How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Porto

Planning a weekend in Porto and looking for the best things to do? My 3 day itinerary is the perfect guide to make sure you don’t miss out on the best places to eat, sleep and explore.

I touched down in Porto at the start of this year, a city that had been on my bucket list for a long time, but had often been forgotten about in favour of more predictable destinations.

Only a few hours into our trip, I was exclaiming “Porto is my favourite place in Europe!” – a sentence I would utter in abundance throughout the weekend.

From strolling along the Douro River to the buskers on every corner, Porto is a destination I doubt I’d ever tire of. Whilst it may often be overlooked for nearby Lisbon, I’m hoping this guide will help you fall in love with it in the same way I did.

In this blog, I’ll give you a detailed 3 day itinerary based on my experiences, with some top tips to help make your trip seamless. Ready to plan the perfect weekend in Porto? Let’s go.

WEEKEND IN PORTO – QUICK TIPS

Get this: The Porto Card (free public transport and discounts on museums)

Don’t miss: This Pastel de Nata cooking class with a local family

Bucket list experience: This river sailing cruise in the stunning Douro Valley

Flights: Find the cheapest flights to Porto airport with Skyscanner 

Stay: Find the most affordable (+ beautiful) hotels in Porto on Booking.com

Weekend in Porto – getting there

You’ll most likely arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport). From here, it’s a short journey into the centre of the city, and there’s plenty of options to take you there, including public transport, taxi’s and private transfers.

By metro:

The metro station is located just outside the airport terminal, and you can take Line E (the purple line) straight to the city centre in about 30 minutes.

The metro runs from 6am-1am daily and a ticket costs €2.00. To travel on the metro in Porto you’ll need an Andante card, which you can purchase from machines in the airport.

By bus:

The 601 bus departs from the airport every 30 minutes, and takes around 50 minutes to Porto city centre.

You can buy a ticket on the bus or at the airport, and they cost around €2.00.

By taxi:

Taxi’s to the centre of Porto take about 25 minutes. If you’re using apps like Uber or Bolt, it’ll cost about €15, although this varies depending on the demand. 

I’d recommend comparing the prices of Uber and Bolt as they can be significantly different. If you haven’t used these apps before, look out for signs offering discounts for first-time users in the arrivals hall at the airport. 

You can also find metered taxi’s outside the airport terminal that don’t require you to pre-book, but they will cost more.

By private transfer:

If you prefer to have everything planned in advance, you can book a private transfer to take you from the airport to your hotel. Prices will vary depending on your group size and where you’re going, but expect to pay between €25 and €50 one-way.

Weekend in Porto – Day 1

Now you’ve made it into Porto, here’s what I’d suggest doing on your first day.

1. Forget the itinerary for a moment

My favourite thing to do whenever I arrive in a new city is explore with no real agenda. I’d encourage you to stay away from Google, stop reading my blog (just for a few hours), and find your own way around Porto.

This is how you’ll find the hidden gems, and discover parts of the city you love and want to explore more of.

2. Explore São Bento Station

If you search for pictures of Porto on Google, you’ll be met with countless images of São Bento Station. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city and a must visit, even if you’re not taking a train.

It was designed by Portuguese architect Portuguese architect José Marques da Silva in the early 1900s, and built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, giving the station its name (São Bento means Saint Benedict in Portuguese).

The building is stunning, with over 20,000 blue and white tiles in the entrance hall that depict scenes from Portugal’s history.

As well as the beautiful interiors at the station, its central position also offers a brilliant vantage point back across Porto. It’s the perfect place to take pictures!

3. Try Pastel de Nata

It’d be a crime to visit Portugal and not try a Pastel de Nata – a traditional Portuguese pastry filled with a custard-like filling. Although they originated in Lisbon, you’ll find endless bakeries across Porto that specialise in these flaky treats.

I’d suggest trying them early on in your trip, so you’ve got more time to eat as many as possible over the weekend. My favourite places for Pastel de Nata were Manteigaria and Castro.

If you want to really immerse yourself in local life, you have to try this cooking class. You’ll learn how to make Pastel de Nata in a local family home, using a traditional recipe. The class is just 10 minutes from Porto city centre and gets a review score of 4.9*.

4. Grab a drink in the Ribeira district

The Ribeira district is one of the oldest and most beautiful neighbourhoods in Porto. It sits along the Douro River, and is full of picturesque streets, colourful houses and plenty of cafe’s and restaurants.

It’s a really popular tourist destination so expect it to be very busy, but if the sun’s shining, there’s nothing nicer than sipping a cold drink in one of the bars overlooking the river. We spent our first afternoon doing exactly that and it was the perfect introduction to the city.

5. Cross the Dom Luis I Bridge

The Dom Luis I Bridge is probably the most iconic structure in Porto. It’s a double-decker metal bridge that crosses the Douro River, overlooking the Ribeira district.

