20 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal (+ Itinerary)
- Shal & James
- Sep 11
- 19 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Discover the best things to do in Porto—from glittering, golden churches and sweeping viewpoints to foodie haunts and dazzling tiles—in a city that’s far more than just port wine and custard tarts.
Porto may be best known for its sweet port wine and those irresistible custard tarts, but this UNESCO-listed gem is so much more than a sugar rush and a sip. Think glittering churches that look like they’ve been dipped in gold, sweeping viewpoints that stop you in your tracks, and azulejo (tile)-clad façades so pretty you’ll be shamelessly filling your camera roll. Add in a foodie scene that swings from steak sandwiches to Michelin-level magic, and you’ve got a city that manages to be both historic and deliciously alive.
CONTENTS
We’ve included opening hours, prices with currency conversions based on current exchange rates, and what we paid to help with planning—but things can change (things to do, hotels, the lot), so it’s always worth double checking to dodge any last-minute surprises.
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KEY INFO: PORTO, PORTUGAL
BEST TIME TO GO TO PORTO
Spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) are the golden tickets: sunny but not scorching, lively but not rammed. We went 20-25 Jun and it was a dreamy mix of sunshine, wine, and zero queues for custard tarts.
HOW TO GET TO PORTO
Fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and hop on the metro straight into town.Or, be lazy like us and book an Uber.
HOW TO GET AROUND PORTO
The centre is walkable, but prepare your calves—this city is basically a stair-master with prettier views. For longer jaunts, the metro, trams, and Uber work a treat.
IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
3-5 days (we visited for 5 days); 3 days exploring the Porto + 1-2 days for day trips to the Douro Valley and/or Guimarães (both UNESCO-listed).
LANGUAGES
Portuguese is the local lingo, but English is widely spoken. Bonus points if you can say “obrigado/a” without sounding like you’re butchering it.
PORTUGAL ESIM
We never travel without an Airalo eSIM—grab one through our link for 15% off if you’re new, or 10% off if you’re already part of the club.
PORTUGAL TOURIST VISAS
EU: visa-free. UK, US, Canada, Australia: also visa-free for up to 90 days...for now.
The EU’s new ETIAS scheme, delayed until Q4 2026, will require visa-exempt travellers—including Brits—to apply online, pay €20, and receive an authorisation valid for up to 3 years or until their passport expires.
PORTUGAL CURRENCY
Euros (€). Cards are fine, but some little cafés only take cash—handy for pastel de nata emergencies.
IS PORTO SAFE?
We think so. Just watch your pockets in touristy spots and maybe don’t attempt the Dom Luís I bridge selfie after too much vinho verde. You can read more about Portugal's safety here.
CAN YOU DRINK TAP WATER IN PORTUGAL?
Absolutely. Fresh and safe—cheers!
VACCINATIONS NEEDED FOR PORTUGAL
None to our knowledge—just keep your routine jabs up to date.
20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTO
Things to do in Porto in order of photos above. The photo you see of Mercado do Bolhão? Yep, it’s just the street outside—because when we finally showed up to explore, the market was closed.
1) MIRADOURA DA VITORIA VIEWPOINT
Daily 9AM - 9PM
Free
While Miradouro da Vitória may not be the fanciest lookout in Porto, it serves up killer skyline views for free—just you, the rooftops, and the feeling you’ve stumbled onto the city’s best-kept secret.
2) CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS
Daily 9AM - 8PM
€9 pp; converted: £8 / US$11
13th century Igreja de São Francisco (in Portuguese) may lure you in with its Gothic exterior, but it’s the jaw-dropping Baroque interior that will stop you in your tracks. Think walls dripping in nearly 300 kilos of gold leaf—so much bling it’s nicknamed The Golden Church. Don’t miss the catacombs either, where you’ll find bones on display beneath a glass floor (macabre yet mesmerising). The only catch? Photography is strictly off-limits—so you’ll just have to etch the gold overload into your memory. And between us, this was Shal’s absolute favourite historic sight in Porto.
