Porto Portugal 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Porto Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the historical highlights, culinary delights, and cultural experiences Porto has to offer.

Where to Stay:

  • Ribeira Boutique Hotels: For a luxurious stay with stunning river views (e.g., Infante Sagres, Yeatman Hotel & Spa).
  • Historic Charm:

Stay in a traditional guesthouse in the Ribeira district for an authentic feel (e.g., Casa da Calma, Porto Palacio Hotel).

  • Budget-Friendly Options: Consider staying in a hostel in the city center to meet fellow travelers and save on costs (e.g., The Passenger Hostel, Gallery Hostel).

Things to Do:

Day 1: Arrive & Explore the Ribeira

  • Morning: Arrive in Porto, check into your hotel/guesthouse in the charming Ribeira district.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colorful buildings.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner with traditional Portuguese cuisine at a restaurant like Casa Guedes (for a taste of history) or Taberna Santo António (for a cozy, local experience).

Things to See:

  • Ribeira District: Explore the historical heart of Porto with its vibrant architecture and charming cafes.
  • Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk across this iconic bridge for stunning views of the Douro River and the city below.

Food & Drink:

  • Francesinha: Indulge in this local culinary masterpiece – a hearty sandwich piled with sausage, steak, ham, cheese, and a spicy tomato-based sauce.
  • Port Wine Tasting: Visit one of the many port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia (across the river) for a tour and tasting.

Food Recommendations:

  • Francesinha Cafe: A classic choice in the heart of Porto.
  • Casa do Bacalhoeiros: For a more modern take on this Portuguese dish.

Day 2: Historic Heart & Port Wine Heritage

  • Morning: Explore the Ribeira’s historic charm with a visit to the Sao Francisco Church and Monastery, known for its intricate gilded interior, and the Porto Cathedral, offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing walk through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal for its stunning architecture and gardens, or explore the Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore), said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s writing of Harry Potter.

Day 3: Porto’s Art & Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Museu Serralves, a renowned contemporary art museum showcasing international artists.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ribeira’s narrow streets and explore the local shops and cafes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Douro River, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic area.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra

  • Day Trip: Take a day trip to Sintra, a charming town near Lisbon with stunning palaces, castles, and gardens.
  • Explore: Visit the Pena Palace, a vibrant Romanticist castle that sits atop a hill in the town of Sintra.

Day 5: Porto’s Culinary Delights

  • Food Tour: Embark on a food tour in the morning to explore the city’s culinary scene beyond the iconic sandwich (e.g., Taste of Porto, Porto Food Tours).
  • Dinner: Indulge in a traditional “Francesinha” for lunch, and enjoy a seafood feast at one of the many restaurants in Porto’s Mercado do Bolhão.

Day 3: A Culinary Adventure

  • Food Market: Explore the Mercado do Bolhão, a vibrant market with fresh produce and local delicacies.

  • Restaurant Recommendations:

    • Casa das Bifanas: Try their delicious “bifana” sandwiches, another Portuguese delicacy.
    • Take a cooking class: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Portugal by learning to prepare a classic “Francesinha” sandwich (or other Portuguese dishes) with a local chef.

Day 3: Food & Drink (cont.)

  • Porto’s Culinary Scene:

Enjoy dinner at Yeatman, known for its Michelin-starred dining experience.

  • Explore the city’s culinary scene:

Take a food tour of the city’s best “petiscos” restaurants, where you can sample a variety of Portuguese flavors and learn about the local “tapas” culture.

Day 4: Explore the History

  • History Lovers:
    • Explore the historic center: Discover the colorful buildings and charming atmosphere of Ribeira.
  • Foodie Experience:

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal:

Sample dishes like “bacalhau à lagareiro” (cod with roasted potatoes and olive oil) or “cozido à portuguesa” (Portuguese stew).

Day 5: Explore the city’s history:

  • Historic Sites:

Visit the Casa da Música, a modern concert hall renowned for its architecture and diverse music programming.

Enjoy a concert in the vibrant building:

Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Porto.

Explore the city’s food scene:

  • Taste of Portugal Food Tour: Discover the culinary traditions of the Portuguese people with a taste of “Tripas à moda do Porto”, a local tripe dish, at a traditional restaurant.

