Last updated on January 25th, 2024 at 09:29 am
If you’re planning to see Porto in 3 days, this carefully planned itinerary is your ticket to a memorable trip filled with the charms of the second-largest city in Portugal.
Famous for its beautiful historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, its gorgeous blue and white tiles known as azulejos but, most of all, the world-renowned Port wine, Porto is ideal for a city break like no other. Spending a month and a half in Porto recently gave us the opportunity to experience this vibrant city to the fullest, exploring its every nook and cranny.
With so many fantastic things to do in Porto, we had a hard time deciding what to include and what to leave out of this 3-day Porto itinerary. Yet, as always, we managed to come up with a comprehensive itinerary that has a little bit of everything – history, art, culture and fun – for a true taste of this stunning city that adorns Portugal’s north. Here’s what to see and do in Porto in 3 days.
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Porto Travel Tips
- Where is Porto: Located in Northern Portugal, Porto is the second-largest city in the country, after Lisbon. It’s also one of the largest urban centres in the Iberian Peninsula.
- Best time to visit Porto: Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, Porto has warm sunny summers but rainy winters. Since we stayed in Porto for the entire month of October and the first half of November, we would say the best time to visit Porto is from the summer months until mid-October.
- How many days in Porto: Porto is the ideal destination for a long weekend. Therefore, we believe three days in Porto is the perfect amount of time to visit the city’s main sights and have a great time in Porto.
- How to get to Porto: You can get to Porto by plane from most European countries. There are also direct flights to Porto from the US. If you arrive in Porto by plane, the airport is located 19 kilometres or 12 miles from the city centre. You can reach the city centre from Porto Αirport by metro or bus. However, in the event of rain and due to the uphill roads, we recommend booking an airport transfer in advance. If you’re already in Lisbon, you can get to Porto by Flixbus or train from Lisbon Oriente Station in just three hours. What’s more, Vigo in the region of Galicia in Spain is well connected to Porto by both Flixbus and train.
- Where to stay in Porto: Porto is generally an uphill city. Therefrore, the best place to stay in Porto is near Avenida dos Aliados at the heart of the city. Thanks to its excellent location, this 5-star hotel is a great option if you want to move around the city easily. Have a look at other hotels on or near Avenida dos Aliados here.
- How to get around Porto: Even though Porto is hilly, it’s a walkable city. That said, Porto boasts a great public transportation system. This can come in handy when you’re tired or if you’re having mobility issues. With six metro lines – and one more under construction – and a vast bus network, Porto is easy to get around. Buy an Andante Card at a metro station and top it up to use it on the metro and bus. You can also buy tickets on the bus but at a higher ticket price. Although Porto has the oldest tram network in the Iberian Peninsula, it only has three tram lines. Among them, the historic tram 1 is a tourist line along the Douro River. You can’t use your Andante Card on the latter as you have to buy a special type of ticket on board. In Porto, there is also an elevator, the Ascensor da Ribeira or Elevador da Lada, and the Funicular do Guindais. Both connect riverside Ribeira to the upper part of the town. Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for the elevator or the funicular to be closed for maintenance. On the opposite bank of the Douro River in Gaia, there’s a cable car that takes you from the riverside promenade to the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge, offering splendid views along the way.
Is The Porto Card Worth It?
With unlimited access to public transportation (except for trams), the official Porto Card is ideal if you travel in Porto for 3 days. With the Porto Card, you also get discounts at several Porto attractions and experiences we’ve included in this Porto 3-day itinerary.
More specifically, cardholders enjoy free entry to seven museums and discounts at more than 150 attractions. The Porto Card is available for one, two or four days.
You can buy your Porto Card here and collect it at Porto Airport or Porto’s Tourism Office next to the Sé Cathedral.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan The Best 3-Day Porto Itinerary
Porto in 3 Days: The Best Porto Itinerary
Day 1
Soares dos Reis National Museum
Start your first of 3 days in Porto at the Soares dos Reis National Museum, the first national museum in Portugal. Open since 1833, the museum was named after the renowned Portuguese sculptor Antonio Soares dos Reis. It features pieces of Portuguese art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The remarkable Antonio Soares dos Reis sculpture collection is the main reason to visit this museum.
