Porto, Portugal-7-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Porto
- Arrive at Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
- Take a taxi or metro (Line E) to your accommodation
- Check-in at Hotel Teatro (a boutique hotel located in the heart of Porto’s historic center)
- Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding streets and alleys, getting a feel for the city
- Visit Café Santiago, a traditional Portuguese café, for a coffee and people-watching
Places to Go:
- Ribeira District: A charming neighborhood with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and picturesque views of the Douro River ( Must-see!)
- Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos): A Baroque-style tower with panoramic views of the city
- São Francisco Church (Igreja de São Francisco): A 14th-century Gothic church with intricate stone carvings
Activities:
- Take a stroll along the Douro River: Enjoy the views, bridges, and riverbanks
- Visit the Porto Wine Cellars: Learn about the production of Port wine and sample some varieties
Where to Eat:
- Cantinho do Avillez (breakfast or brunch): A trendy restaurant with delicious pastries and eggs
- Tascö Bar (lunch or dinner): A cozy spot for traditional Portuguese cuisine
- Café Majestic (afternoon snack or dessert): A historic café serving classic pastries and cakes
Transportation:
- Use the metro (Line E) to get around, as it’s efficient and affordable
- Take a taxi or ride-hailing service if you prefer more flexibility
- Walking is also an excellent option for exploring Porto’s compact neighborhoods
Tips:
- Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven pavement in some areas
- Don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions or recommendations
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases like “obrigado” (thank you) and “desculpe” (excuse me)
Day 2: Explore the City
- Start the day at Mercado do Bolhão: A bustling marketplace with fresh produce, flowers, and local products
- Visit Bolsa Palace (Palácio da Bolsa): A stunning example of neoclassical architecture and a former commercial exchange
- Take a break for lunch at Casa Guedes: A traditional Portuguese restaurant serving classic dishes
Places to Go:
- Miradouro das Virtudes: A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city
- Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church): A beautiful Gothic church with intricate stone carvings
- São Bento Station: A stunning Art Nouveau train station and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts
Activities:
- Take a walking tour to discover Porto’s hidden gems and secrets
- Visit the Porto Museum (Museu de Porto): Learn about the city’s history, art, and culture
Where to Eat:
- Cantinho do Avillez: Return for another delicious breakfast or brunch option
- Tascö Bar: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner or snack
- Pãoquinho: A cozy bakery serving fresh bread and pastries
Day 3: Douro River Cruise
- Take a half-day cruise along the Douro River: Enjoy stunning views of the riverbanks, vineyards, and Porto’s skyline
- Visit a nearby Port Wine Cellar: Learn about the production process and sample some Port wine varieties
Places to Go:
- Vila Nova de Gaia: A charming town with beautiful beaches and scenic views
- Casa da Música: A modern concert hall and cultural center ( Must-see!)
- Serralves Museum (Museu Serralves): A contemporary art museum set in a stunning park
Activities:
- Take a bike ride or walk along the Douro River: Enjoy the views, bridges, and riverbanks
- Visit the Porto Wine Cellars: Learn about the production process and sample some Port wine varieties
Where to Eat:
- Cantinho do Avillez: Return for another delicious breakfast or brunch option
- Tascö Bar: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner or snack
- Café Majestic: A historic café serving classic pastries and cakes
Day 4: Explore the Surrounding Areas
- Visit the nearby town of Matosinhos: Enjoy the beautiful beaches, scenic views, and local markets
- Take a trip to the Peneda-Gerês National Park: Discover stunning natural landscapes and hiking trails
Places to Go:
- Santo Tirso: A charming town with beautiful historic architecture and scenic views
- Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães): A medieval castle and one of Portugal’s most important historical sites
- Braga Cathedral (Catedral de Braga): A stunning example of Gothic architecture and a must-see for art enthusiasts
Activities:
- Take a wine tour in the nearby Douro Valley: Learn about the production process and sample some Port wine varieties
- Visit the Porto Wine Cellars: Learn about the production process and sample some Port wine varieties
Where to Eat:
- Cantinho do Avillez: Return for another delicious breakfast or brunch option
- Tascö Bar: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner or snack
- Pãoquinho: A cozy bakery serving fresh bread and pastries
Day 5: Relaxation Day
- Spend the day relaxing in your accommodation, exploring Porto’s compact neighborhoods on foot
- Visit the Café Santiago: Treat yourself to a coffee and people-watching session
- Take a stroll along the Douro River: Enjoy the views, bridges, and riverbanks
Places to Go:
- São Francisco Church (Igreja de São Francisco): A 14th-century Gothic church with intricate stone carvings
- Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos): A Baroque-style tower with panoramic views of the city
- Ribeira District: A charming neighborhood with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and picturesque views
Activities:
- Take a massage or spa treatment: Relax and rejuvenate after exploring Porto’s vibrant neighborhoods
- Visit the Porto Wine Cellars: Learn about the production process and sample some Port wine varieties
Where to Eat:
- Cantinho do Avillez: Return for another delicious breakfast or brunch option
- Tascö Bar: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner or snack
- Café Majestic: A historic café serving classic pastries and cakes
Day 6: Explore the City’s Hidden Gems
- Visit the Porto Museum (Museu de Porto): Learn about the city’s history, art, and culture
- Take a walking tour to discover Porto’s hidden gems and secrets
- Visit the São Bento Station: A stunning Art Nouveau train station and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts
Places to Go:
- Miradouro das Virtudes: A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city
- Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church): A beautiful Gothic church with intricate stone carvings
- Bolsa Palace (Palácio da Bolsa): A stunning example of neoclassical architecture and a former commercial exchange
Activities:
- Take a bike ride or walk along the Douro River: Enjoy the views, bridges, and riverbanks
- Visit the Porto Wine Cellars: Learn about the production process and sample some Port wine varieties
Where to Eat:
- Cantinho do Avillez: Return for another delicious breakfast or brunch option
- Tascö Bar: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner or snack
- Pãoquinho: A cozy bakery serving fresh bread and pastries
Day 7: Departure
- Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or last-minute sightseeing
- Check-out of your accommodation and head to the airport or your next destination
Transportation:
- Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the airport
- Use the metro (Line E) to get around, as it’s efficient and affordable