Porto rewards slow exploration — the old town, port wine cellars and Douro Valley are the headline acts, but the neighbourhood restaurants, azulejo tile churches and Atlantic coastline are equally worthwhile. Pre-book Livraria Lello (€8 online) before arriving — the queue without tickets is 2+ hours.
Day 1 — Old Town & Port Wine Cellars
Morning: São Bento station (20,000 azulejo tiles — free to enter and photograph). Walk up to Sé Cathedral (12th century, extraordinary Gothic cloister). Afternoon: cross Dom Luís Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a port wine cellar tour — Graham's, Sandeman or Taylor's. The lodges' river terraces have the finest view in Porto. Evening dinner in the Ribeira waterfront area.
Day 2 — Douro Valley Day Trip
Take the Douro train line east (Campanhã station, €12 return, 2 hours to Pinhão) through increasingly dramatic terraced vineyards. In Pinhão: wine tasting at a riverside quinta, lunch in the village, boat or train back. Alternatively, join a guided Douro Valley wine tour from Porto — typically including a quinta visit, lunch and boat return. The most rewarding day trip in Portugal.
Day 3 — Livraria Lello & Neighbourhoods
Morning: Livraria Lello (book €8 timed entry online — the interior is extraordinary, the token is deductible from a purchase). Walk through the Cedofeita neighbourhood for independent coffee shops and street art. Afternoon: Serralves Museum and Park (contemporary art in extraordinary gardens). Evening: fado dinner in the Bonfim or Miragaia area.
Day 4 — Foz do Douro & Matosinhos
Tram or bike ride to Foz — where the Douro meets the Atlantic. Fort of São João da Foz, the coastal promenade and the lighthouse. Matosinhos (20 minutes north) for lunch: the best grilled fresh fish in Portugal, served in no-frills restaurants with local vinho verde. Return to Porto via the seafront.
Day 5 (Optional) — Braga & Guimarães
Braga (45 minutes by train) — Portugal's religious capital with an extraordinary baroque cathedral and the Bom Jesus pilgrimage staircase. Guimarães (30 minutes from Braga) — the birthplace of Portugal, with a medieval palace and castle. Both excellent day trips — do one or both on a fifth day.
Essential Tips
- ✔ Livraria Lello: Book €8 tickets online before arriving — the walk-in queue is 2+ hours in summer
- ✔ Port wine cellars: Most cellars offer free or low-cost tours (€8–15 including tastings) without advance booking
- ✔ Douro train: The Douro line from Campanhã to Pinhão is one of Europe's most scenic rail journeys — worth the 2-hour journey each way
- ✔ Hills: Porto is extremely hilly — wear comfortable shoes and take trams/funiculars where available
- ✔ Francesinha: Porto's signature sandwich is enormous and very rich — share one on your first attempt
FAQs
How many days should I spend in Porto?
3 days covers the essentials. 4 days includes a Douro Valley day trip. 5 days adds a second day trip to Braga or Guimarães.
Is Porto worth visiting without the Douro Valley?
Yes — the city itself is extraordinary. But the Douro day trip is one of Europe's finest and adds enormous value.
Is Porto or Lisbon better?
Different rather than better — Porto is more intimate, grittier and arguably more authentic. Lisbon is grander and sunnier. Most Portugal trips include both.