Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is historical yet modern. It draws visitors in with the timeless charm of its streets, colorful buildings, and gorgeous riverfront views. The birthplace of Port wine, Porto’s rich winemaking tradition invites you to explore the centuries-old cellars lining the Douro River and indulge in tastings of its iconic fortified wine.
The city’s Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into Porto’s soul with its cobblestone streets, lively cafes, and breathtaking views from the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Whether you’re wandering through the enchanting Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, or savoring a plate of the city’s signature francesinha, Porto’s blend of historical architecture, vibrant culture, and gastronomic delights make it a destination that’s both timeless and full of life. With 4 days in Porto, you will have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in this magical city’s essence and make it your home base to explore some of Portugal’s smaller cities.
How To Get To Porto
Porto is well-connected to both national and international destinations, making it easily accessible for travelers.
By Air
The quickest way to reach Porto is by flying into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is located just 11 km north of the city center. The airport is served by numerous international airlines, with direct flights from major European cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam. From the airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, Uber, or the Metro Line E, which takes around 30 minutes.
By Train
Porto is also well-connected by train, with São Bento Railway Station being the main hub. Trains run frequently from Lisbon’s Gare do Oriente or Santa Apolónia Station, with the journey taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. The train ride offers scenic views of the Portuguese countryside, making it a comfortable and pleasant option for those traveling from Lisbon. Check out my post on 4 Days in the Captivating City of Lisbon
By Bus
For a more affordable option, companies like Rede Expressos operate buses from Lisbon to Porto. The journey takes around 4 hours, and buses depart regularly throughout the day. The main bus station in Porto is Rodoviária do Porto, located just a short walk from the city center.
Private Transfer Option
For those seeking a more personalized and comfortable experience, a private transfer from Lisbon to Porto can be an excellent choice. This option offers flexibility, allowing you to stop along the way to explore other charming cities and towns. On the route, you can make stops in cities such as Coimbra, with its historic university, or Aveiro, known for its picturesque canals and colorful boats. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on stops, and you can enjoy the convenience of a door-to-door service in a luxury vehicle, making it a stress-free option with scenic breaks along the way.
How to Spend 4 Days in Porto: Our Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Discover Porto’s Historic Heart
I recommend starting your visit to Porto with a day dedicated to exploring the city’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might like to purchase the Porto Card with Transportation, which is valid for 1-4 days.
Visit Ribeira, the picturesque waterfront area known for its colorful buildings and narrow, cobbled streets. Wander along the Douro River, enjoying the scenic views and lively atmosphere. Don’t miss Ribeira Square, a perfect spot to enjoy local cafes and a view.
Begin your day at the stunning São Bento Railway Station, renowned for its beautiful blue and white azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting historical events. While you are there, take a peek inside McDonald’s, which is housed in a historic building with stunning architecture. It’s one of the most visually unique fast-food locations in the world.
Visit Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, with its stunning wooden staircase and intricate stained-glass ceiling. It’s a must-see for literary lovers and those looking for an Instagram-worthy moment. It does get hectic, though, so before you go, book your ticket online in advance.
In the afternoon, Visit Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) to admire its neoclassical architecture and extravagant Arabian Room.
The Palace operates at different hours depending on the season, and I recommend that you check the schedule online before your visit. You might also like to join a guided tour of Porto: Old City and Monuments Tour, which lasts for 3.5 hours.
Then, explore the 12th-century Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), one of the city’s oldest monuments and the episcopal seat of Portugal. It is a blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architecture.
Evening: Take a short walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, which spans the Douro River. On the opposite side of the river lies Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can visit the Port Wine Cellars.
Historically, this is where the city’s wineries were established due to its proximity to the river, which allowed the famous rabelos boats to transport the wine to the ocean.
The cellars are located in buildings with red tiles, tightly packed together along the quays of Vila Nova de Gaia, creating a picturesque setting.
These are some of the world’s most famous port wine cellars, and visiting them offers a chance to learn about the aging process of this iconic wine, which has been perfected here since the 18th century. The humidity in the air, regulated by the unique climate and the presence of the Douro River, ensures the perfect conditions.
If you are a fan of everything wine, don’t miss WOW in Gaia, which is a spectacular hub for wine lovers.