As the museum is housed in the former Carrancas Palace, you can also enjoy a walk through its beautiful gardens. The Jardim das Camelias is on the ground floor while the Jardim do Velodromo can be accessed via the top floor.
Check out the opening hours and entrance fees.
Alternatively, buy your tickets here.
Don’t forget that you get a discount by using your Porto Card.
Carmo Church
Located a 10-minute walk from the Soares dos Reis National Museum, the 18th-century Carmo Church boasts gorgeous azulejo tiles that are over 100 years old.
Built in the Rococo style by the Order of Carmo, the church was constructed slightly over one metre away from the existing Carmelitas Church. Consequently, the so-called Hidden House filled the gap between the two churches, becoming the narrowest building in Porto.
Inside the church, you can visit the Great Hall where the Carmo Order used to hold their meetings, the Order Catacombs and the terrace. With the same ticket, you have access to the Hidden House, believed to be one of several places in Porto that inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter.
Carmo Church is one of the main sites you can visit for a discount with your Porto Card.
Livraria Lello
Speaking of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling, the famous writer lived in Porto during the 1990s. Many places she visited as part of her daily routine fuelled her imagination and led her to create Harry Potter’s magic world.
A few steps from Carmo Church, one of those enchanting spots awaits. Livraria Lello is said to have inspired some famous Hogwarts locations. However, a couple of years ago, J.K. Rowling tweeted that she had never visited this place. In any case, Livraria Lello is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
The moment you step inside Livraria Lello, you can’t help but notice the forked wooden staircase that dominates the space. The bookshop’s interior is made of plaster to resemble wood. The towering bookshelves carrying Livraria Lello’s special editions reach the stained-glass opening in the ceiling.
Livraria Lello is certainly one of the main attractions in Porto. But we have bad news. Plagued by over-tourism, the bookstore is always packed with people jostling for that perfect Instagram shot. The owners claim to have regulated the crowds with online tickets and specific timeslot allocations but the chaos persists.
Even if you hold an online ticket voucher, expect long lines. The bright side is that you’ll have plenty of time to marvel at the building’s Art Nouveau facade while waiting in the queue. Moreover, don’t forget that your ticket works as a voucher for a discount if you buy a book.
Sadly, the magic of visiting this undoubtedly gorgeous place is long lost. As our experience was genuinely disappointing, we would advise you to skip Livraria Lello. If you insist on visiting though, we recommend doing so as part of a guided tour like this one.
Clérigos Tower
A few steps from Livraria Lello, Clérigos Tower dominates Porto’s skyline. Alongside the adjoining Clérigos Church, Torre dos Clérigos is one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto. Built in the Baroque style for the Brotherhood of Clerigos, both the church and the tower date back to the 18th century.
You need to climb 240 steps to get to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views. Keep in mind that there’s no lift. Similar to Livraria Lello, expect queues even if you buy an online ticket as visitors enter the complex in groups at different time slots. If you hold a Porto Card, buy your ticket with a 25% discount at the ticket office.
Miradouro da Vitória
A 5-minute walk from Clerigos Tower, Miradouro da Vitória is one of the best places in Porto to bask in the warm sunshine. Enjoy splendid views of the historic centre and the Douro River by the sound of street artists performing live music. Relax and unwind until it’s time to head to your next stop.
Rua das Flores
But first, take a downhill detour via Rua das Flores. Opened in the 14th century, the pedestrianised Rua das Flores was once the vegetable gardens of Pedro Alvares da Costa, Porto’s bishop of the time. Along Rua das Flores, you can see a huge Cat mural or step inside Claus Porto, a historic soap store ideal for buying fragrant gifts for your loved ones back home.
