Porto, Portugal-6-day-itinerary

Porto, Portugal: A 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Porto and check-in at your hotel. We recommend Hotel Infante Sagres for its central location and historic charm.
  • Afternoon: Start your exploration of Porto’s Ribeira neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the Douro River and visit the:
    • São Francisco Church: A stunning 14th-century Gothic church with intricate stone carvings.
    • Livramento Square: A historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings and lively street performers.
  • Evening: Head to Café Majestic, a beautiful Art Nouveau café for a coffee or snack. Try their famous pastries!
  • Night: Enjoy dinner at O Paparico, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 2: Porto’s Historic Center

  • Morning: Visit the iconic:
    • Clérigos Tower: A stunning baroque tower with panoramic views of the city. You can also climb to the top for an extra fee.
    • São Bento Train Station: A beautiful train station with intricate azulejo tiles and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the:
    • Bolhão Market: A bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties.
    • Rossio Square: A charming square surrounded by historic buildings and lively street performers.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Yeatman, a Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning views of the city.

Day 3: Porto Wine Cellars

  • Morning: Visit one of Porto’s famous wine cellars, such as:
    • Taylor’s Port: A historic cellar offering wine tastings and tours.
    • Fonseca Guimaraens: Another iconic winery with a beautiful cellar and stunning views.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Ribeira neighborhood and visit the:
    • Santo António de Lisboa Church: A beautiful 18th-century church with intricate stone carvings.
    • Ponte Luís I Bridge: A stunning steel arch bridge with great views of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Casa Guedes, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Matosinhos

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Matosinhos, a charming coastal town located just outside Porto. Visit the:
    • Matosinhos Market: A bustling marketplace selling fresh seafood and local specialties.
    • Fort of São Francisco do Guimarães: A historic fortress with stunning views of the ocean.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Adega da Vila, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.
  • Evening: Return to Porto and enjoy dinner at O Forno de Leuda, a charming bakery and café.

Day 5: More Porto

  • Morning: Visit the:
    • Serralves Museum: A stunning modern art museum with beautiful gardens.
    • Vila Nova de Gaia: A charming neighborhood located just outside Porto’s city center, known for its historic buildings and lively street performers.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Douro River and visit the:
    • Ponte da Ribeira: A stunning steel arch bridge with great views of the city.
    • Casa do Infante Sagres: A beautiful 16th-century house turned museum, showcasing the history of Porto’s maritime trade.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at O Navio de Leuda, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last morning in Porto exploring any last-minute sights or doing some shopping for souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Check-out of your hotel and depart from Porto.

Transportation

  • Metro: The metro is an efficient way to get around Porto, with four lines covering most areas of the city. You can purchase a rechargeable card at any station.
  • Tram: The tram network is extensive, but be aware that it’s not always reliable. It’s best to use the metro or walk whenever possible.
  • Bus: Bus services are available in Porto, but they’re not as efficient as the metro.
  • Walking: Walking is a great way to explore Porto’s historic center and neighborhoods.

Tips

  • Learn some Portuguese: While many Porto residents speak English, learning basic phrases like “obrigado” (thank you) or “desculpe” (excuse me) will make your experience more enjoyable.
  • Respect local customs: Be mindful of local traditions and customs, especially when visiting churches or historical sites.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Porto’s historic center can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Be patient and take breaks if needed.

Other things to know

  • Weather: Porto has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Pack accordingly and be prepared for sudden rain showers.
  • Safety: Porto is generally a safe city, but as with any place, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Food and drink: Porto is famous for its port wine, seafood, and traditional cuisine like bacalhau à brás (cod with potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs). Don’t forget to try some fresh pastries or sandwiches at one of the many cafes!