WOW was born from renovated old Port wine warehouses, giving rise to a vibrant district with seven museums, twelve restaurants and bars, shops, and a wine school. You might like to check out this experience: The Wine Experience Entry Ticket & Tasting at WOW, or have a fun time at the Pink Palace, book your Entry Ticket & Tasting at WOW here.
Then, take a leisurely stroll back to the city, perhaps stopping for dinner at one of the riverside restaurants in Ribeira, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine while watching the sunset. Alternatively, you can also join a guided Food and Wine Tasting Tour with Dinner, which lasts for 4 hours, and you get to visit four restaurants and try a variety of tapas and traditional dishes.
While in Vila Nova de Gaia, don’t miss a ride on the cable car (Teleférico de Gaia). The cable car offers stunning aerial views of the Douro River, Porto’s skyline, and the historic Ribeira district. It’s a fun way to see the city from a different perspective and a fantastic opportunity for breathtaking photos.
The cable car takes you up to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. At the top, you will also find the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar a monastery completed in a unique circular architecture.
Also, while in Gaia, take a moment to appreciate the striking Half Rabbit, created by Portuguese artist Bordalo II. The installation features a massive, larger-than-life sculpture of a rabbit made from vibrant recycled materials and trash collected in the city, adding a modern artistic touch to the area’s historic surroundings. The rabbit has become an iconic piece of public art, symbolizing Porto’s blend of tradition and contemporary creativity.
Day 2: Day Trip to Douro Valley – One of the World’s Most Celebrated Wine Regions
Dedicate your second day in Porto to exploring one of the most stunning regions of Portugal: Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Douro Valley is an absolute must-see in Porto, known for its breathtaking landscapes, terraced vineyards, and world-renowned wine production. The region’s natural beauty and rich winemaking history create an unforgettable experience.
Getting to Douro Valley:
The Douro Valley is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Porto. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus, depending on traffic. If you’re driving, the route along the N108 road offers scenic views of the valley as you approach the region. Suppose you are on a tight schedule and wish to enjoy the day without worrying about driving. In that case, we recommend a guided tour or private transportation, including stops at local vineyards and a river cruise along the Douro River.
Exploring Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is famous for its terraced vineyards that slope down the hillsides, creating a unique and visually striking landscape. The region has been cultivating wine for over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. The valley is particularly known for producing Port wine and high-quality table wines. As you drive through the valley, you’ll pass by picturesque villages, small wine estates, and scenic viewpoints that offer sweeping views of the river below.
Begin your day with a visit to a local winery. Many wine estates in the valley offer guided tours where you can learn about the winemaking process, including the history of Port wine, and stroll through the vineyards. Most tours also include a wine-tasting session, where you can sample various varieties of Port and table wines.
The winery we visited on this tour is Quinta Seara d’Ordens, a family-owned winery from 1792. Here, we enjoyed a personalized wine tasting, trying a selection of the famous port wines and the Quinta Seara d’Ordens Reserva Vinhas Velhas Tinto.
This exceptional wine is crafted from a blend of noble grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. The nobility of these grapes, combined with the unique soil and microclimate of the Douro Valley, gives the wine its distinctive personality and rich character. This wine is even more special because it is not filtered or cold-stabilized, allowing it to retain its pure, natural qualities.
The wine offers a full-bodied, deep flavor of ripe fruit, floral notes, and spices that beautifully reflect the authenticity and elegance of the Douro Valley’s winemaking traditions.
Douro River Boat Cruise
The Douro River boat cruise is the perfect way to experience the region’s natural beauty from a unique perspective. The Douro River winds through the valley, offering views of the terraced vineyards, rolling hills, and quaint riverside villages.
The most popular boat trips last around 1 hour, and some tours include visits to wine estates that are only accessible by boat. As you cruise the river, you’ll pass under the old stone bridges, through narrow gorges, and alongside lush vineyards. Some tours even include a stop at one of the wine estates along the riverbank, where you can continue your wine-tasting journey.
The boat ride offers some of the best opportunities for photos, with the dramatic landscape of the valley unfolding before you. After the river cruise, take some time to explore the charming town of Pinhão, which sits at the heart of the Douro Valley. Visit the Pinhão Railway Station, known for its beautiful azulejos depicting the region’s wine harvests, or relax in one of the town’s riverside cafes, soaking in the tranquility of the valley.
