Planning a trip to Portugal’s second-largest city? You’re in for a treat! With its cobbled streets, historic charm, and vibrant riverside vibes, Porto is the kind of place that steals your heart fast. In just 3 days in Porto, you can soak up the city’s best sights, taste world-class porto wine, and wander through neighborhoods bursting with character.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, this 3-day in Porto itinerary is your ultimate guide to making the most of your time.
Let’s dive into your unforgettable Porto adventure — day by day!
Day 1 – Discovering Porto’s Historic Heart
1. Clérigos Tower and Church
Start your first day of these 3 days in Porto in one of the most iconic landmarks. Climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. The adjoining Baroque church is also worth exploring.
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM – 7 PM
Ticket price: €10 (includes tower and museum)
Time to spend: 45–60 minutes
Tip: If you are planning on visiting the Palacio da Bolsa and/or Serralves, get a combined ticket for the best value.
2. Livraria Lello
Book lovers and Harry Potter fans rejoice! This stunning neo-Gothic bookstore is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Even if you’re not buying a book, the ornate staircase and stained-glass ceiling are worth the visit.
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 AM – 7 PM
Silver Ticket: €10
Gold Ticket: €15.95
Platinum Ticket: €50
A ticket voucher value is deductible on book purchases
Time to spend: 30–45 minutes
3. Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) and Viewpoints
This 12th-century cathedral is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles and offers breathtaking views of Porto from its terrace.
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9 AM – 6:30 PM; Sun 9 AM – 12:30 PM
Ticket price: Free for the cathedral; €3 for cloisters
Time to spend: 30–45 minutes
Tip: The viewpoint next to the cathedral is perfect for cityscape photos.
4. Lunch at a Riverside Café
Head down to the Ribeira district and enjoy lunch with a view of the Douro River. Try local specialties like bacalhau à brás or grilled sardines.
Time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
5. Walking Tour Through Ribeira
Book a guided tour to uncover Porto’s rich history, colorful architecture, and hidden alleys. Ribeira is UNESCO-listed and oozes old-world charm.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Price: Many free walking tours are available—you pay what you think the experience is worth (€5–€15 is customary). Private tours typically range from €20–€40.
Tip: Wear comfy shoes—Ribeira’s cobbled streets can be tricky!
6. Dom Luís I Bridge
This double-decker bridge is one of the best spots for panoramic views. Walk across the top level for dramatic shots and a scenic stroll to the other side.
Time to spend: 15–30 minutes
Tip: Watch your step—trams also cross the upper deck.
7. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Wrap up your day with a peaceful sunset from this lesser-known viewpoint in Vila Nova de Gaia. Grab a light dinner or snack from a food truck or nearby café.
Time to spend: 30–60 minutes
Plan your day to make sure you catch the sunset. Approximate sunset times by season:
- Spring (March–May): 6:45 PM – 8:45 PM
- Summer (June–August): 8:45 PM – 9:15 PM
- Autumn (September–November): 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
- Winter (December–February): 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Tip: Bring a light jacket—it can get breezy in the evening.
Day 2 – Views & Culture
1. Vila Nova de Gaia
Cross the river and explore Gaia’s riverfront, known for its port wine cellars and relaxing atmosphere. You’ll also find boat rentals and riverfront cafés here.
Time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
Tip: Perfect spot for morning coffee before the cable car ride.
2. Gaia Cable Car (Teleférico de Gaia)
Get a bird’s-eye view of Porto’s skyline with a short but stunning ride.
Opening hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
Ticket price: €7 one-way / €10 round trip
Time to spend: 15–30 minutes
Tip: Many boat tours include the Teleférico in their price. If you plan on also taking a boat tour, aim for a package for the best value.
3. Lunch at Mercado Beira-Rio & Natas D’Ouro
This trendy market offers a variety of local dishes in a casual setting. Try a Bifana or a Francesinha for local flavor. After your meal, grab a pastel de nata from Natas D’Ouro.
Time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
4. Walk or Ride Back Across the Bridge to PortO
After lunch, head back across the Dom Luís I Bridge to the Porto side. You can either walk (about 10–15 minutes) or take the cable car back up to Jardim do Morro, then the Metro D line one stop to São Bento station (near Palácio da Bolsa).