It was built in 1880 to to replace an existing bridge that could no longer keep up with the amount of traffic going between Porto and neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia.

No visit to Porto would be complete without walking across the bridge, it offers some of the best views in the city. I absolutely hate heights so this wasn’t the most fun activity for me, but it’s wide enough that you can stay well away from the edge.

6. Watch the sunset from Jardim do Morro

When you reach the other side of the bridge, you’ll see Jardim do Morro, a public park that was created in the early 1900s with the aim of improving the living conditions of the area. It’s also one of the best viewpoints in Porto, especially at sunset.

On our visit, they had an incredible band playing that changed the whole atmosphere of the place. Everyone was sat on the grass singing along to By the Way by Red Hot Chilli Peppers, sipping wine from takeaway cups, and watching the sun disappear over Porto’s skyline.

As it finally vanished over the horizon, the crowd clapped in unison, signifying the end of another day in Porto. This was probably my favourite memory from our trip – there’s something about people coming together in that way that reminds you that the world has plenty of good in it.

A side note on the music in Jardim do Morro – something I didn’t expect about Porto, and that made me love it even more, is that there’s buskers EVERYWHERE. You’ll find singers, saxophonists, performers and dancers down nearly every street, serenading you whilst you eat. And every single one of them is brilliant.

There’s nothing I love more than live music so for me, this just added to the charm of the place.

Weekend in Porto – Day 2

1. Early Breakfast at O Diplomata

Get up early and head over to O Diplomata for breakfast. They’re famous for their pancakes but they offer a great variety of sandwiches, bagels and salads.

Expect to queue for a table, but I promise it’s worth it.

2. Day trip to Douro Valley

No visit to Porto would be complete without taking a day trip to the nearby Douro Valley. This scenic region is a World Heritage Site known for stunning scenery, winding rivers, and most importantly (in my opinion), wine.

I’d recommend visiting the Douro Valley on day 2 of your weekend in Porto, so you have time to shake off the hangover before flying home.

It’s home to an abundance of vineyards and it’s the perfect place to try Port, a sweet, fortified wine that originates from the Douro Valley.

Fun fact: Port actually gets its name from the city of Porto, where it was sold at markets and exported to the rest of Europe.

How to get to the Douro Valley

By boat:

For the ultimate experience, I’d recommend this boat tour that takes you from Porto to the Douro Valley. You’ll depart from Porto, stop off at 2 wine estates, visit the town of Amarante, have lunch overlooking the vineyards, and then experience a river cruise through the Douro Valley.

You’ll stop at the famous São Cristovão viewpoint, taste different wines, and take guided wine tours of the estates. It’s a completely unique way to experience the region.

By train:

You can get the train from São Bento station to any of the 3 stations in the Douro Valley:

• Régua is the first stop you’ll arrive at, 2 hours from Porto. A return ticket is €20
• Pinhão is second, 2.5 hours from Porto. A return ticket is €22
• Pocinho is last, 3.5 hours from Porto. A return ticket is €26

Pinhão is the most popular stop in the Douro Valley – located on the river banks and packed full of stunning vineyards.

Make sure you sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views!

There are two ways to buy your train tickets:

• Online – I’d strongly recommend this option, especially during the summer
• At the ticket office at Sao Bento station

By bus:

Another option is to take a bus from Porto to the Douro Valley. There’s several companies that operate this route, including Rede Expressos and Rodonorte.

The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on where you’re going in the Douro Valley. Tickets can be booked on the bus company website and cost around €20 return.

Drive

If you prefer to have flexibility over the places you visit and when you leave, driving is a great option. The drive takes about 1.5-2hours and whilst the route from Porto to Peso da Régua is mostly on motorways, once you’re in the Douro Valley the roads become very windy and narrow. If you’re not a confident driver this may be something for you to consider.

I use Discover Cars whenever I’m hiring a car. They compare lots of different providers and find you the best price. Plus, I’ve never had any bad experiences where they won’t give you your money back at the end like you sometimes hear about with dodgy car hire companies. The process is always really simple and stress-free. Which is exactly what I want when I’m on holiday, thank you.

Weekend in Porto – Day 3

1. Livraria Lello

If you Google “things to do on a weekend in Porto” Livraria Lello will appear on every list. It was founded in 1906 and is often described as the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Although it once operated as a quaint bookstore you could wander in and out of freely, nowadays it’s purely a tourist attraction, and you have to purchase a €5.00 ticket to visit.

Because of this, its lost a lot of its charm. Although the building and interiors are beautiful, it’s very busy, and I actually found our visit quite unenjoyable. They’ve even covered up the windows so there’s no way of peeking inside without a ticket.

I’m not suggesting you don’t go though, I’ve read many blogs that recommend skipping somewhere and I still went. I think it’s important to decide for yourself how you feel about a place.

