutes by car)
What to do:
- Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture
- Visit the iconic Castle of Guimarães: A stunning medieval castle offering panoramic views of the city
- Try some traditional Portuguese cuisine at O Paparico (same as Day 3)
Transportation: Take a taxi or bus from Porto to Guimarães

Day 5: Porto’s Wine Cellars

Morning: Visit the famous Porto wine cellars, such as Taylor Fladgate, Dow’s, or Sandeman
What to do:
- Learn about the production process and history of Port wine
- Taste some of the world-famous Port wines
- Explore the nearby streets and alleys, discovering hidden gems like tiny shops and art galleries
Where to eat:
- Try some traditional Portuguese cuisine at Café Guarany (same as Day 1)
- Enjoy a refreshing coffee or snack at Pastéis de Nata (same as Day 1)

Day 6: Relaxation and Leisure

Morning: Take a leisurely stroll along the Douro River, enjoying the scenic views
What to do:
- Visit the beautiful Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico): A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
- Explore the nearby streets and alleys, discovering hidden gems like tiny shops and art galleries
Where to eat:
- Try some delicious seafood at Fórmula 1 (same as Day 2)
- Enjoy a traditional Porto-style meal (Portuguese comfort food) at Casa Guedes (same as Day 2)

Day 7: Last Day in Porto

Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions
What to do:
- Visit the iconic Luis I Bridge (Ponte Luís I) for stunning views of the city (same as Day 1)
- Enjoy a farewell coffee or snack at Café Guarany (same as Day 1)
Transportation: Take a taxi or metro from your accommodation to Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)

Tips and Recommendations

Try some traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as bacalhau à brás, frango grelhado, and arroz de pescado
Don’t miss the stunning views of the city from the Clérigos Tower or Luis I Bridge
Explore the charming neighborhoods like Ribeira, São Nicolau, and Guimarães
Take a day trip to the beautiful Douro Valley for wine tasting and scenic views
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and live music in the city’s many bars and clubs

Getting Around

Metro: The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with multiple lines connecting major attractions.
Bus: Buses are also widely available, but less frequent than the metro.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but be sure to agree on a price before starting your journey.
Walking: Porto is a very walkable city, and exploring on foot can be a great way to discover hidden gems.

Safety

Porto is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but many locals speak English fluently.
Learn some basic Portuguese phrases like “obrigado” (thank you) and “por favor” (please).

Weather

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Porto!