Porto 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Porto

Things to Know:

  • Language: Portuguese (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Climate: Temperate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October).
  • Transportation: Porto is walkable, but the metro and buses are efficient and affordable.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: The Passenger Hostel, Yes! Porto Hostel
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Infante Sagres, Pestana Vintage Porto

Day 1: Historical Charms & River Views

  • Morning: Arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and take the metro to your accommodation.

  • Afternoon: Explore Ribeira, Porto’s historic riverside district with colourful buildings and narrow streets. Visit São Francisco Church for its stunning Baroque interior.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at Casa Guedes (famous for their pork sandwiches) followed by a sunset cruise on the Douro River for breathtaking views of the city.

Day 2: Bridges, Port Wine & Art

  • Morning: Walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the world of Port wine with a cellar tour and tasting at one of the many cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia (e.g., Taylor’s, Graham’s).

  • Evening: Explore the contemporary art scene at Serralves Museum and enjoy dinner at their stylish restaurant or try a trendy eatery in Cedofeita district like Cantinho do Avillez.

Day 3: Day Trip to Guimarães & Local Flavors

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. Explore its medieval castle, historic centre, and charming squares.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Guimarães, savoring traditional dishes like “bacalhau à Gomes de Sá” (codfish).

  • Evening: Back in Porto, experience the lively nightlife scene in Galerias de Paris with its bars and clubs.

Day 4: Literary Delights & Coastal Beauty

  • Morning: Visit Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, rumored to have inspired J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

  • Afternoon: Take a train or bus to Matosinhos, Porto’s coastal suburb known for its fresh seafood. Enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant and relax on the beach.

  • Evening: Indulge in a fine dining experience at one of Porto’s Michelin-starred restaurants (e.g., The Yeatman, Casa da Calçada).

Day 5: Farewell & Souvenirs

  • Morning: Stroll through Bolhão Market, a bustling traditional market where you can find local produce, cheeses, and souvenirs.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Clérigos Tower for panoramic city views and browse for souvenirs in the surrounding streets.

  • Evening: Enjoy a final farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice, reminiscing about your Porto adventure before departing from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO).

Transportation Tips:

  • Andante Tour Card: Consider purchasing this card for unlimited public transport within Porto and nearby areas.
  • Walking: Porto is a very walkable city, especially the historic centre. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Extra Tips:

  • Try the famous “Francesinha” sandwich, a Porto specialty.
  • Take advantage of free walking tours to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
  • Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases for better communication with locals.