3) CHURCH OF SANTA CLARA
Daily 9AM - 12:30PM + 2-5:30PM; Tue & Sat closes 30 mins early at 5PM; last entry 30 mins before close
€4 pp; converted: £3.50 / US$5
Igreja de Santa Clara may look modest from the outside, but step inside and prepare to be gobsmacked. Its lavish Baroque interior is one of Portugal’s largest displays of gilded woodwork—a jaw-dropping contrast to its humble exterior. Built from 1416 for the nuns of the Order of Poor Clares, the church was completed in 1457. The convent closed in the 19th century, and the last nun left in 1901, but today Santa Clara stands as a stunning cultural gem and a photographer’s dream—unlike the Church of Saint Francis, you can snap away inside.
4) LIVRARIA LELLO
Daily 9AM - 7:30PM
€10, 16 or 50 pp; converted: £9, 14, 44 / US$12, 19, 59
J.K. Rowling once lived in Porto, and rumour has it Livraria Lello's fairytale staircase helped inspire Hogwarts. One look and you get it — it’s pure wizardry. Did we actually pay VIP prices to enter… a bookshop? Yes. Do we regret it? Not a spell.
We went Gold at Livraria Lello, and it was totally worth it. For €16 per person, you get priority entry and a gorgeous book from Lello’s Collection—think classic red hardcover with gold-edged pages. Silver (€10) gives entry plus €10 store credit, while the indulgent Platinum (€50) ups the ante with priority entry, a guided Gemma Room tour where you can gawk at all the beautiful rare editions, and €50 store credit.
5) PALACIO DA BOLSA
Daily 9:30AM - 1PM + 2-5:30PM
€14 pp; converted: £12 / US$16.50
The Palácio da Bolsa is a must-see in Porto—but note, you can only explore it on a 30-minute guided tour in Portuguese, Spanish, English or French, and tickets can be bought online or the on-site ticket office.
Built in 1842 on the ruins of a former convent, this neoclassical gem once served as the city’s stock exchange and now houses the Porto Commercial Association. The showstopper is the Arab Room, inspired by the Moorish Revival style and paying homage to the Islamic art and architecture of the Iberian Peninsula—especially the Alhambra in Granada. Its intricate geometric patterns, Arabic inscriptions, and gilded plasterwork reflect the Moors’ cultural influence and the 19th-century fascination with exotic, historic styles—utterly mesmerising.
6) GARDEN OF OLIVES
24/7
Free
Tucked right next to the iconic Clérigos Tower, Jardim das Oliveiras is a peaceful, yet surprising little rooftop oasis. Established in 2001, it’s home to around 50 ancient olive trees—the oldest over 650 years old!
7) CLERIGOS TOWER & CHURCH
Tower + museum 9AM - 7PM €10 pp; converted: £9 / US$12
Tower 7-11PM €5 pp; converted: £4 / US$16
The Clérigos Tower and Church an iconic Baroque duo, was completed in the mid-18th century and has been turning heads for centuries. The 75-meter tower was Portugal’s tallest building for ages, and a climb up its 240 steps rewards you with sweeping city views. Down below, the church wows with an elliptical floor plan, gilded woodwork, and a gorgeously ornate façade—a perfect snapshot of Porto’s religious heritage and architectural flair.
8) MERCADO DO BOLHAO
Mon-Fri 8AM - 8PM; Sat 8AM - 6PM; Sun closed
Free
Bolhão Market is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks—a sprawling fresh produce market that’s been at the heart of city life for over a century. Occupying an entire downtown block, it’s as much a cultural monument as it is a foodie haven, recently restored to blend history with modern flair. Inside you’ll find 79 produce stalls, plus restaurants and shops, making it a true hub for locals and visitors alike. Sadly, when we turned up on our last day in Porto ready to explore, it was closed for a public holiday—gutted doesn’t even begin to cover it!
