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Planning a trip to Porto? We’re here to help!
Working out how to see the best of a new destination in just three days can feel overwhelming, so I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary for you! After all, I’ve spent so much time exploring Porto that I know it like the back of my hand by now.
We’ve even included maps, timing, and personal tips so that you can experience the best of this colorful, wine-loving Portuguese city without the stress of figuring it all out yourself. From riverside strolls and pastel de nata baking classes to scenic day trips, this itinerary is packed with culture, history, and really good food and drinks. Vamos!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Porto was this complete Douro Valley tour. It included wine tastings, a hearty Portuguese lunch, and a dreamy river cruise. Everything flowed smoothly and made for a fun intro to Douro’s wine scene!
Day 1
Breakfast – CA Downtown
You’ll need some fuel for today’s adventures, so head for breakfast at CA Downtown. It opens at 8:30 am, but it’s best to get here a little before then as a queue often forms before they open—yup, the food here is that good! Don’t worry, though, the line does move quickly, so you won’t be waiting too long.
The waffles here are absolutely fantastic, and if you’re in the mood for something different, I highly recommend their waffles and fried chicken. It’s so yummy! Otherwise, they’ve got plenty of other specialties like eggs Benedict and some of the most beautiful pancake stacks that I’ve ever seen!
Morning – Private Porto Walking Tour
Exploring a new city with a local guide is a really effective way to peel back the different layers and see the city’s true character, so that’s what we’re doing this morning! This private walking tour is the perfect introduction to Porto and it’s available every half an hour from 9 am onwards. I recommend booking the tour for 9:30 or 10 am to ensure that you get the most out of your day.
The tour begins at São Bento Station, which is way more beautiful than your average train station! From there, it’s onto the famous Clérigos Tower. Our guide, Katerina, gave us the option to climb it, and of course, we had to because we couldn’t resist those views! But at the same time, there’s no pressure if you don’t fancy climbing up 240 stairs.
What we loved about this tour is that it was tailored exactly to our interests. We told Katerina what we wanted to see, and she made it happen! We strolled across the Dom Luis I Bridge and really wanted to see the Libraria Lello, which is basically the Hogwarts library, but your morning on this tour might look totally different.
This tour allows you to see the real Porto through the eyes of a local. It’s like having a friend show you their favorite spots! It lasts for around 3 hours, so you should be done at about 12:30 or 1 pm.
Check out HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book your private tour here!
Lunch – Voltaria
Since this morning’s tour is personalized, the endpoint does vary, so we’ve chosen a nice central lunch spot today. Porto is a very walkable city, especially in the historic center, so you should be able to get to Voltaria easily on foot.
However, Porto is famously hilly, so if you’re tired out after the walking tour, you can always hop on the metro or call a Bolt instead. This is Portugal’s version of Uber, just FYI!
Either way, it’ll be totally worth it to get to Voltaria because the seafood here is nothing short of sublime. It’s an unpretentious spot that just exemplifies warm, Portuguese hospitality, and the food here is just incredible. It’s small, so you might have to wait for a table, but I promise it will be totally worth it.
Afternoon – Explore downtown Porto and take a cooking class
Taking this pastel de nata workshop in Porto was hands-down one of the most fun experiences we’ve ever had in the city, so of course we had to include it on our 3-day itinerary! Pastel de natas are probably the most iconic Portuguese food, so learning how to make them is too good an opportunity to pass up while you’re here!
Book this tour for 4:30 pm to allow yourself plenty of time for the morning tour and lunch. In fact, depending on how long you spend at lunch, you might even have a bit of extra time to explore or go souvenir shopping downtown.
But you won’t need to bother buying any pasteis de nata because the ones you make in this class are incredible. We absolutely loved getting hands-on to make the creamy custard filling. Our host taught us how to get the flavors exactly right and how to make sure that the smooth filling and the flaky dough complement each other perfectly.
When it was time to tuck in and enjoy the tarts, we got a glass of dessert port to wash them down with. But don’t worry, there was also coffee available!
Book this popular baking workshop here before it sells out!
Dinner – Bacalhau
If you’ve got space after all of the sweet treats you baked in the cooking class, then dinner at this authentic Portuguese restaurant is a must. Its name, Bacalhau, refers to dried and salted cod, which is a beloved staple in Portuguese cuisine and features proudly on the menu.
Just note: they don’t take reservations, so try to go straight here after your cooking class! But if you do have to wait, it will be totally worth it. We love eating here because the restaurant sits right on the riverfront, so you get dreamy views over the Douro River as the sun sets.
In terms of the food, their namesake cod is naturally a standout, and the pork dishes are fantastic, too. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options, too, so there’s something for everyone.
Evening – Stroll along the Cais da Ribeira at night
After dinner at Bacalhau, you’ll find yourself on one of Porto’s iconic riverfronts, the Cais de Ribeira. At night, this area is absolutely magical! The golden glow of the Dom Luís I Bridge is reflected on the water, and the entire promenade buzzes with activity.