Palácio da Bolsa
Your next stop is Bolsa Palace, the most impressive place to visit in Porto in our humble opinion. Built on the ruins of St Francis Convent, the 19th-century historic building used to be the Stock Exchange Palace. Queen Mary II gave the ruined land to the businessmen of the time to house their Commercial Association.
The palace boasts a magnificent courtyard with a glass roof and a monumental forked staircase decorated with sculptures by Antonio Soares dos Reis. The staircase leads to the upper floor and the palace’s historic rooms. The indisputable highlight of the palace is the out-of-this-world lavish Arab Room.
As Palacio da Bolsa is still home to the Commercial Association, you can visit it only on a guided tour, available in various languages. The tour takes about 30 minutes but expect to spend more time queueing for the tickets.
Check out the opening hours and entrance fees.
You get a discount by using your Porto Card.
San Francisco Church
Situated right next to Bolsa Palace, the 15th-century San Franciso Church has a prominent Gothic facade and features an outstanding Baroque interior. If you don’t have enough time to visit the church, you can just enjoy its gorgeous facade and the views from its terrace.
Don’t forget that you have a 25% discount with your Porto Card.
6 Bridges Douro River Cruise
The most relaxing activity of the day has finally arrived. Head to Cais da Ribeira and jump on board a traditional river boat – or rabelo – for a laid-back 6 Bridges Cruise along the Douro River. Rabelo boats were used in the past for transporting Port wine barrels from the Douro Valley to Porto. Now, they’re taking enchanted travellers on scenic cruises along the tranquil waters of the Douro River.
The boat tour lasts about 45 minutes. It takes you on a historic journey of the 6 Bridges that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Keep in mind that even if you book your tickets online, you still have to get physical tickets from the dock. Therefore, make sure to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.
These cruises sell out very fast. It’s better to be proactive and book your cruise tickets online in advance.
Cais da Ribeira
There’s no better way to end your first of 3 days in Porto than relishing a bottle of Portuguese wine at the very place that will make you fall in love with Porto. The riverside neighbourhood of Ribeira is in essence the historic centre of Porto. Lined by beautiful buildings with characteristic facades, Ribeira is a true symbol of Porto and a great place to see and be seen, especially in the evening or late afternoon.
The Ribeira district might feel a bit touristy at times. However, if you look past the fancy restaurants and not-so-authentic cafés, you’ll find that Ribeira is home to some of the best wine bars in Porto, with splendid views of the Douro River and Dom Luis I Bridge.
With a great wine list and delicious petiscos (Portuguese for tapas), Wine Quay Bar quickly became one of our favourites.
It was the first wine bar we visited in Porto, on our first evening in the city, the very place where our love affair with the seductive vinho verde began. It was also our wine bar of choice on several other occasions, including our last evening in Porto, when the time came for us to bid the city farewell.
Aside from its excellent spot a few steps from the Dom Luís I Bridge, Bacchus Vini is the ideal spot for a fantastic wine-tasting experience, rendered all the more memorable by the extremely knowledgeable staff.
Day 2
FC Porto
Start your second of 3 days in Porto with an out-of-the-ordinary tour that kids and grown-ups will love. Founded in 1893, FC Porto is one of the biggest football clubs in Portugal. Also known as Dragons, the blue-and-whites have accumulated all of their history under the same roof.
The fantastic FC Porto Museum takes you on an interactive journey through the team’s history. The museum’s highlight is the huge collection of trophies, including seven international ones. The excitement is not over yet. On the same tour, you will have the opportunity to explore Dragao Stadium, FC Porto’s home since 2003.
Dragao Stadium and the FC Porto Museum are easily accessible from the city centre via metro. Tickets include entrance to both the museum and the stadium.
However, on match days, you will not be able to tour the stadium. For a unique experience, you can buy tickets and enjoy the Dragons at a football game, like we did, instead. In that case, you’ll tweak your itinerary so that you finish your day at the FC Porto Museum & Stadium rather than start it there.