9) PORTO CATHEDRAL
Daily 9AM - 6:30PM; 5:30PM close during winter months; closed xmas & Easter
£2.60 pp; converted: €3 / US$3.50 via Tiquets
Perched on the highest point of the city, Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is one of the city’s most important and impressive landmarks. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s a fascinating mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles that tells the story of Porto’s evolving history in stone. Step inside for soaring arches and gilded chapels, then wander the cloisters, where every wall is lined with stunning azulejos (blue-and-white tiles). Beyond its beauty, the cathedral also offers panoramic views over the city and the Douro—making it both a spiritual and scenic highlight you can’t miss.
10) SAO BENTO STATION
Mon-Fri 8AM - 6PM, Sat 9AM - 4:30PM, Sun closed
Free
Even if you’re not catching a train, São Bento Station is worth a stop. Its grand hall is covered in more than 20,000 azulejos (blue-and-white tiles), hand-painted in the early 1900s by Jorge Calaco, that tell the story of Portugal’s history—from epic battles to rural life scenes. It’s basically a free open-air museum disguised as a train station.
11) CHURCH OF SAINT ILDEFONSO
Mon 3-5:15PM
Tue & Thu 9AM-12:15PM + 3-6:30PM
Wed & Fri 9AM-12:15PM + 3-5:15PM
Sat 9AM-12:30PM + 3-6PM
Sun 9-11AM
€1 pp; converted: £0.90 / US$1.20)
The Church of Saint Ildefonso is one of those Porto landmarks that makes you stop in your tracks. This graceful Baroque beauty, built in the early 18th century, dominates Praça da Batalha with its twin towers and dazzling facade clad in blue-and-white azulejos depicting scenes from the life of St Ildefonso and allegories of the Eucharist. We tried to peek inside, but its erratic opening times had other plans. Still, the exterior alone is worth the visit—it’s one of the city’s most striking tiled facades.
12) CHAPEL OF SOULS
Mon-Fri 7:30AM - 5:30PM, Sat-Sun 7:30AM-12:30PM + 4:30-5:30PM
Free
The Chapel of Souls—also known as Capela das Almas or the Chapel of Santa Catarina—is one of Porto’s most photographed churches, and for good reason. Its exterior is a showstopper, clad in nearly 16,000 blue-and-white azulejos that were added in the 1920s, depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. You’ll find it on the busy Rua de Santa Catarina, and while the inside is simple compared to its jaw-dropping facade, the sheer scale and detail of those tiles make it an unmissable stop.
13) DOM LUIS I BRIDGE
24/7
Free
The Dom Luís I Bridge is pure Porto magic. Completed in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig, a partner of Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel!), it was once the longest iron arch bridge in the world. Two levels make it perfect for exploring: the upper deck for the metro and pedestrians, and the lower deck for cars, buses, and more strolling. By day, the views of Porto and Gaia are breathtaking; by night, the bridge lights up, transforming into a glittering spectacle that shows off its intricate ironwork and the riverside buzz in all its glory.
14) GAIA RIVERFRONT
24/7
Free
After crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, you’ll land in Gaia, home to all of Porto’s famous port wine cellars. The riverfront is a lovely spot for a stroll or a drink while people-watching, but don’t miss the quirky Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau. This cavernous eatery serves codfish croquettes stuffed with creamy Serra cheese, but even if cheesy fish isn’t your thing, the whimsical décor—and a grand 19th-century pipe organ that occasionally serenades diners—makes it a delightfully surreal stop.
You may also want to check out Mercado Beira-Rio which has been feeding locals (and tourists) for over a century. From its open-air beginnings in 1868 to the iconic 1904 building and bustling fish market, it’s evolved with the times—adding fruit and veg stalls by 1937 and a modern makeover in 2017 with trendy food stalls, wine bars, and craft beer.
15) TAYLOR'S PORT CELLARS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
10AM - 5PM; book timed tickets in advance
From €25 pp; converted: £22 / US$30
While there are a number of cellars to choose from, Taylor’s Port Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia is pure magic for wine lovers and history buffs alike. Founded in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest and most respected Port houses—and the only one of the original British-founded Port cellars to remain independent, still run by the same families since the 1830s. British merchants dominated the Port trade in the 18th century, which is why so many cellars in Gaia are British-owned, but Taylor’s stands out. Nestled across the Douro from Porto, the cool, humid climate of Gaia is perfect for ageing Port in huge wooden casks, all sourced from the Douro Valley vineyards upstream.
