If there’s one city in Portugal that wins you over from the very first minute, it’s Porto. Colorful houses along the banks of the Douro River, charming narrow streets, delicious food, famous wine, and an authentic atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere in Europe. We visited Porto as part of a road trip from , renting a car, spending two nights in Porto, and then driving back, as our flights were round-trip from Lisbon.
However, if you find affordable flights, it’s definitely worth considering flying back from Porto, as the city has an international airport with several connections. This way, you can organize your trip more comfortably without having to drive back to Lisbon.
Porto is ideal for a two-day getaway filled with walks, great food, and beautiful views. Below, you’ll find what to do in the city over two days, where to start, and the best order in which to explore the sights!
Day 1: Discovering Historic Porto
Ribeira – The Heart of the City
Ribeira is perhaps the most iconic image of Porto. Colorful buildings, narrow streets, small cafés, and the Douro River bringing the entire neighborhood to life. This is where you’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful walks and probably take most of your photos. Walk along the riverside, wander through the charming alleys, and soak up the city’s atmosphere. In the late afternoon, the area becomes even more beautiful, especially as the lights begin to come on.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Porto’s iconic bridge connects the city with Vila Nova de Gaia and offers stunning views of the Douro River. You can cross it either on the lower level or the upper level, where the views are truly spectacular. In our opinion, it’s worth experiencing both routes, so be prepared to cross the bridge twice. Watching the sunset from here is also one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in Porto.
Vila Nova de Gaia and the Wine Cellars
Just across from the historic center lies Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its renowned Port wine cellars. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, it’s worth stopping for a guided tour or a tasting. The area is also perfect for an evening meal with views of beautifully illuminated Porto.
An Evening Walk Through the City Center
Porto becomes even more charming at night. Walk towards Avenida dos Aliados, admire the illuminated buildings, and enjoy a drink at one of the city’s small bars.
Day 2: Porto’s Highlights
São Bento Train Station
São Bento is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe. Its interior is decorated with thousands of traditional blue azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Even if you’re not traveling by train, the station is definitely worth a visit.
Livraria Lello Bookshop
Porto’s famous bookshop is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Its wooden staircase and architecture create a truly unique atmosphere. It usually gets quite crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning. Admission costs approximately €10, which you can then redeem towards the purchase of a book.
Torre dos Clérigos
If you’re up for climbing a few stairs, head to Clérigos Tower for panoramic views of the entire city. From the top, you can admire the historic center, the terracotta rooftops, and the Douro River.
Igreja do Carmo – A Unique Double Church
Very close to Clérigos Tower and Livraria Lello, you’ll find Igreja do Carmo, one of Porto’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. What makes it unique is its side façade, which is entirely covered in a huge, impressive mural of blue tiles known as azulejos.
Its most curious secret, however, is that it actually consists of two churches, Igreja dos Carmelitas and Igreja do Carmo, separated by a tiny, centuries-old house measuring just one meter wide! The house was reportedly built either to prevent the monks and nuns from coming into contact with one another or because an old law prohibited two churches from sharing the same wall.
Mercado do Bolhão
Mercado do Bolhão Mercado do Bolhão is one of the most authentic experiences in Porto. It’s the perfect place to sample local produce, sweets, and traditional specialties, as well as shop for clothes and accessories. The market is within walking distance of the city center, and once you’re there, it’s also worth visiting Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina. The chapel is decorated with the famous blue tiles, which depict scenes from the lives of saints
Useful Information About Porto
How Many Days Do You Need in Porto?
Two days are enough to see the main attractions, enjoy the city’s atmosphere, and take leisurely walks without feeling rushed.
Getting Around Porto
The historic center is easy to explore on foot, and overall, Porto felt much more convenient to get around than Lisbon. Since we were traveling with a stroller, we especially appreciated the fact that the metro system is quite modern, with escalators and elevators at the stations.
The sidewalks are also more spacious, and the city has noticeably fewer steep hills than Lisbon, which made our walks much more comfortable.
If you have a car, it’s best to leave it in a parking lot and explore most of the city on foot.
Where to Stay in Porto
The best area to stay in depends on your travel style:
- Baixa / Historic Center (around Avenida dos Aliados and São Bento): The best choice if you’re visiting Porto for the first time. You’ll be within walking distance of all the main attractions, restaurants, and metro stations.
- Ribeira: Ideal if you want to wake up to views of the Douro River and Dom Luís I Bridge. It has an incredible atmosphere, although accommodation here tends to be a little more expensive, and the streets include quite a few hills and stairs.
- Vila Nova de Gaia: An excellent and often more affordable alternative on the opposite bank of the river. It offers the best panoramic views of illuminated Porto and easy access to the wine cellars.
Where to Eat and Have Coffee in Porto
Porto’s food scene is full of delicious options, from traditional taverns known as tascas to atmospheric cafés.
For coffee, pastéis de nata, and Francesinha:
- Café Santiago: You can’t leave Porto without trying Francesinha. This is the city’s most famous local dish: a hearty sandwich filled with meat, topped with melted cheese, and covered in a spicy sauce. It’s rich and filling but truly representative of the city. Café Santiago is one of the best-known spots for trying Francesinha and is ideal if you want to taste the classic version of this popular Porto specialty.
- Manteigaria: Many consider it one of the best places in the city for warm, crispy pastéis de nata. You can enjoy them with a traditional Portuguese coffee, such as a galão or bica.
- Majestic Café: One of Europe’s most historic and impressive cafés, featuring beautiful Belle Époque interiors. It’s located on the shopping street Rua de Santa Catarina. Although prices are a little higher, the atmosphere makes it worth stopping by for a quick visit.
For authentic local flavors and petiscos (Portuguese small plates):
- Taberna dos Mercadores: A small, charming tavern in Ribeira, ideal for fresh fish, cod, and traditional Portuguese dishes. It’s a good idea to make a reservation or arrive early.
- Casa Guedes: Famous for its delicious sandwiches filled with slow-roasted pork (sandes de pernil) and local Serra da Estrela cheese. It’s a lighter but equally tasty alternative to Francesinha.
- Bar Aduela: A relaxed, atmospheric bar that’s perfect for drinks and small plates in a more local, laid-back setting.
- Brasão Aliados: Another excellent place to try the famous Francesinha, one of Porto’s most iconic dishes.
- Grupo Desportivo Infante Dom Henrique: A more authentic local option away from the main tourist areas, serving traditional food and drinks in a simple, neighborhood setting.
Is Porto Worth Visiting?
Porto has a more authentic and relaxed character than Lisbon. It’s a city that combines history, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere. It’s a destination that’s hard to forget and definitely deserves a place on your Portugal itinerary.
Discover more about our trip to Porto, Portugal, in the #Porto highlight stories on Ιnstagram