Avenida dos Aliados & Libertade Square
Take the metro from Dragao Stadium and get off at Aliados metro station. Dominated by the impressive City Hall at its northern end, Avenida dos Aliados is the heart of Porto. In the southern part, the city’s central square, Praça da Libertade, awaits. There, you can step inside the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.
Avenida dos Aliados and Libertade Square host several events throughout the year. Tourist attractions and plenty of options for bars and restaurants are some of the reasons that make Aliados one of the best places to stay in Porto.
On your way from Aliados to Mercado do Bolhao, make a quick stop at Pastelaria Tupi for a sweet bite. The pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese pastry tart with egg custard, ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Pastelaria Tupi features a whole vegan section that includes delicious – and eggless – pasteis de nata.
Mercado do Bolhao
Completely renovated in 2022, the stunning Mercado do Bolhao is Porto’s central market. The two-storey market occupies a whole block in the city centre, featuring four entrances located at the surrounding streets.
On the ground floor, you will mostly find stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables. There are also stalls selling cheese and other local products such as olives, olive oil and chocolates, all ideal delicacies to take back home. On the upper floor, you can enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the market’s restaurants.
Chapel of Souls
Exit Mercado do Bolhao via Rua de Fernandes Tomas to visit another impressive church. As you walk towards the Capela das Almas, the azulejo-covered walls of the 18th-century church suddenly emerge amidst the sweet-smelling cloud coming from the carts baking chestnuts at the corner. The incredible tiled facade dates back to 1929.
Rua de Santa Catarina
From the Chapel of Souls, walk along Rua de Santa Catarina, the 5th Avenue of Porto. Athletic stores, shoe shops, fast fashion stores like ZARA, and the Via Catarina Shopping Mall are some of the stores you can visit along Santa Catarina Street.
Don’t leave without paying a visit to the Arcadia chocolate shop for a delicate box of chocolate sardines or – our favourite – chocolates filled with port wine.
Café Majestic
As you walk along Rua Santa Catarina, you will stumble upon a long line once again. This time people are jostling for a table at one of the most historic cafés in Porto.
With its Parisian style, the Art Nouveau Café Majestic was one of the places J.K. Rowling frequented when she lived in Porto. It was within the walls of this café rather than Livraria Lello that J.K. Rowling was actually inspired to give life to one of the most emblematic young wizards, Harry Potter. If it’s a weekday, you’ll likely get a table sooner than visiting the café on a Saturday morning.
If you’re into the Harry Potter craze, join this Harry Potter-themed walking tour.
Galerias Palladium Clock
As you step out of the café, look to your left. The Galerias Palladium building stands at the corner of Rua de Santa Catarina and Rua de Passos Manuel. Every hour, passersby stop in front of the building’s clock to listen to its unmissable cheerful melody.
Featuring four significant figures that marked the city’s history, the clock narrates Porto’s past. Sao Joao, Porto’s patron saint, Infante D. Henrique, an important figure of the Age of the Discoveries, Almeida Garrett and Camilo Castello Branco, both notable literary personalities, are rooted in the city’s history.
Batalha Square
A short walking distance from the Galerias Palladium Clock, you’ll reach Batalha Square. Named after a big bloody battle that took place between the Moors and the locals in the 10th century, Batalha Square is a significant cultural hub in the city.
The first notable building you’ll see is the stunning blue-tiled Santo Ildefonso Church that dominates Praça da Batalha. Other remarkable buildings in the square are the Art-Deco Cinema Batalha, the former Batalha Palace which is now home to the Post Office and the Baroque-Neoclassical Royal Theatre of Sāo Joāo.
Sāo Bento Station
From Batalha Square, walk down Rua Madeira, taking in panoramic views of the magnificent Sāo Bento Railway Station as you go. Once at the foot of the street, step inside Sāo Bento Train Station to marvel at the azulejo-covered interior of its entrance hall. With 22,000 ceramic tiles adorning its walls and ceilings, it’s no wonder Sāo Bento is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
Porto Cathedral
After a short uphill walk, you’ll reach the grandiose Sé do Porto. Before stepping inside the imposing Cathedral, take a few moments to enjoy splendid views from its terrace.