We loved the self-guided tour and wandering their 300-year-old cellars on the self-guided tour, surrounded by hundreds of barrels—including one gigantic vat—and discovered we actually prefer tawny over ruby. The grand finale? A tasting in their rose garden, with chickens and peacocks wandering around, and of course, a pastel de nata—Taylor’s twist is a chocolate-lined custard heaven. Delicious!
16) MIRADOURO DA SERRA DO PILAR VIEWPOINT
24/7
Free
While you’re in Gaia, don’t miss a climb up to Serra do Pilar. The view from the top is spectacular—spanning the Douro, the colourful rooftops of Porto, and the charming streets of Vila Nova de Gaia.
17) TRY A PASTEL DE NATA
No trip to Porto is complete without trying a pastel de nata—the flaky, custardy little tarts that are basically Portugal in dessert form. We couldn’t resist sampling a few, and each bite was a sweet little revelation. Curious about the history of this iconic treat and where to eat them? Click here.
18) FADO SHOW
6-7PM or 7:30-8:30PM
€21 pp; converted: £18 / US$25
Fado is Portugal’s soul set to music—haunting, heart-tugging, and best experienced live with a glass of wine in hand. We loved the show at Fado Maior do Porto, a cosy spot where dim lighting and hushed anticipation make the music even more spine-tingling. If Fado Maior do Porto is sold out, click here for other highly rated fado shows.
Pro tip: there’s no assigned seating at most fado shows, so get there early to snag a table near the stage—you’ll thank yourself when those first haunting notes hit and you’re front and centre for the full effect.
19) DAY TRIP TO GUIMARAES
Just an hour by train from Porto, Guimarães is a UNESCO-listed gem and the so-called “birthplace of Portugal.” Its medieval streets, quirky history, and ties to the nation’s first king make it well worth the trip—and if you catch the annual medieval festival like we did, it feels like stepping straight into the Middle Ages. Click here to see our full day trip itinerary and how to make the most of Guimarães.
20) DAY TRIP TO DOURO VALLEY
The UNESCO-listed Douro Valley is hands-down one of the most breathtaking day trips you can take from Porto—rolling vineyards, terraced hillsides, and the birthplace of Portugal’s world-famous port wine. Just a couple of hours from the city, it’s an easy escape into postcard-worthy scenery and wine country bliss. Click here to learn how to plan a DIY Douro adventure like we did, or here if you’d rather kick back and let an organised (small group) tour handle the details.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN PORTO
BARTOLOMEU BISTRO & WINE
This restaurant is an absolute gem. Beautiful and atmospheric, with a super friendly, chatty host/sommelier and a wait staff who are on top of their game, it’s the kind of place that instantly feels special. And the food? Wow. The make-your-own tasting menu is pure genius—between the two nights we ate at Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine, we tried nearly everything that wasn’t shellfish, and every single dish was exquisite. We still can’t believe the mastermind behind it all is such a young chef. Hands down, it was our favourite meal in Porto and easily one of the best meals we’ve ever had.
RESTAURANTE A DESPENSA
Reserve a table in the main front room of this clever Italian-Spanish mashup—it’s where the buzz is. Restaurante A Despensa's bruschetta chef sampler is a must-order (four bruschettas, each one different and delicious), the penne tartufo (black truffle) e olive was also a stand out. Make a reservation to avoid being turned away.
BOTA & BIRA
This tiny, intimate spot serves Portuguese–Mediterranean tapas, steaks, and plenty of wine—but be warned: reservations don’t guarantee you’ll sit down on time. When we arrived at Bota & Bira, a crowd of equally booked guests were still waiting, though everyone leaving was raving about the food. An hour later, we tucked into croquettes, a shared steak, and a couple of sides—solid, tasty, but not quite life-changing. Thanks to a bit of strategic Shal-guilt, we scored a complimentary dessert to soften the wait. While they’ll direct you to a bar across the street in the meantime (a CBD-themed joint with a DJ and an oddly empty club vibe), you might want to pick your own pre-dinner drinks spot. All in all, worth it—but go prepared.