So to cap off an exciting first day in Porto, why not just go for a stroll and take it all in? We also love to grab a gelato from one of the many stands around and wander along the cobbled quay, or find a spot by the water to sit and soak it all in. Bliss!
Related Read: If this itinerary hits the spot, don’t miss our 3-day Porto itinerary. It’s a deeper dive into Porto’s best sights, bites, and experiences—perfectly planned to maximize your time.
Day 2
Breakfast – Molete Bread & Breakfast Saint Lazarus
We’ve got a food tour later on today, so this morning, just grab something light at Molete Bread & Breakfast. They offer tons of delicious pastries here, and the coffee is great, too, so it’s ideal for a quick breakfast that won’t ruin your appetite later on. We always see tons of locals coming here for breakfast, too, which is how you know a place is good!
Morning/Lunch – Taste your way around Porto on a food and wine tour
Porto mornings are meant for strolling, snacking, and soaking up the local vibe—so we can’t think of a better way to start the day than with this small-group food tour. We recommend starting at 10 am so you’ll wrap up just in time for the next adventure.
The tour begins right in the heart of the city on Avenida dos Aliados, where you’ll meet your guide and small group before heading off on foot. One of the highlights is the stop at Bolhão Market—an essential Porto experience.
We wandered through the lively market stalls, tasting a full lineup of Portuguese petiscos (about 10–12 dishes in total), with a little bit of everything: savory, sweet, and even a glass of Vinho Verde to top it off. From Port wines and cured meats to cheeses, fish, and desserts, there was no shortage of variety, and every bite came with a story.
Our guide also shared plenty of tips on where else to eat and explore in Porto, which came in super handy later that day. And since the tour ends right back at the starting point, you’re all set to head off to your next activity, just a 5–10 minute walk away.
This one’s a no-brainer for food lovers looking to kick off their Porto adventure the right way. We loved how local and personal it felt—and it’s clear we weren’t the only ones. Check out HUNDREDS of five-star reviews here to see why everyone loves this tour!
Grab your spot on this food tour here and enjoy FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Afternoon – Cruise along the scenic canals of Aveiro and Costa Nova
After this morning’s epic food tour, it’s time to slow things down with a relaxed afternoon escape to Aveiro and Costa Nova. The easiest way to do this is on this guided tour, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute blast!
We recommend booking the 2 pm tour, which gives you about an hour between activities to grab a coffee or take a short stroll. Then, Costa Nova will be your first stop of the afternoon. This resort town is famous for its candy-colored striped houses lining the beachfront. We absolutely loved exploring this area!
After that, you’ll head to Aveiro, a small city that’s often called “the Venice of Portugal.” As soon as we arrived, we could see exactly why Aveiro has earned this nickname. We even got to go on a gondola ride through the canals, although Portuguese moliceiros are much more colorful than the boats in Venice.
We loved this tour because it showed us a totally different side to Portugal’s culture and charm. There’s a good reason that it has over 1,000 five-star reviews, after all! Plus, you’ll be back in central Porto by 6 pm, ready for this evening’s adventures.
Book this scenic day trip here, with free cancellation!
Dinner – Casa da Mariquinhas
No trip to Porto is complete without experiencing Fado, Portugal’s most iconic musical tradition. Fado is a very emotional genre of music that centers around themes of love, nostalgia, and longing. The vocals are usually just accompanied by an acoustic guitar, and lots of restaurants in Porto offer fado shows in the evening.
Casa de Mariquinhas offers the best Fado show that we’ve found in Porto. We weren’t sure what to expect when we went, but we ended up having a fantastic evening. There were four Fado performances, which were absolutely captivating and really made us understand why this type of music is so popular.
To avoid missing out, reserve your table ahead of time here. The restaurant opens at 8 pm, and the Fado show usually starts around 9 pm. There’s a minimum spend of €45 per person, so we ordered plenty of bacalhau, chorizo, and of course some green wine!
Evening – Have a drink or dessert at Base Porto
After dinner, head to Base Porto for a drink or two. It’s just a 10-minute walk from dinner, and this is a trendy, open-air bar where we always find more locals than tourists. We love sitting out in the garden here, especially since this place is on top of a hill, so it offers fantastic views of Porto and the Clerigos Tower below. If we lived in Porto, we would be here every weekend!
Related Read: Heading to Spain next? Check out our ultimate 10-day Spain itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip!
Day 3
Breakfast – On the go!
We’ve got two tour options today, but either way, we suggest grabbing something quick this morning because both of the following tours have early start times. You can either grab something near your hotel or on the way to the meeting point for either tour.
Option 1: Full-day Douro Valley wine tour with lunch
If you’re a wine lover, then this full-day Douro Valley wine tour is the clear choice for your third day in Porto. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s largest and best-known wine region, so there’s just no way you can pass up the chance to explore it!
