2 AMAZING DAYS IN PORTO
Discover the uncommon charm of Porto
Uncover the charm and flavors of Porto in just 2 days with our carefully curated itinerary for first-time visitors. Get ready to be whisked away on a delightful journey through Porto's historic landmarks, riverfront, and wine tasting adventure that will leave you longing for more.
The first day kicks off with a visit to the iconic Livraria Lello, known for its stunning architecture and rich literary history.
Then, immerse yourself in the religious and architectural wonders of Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas before ascending the Torre dos Clérigos for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
As you wander through the streets, take a moment to admire the beauty of the Voltaria and Miradouro da Vitoria before stepping into the captivating Bolsa Palace and The Church of São Francisco.
Finally, lose yourself in the enchanting vibes of Cais da Ribeira and indulge in the local gastronomic delights at Taberna dos Fernandes and MISTU. On the second day, embark on an unforgettable win
Days
Day 1: Exploring Porto's Historic Landmarks and Riverfront
Embark on a journey through the heart of Porto, immersing yourself in its rich history and architectural marvels. Start your day with a visit to the enchanting Livraria Lello, often heralded as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Continue to the Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas and marvel at the ornate interiors and the tiny hidden house that separates them. Climb the Torre dos Clérigos for sweeping city views before savoring local cuisine at Porto's esteemed eateries. In the afternoon, descend to the Douro riverfront at Cais da Ribeira, and perhaps end your day with an optional river cruise, basking in the glow of sunset.
Visit
-
Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is an exquisite bookstore known for its neo-gothic façade, stunning interior, and ornate staircase, which has become a cultural landmark in Porto. Visitors from around the world flock to this literary haven, which is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling's depiction of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. Advance tickets are highly recommended for a swift entry to explore the whimsical charm of this iconic establishment. -
Igreja do Carmo
A stone's throw from Livraria Lello, Igreja do Carmo features remarkable baroque architecture and intricate interior design. It is adjoined by the narrow, one-meter-wide Casa Escondida and shares a wall with its twin, Igreja dos Carmelitas. Visitors can tour the tiny house and the catacombs before making their way to the rooftop for modest views of the surroundings. -
Igreja dos Carmelitas
Adjacent to Igreja do Carmo, Igreja dos Carmelitas stands with its own unique charm. While smaller and faster to visit than its neighbor, the church houses a splendid golden altarpiece and a quaint museum. Entrance is free of charge, providing a quick but enriching glance into the religious art and architecture of Porto. -
Torre dos Clérigos
The Clérigos Tower, part of the Clérigos Church complex, is a defining symbol of Porto's skyline. The tower offers panoramic 360° views of the city after a 240-step climb. As one of Porto's most popular attractions, booking a timed entry in advance is recommended to avoid extensive queues and witness the breathtaking vistas from the top. -
Miradouro da Vitoria
For those willing to make the climb, Miradouro da Vitoria presents one of Porto's best panoramic views. Situated atop a hill, this viewpoint provides a photographer's paradise, offering a sprawling vista of the city's historic architecture and the winding Douro River. It's an excellent spot to reflect on the city's beauty and take a deep breath before continuing your adventures. -
Bolsa Palace
Also known as the Stock Exchange Palace, Bolsa Palace stands as a testament to Porto's historical importance in commerce and trade. Built in the 19th century, its resplendent interiors, particularly the ornate Arab Room and the grandiose Hall of Nations, are accessible only through guided tours, which offer intriguing insights into Porto's mercantile past. -
The Church of São Francisco
Adjacent to Bolsa Palace lies the Church of São Francisco, a monument renowned for its lavish baroque interior, which is decadently adorned in gold leaf. The church includes a museum, the catacombs, and an ossuary with visible bones beneath a glass floor — a solemn reminder of the historical and spiritual significance of this site within Porto. -
Cais da Ribeira
Cais da Ribeira is the picturesque riverside promenade along the Douro River. Lined with colorful houses, lively bars, and quaint cafes, this buzzing waterfront is an essential route for any Porto visitor. Across the river, views of the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia entice visitors to explore further, and the atmosphere is vibrant both day and night.
Eat
-
Voltaria
Voltaria is a charming tapas and seafood restaurant located a short walk from Clérigos Church. Its reputation for serving delectable dishes in a cozy setting has made it a sought-after dining location in Porto. As it always draws a crowd, arriving early or waiting for a table is a small price to pay for the memorable culinary experience. -
Taberna dos Fernandes
Taberna dos Fernandes is a small gem tucked away on Rua da Fonte Taurina, close to Cais da Ribeira. It's known for excellent service and exquisite traditional dishes such as octopus and garlic shrimp. As it doesn't accept reservations, some patience may be required, but the wait is rewarded with a taste of Porto's finest culinary offerings. -
MISTU
A short walk from the riverfront, MISTU presents a contemporary dining experience with a fusion of Asian and South American flavors. Renowned for its innovative dishes including butterfish with foie gras and sea bass, it exemplifies the city's burgeoning gastronomic scene. Reservations are recommended to secure a place in this popular establishment.