PREGAR
Steak sandwiches are practically a religion in Porto, and Pregar turns out some of the city’s best. Reservations are wise—otherwise, brace yourself for a long queue. We loved the Baixa location so much we went twice (there’s also a spot in Foz). Both times we ordered the lomo with cheese and grilled red onions. The first visit? Pure magic. We put down two sandwiches each!
The second visit? James got steak so gristly it was inedible. The manager tried the old “luck of the draw” excuse, but sorry—steak sandwiches don’t work like lottery tickets. After a bit of polite-but-firm persuasion, the replacement was every bit as dreamy as our first. One more warning: the steps down to the toilet are uneven heights, and we watched a poor woman sprain her ankle so badly she couldn’t walk.
CERVEJARIA GAZELA
Alright, Cervejaria Gazela isn’t one of Porto’s finest dining experiences, but it’s a classic you shouldn’t skip if you want tradition on a plate. Famous for its cachorrinhos (hot dogs), it might look like a seat-yourself spot—but don’t even think about snagging a table. You queue for ages, get seated, and then enjoy table service… though the food does arrive fast enough to make the wait worth it. Unfortunately, no reservations accepted.
BEST PASTEIS DE NATA IN PORTO
The pastel de nata—Portugal’s legendary little custard tart—originated in the 18th century at Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery, where resourceful monks whipped up these golden, egg yolk–packed delights to use up leftovers from starching their habits and clarifying wine.
Fast forward to the early 19th century, the monasteries were closed, the secret recipe got sold to a local sugar refinery, and voilà—the world-famous Pastéis de Belém opened its doors in 1837. The tarts were such a hit that the recipe soon hopped across Lisbon’s bakeries and eventually made its way north to Porto, where locals tucked into them alongside their coffee like it was a daily ritual.
Today, the pastel de nata isn’t just a dessert—it’s a sweet little slice of Portugal’s conventual baking heritage that you absolutely need to try (or several, no judgement here!).
FABRICA DA NATA
Porto is home to two Fábrica da Nata spots—the one we couldn’t resist at Praça de Almeida Garrett, and another on R. de Santa Catarina—plus three more in Lisbon and one in Sintra. Step inside any of them, and you’ll catch the hypnotic magic happening right before your eyes: tarts being whipped up fresh, golden custard bubbling in its flaky shell. This place has nailed the quintessential pastel de nata experience, and honestly, no trip to Porto feels complete without tasting at least one—or, in our case, a dozen!
MANTEIGARIA - FABRICA DE PASTEIS DE NATA
If Fábrica da Nata is all about the classic, perfectly balanced pastel de nata experience, Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata takes things in a slightly wilder, more indulgent direction. Their tarts are creamier, more fluid, and more cinnamony—so every bite slides luxuriously across your taste buds. Watch them being piped and baked fresh right in front of you, and suddenly “just one” seems laughably impossible. Honestly, these were Shal's favourite of all the places we tried in Porto. For anyone serious about nabbing the ultimate custard hit, Manteigaria is a must-stop (and yes, a small parade of them is totally justified). Beyond their three spots in Porto, you’ll also find them sprinkled across Lisbon, with outposts in Braga, Madrid, and even Macau.
MAJESTIC CAFE
While this iconic spot doesn’t bake its own pastel de nata, it’s hands-down one of the most atmospheric places to enjoy one—especially paired with a glass of tawny port. Opened in 1922 on Porto’s elegant Santa Catarina Street, the Majestic Café quickly became a beacon of Art Nouveau glamour, attracting the city’s intellectuals, artists, and high society. With its ornate mirrors, plastered ceilings, and leafy conservatory, it has long been celebrated as one of Porto’s most iconic cafés and a living snapshot of La Belle Époque charm.
That said, it’s a serious tourist magnet, and we found the menu ridiculously overpriced compared to the amazing food you can find elsewhere in Porto. Our top tip? Stick to a solid de nata (though don’t expect bakery-level perfection) and a glass of port, and time your visit for 5–7 PM when a live piano player fills the room.