The winery is renowned for its modern facilities, innovative techniques, and the award-winning Port wines. A visit here offers a more structured, informative experience with a comprehensive tour of the vineyards, cellars, and production process, including their state-of-the-art aging chambers. One of the key highlights of the winery is the interactive tasting room, where visitors can sample a variety of their Port wines and learn about the brand’s long history and global presence.
For lunch, we visited the Quinta da Pacheca, one of the most prestigious and recognized estates in the Douro Demarcated Region, located in the village of Cambres, near the left bank of the Douro River. With a history dating back to the 16th century, the estate was originally owned by the Monasteries of Salzedas and St. João de Tarouca. It was formally established in 1738 and became known as “Pacheca,” after its owner, Da. Mariana Pacheco Pereira, a strong woman who managed the property herself.
Today, Quinta da Pacheca spans around 75 hectares of vineyards in the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, producing high-quality Douro DOC and Port wines. The estate is renowned for its innovative approach, having been one of the first in the region to bottle DOC wines under its own name in 1977.
The winery’s historic granite stone tanks are still used to produce limited annual batches of red wines, and visitors can experience wine tourism at its finest with guided tours and a visit to the Wine House Hotel, which opened in 2009. Of course, if you are a wine lover, you might consider spending an overnight or two in the Douro Valley.
In the evening, upon your return to Porto, enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the city’s renowned Fado restaurants, where you can experience the traditional music of Portugal. You can also opt for this Fonseca Cellar Tour & Fado Show with Optional Dinner or join an All-Inclusive Fado Dinner Show and Night Tour, which starts at 7 pm.
Day 3: Day Trip to Guimarães & Braga – Historic Towns Near Porto
A day trip to Guimarães & Braga is the perfect option for a dose of medieval history and charming architecture. These two towns are just an hour’s drive from Porto, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history. The best way to see both towns is on an organized group tour. You can book the same tour I went on here – Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch
First Stop in Braga at the Bom Jesus do Monte
In the morning, we first headed to Braga, which is often referred to as the “Rome of Portugal” due to its many baroque churches. At our visit stop, we visited Bom Jesus do Monte, a stunning sanctuary with an impressive staircase and panoramic views. It is one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites and a significant religious and cultural landmark.
The sanctuary is dedicated to Jesus Christ and is perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The site is known for its Baroque architecture and serene atmosphere and for being a destination for pilgrims from across Portugal and beyond.
The sanctuary is famous for its sacred stairway, the Via Sacra, which consists of 577 steps leading up the hill to the church at the summit. The steps are adorned with chapels and sculptures representing the Passion of Christ, and pilgrims often ascend them on foot as part of their spiritual journey, especially during religious festivals.
The climb is seen as a symbolic act of penance and devotion, with many believing that the physical effort of ascending the stairs is a way to receive divine blessings. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day when I climbed the stairs, and the colors were not as vibrant but still stunning.
The site also hosts religious festivals, particularly during the Feast of Bom Jesus in late summer, when thousands of pilgrims gather to celebrate with processions, prayers, and festivities. The church itself, Igreja de Bom Jesus do Monte, features a stunning interior with intricate carvings, statues, and a high altar dedicated to the Holy Cross.
Sé de Braga – The Braga Cathedral
Next, we visited Sé de Braga located in the heart of Portugal’s Minho region, one of the country’s oldest and most historically significant cathedrals. Founded in the 11th century, it blends Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque architectural styles, marking different periods of Portuguese history.
Notable highlights include the intricate carvings on the Romanesque portal, the Gothic nave with chapels dedicated to saints, and the Baroque altars adorned with gold leaf.
The cathedral is also home to significant religious treasures, such as the tombs of King Henry I and Archbishop Gonçalo Pereira, and a collection of sacred art, including a silver monstrance and embroidered vestments.
Hidden within the cathedral are secret rooms containing beautifully preserved azulejos, offering a rare glimpse into the cathedral’s rich artistic and spiritual history. We were lucky to get inside, as our guide had asked for access.
Try the Frigideiras
You can’t leave Braga without trying the traditional delicacy known as Frigideiras. These delicious treats consist of round discs of puff pastry filled with minced veal, cooked with margarine and lard for a rich, unique flavor.
The recipe, still a secret today, has been passed down through generations at Frigideiras do Cantinho, a historic establishment founded in 1796. The dish is so iconic that it has even been mentioned by renowned Portuguese writers, including Almeida Garret and Júlio Dinis. While variations of frigideiras can be found, Frigideiras do Cantinho remains the most famous for preserving the authentic taste, making it a true gastronomic treasure of Braga.