Walking time: ~15 minutes
Public transport option: Cable car + Metro (Line D to São Bento)
Tip: If you walk, take the lower deck of the bridge for a close-up riverfront view. If you’re tired, the Metro is a fast and easy option.
5. Palácio da Bolsa
Once the stock exchange, this 19th-century palace boasts jaw-dropping interiors—especially the Arab Room, which looks like it belongs in a Moroccan palace.
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM – 6:30 PM (guided tours only)
Ticket price: €14
Time to spend: 45–60 minutes
Tip: Book a guided tour in advance as they sell out fast in peak season.
6. Douro River Sunset Cruise
Relax on a 6-bridge river cruise as you sail into the golden hour. Many include a glass of wine or commentary on local history.
Departure times: Around 5–6 PM, depending on season
Price: From €20–€45 per person
Duration: ~1-2 hour
Tip: Book online early—sunset slots are popular and fill up quickly
7. Dinner in Porto – Explore the Vibrant Galerias de Paris Area
After your relaxing river cruise, head uphill to the lively Galerias de Paris in central Porto. This buzzing neighborhood is known for its wide variety of dinner spots, from cozy tascas and modern bistros to international cuisine and trendy tapas bars.
Distance from Ribeira: ~15–20 minutes on foot or a short Uber/bolt ride
Cuisine variety: Portuguese, Mediterranean, Italian, vegetarian-friendly, and more
Price range: €15–€40 depending on your choice of place
Tip: This area really comes alive in the evening, especially after 8 PM. Great if you want to pair dinner with a cocktail or some live music afterward!
Day 3 – Art, Markets & Hidden Gems
1. Bolhão Market
Recently restored, this market is a must for experiencing Porto’s food culture. Browse fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, and artisan snacks.
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8 AM – 7 PM
Time to spend: 45–60 minutes
Tip: Bring cash and come hungry!
2. Rua de Santa Catarina
Porto’s most famous shopping street is lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafés like Majestic Café.
Time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
3. Grab Lunch Around Praça dos Poveiros
After shopping and strolling through Rua de Santa Catarina, fuel up with lunch near Praça dos Poveiros — local-favorite spots for casual eats just a short walk away. Here, you’ll find traditional taverns, modern cafés, and grab-and-go bakeries serving everything from francesinhas to soup and toasts, perfect for a quick recharge.
Options include: Sandwich shops, small local restaurants, and pastelarias (great for a combo of soup, pastry, and espresso)
Budget-friendly: Meals from €6–€15
Tip: If you’re in a hurry, grab a bifana (marinated pork sandwich) or a vegetarian quiche from a bakery and enjoy it on a nearby bench or park.
4. São Bento Railway Station
This isn’t just a train station—it’s an art piece. Over 20,000 blue-and-white azulejos (tiles) depict Portugal’s history in jaw-dropping detail.
Time to spend: 20–30 minutes
Tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid commuter traffic.
5. Bus to Foz do Douro
Hop on bus #500 or an Uber and head west to Foz, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. A laid-back seaside vibe awaits.
Travel time: ~30 minutes by bus
6. Serralves Foundation
This combo of a contemporary art museum, art deco villa, and sprawling parklands is a must for design and nature lovers alike.
Opening hours: Depends on the season and section of the park. Check out the website for more information.
Ticket price: €15 for only the park, €24 for full access (includes museum, villa, park, etc.)
Time to spend: 1.5–2 hours
7. Sunset at Foz do Douro or Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Choose between a beach sunset or a panoramic garden view over the city. Both are relaxing and scenic end-of-day options.
Time to spend: 45–60 minutes
Tip: Bring a blanket if you’re picnicking at the gardens
8. Dinner on Passeio Alegre
Cap off your trip with a waterfront meal on Passeio Alegre, a palm-lined promenade with cozy restaurants and traditional seafood spots.
Time to spend: 1.5–2 hours
Tip: Make a reservation if you’re dining at sunset—locals love this spot too!
Conclusion
Three days in Porto go by fast — but they’re more than enough to fall in love with the city’s charm, character, and culture. From historic neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints to rich wine and warm hospitality, this short itinerary helps you savor the best of Porto without the stress of overplanning. Ready to turn your trip into memories? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and let Porto sweep you off your feet!
Heading to other places in Portugal? Take a look at these articles on Lisbon, Madeira and Portugal.