TAYLOR'S PORT CELLARS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
Nestled in a lush rose garden, Taylor’s isn’t just about port—it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pastel de nata with a view. Their custard tarts are a little twist on the classic, with a chocolate-filled base that instantly won James over as his favourite. While the cellars also offer a fantastic tour and tasting of their renowned ports, it’s this serene, elegant setting paired with the indulgent tart that makes Taylor’s a must-stop on any Porto pastry trail.
BEST HOTELS IN PORTO
CHIC&BASIC GRAVITY HOTEL
Tucked away in Porto’s vibrant Baixa district, Chic&Basic Gravity Hotel (from £63 pn; converted: US$85 / €74) offers a 4-star chic, minimalist retreat just a short stroll from iconic spots like Livraria Lello and the Ribeira waterfront. Its Instagram-worthy common areas boast playful, gravity-defying décor, while the rooms are sleek and comfortable (we stayed in a Deluxe Double with Balcony and Garden Views)—though don’t expect toiletry extras like hair conditioner or body lotion.
Thoughtful touches make the stay memorable: a welcome drink of port you can enjoy anytime, and occasional treats left in your room—a tote bag and pastéis de nata with port. Breakfast is a solid buffet with plenty of healthy options, and while the fancy coffee machine is more ‘basic’ than barista, it's not unexpected in light of the hotel’s "chic and basic" mantra. The team is exceptionally friendly and accommodating, and our entire stay was thoroughly delightful.
We used American Airlines miles to fund our stay, but generally we book through Hotels.com or Booking.com to score better rates or loyalty perks. For this hotel, if you want the absolute best price and extras, booking directly is the way to go—just know it won’t be refundable, so make sure your dates are set in stone! That said, if you’re looking to book a refundable room, please use our affiliate link—it helps support the blog at no extra cost to you.
POUSADA PORTO
If Chic&Basic are sold out, we’d probably turn to Pousada Porto – Rua das Flores (from £116 pn; converted: US$157 / €134), a 4-star 18th century gem with a stylish, cosy vibe right on a pedestrianised street—perfect for walking to all the major sights. TripAdvisor reviews rave about the service, breakfast, comfy beds, and soundproofing (a must for us light sleepers!), though the rooms are on the smaller side—so if you’re used to booking the standard room, consider upgrading. Bonus points: there’s a sauna and a pool to unwind after a day of exploring.
PORTOBAY FLORES
If you’re looking to splurge in Porto, PortoBay Flores (from £170 pn; converted: US$230 / €196) is our top pick. Tucked on the charming Rua das Flores, this 5-star boutique hotel marries historic charm with sleek modern comfort—think restored 16th-century palace meets luxe amenities. The rooms are spacious and stylish, many with rooftop or courtyard views, and the bathrooms come stocked with Rituals goodies, bathrobes, and slippers. With impeccable service, gorgeous surroundings, and a prime location, what's not to like?
Starting prices per night are for the lowest-category room on a weekday in winter, booked well ahead. The rule of thumb (to travel anywhere)? Book early or cry later—especially if you’re eyeing high season, when rates shoot up super fast the closer you get to your travel dates.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PORTO?
Spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) are the golden tickets: sunny but not scorching, lively but not rammed. We went 20-25 Jun and it was a dreamy mix of sunshine, wine, and zero queues for custard tarts.
The weekend we landed in Porto was pure magic—it happened to be Festa de São João (Feast of Saint John), the city’s biggest party of the year. Picture fireworks exploding over the Douro, paper lanterns floating into the night sky, and streets turned into one giant block party. And then there’s the tradition that takes things from festive to bizarre: locals (and soon, you) bop each other on the head with squeaky plastic hammers as a playful sign of celebration. No, really—it’s a thing, and by midnight, the whole city is joyfully hammer-happy. To top it off, the same weekend coincided with the medieval festival in UNESCO-listed Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal—just a short train ride away.
HOW MANY DAYS IN PORTO?
