Porto in 3 Days: Explore, Taste, Relax!

Discover the charm and beauty of Porto, Portugal.

03 May 2023

Porto, Portugal is a vibrant city boasting stunning sights of medieval architecture, picturesque streets and crowded riverside cafes with delicious Portuguese cuisine. As a tourist, you can explore the historic center of Porto by walking, hop on a cruise to take a scenic view of the Douro Valley or indulge in wine tasting and tour of the Port wine cellars. There are also various sandy beaches along the coast that are perfect for relaxing.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Porto's historic center

  • Hotel: InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas
  • Start the day with a stroll along the Ribeira, taking in the colorful buildings and scenic views of the Douro River
  • Visit the beautiful Baroque-style Clérigos Tower for panoramic views of the city
  • Wander through the narrow streets of the charming neighborhood of Rua das Flores, admiring the local artisans' shops
  • Have lunch at the iconic Majestic Café, a historic Belle Epoque-style coffee house
  • End the day in lively Rua da Galeria de Paris, where you can enjoy a selection of local wines and tapas at one of the many bars and restaurants.
Day 2

A day trip to the Douro Valley

  • Take a train from São Bento Station to the Douro Valley, where you can admire the stunning vineyards and landscapes
  • Visit one of the many wineries in the area for a tasting of the region's famous Port wine
  • Take a scenic boat ride along the Douro River, passing by the picturesque villages and vineyards
  • Have lunch at a local quinta, where you can taste traditional dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients
  • Visit the charming town of Pinhão, known for its historic railway station covered in azulejos.
Day 3

Contemporary art and coastal views

  • Start the day at the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, located in a beautiful Art Deco-style building and featuring exhibitions by national and international artists
  • Take a tram to the Praia do Carneiro, a picturesque beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean
  • Have lunch at the Casa de Pasto da Palmeira, a traditional restaurant known for its fresh seafood dishes
  • Visit the Foz do Douro, a chic neighborhood on the coast where you can enjoy a walk by the sea and buy souvenirs at the local artisans' shops.
  • End the day at Casa da Música, a striking concert hall designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, where you can enjoy a classical or contemporary music performance.

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.

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