Porto 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Porto Itinerary:

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Consider a hostel like the Porto Spot Hostel (known for its social atmosphere) or an Airbnb in charming neighborhoods like Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia, or Cedofeita.
  • Mid-Range: Boutique hotels like Hotel Infante Sagres or Pestana Vintage Porto offer a comfortable and stylish stay.
  • Luxury: For a luxurious experience, indulge in a stay at The Yeatman (a hotel known for its wine focus) or Pestana Porto Palace Hotel, both with stunning views of the Douro River.

Day 1: Arrive in Porto & Explore the Ribeira District

  • Morning: Arrive in Porto and check into your charming accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the cobbled streets of Ribeira, the historic heart of Porto, admiring the colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Casa Guedes, a local favorite for their famous “sandes de pernil” (pork sandwiches) served in a traditional setting.

Things to Know:

  • Ribeira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with steep, narrow streets and beautiful architecture.

Things of Interest:

  • Dom Luís I Bridge: A majestic bridge connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
  • Ribeira Square: The vibrant center of the Ribeira district.
  • Port Wine Cellars: Explore the historic cellars across the river and enjoy a tasting.

Day 2: Immerse Yourself in History & Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Livraria Lello, a stunning bookstore said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts library.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Ribeira district further, visiting the São Francisco Church and its ornate interior or the Ribeira Palace, showcasing beautiful Art Deco architecture.
    • Take a guided tour of the historic Ribeira neighborhood.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood at Restaurante Adega Vila Nova.

Transportation:

  • Porto is easily explored on foot, especially the charming Ribeira district.
  • Public transport is efficient and affordable, with buses, trains, and trams connecting various parts of the city.
  • Consider a Porto Card, which offers free public transport and discounts on attractions.

Day 3: Indulge in the World of Port Wine

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Douro Valley. Enjoy the scenic drive through the rolling hills and visit one of the many vineyards for a tour and tasting.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Pinhão, known for its train station adorned with beautiful azulejos (Portuguese tiles).
  • Visit a quinta (wine estate) in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Dining Options:

  • Casa Portuguesa: Enjoy traditional Portuguese fare with a modern twist and breathtaking views.

Day 4: Porto’s Cultural Gems

  • Morning: Explore the historic center of Porto, including the Clérigos Tower, a must-see landmark for its panoramic city views and baroque architecture, and the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, which houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art.
  • Afternoon: Relax at Jardim do Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) and enjoy the stunning views of the Douro River and the city.

Dining Options:

  • Casa Nanda: Cozy, traditional restaurant in the Foz do Douro neighborhood with delicious seafood options.

  • Taberna Santo António: Authentic Portuguese tavern serving local dishes and delicacies.

  • Day 5: Day Trip to Aveiro

  • Explore the canals of Aveiro, a charming city often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal”.

  • Enjoy a boat tour or rent a gondola-like moliceiro to experience the beauty of the canals.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Serralves Foundation: A museum and cultural complex with contemporary art exhibitions, beautiful gardens, and a variety of cultural events.
  • Explore the Mercado do Bolhão, a vibrant market offering local produce, seafood, and traditional Portuguese delicacies.

Day 6: History & Relaxation

  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic Ribeira neighborhood and admire the architecture.
  • Visit the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de São Paulo (MASP) for a glimpse into Brazilian art history.
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Douro River.

Dining Options:

  • Mercado do Bolhão: Grab lunch at the market’s food court, offering diverse options from traditional Portuguese to international cuisine.

Day 7: Indulge in Porto’s Culinary Delights

  • Explore the Mercado do Bolhão for a leisurely afternoon.
  • Enjoy a final meal of delicious local cuisine.

Transportation:

  • Consider walking across the Ponte Dom Luís I bridge for breathtaking views and to soak in the charm of this historic landmark.

Tips:

  • Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
  • Purchase a Porto Card: This offers free transport and discounts on attractions, making it worthwhile for most tourists.
  • Take advantage of public transportation: The city’s trams and funiculars provide unique views and can be cheaper than taxis.