A visit to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal
After Braga, we headed to Guimarães, often called the birthplace of Portugal. This historical town holds a pivotal place in the country’s past, as it was here in 1128 that Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, defeated his rivals at the Battle of São Mamede, a key event in the nation’s foundation.
The town’s Guimarães Castle and Palácio dos Duques de Bragança are living reminders of this royal history. As the cradle of Portugal’s independence, Guimarães has earned the nickname “The Birthplace of Portugal” due to its crucial role in the country’s formation.
We began our visit with a traditional local lunch featuring Pastéis de Bacalhau, salt cod fritters, and a hearty dish of pork fillet with potatoes (Carne de Porco à Portuguesa) —a true taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Afterward, we explored the Guimarães Castle, a medieval fortress with roots dating back to the 10th century. The castle, along with the Palácio dos Duques de Bragança, provides a deep dive into the royal history of Portugal.
Once home to the royal family, the palace is now a museum showcasing a collection of period furniture, paintings, and decorative arts. The palace’s grounds are also worth exploring for their peaceful gardens and impressive exterior.
Wandering through the historic center, we were captivated by the cobblestone streets, charming squares, and traditional buildings that transported us to centuries past.
The historical center of Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Portugal.
Largo da Oliveira: This picturesque square is one of the most charming spots in the historical center. It is home to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, a striking Gothic church with a beautiful façade. The square’s cobblestone streets and medieval buildings make it the perfect place to sit and soak in the town’s atmosphere.
A true treat for those with a sweet tooth is the town’s famous Santa Clara sweets, which we couldn’t miss. These traditional desserts are a specialty of Guimarães and are made of a delicate combination of egg yolks, sugar, squash and almonds, often shaped into small, bite-sized confections.
The Santa Clara sweets are a perfect example of the town’s rich culinary heritage and are a delightful way to end any visit to this historically significant town.
After a day of exploration, head back to Porto. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy Portuguese seafood or traditional dishes like bacalhau (salt cod). Also, make sure to try francesinha, Porto’s beloved sandwich. A local restaurant that I really enjoyed and ate at twice is Brasão Cervejaria Coliseum. Make sure to reserve your table in advance as it does get busy.
Day 4 of 4 Days in Porto Itinerary: Exploring Porto’s Contemporary Side and Visit Matosinhos
On your final day in Porto, immerse yourself in the city’s contemporary charm, combining art, parks, and leisurely exploration with some local gems to wrap up your stay in the best possible way. If you are a fan of seafood, then a visit to the nearby town of Matosinhos is an absolute must. Here are some things you can do in Porto.
Tile Painting Class
For a truly unique experience, consider taking part in a tile painting class in Porto. The city is famous for its azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles), and this hands-on activity allows you to tap into Porto’s cultural heritage by creating your own tiles. Guided by local artisans, you’ll learn about the history of azulejos and the techniques involved in painting them.
A Special Visit to Majestic Café
While in Porto, don’t miss a stop at the Majestic Café, one of the city’s most iconic and historic cafés. This is the very place where J. K. Rowling spent writing her first book of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone“.
Located on Santa Catarina Street, this Belle Époque-style café has been serving guests since 1921. Its opulent interior, ornate mirrors, chandeliers, and wooden paneling exude old-world charm and elegance. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a traditional Portuguese coffee and pastel de nata, while soaking in the atmosphere of one of Porto’s most famous landmarks. The cafe is popular, so be prepared to wait in line.
Foz do Douro District and Coastal Views
Head to the Foz do Douro district in the afternoon, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal area is known for its stunning ocean views, picturesque beaches, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to wander along the riverfront, visit charming cafes, or just take in the salty sea breeze. If you’re in the mood to unwind by the ocean, you can sit by the beach, enjoy the scenic coastline, and perhaps even stop for a drink or coffee at one of the many charming cafes in the area.
Your 4 days in Porto will be filled with history, culture, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in Porto’s famous wine and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods, relaxing in scenic parks, or taking day trips to the spectacular Douro Valley, Gimares, and Braga, Porto offers a variety of experiences for all travelers.
This 4 days in Porto itinerary is designed to give you the best of the city and beyond, ensuring you return home with unforgettable memories.
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