Built in diverse styles over six centuries, the initially Romanesque Cathedral was completed in the 18th century with Baroque and Gothic influences. Undeniably, the Cathedral’s highlight is the adjoining cloister adorned with blue-tiled panels.
Take a stroll around the cloister to explore the several entrances that lead to elegant chapels, the Cathedral and the upper floor. On the upper floor, you can visit the Chapter Room and the Cathedral’s Treasury. From there, climb to the top of one of the Cathedral’s towers to take in outstanding views of the Douro River, the historic city centre and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Ponte Dom Luís I
After the Cathedral, head to one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto. Ponte Dom Luís I must be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Packed with people during the peak season, the bridge has an upper and a lower deck, which render walking around this built-on-many-levels city a lot easier.
Walk along the bridge’s upper deck and stop for a moment. As you’re standing at the top of the bridge, enjoy the greatest views of the Douro River. Just be aware of where you’re standing as you don’t want to get in the way of the metro while it’s crossing the bridge.
Completed in 1886, the double-decked bridge replaced a suspension bridge which was in use for only a few decades at the very same spot. You can see the old bridge’s pillars next to Ponte Dom Luís I at the lower level.
The bridge is often confused with the nearby Maria Pia Railway Bridge, which was constructed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. However, Dom Luís I Bridge was constructed by Eiffel’s student Théophile Seyrig instead.
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
You might think that the panorama from Ponte Dom Luis I is second to none. But, no, Porto has more surprises in store. Take the short uphill path towards the Monastery of Serra do Pilar and its terrace. Overlooking the emblematic bridge and the historic city centre, the terrace offers spectacular views. Once there, find a sweet spot and take in all the beauty of Porto at sunset.
Jardim do Morro
A stone’s throw from Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Jardim do Morro is a sloping garden, ideal for catching your breath and enjoying some relaxing moments after a full day spent sightseeing in Porto. Sit under the palm trees, listen to the street performers and grab a refreshment or beer from the roaming vendors. Needless to say, the setting is complemented by the best views of Porto.
Whenever you’re ready to get to the last stop of your second of 3 days in Porto, take the downhill road to Vila Nova de Gaia promenade. Alternatively, from Jardim do Morro, head to the Gaia Cable Car Upper Station and pop in a cabin for a 5-minute swing over the port cellars in Gaia.
Vila Nova de Gaia Promenade
Vila Nova de Gaia (or just Gaia) is that part of Porto that lies on the other bank of the Douro River, across from Ribeira. Once there, walk along the riverside promenade and enjoy superb views of Cais da Ribeira and the bridge. Historically, Gaia has been home to most of the wine cellars where port wine coming from the Douro Valley was stored and aged.
All those big signs bearing names like CALEM, SANDEMAN, GRAHAM, and FERREIRA you’ve seen from the Porto side, are deeply connected to the port wine production dating back to the 17th century.
Finish off this long day by visiting one of many port wine cellars for a journey into port wine’s history accompanied by a unique port tasting. Our recommendation is the Calem Port Wine Cellar for a visit to the interactive museum, a thorough cellar tour led by a passionate guide and a tasting of three premium port wines.
At the exit, we’re confident you’ll buy two or three fine bottles from the on-site store like we did. Secure your place on this high-in-demand Calem Cellar tour by buying your tickets in advance.
Before making your way back to your hotel, discover a massive rabbit decorating a corner at one of Gaia’s backstreets. The striking street art sculpture is made of recycled and waste materials by the eco-conscious street artist Bordalo II. If you’re visiting Lisbon, you’re going to come across a lot of his works there as well.
Day 3
As the end of your trip is near, we recommend two ways to spend your third day in Porto. The first option involves an unforgettable day trip to the Douro Valley. The second option is to spend the whole day exploring Porto’s coastline at Foz do Douro and Matosinhos.