Other Tips:

  • Pack comfortable shoes: You will do lots of walking in Porto!
  • Try the local cuisine: From fresh seafood to traditional “Francesinha” sandwiches, Porto has a lot to offer.
  • Learn some basic Portuguese phrases: A little effort goes a long way with locals.

Things to Do:

  • Explore Ribeira on foot: This is a great way to experience the narrow streets and alleys of this charming neighborhood.
  • Visit the São Bento train station: Admire the stunning azulejos (Portuguese tiles) that decorate its walls, depicting scenes from Portuguese history.
  • Take a ride on the historic Funicular dos Guindais, which offers scenic views while transporting you up to different neighborhoods.

Day Trip Ideas:

  • Sintra: Explore this magical town’s palaces and castles (including the Pena Palace), wander through its lush gardens, and discover the hidden treasures of the “Sintra Mountains”.
  • Guimarães: Visit this city, considered the birthplace of Portugal, and see the medieval castle and the historical center.

Enjoy! This is just a starting point for your itinerary. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and the amount of time you have. You can also use this framework to explore other areas of Porto.

Things to remember:

  • Check out the vibrant street art scene in the city: Many talented artists decorate the streets with murals and graffiti, adding a unique and colorful touch to the urban landscape.
  • Explore the charming bookstores and libraries for a taste of Portuguese literary culture.
  • Visit the local markets: These are great places to try fresh regional produce, seafood, and pastries.

Remember to research the best time to visit for your preferred weather and activities.

Enjoy a delicious “Francesinha”: This is Porto’s signature sandwich, filled with sausage, ham, steak, bread, and a special sauce.

  • Have a picnic by the Douro River: Pick up some local cheeses, bread, and wine, then find a beautiful spot along the river to enjoy the scenery and savor your meal.
  • Explore the historical sites: Learn about the city’s rich history and culture by visiting its many museums and monuments.

Enjoy a glass of port wine at a local bar: This is a great way to experience the local nightlife and sample different varieties of this famous drink.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the Mercado do Bolhão: Explore the diverse offerings of this historic market, including fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Portuguese cuisine.
  • Take a walk through the historic Ribeira district: Enjoy the charm of the old city with its cobbled streets and colorful buildings.

Things to Consider:

  • Your budget: This will help determine your accommodation and dining options.
  • Time of year: Porto’s weather is generally mild, but it can be rainy and cold in the winter.
  • Interests: Tailor your trip to what you enjoy doing. Do you prefer museums, historical sites, or

Day Trip Ideas:

  • Take a ferry ride across the Douro River: Enjoy the views and experience a different mode of transport.
  • Visit the historic Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

This is just a basic example.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches along the coast: Porto has several stunning beaches within driving distance, such as Foz do Douro and Praia da Luz.

Things to Consider:

  • Transportation options for your day trip:

Food and drink:

  • Try the Francesinha, a delicious local sandwich made with different types of meat and melted cheese on top of bread, served with a rich tomato-based sauce.
  • Enjoy the views from the top of the Torre dos Clérigos.

Enjoy some of the local drinks at the Porto Wine Cellars:

  • Port Wine: Take a tour and learn about the history of this famous fortified wine.

  • Explore the historic Foz do Douro beaches.

Wine Tasting:

  • Sample Port Wine and other local delicacies, such as “Francesinha” (a sandwich with steak, sausage, ham, and spicy sauce)
  • Enjoy the scenery and learn about the history of the city

This is just a framework. To make your 7-day itinerary truly complete, you’d need to:

  • Choose specific activities: Will you be exploring historical sites, museums, enjoying food and drink experiences, or taking part in outdoor activities?
  • Select restaurants and cafes:

For the “Porto Card” holders, this is a great way to enjoy the city’s many cultural attractions.

Enjoy a day trip to Foz do Douro:

  • Visit the Serralves Museum, which showcases modern and contemporary art.
  • Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the

Explore Porto’s historical sites across the city:

  • Enjoy the vibrant culture and nightlife of Porto:

This itinerary provides a starting point for planning your trip to this beautiful Portuguese city.

Enjoy a local festival or event:

Check online for events happening during your visit.

Enjoy the beaches in the Douro Valley region, such as

Consider:

  • Booking a tour of the Porto Wine Cellars,

This is just an example and you can customize it based on your interests and preferences.