But what I would strongly recommend is going first thing in the morning, when the crowds are much quieter and you can enjoy the bookshop as it was intended.

2. Visit Mercado do Bolhão

Mercado do Bolhão first opened in 1914, and is one of the most iconic buildings in Porto. It’s packed full of market stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, cheeses and other local produce, and a must do on your weekend in Porto.

For me, one of the best ways to understand the culture of a place, is through the food they eat. And a food tour is one of my favourite ways to try new food and learn about its history.

This 3-hour food tour includes breakfast and lunch, with 10-12 serving portions and visits 5 different spots, including Mercado do Bolhão. You’ll experience local Portuguese delicacies and drink pairings, as well as learning about the food, history and architecture in Portugal.

3. Visit Porto cathedral

Just a 10-minute walk from Mercado do Bolhão is Porto cathedral. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, it originally acted as a fortress, protecting Porto from invasions. It’s undergone several restorations throughout the years and is made up of a stunning facade and courtyard, with an intricately designed cathedral inside.

You can go inside the cathedral for just £3. But even if you’re not planning to go in, it’s well worth the walk up for the incredible views over the city from the courtyard.

4. Climb the Torre dos Clérigos

Torre dos Clérigos (or the Clérigos Tower) was built in the 18th century by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and offers incredible views over Porto.

You’ll have to work for them though – there’s 240 steps between you and the top of the tower. I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance as it does get very busy.

4. Take the tram to Foz

From the tower, it’s a 6 minute walk to the tram stop at the Church of St Francis, where you’ll catch the number 1 tram to Foz. Riding on the a historic tram should be on everyone’s list for a weekend in Porto, they’re absolutely beautiful!

You can buy a ticket on board (they take card) for just a few euros. High-speed transport this is not, but the 25-minute amble along the Douro river is a fantastic opportunity to take in the scenery.

Foz sits at the mouth of the Douro river and is home to small sandy beaches, brilliant restaurants and a laidback atmosphere.

We absolutely loved our afternoon here, it’s the perfect place to escape Porto for a few hours and, if the weather permits, take a dip!

I’d highly recommend a leisurely lunch at Lucrecia, before heading to the Praia de Luz beach bar for drinks.

5. See the light show at Clérigos Church

If you’re looking for something completely unique to do on your weekend in Porto, you can’t miss the light show at Clérigos Church (part of the tower we visited earlier).

The 30-minute light show is an immersive experience designed to take you on a “spiritual, emotional and holistic journey”. It’s a brilliant way to see the architecture of the building in a new light (pardon the pun).

Weekend in Porto – where to eat

Here’s some restaurants I’d recommend visiting in Porto:

Brunch:

• O Diplomata
• Zenith
• Eleven lab

Dinner:

• Gruta
• Tia Tia
• Casario
• Easy at Selina
• Blind
• IKEDA
• Euskalduna Studio
• Okra
• Flow
• Mito
• Cantina 32
• Cozinha das Flores

Cafes:

• Fabrica coffee roasters
• Mamma coffee
• Nola Cafe

Weekend in Porto – bars

• Esplanada do Teleférico
• Base
• Universo Carmim
• The Garden

If you’re looking for a night out in Porto, head for Rua das Galeria de Paris, a lively street lined with bars where you’ll often find people spilling out into the streets and sipping on takeaway beers.

Weekend in Porto – where to shop

• Mercado 48
• O Galeria
• Coração Alecrim
• Patch Porto

Weekend in Porto – where to stay

Torel Avantgarde

Torel Avantgarde is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Porto. Whilst the interiors won’t be to everyone’s taste, the views are breathtaking. Choose from a range of room types, from intimate “Minimal” rooms to the spacious “Avantgarde” suites.

The highlight of this hotel has to be the rooftop terrace, with panoramic views of the Douro River. There’s even a swimming pool, perfect for cooling off in the summer months.

Rosa et al Townhouse

Rosa et al Townhouse is a boutique hotel with six individually decorated rooms.

The interiors are rustic and stripped back (just what I love). The hotel’s ideally located, just a short walk from many of Porto’s top attractions, including the Clérigos Tower, Ribeira, and the Porto Cathedral.

Mouco Hotel

Mouco Hotel is a hotel focused around music – there’s sound systems in the bedrooms, a record library with over 600 vinyls, and instruments on room service.

The hotel’s even home to its very own concert venue! The 62 rooms are named after songs, and the design is warm and minimal.

Outside, there’s a small saltwater pool and terrace.

PortoBay Flores

PortoBay Flores has 66 rooms, a beautiful indoor pool, sauna and gym.

It’s just steps away from some of the main attractions I’ve listed in this guide, including Livraria Lello.

I hope you found my guide to a weekend in Porto helpful. It’s a magical city and I know you’ll have the best time visiting. Enjoy!