3-5 days (we visited for 5 days); 3 days exploring the Porto + 1-2 days for day trips to the Douro Valley and/or Guimarães (both UNESCO-listed).
STEAL OUR 5 DAY PORTO ITINERARY
For all the juicy details for each sight—think entry fees, opening times, and our recommendations—return to the section 20 Best Things to Do in Porto. It’s all there, neatly bundled and ready to make your planning a breeze.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL + HISTORIC FLAVOURS
Arrival / drop bags at hotel
Pastel de natas at Fabrica da Nata (Praca Almeida Garrett)
Palacio da Bolsa tour
Miradouro da Vitoria viewpoint
Lunch at Pregar Baixa
Porto Cathedral
Church of Saint Francis
Drinks at Wine Quay Bar (hard to beat a drink with a view of the Dom Luis I Bridge!)
Dinner at Restaurante A Despensa
DAY 2: VIEWS & VINTAGES
Livaria Lello
Jardim das Oliveiras
Clerigos Tower & Church
Lunch at Cervejaria Gazela
Church of Santa Clara
Walk the Dom Luis I Bridge
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar viewpoint
Stroll the Gaia riverfront
Taylor's Port Cellar self-guided tour and tasting
Dinner at Bota & Bira
DAY 3: GUIMARAES DAY TRIP
10:25 - 11:38AM train from Sao Bento Station to Guimarães
Coffee at Lima Limão - Brunch and Coffee
Santos Passos Church
Church of Our Lady of Oliveira
Medieval squares: Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago
Lunch at restaurant with a patio on one of the medieval squares
Church of São Miguel do Castelo
Guimarães Castle
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
6:25-7:43PM train Guimarães to Sao Bento Station
Dinner at Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine
DAY 4: DIY DOURO VALLEY DAY TRIP
8:30AM Rental car pick-up
Explore the village of Provesende
Casal de Loivos viewpoint
Train Station Pinhão
1-hour Douro River cruise + wine tasting
Lunch at Rufete
Quinta do Bomfim tour + port tasting
São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint
Return rental car
Dinner at Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine (again)
If the thought of renting a car abroad or tackling hairpin mountain roads makes you sweat, consider splurging on a private or small-group tour to the Douro Valley instead.
DAY 5: TILES & TUNES
Mercado do Bolhão
Pastel de natas at Manteigaria-Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata
Chapel of Souls
Walk Rua de Santa Catarina
Majestic Cafe
Church of Saint Ildefonso
Shop Rua das Flores
Dinner
Fado show (Fado Maior do Porto)
If you’re leaving on day 5, squeeze in a fado show earlier—we departed the next morning.
HOW MUCH DOES A LUXURY TRIP TO PORTO COST? (WHAT WE SPENT)
All costs are for two people travelling together.
ITEM | GBP | USD | EUR |
Round-trip EasyJet flights London Gatwick to Porto Including large cabin bags + speedy boarding | £612.26 | $830.23 | €708.02 |
Chic&Basic Gravity Hotel (4-star hotel) 5 nights in a Deluxe Double with Balcony and Garden Views including breakfast | £25.71^ | $34.86^ | €29.73^ |
Roundtrip taxis/Ubers to airports in London and Porto + taxi to train station | £175.59 | $238.10 | €203.05 |
Train tickets Porto to Guimarães | £12.28* | $16.65 | €14.20 |
1-day Zest rental car for Douro Valley day trip | £41.65 | $56.48 | €48.16 |
Entrance fees including 1-hr Douro River cruise and 1-hr fado show | £275.33 | $373.35 | €318.39 |
Food + drinks | £680.18 | $922.33 | €786.56 |
Grand Total | £1,823.00 | $2,472.00 | €2,108.11 |
*Approximate conversions for reference based on current exchange rates.
^Local tax; room paid with American Airlines miles.
HOW TO GET TO PORTO?
Fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and hop on the metro straight into town.Or, be lazy like us and book an Uber.
HOW TO GET AROUND PORTO
The centre is walkable, but prepare your calves—this city is basically a stair-master with prettier views. For longer jaunts, the metro, trams, and Uber work a treat.
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