Unwind in 48 hours: Porto Fun Guide

Discover Porto's stunning sights, savor its delicious wine, and get lost in its charming streets.

03 May 2023

A trip to Porto promises an unforgettable experience with its historic charm, bustling atmosphere, and scenic beauty. As a tourist, you can explore the dazzling architecture, sample delicious wine & food, and take a leisurely cruise along the Douro River. Whether you're looking for cultural enrichment or simply a relaxing getaway, Porto caters to all tastes and preferences.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Porto's Charm

  • Where to Stay: The Yeatman 4.8
    10 photos

    The Yeatman Hotel

    4.8 (4323)

    Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

    Spa,Bar

    Polished quarters, some with city views, in an upscale hotel with fine dining, a bar & a spa.

    the-yeatman-hotel.com

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  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the Douro River at The Yeatman 4.8
    10 photos

    The Yeatman Hotel

    4.8 (4323)

    Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

    Spa,Bar

    Polished quarters, some with city views, in an upscale hotel with fine dining, a bar & a spa.

    the-yeatman-hotel.com

    Learn more
    hotel
  • Wander the colorful streets of Ribeira
    10 photos

    Ribeira

    Ribeira, Porto, Portugal

    Neighborhood,Political

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    and take in the views of the river and its many boats
  • Explore the iconic Sao Bento train station 4.7
    10 photos

    Porto São Bento

    4.7 (3528)

    Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal

    Train station,Transit station

    19th-century railway station noted for its elaborate azulejo tilework in the main vestibule.

    cp.pt

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    and admire its intricate tile work
  • Visit the Porto Cathedral 4.5
    10 photos

    Porto Cathedral

    4.5 (24838)

    Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal

    Tourist attraction,Church

    Hilltop Romanesque cathedral, with a fortress-like interior, a rose window & Gothic cloisters.

    diocese-porto.pt

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    and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city
  • Indulge in some Port wine tasting at one of the many cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
    10 photos

    Vila Nova de Gaia

    Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

    Locality,Political

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  • End the day with dinner at the trendy Tapabento 4.7
    10 photos

    Tapabento S.Bento

    4.7 (3918) • $$

    R. da Madeira 222, 4000-433 Porto, Portugal

    Restaurant,Food

    Tapas & international cuisine served in a compact restaurant with a laid-back ambiance.

    tapabento.com

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    , known for its inventive gastronomy and beautiful presentation
Day 2

Beach & Seafood Fun

  • Where to Stay: Hotel Teatro 4.4
    10 photos

    PortoBay Hotel Teatro

    4.4 (806)

    R. de Sá da Bandeira 84, 4000-427 Porto, Portugal

    Lodging,Point of interest

    Chic rooms & suites in an upscale, theater-inspired hotel with a stylish restaurant & a posh bar.

    portobay.com

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  • Spend the morning at the picturesque Foz do Douro beach 4.6
    10 photos

    Praia Cabedelo do Douro

    4.6 (374)

    Praia Cabedelo do Douro, Foz do Douro, Portugal

    Natural feature,Establishment

    This calm stretch of shoreline with white sand is popular for seaside strolls & nude sunbathing.

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    , less than 30 minutes away by tram
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at the historic O Gaveto 4.4
    10 photos

    O Gaveto

    4.4 (1411)

    R. Roberto Ivens 826, 4450-279 Matosinhos, Portugal

    Restaurant,Point of interest

    ogaveto.com

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    , where the fish is always fresh and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are unbeatable
  • Take a walk along the scenic Matosinhos beach promenade 4.5
    10 photos

    Matosinhos Beach

    4.5 (13515)

    Praia de Matosinhos, Av. Gen. Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal

    Natural feature,Establishment

    Wide stretch of sandy beach offering surfing, swimming & sunbathing, plus sunset views.

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    and admire the colorful fishing boats and their humble fisherman
  • Visit the contemporary art museum Serralves 4.7
    10 photos

    Parque de Serralves

    4.7 (8574)

    R. Dom João de Castro 210, 4150-417 Porto, Portugal

    Park,Tourist attraction

    18-hectare park, part of the Serralves Foundation, with formal gardens, wooded areas & sculptures.

    serralves.pt

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    and stroll through its beautiful gardens
  • Cap off your trip with some traditional Francesinha at Cafe Santiago 4.4
    10 photos

    Café Santiago

    4.4 (12386) • $$

    R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal

    Cafe,Bar

    Casual eatery specializing in popular egg-topped sandwiches, as well as comfort food & beer.

    cafesantiago.pt

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    , a messy but delicious sandwich filled with ham, sausage, and steak, and topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce. Don't forget a Super Bock beer to wash it down.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Porto, Portugal by plane is to fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) which is located about 11 kilometers northwest of the city center. Major airlines like TAP Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate direct flights to Porto from major cities in Europe and beyond.

Car

Driving is also a popular way to get to Porto with the A1 highway connecting Lisbon and Porto. The road trip takes about 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Portuguese countryside.

Train

Travelers can also reach Porto by train with its main train station being Campanhã Station, which is located about 5 kilometers east of the city. Trains from Lisbon to Porto are convenient and provide scenic views, but travel time can be up to 3 hours depending on the train you take.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Porto, travelers can arrive at nearby towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos by boat. These towns have marinas and are just a short distance from Porto via public transport. The closest international cruise port is in Lisbon and travelers can take a train, bus or car to Porto from there.

Bus

Travelers who want to reach Porto by bus can take the Rede Expressos bus service which operates throughout Portugal. The trip from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3.5 hours and buses from other major cities in Portugal also operate regular routes to Porto.

Destination

Porto

Welcome to the city that's famous for its wine, its bridges, and its ability to give you a wicked hangover after a night out in the charming Ribeira district. Don't worry, though -- the stunning views of the Douro River will make you forget all about those headaches.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Whirlwind Weekend in Porto: Family Fun and Food

Porto, Portugal offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with a mix of culture, stunning architecture, and delightful outdoor activities. Families can explore the historic district of Ribeira, visit iconic landmarks like the Livraria Lello bookstore, and enjoy a river cruise on the scenic Douro River. With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and nearby beautiful beaches, Porto is a perfect destination for an unforgettable family adventure.

Porto, Portugal: Budget-Friendly Fun in Two Days

Porto, Portugal is a beautiful destination to visit on a limited budget. The city offers affordable accommodation options and plenty of free or low-cost attractions to explore. Take a stroll along the Douro River, visit the famous Livraria Lello bookstore, and indulge in the local cuisine and wine without breaking the bank.

Porto: A Day of Culture, Cuisine, and Charm

A trip to Porto, Portugal offers an unforgettable experience for any tourist. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Douro River, visit historic landmarks such as the Torre dos Clérigos, and indulge in local cuisine and wine at one of the many charming restaurants and bars scattered throughout the city. Overall, Porto is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of culture, natural beauty, and delectable cuisine.

Porto on a budget: 3 days of culture and cuisine

A trip to Porto, Portugal on a limited budget is a great way to experience all that this historic city has to offer. With affordable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and free or low-cost attractions, it's easy to make the most of your stay. From exploring the winding streets of the old town to taking a scenic boat ride down the Douro River, there's plenty to see and do without breaking the bank.