Douro Valley Day Trip (Recommended Option)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley region is famous for its high-quality wines, a perfect place to visit during your Porto in 3 days trip. Wine production is part of the country’s culture. Porto has been exporting wine for centuries due to its privileged location at the mouth of the Douro River.
In the past, the only way to transport barrels of wine from the remote region of the Douro Valley was through the River Douro. The trip would take two months by a traditional rabelo boat, like the one used for the 6 Bridges Cruise you enjoyed on your first day.
Nowadays, there are three ways to visit the Douro Valley on a day trip. By car, by train and on a guided tour, like we did.
Day Trip To The Douro Valley on a Guided Tour
Considering the long distance that separates Porto from the Douro Valley, the best way to enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley is on a guided tour. For our full-day trip to the Douro Valley, we joined this small-group guided tour and we can’t recommend it enough.
After a seamless hotel pick-up, from the comfort of a modern van, you’ll enjoy the drive through vineyards perched on the mountains overlooking the Douro Valley. The first stop on this day trip is a guided tour of a glorious estate (or quinta in Portuguese). A tour of the winery and the vineyards, followed by wine and olive oil tasting, is the best introduction to the region’s wine culture.
Then, the winding road with its spectacular vistas takes you to Pinhāo Village, the starting point of one of the most scenic cruises. With your eyes still filled with the beauty of extraordinary landscapes, enjoy a traditional lunch at the riverside town of Peso da Regua before ending your tour at a family-run wine estate and a memorable port wine tasting.
Day Trip To The Douro Valley By Car
If you decide to rent a car, bear in mind the long way to the Douro Valley has a lot of turns with narrow roads as the route involves several mountain passes. It will take you between one hour and a half to two hours to drive from Porto to Pinhāo, the village at the heart of the Douro Valley.
Undoubtedly, driving gives you the flexibility to roam the valley and the wine estates at your own pace. On the other hand, you will not be able to enjoy the wine tastings if you have to drive back to Porto.
Therefore, we would only recommend the car option if you plan to overnight at one of the fantastic wine estate hotels the region has to offer like this one. Our first visit to the Douro Valley convinced us to revisit and discover the region by car at a slower pace in the future.
Day Trip To The Douro Valley By Train
Another way to get to the Douro Valley is to take the train from Sāo Bento or Campanhā train station in Porto to either Pinhāo or Pocinho. This is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. However, the reason why we wouldn’t recommend the train on a day trip is that the train ride can take anywhere between two and a half to three and a half hours, including a possible train change.
Therefore, similar to the car option, we would recommend the train only if you plan to spend a few nights in the Douro Valley. Check out the Douro Line train timetable and plan your trip with the help of the official website.
Foz do Douro & Matosinhos (Alternative Option)
Besides the beautiful historic centre of Porto, the city’s greater area boasts a spectacular coastline with unhindered views of the Atlantic Ocean. A great way to enjoy the Atlantic district of Porto is to spend a day at Foz do Douro and Matosinhos.
The historic tram 1 will take you from Praça do Infante to Foz do Douro on a scenic ride along the Douro River. You can only buy the ticket on the tram as the ride isn’t included in your Porto Card or any other public transport pass.
In case of queues at the tram stop, you can also take the double-decker 500 bus that follows pretty much the same route. You can use your Porto Card or your Andante Card on the bus. Alternatively, you can buy a public transport ticket either on board the bus or from a metro station.
Foz do Douro
Once in Foz do Douro, walk through the Jardim do Passeio Alegre and stroll along the promenade to reach the pier with the white and red lighthouse. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent sunset. Keep in mind that, when the weather is windy, access to the lighthouse isn’t permitted to prevent accidents caused by the huge waves.
Foz do Douro, which means Mouth of The Douro in English, is dominated by the Sāo Joāo da Foz Fortress at the very beginning of the oceanside promenade that leads to Matosinhos. To get there, we recommend walking along the Avenida do Brasil for about an hour. If you’re tired, take the 500 bus instead. Yet, we insist. The walk is undoubtedly worth it.