Photos
Day 2: Porto and Gaia Wine Tasting Adventure
This is a day filled with the splendor of Porto's historic sites, followed by a delightful wine tasting experience in Gaia. Start with breakfast at the iconic Majestic Café before exploring the Art Nouveau designs and shopping on Rua da Santa Catarina. Visit the exquisite Church of Saint Ildefonso and take in the azulejos at São Bento Station. Choose between three alluring churches for your next stops, including the soaring Porto Cathedral. A scenic walk across the Douro River on the Luís I Bridge will offer panoramic views before the wine tasting adventures begin in Gaia.
Visit
-
Rua da Santa Catarina
This pedestrian shopping street is one of Porto's busiest commercial zones. Lined with stores, street performers, and the occasional market, it offers a vibrant slice of local life. Visitors can also admire the Chapel of Souls here, famous for its striking blue and white tiles. -
Chapel of Souls
Known for its beautiful blue and white azulejo tilework depicting religious scenes, the Chapel of Souls stands out with its intricate design. The exterior is particularly striking and is a must-see for anyone walking down Rua da Santa Catarina. -
Church of Saint Ildefonso
Located near Batalha Square, the Church of Saint Ildefonso is another gem adorned with azulejo tiles. It has a baroque façade and hosts religious services. Visitors are welcome to admire its interior or attend mass. -
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
The Sé do Porto, also known as Porto Cathedral, is one of the city's most important monuments, with a diverse architectural style that includes Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. It offers stunning views from its terraces and visitors can explore both the main church and its cloisters. -
Church of Santa Clara
This church is less visited than the main cathedral but is renowned for its lavish interior adorned with gold leaf. The Church of Santa Clara offers an atmosphere of peace and quiet away from the bustling streets, presenting a beautiful representation of Portuguese religious artistry. -
São Bento Railway Station
Famous for its grand azulejo tile murals depicting various historical scenes from Portugal, São Bento Railway Station is a transport hub and a work of art in itself. It's often admired both by travellers and those simply interested in Porto's rich cultural tapestry. -
Luís I Bridge
The iconic double-deck metal arch bridge spans the Douro River, linking Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. It provides stunning views of both cities and the river, and is a vital pedestrian and vehicle route between these two closely linked areas. -
Vila Nova de Gaia (Gaia)
Located across the river from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia is renowned for its port wine cellars. Visitors can tour wine cellars, enjoy tastings, and savour the riverside ambience. The area offers a rich experience for wine enthusiasts and those eager to explore local gastronomy. -
World of Wine
The World of Wine is a cultural district within Gaia, hosting several museums dedicated to wine, cork, chocolate, and more. It's an excellent spot for those traveling with family or seeking to learn more about Portugal's wine heritage in an interactive way. -
Niepoort
Niepoort is one of the recommended wine cellars in Gaia. Known for their intimate and engaging tours, visitors can delve deep into the world of port wine and enjoy tastings in a small-group setting, making it a hit for true wine aficionados. -
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
This is a prime viewpoint offering expansive vistas of Porto and the Luís I Bridge. Travelers who trek up to this spot can enjoy a panoramic look at the city’s skyline and the Douro River, especially breathtaking at sunset. -
Jardim do Morro
Jardim do Morro is a pleasant park next to the Gaia Cable Car station, offering calming green spaces and views towards Porto. It's a nice area to relax after crossing the bridge or to catch your breath before exploring more of Gaia. -
Sandeman
One of the oldest and most established port wine houses in Gaia, Sandeman provides tours and tastings where visitors can learn about and enjoy some of the finest ports available. It’s a must-stop for visitors seeking to understand the heritage of port wine. -
Caves Cálem
Caves Cálem is well-known for its port wine production and offers engaging tours and tastings. Its visitor center and exhibition space provide travelers with an opportunity to explore the history of port wine and the Douro Valley.
Eat
-
Majestic Café
The Majestic Café is an elegant Art Nouveau style café that has been a place of gathering since 1921. Its ornate interior transports visitors to a bygone era of luxury and is an ideal location for a serene breakfast. The café has gained fame for its historical ambiance and remains a staple for both tourists and locals. -
Vinum
This restaurant and wine bar is located at Graham’s Port Lodge, offering meals complemented by an extensive wine list with spectacular views of Porto. Vinum is particularly recommended for a lunch stop during a day of exploring and wine tasting. -
Enoteca 1756
Situated in Gaia, Enoteca 1756 is a fine dining restaurant known for its enticing food and wine pairings. It receives glowing reviews and is a worthy dinner destination to round off a day of sightseeing and wine tasting.
Transit
-
São Bento Railway Station
Aside from its artistic value, this railway station serves as a central transit point for trains coming into Porto, with easy connections to various parts of the city and other destinations in Portugal. -
Gaia Cable Car
The Gaia Cable Car offers a scenic route from the riverside to the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge, providing passengers with elevated views of the area and a convenient way to traverse the hilly terrain.
Photos
More from Charles Chen
Maker of Turas.app! I'm a startup software engineer who enjoys traveling and experiencing other cultures.
Charles Chen's Turas.app profile