2 Days in Porto Itinerary
Porto is one of my favorite cities in Europe! With it’s great restaurants, relaxing vibes and access to so manty other great areas of Portugal, you could easily spend a week in Porto, but it’s also small enough that you can see all of the major sites in Porto in just a few days. On my most recent trip I spent two incredible days in Porto. Keep reading below for my two days in Porto Itinerary.
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Day 1:
Walk Across the St Luis I Bridge (lower level)
Porto has many bridges, but the St Luis I bridge is by far the most famous. Crossing the stunning two level bridge is a must-do in Porto, and it offers some of the best views of both sides of the river. I recommend crossing the lower level from downtown Porto to the Vila Nova de Gaia or the “Port Wine Neighborhood” The view from the lower level of the bridge (pictured above) offers a glimpse down the Douro River towards the stunning Douro Valley.
Explore Vila Nova de Gaia or the “Port Wine Neighborhood”
Vila Nova de Gaia or the “Port Wine Neighborhood” sits across the river from downtown Porto and is a great area to explore even if you don’t plan to visit Port wine cellar. Wander along the river in the charming Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood and enjoy excellent views of Porto’s infamous Ribeira neighborhood!
Visit a Port Wine Cellar
Even if you’re not a Port wine fan (and I am definitely not haha) I still think visiting a Port Wine cellar was a worthwhile experience! During your tour you will learn about the stunning Douro Valley and how it’s extreme conditions lend themselves to Port wine making. I went to Caves Cálem, one of the most popular port wine cellars in Porto. The tour itself last a little over an hour split between a tour of the cellars along with a history of Port wine & time in the tasting room. Most tours include a tasting, but check the details of the specific cellar you’re planning ot visit as you may need to add the tasting on to your tour!
Ride the Gaia Cable Car
Porto’s infamous Gaia Cable Car (that you’ve likely seen in pictures of Porto) also is located on this side of the river. From the Vila Nova de Gaia area you can get on the cable car and ride it to the top (Jardim do Morro) The cable car is a great way to see Porto, also it will save you a long walk up to the top where Jardim do Morro & Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar are located, and these are two sites in Porto you definitely do not want to miss!
See the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
From the top of the Gaia Cable Car you can easily walk to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. The former monastery offers some of the best panoramic views of the St Luis I Bridge and Porto.
Catch the Sunset at Jardim do Morro
My top Porto recommendation is to make sure to catch a sunset at Jardim do Morro, located a short walk from the Monastery. Jardim do Morro is a large park/garden offering the best views of the Porto sunset. This is the best place in Porto to enjoy the sunset & have a drink with a view. You can bring your own drinks, or there is a bar/restaurant, Esplanada do Teleférico, located at the top that has outdoor seating or you can buy drinks from a to-go window!
Walk Across the St Luis I Bridge (upper level)
From Jardim do Morro, head back to downtown Porto by crossing the upper level of the St Luis I Bridge. The upper level of the bridge is another great spot to view the sunset! Or just catch the after sunset golden hour glow for Porto pictures.
Grab Dinner at one of Porto’s Top Restaurants
Porto has an amazing restaurant scene so I highly recommend ending your night at one of Porto’s many great restaurants. You can check out some of my favorites here. There are so many delicious steak houses that are so affordable!
Day 2
Visit the Livraria Lello Bookstore
If you’re a Harry Potter fan you may have heard of the Livraria Lello bookstore. This bookstore was allegedly JK Rowling’s inspiration for the Hogwarts library in Harry Potter. Livraria Lello Bookstore is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world but if I’m being honest it gets SUPER CROWDED, even if you buy tickets ahead of time (which I highly recommend) Your tickets will be for a certain time & this is the time you can get in line, you’ll have to wait another 15-20 minutes to get inside. A ticket costs 5 Euro, but if you purchase anything in the bookstore the 5 euro goes towards your purchase.
The inside, while beautiful with stunning floating staircases and the floor to ceiling bookcases, is still really crowded (definitely do not recommend this place if you’re claustrophobic in any way!) Overall, as a huge Harry Potter fan and just a general bookstore lover I recommend a visit, but if neither is super appealing to you I wouldn’t waste your time!
See the Sao Bento Train Station
Usually train stations are just a means of transportation but Sao Bento is one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto, especially the inside. Even if you don’t come to Porto by train I recommend making sure to stop by the train station, which is conveniently located in downtown Porto, to see the stunning blue and white mosaics that cover the interior of Sao Bento.
Admire the Dreamy Mosaic Buildings of Porto
Speaking of beautiful mosaics, Porto has many buildings covered in the quintessential azulejo tiles. As you wander through the streets of Ribeira and Baixa you’ll stumble across many buildings with the beautiful blue and white tiles. Besides, Sao Bento, some of my favorites are The Central House in Ribeira, The Porto Cathedral, and Igreja do Carmo (a stunning church in Baixa)
Spend a Lazy Afternoon Wandering through Ribeira
Ribeira is the most famous neighborhood in Porto, located along the river directly across from the Port Wine district. It’s worth spending at least an afternoon lazily wandering through Ribeira and along the water. Enjoy the colorful buildings, the local entertainment performing on the promenade along the river & find a place to grab a drink (or three)
I recommend avoiding eating at any of the popular touristy restaurants directly along the water, the food is not great in my experience, but it is a can’t miss spot to grab a drink!
Experience Porto’s Nightlife
Porto has a great nightlife with tons of bars and clubs. The Baixa neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs and patios that spill onto the lively Porto streets late into the night. If you’re looking to find some of the best bars in Porto R. da Galeria de Paris is a great street to start on!
For the rest of my Porto recommendations check out my full Porto Travel Guide or follow the links below for details on:
