Romantic Long Weekend in Porto, Portugal
Discover romance in the mosaic-tiled streets of Porto, Portugal.
22 April 2023
A trip to Porto, Portugal for a romantic getaway promises a charming blend of history, culture and scenic beauty. From savoring the city's famous port wine to exploring the old town's winding alleys and riverside walks, there's no shortage of romantic things to do. With its stunning sunsets, enchanting architecture, and intimate vibe, Porto is the perfect destination for a lovers' escape.
Travel plan
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- Check into the Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel, located in the historic Ribeira district, overlooking the Douro River.
- Explore the winding streets and picturesque buildings of the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit the stunning Sao Francisco Church, known for its elaborate Baroque interior.
- Take a stroll through the colorful Mercado do Bolhão, a bustling open-air market selling fresh produce and local crafts.
- Sample traditional Portuguese dishes like francesinha and bacalhau at the cozy O Buraco restaurant.
- Book a day trip to the famous Douro Valley wine region.
- Visit some of the area's best wineries and taste the region's famous port wine.
- Take a scenic boat ride down the Douro River and enjoy the stunning views of the valley.
- Wander around the charming town of Pinhão and stop for a delicious meal at the local Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros.
- Return to Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel for a nightcap at the rooftop bar, with panoramic views of the city.
- Take a short train ride to the nearby seaside town of Matosinhos.
- Visit the stunning beach and watch the surfers catch some waves.
- Indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants, like the famed O Gaveto.
- Stroll along the picturesque promenade and explore the town's charming shops and cafes.
- Return to Porto and enjoy a romantic dinner at the elegant The Yeatman restaurant, with stunning views of the city.
- Visit the iconic Lello Bookstore, renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and featured in the Harry Potter films.
- Check out the contemporary art exhibitions at the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Take a walk through the lush greenery of the nearby Serralves Park.
- Admire the stunning architecture of the Casa da Música, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.
- End the day with a delicious meal at the trendy Antiqvvm restaurant, with impressive views of the city and Douro River.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.