Opened in the 19th century, Avenida do Brasil is lined with plenty of sandy beaches and lush gardens, the century-old Pergola do Foz and several mansions that narrate the area’s elegant past, now suffocating next to soulless tall buildings.
Matosinhos
Before arriving on Matosinhos Beach, visit the Castelo do Queijo or Cheese Castle for great panoramic views from its terrace. A short walk from the Cheese Castle, Parque da Cidade is one of the largest urban parks in Portugal. Wander around the park and its lakes, before heading back to Matosinhos Beach.
Dominated by She Changes, a gigantic fishing net that constantly changes its shape, Matosinhos Beach is the ideal place to put your feet in the sand and relax. End your day at one of Matosinhos’s best restaurants, all frequented mostly by locals. Hop on the 500 bus to get back to Porto or take the metro for a less interesting inland ride.
If You Have More Than 3 Days in Porto
It goes without saying that the more days you spend in Porto, the more opportunities you have to discover what lies beyond the beautiful city itself. Here’s a list of the best day trips from Porto you can enjoy if you have more than 3 days in Porto to spare.
Best Day Trips From Porto
Arouca Day Trip
The Arouca 516 Bridge is one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges. The best way to enjoy it is this Arouca day trip. Covering an area of 328 square kilometres, the UNESCO Arouca Geopark is ideal for hiking, canoeing, rafting and other outdoor activities.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side when we wanted to cross the bridge but that’s fine. We have yet another reason to go back to Porto before too long (like we needed one)
Aveiro Day Trip
With a boundless coastline interrupted by iconic striped houses and an extensive network of charming canals where gondola-like vessels float in total calmness, the coastal town of Aveiro is ideal for an easy day trip from Porto. You can get there by train from Sāo Bento Station in less than an hour or by joining this guided tour from Porto for a more hassle-free experience.
Braga Day Trip
Located about an hour north of Porto by train, the university city of Braga impressed us with its religious heritage. The true highlights not to be missed are the Bom Jesus Sanctuary a bit outside the city centre and the Sé Cathedral at the heart of the Old Town.
You can get to Braga on a guided tour from Porto. For more details on how to spend an unforgettable day there, watch the short yet sweet YouTube video we published about Braga.
Guimaraes Day Trip
Also known as the Birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes was such a pleasant surprise for us. Wander around its UNESCO-listed historic centre, walk along its medieval walls and climb the hill to explore Guimaraes Castle. Similar to Braga, Guimaraes is located north of Porto, about an hour from Sao Bento Station by train. Many visitors combine Guimaraes and Braga on the same guided day trip from Porto.
Coimbra Day Trip
Portugal’s former capital, Coimbra is one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Porto. Located in central Portugal, Coimbra is popular for its university, one of the oldest in the world. The fastest way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by Flixbus. The bus ride takes less than an hour and a half, whereas the train is much slower. The easiest way though, is to opt for a guided day tour from Porto.
Until We Meet Again, Porto
It may be because Porto was our first stop on the semi-nomadic life we chose for ourselves recently but Porto will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Thinking of Porto, we can’t help but bring to mind the countless bottles of exquisite vinho verde we enjoyed, the breathtaking views this uphill city offers at every turn and the long river or oceanside walks we savoured with the Atlantic Ocean breeze messing up our hair but filling our souls with delight.
Porto to us is all of this and a lot more. We hope this Porto in 3 days itinerary inspires you to go there and make your own fond memories.
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WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: As media and marketing specialists, we often visit destinations on press tours or as part of marketing campaigns. Under no circumstances does this affect our opinions about the places we visit and the experiences we try. Rest assured that you will find nothing but honest reviews throughout our content. For the needs of publishing this Porto in 3 Days article, we were offered press Porto Cards, press passes to the FC Porto Museum, Stadium & match and a press tour to the Douro Valley.