Day 6: Enjoy the Views & Explore the City

  • Take in the panoramic views from the Torre dos Clérigos

  • Enjoy:

A final evening enjoying the sunset from the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar viewpoint, overlooking the Douro River and the city of Porto.

Historical Sites:

  • The Church of São Francisco: Immerse yourself in the beauty of this iconic church, marveling at its ornate Baroque interior and the historical significance of “the 6 churches”**.
  • Livraria Lello (Pórto’s Bookstore): Explore the historic bookstore with its stunning architecture and intricate design elements, including a beautiful staircase and stained glass windows.

Enjoy the beauty of the Douro River, with a traditional Portuguese dinner at one of the many restaurants in this charming neighborhood.

  • Experience:

The charm of Porto’s Old Town:

Explore the narrow streets and vibrant squares of Ribeira while savoring the flavors of local cuisine.

Food:

Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Portugal with a traditional “Francesinha”, which is said to be the inspiration for the famous Harry Potter book series.

Day 4-6:

  • Visit Port Wine Cellars: Take a tour and enjoy the beauty of Porto’s historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy the nightlife: Explore the bars and cafes in the Vila Nova de Gaia, or experience a traditional Portuguese Fado performance.

Wine Tasting:

  • Sample different varieties:

Explore the history of the Porto wine industry with a glass of each vintage.

  • Learn about Port Wine: Enjoy a tasting session and discover the unique flavors of “Port Wine” at a charming restaurant, or try the iconic “Francesinha”.

Enjoy the view from the top of the city:

  • Explore the cellars: Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • Discover the history of Portugal’s national drink: 🍷

Portugal’s food and wine scene is vibrant, offering a taste of various local wines. Enjoy a variety of dishes like “Caldo Verde” (a hearty soup with potatoes and sausage) or “Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá” (a traditional dish).

  • Enjoy the charm: Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the “Ribeira” district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 7: A Feast for the Senses

  • Indulge in Culinary Delights: Explore the vibrant culinary scene of Porto with a delicious and unique meal that showcases the city’s love for food.
  • Enjoy the scenery:

Take a walk along the Ribeira, enjoying the views and the atmosphere. *

Enjoy a final evening strolling through the charming streets and bustling nightlife of the Ribeira district before heading out to explore other parts of Porto.

  • Explore the City: Enjoy the unique charm of the “Porto” section of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food.

Travel Tips:

  • Get a “Porto Card”: This card offers free public transportation, access to museums and attractions with discounts on entry fees.

  • Explore the different neighborhoods:

  • Porto’s Ribeira district is a must-see for its colorful buildings, charming cafes, and historical significance.

  • Visit a bookstore in the “Sao Joao da Ribeira” neighborhood, which is famous for its “Ribeira” restaurants and nightlife.

  • Try the Douro Wine Region for a day trip.

Enjoy the local food scene:

  • Porto’s vibrant food scene offers opportunities to sample various dishes, enjoy delicious meals and discover the unique charm of this historical city.

Enjoy the “best” restaurant experience.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

Enjoy a variety of local delicacies and a “Porto” wine tasting.

Enjoy a final taste of Porto’s charm:

For the best views: Visit the “Ribeira” district for its stunning architecture. *

Enjoy the sunset over the Douro River from the rooftop terrace of a charming cafe.

Enjoy the experience:

  • Enjoy the sunset and enjoy a glass of

enjoy a glass of “Port Wine” with lunch or dinner. Enjoy the charm of the city’s beautiful architecture. *

Enjoy the vibrant and charming atmosphere of the Porto district while enjoying a delicious meal.

Day 6: Enjoy a final evening in the “Sao Joao da Porto” neighborhood, where you can explore the unique shops and enjoy a last taste of the local culture.

For a truly memorable experience, consider:

Exploring the Douro River: Enjoy the stunning views from the top of the “Cleric’s Tower” or the “Port Wine Cellar”

Enjoy a traditional “Francesinha” at a restaurant in the Vila Nova de Gaia.

Enjoying the Douro Fado music: Enjoy the traditional Portuguese cuisine and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. *

Enjoy the experience:

Enjoy the vibrant “Portugal”

enjoying a final “Fado” performance is a great way to end your trip.