Even just driving through the Douro Valley is a fantastic experience, because it’s so scenic! But of course, it gets even better when you stop at the first winery of the day. We had the best time tasting lots of regional varietals and learning about the area’s winemaking heritage. Then, we got to enjoy a huge Portuguese lunch with yet more wine pairings.
After lunch, you’ll get some time to chill on a peaceful rabelo boat cruise down the Douro River. Then, it’s onto another winery for a second tasting in an old school winery. It’s totally different from the previous one, which we really appreciated!
The tour wraps up around 6 pm, and if you’re anything like us, then you’ll come back relaxed, a little tipsy, and totally in love with the Douro Valley. But you don’t just have to take our word for it. Would you believe that this tour has TEN THOUSAND glowing reviews?
You can book your Douro Valley wine tour here!
Option 2: Historic sightseeing tour of Braga and Guimarães
For history buffs, this full-day tour of the Minho region is a dream come true! It delivers captivating insights into Portugal’s rich history and visits some of the country’s most fascinating heritage sites.
The first stop of the day is Braga. Here, we got to ride the Bom de Jesus Funicular up to the sanctuary, which was stunning! Then, we visited the Braga Cathedral for a glimpse into the nation’s medieval roots. Did you know it’s the oldest one in Portugal?
There’s free time for lunch in Braga. We took this time to wander through its historic center at our own pace before continuing onto Guimarães, where we visited the castle, as well as the small church of São Miguel do Castelo. And all the while, our guide, Castro, told us lots of interesting stories that really brought these ancient sites to life.
Basically, if you’re into castles, churches, and scenery, this tour delivers it all! There’s a reason it has earned such glowing reviews.
You can check availability and book this tour in seconds right here!
Dinner – Casa Guedes Rooftop
For your final meal in Porto, head to Casa Guedes for rooftop vibes and fantastic views! This is a very well-reviewed spot, and when we checked it out for ourselves, we found that it totally lived up to all of the hype. The seafood here is absolutely fantastic, and the roasted pork bocadillos are mouth-wateringly good. The service is amazing too—the staff really couldn’t have been nicer to us.
Evening – Visit the Miradouro do Passeio das Virtudes viewpoint
We always want to end our trips on a high note, and the Passeio das Virtudes viewpoint is the perfect place to do just that. What makes this spot even better is that it’s a bit of a local secret, so not many tourists know about it.
The views of the Douro River and Porto’s red-roofed homes are just fantastic from here, and it’s especially incredible at sunset, which happens to be pretty late during the summer months!
Related Read: For even more fun and exciting things to do during your stay, check out our guide to the 10 best things to do in Porto here to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal
Now that you’ve got the perfect Porto itinerary sorted, it’s time to choose where to stay. This vibrant city is full of excellent accommodation options, and I’ve sifted through them all so that you don’t have to.
Below, I’ve rounded up my top choice for every budget, and all of them are nice and central so that you’ll be close to everything we’ve talked about in this guide.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking to treat yourself, the GA Palace Hotel & Spa is the place to do it! Set in a stunning 19th-century villa in the heart of Porto, this five-star hotel combines classic elegance with modern amenities. You can unwind in the spa, relax in the sauna, take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, have a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, or keep active in the fitness center. Plus, its prime location puts all of Porto’s best restaurants and attractions just steps away!
Prices vary depending on the season and room category you select, but usually range from around €300 – €500 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
If you’re after a stylish and comfy stay that won’t break the bank, the Catalonia Porto is a fantastic choice! Set in a beautifully restored historic building, this 4-star hotel blends old-world charm with modern comforts. It also has a gorgeous pool, a relaxing spa, and a sophisticated on-site bar, so it’s got everything you need to relax. Best of all, its prime location in the heart of Porto puts you just steps away from the city’s best sights, shops, and restaurants!
Prices start as low as €85 per night for a standard double room and €200 for a room with your own private pool! You can check availability for your travel dates over at Booking.com.
Budget – $
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on style and comfort, thanks to the Lost Inn Porto Hostel! It’s a trendy hostel that offers bright and modern dorm rooms as well as private options. Meanwhile, there are some well-designed communal spaces, including a shared kitchen and lounge, where it’s easy to meet fellow travelers, and the friendly staff are full of great travel tips. Plus, its central location puts you within walking distance of Porto’s top attractions!
Private rooms start at around €70 per night, while a dorm bed is around €20. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Porto’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most European countries drive on the right-hand side, except for the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, where you’ll drive on the left. Some countries also have unique road signs or rules, so it’s worth doing a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. Also, a compact car is great for narrow village roads or tight city parking. With Discover Cars, it’s super easy to filter for exactly what you need, whether that’s an automatic, a diesel engine, or extra luggage space.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Porto has so much to offer, and we hope this 3-day itinerary helps you experience the best of it! We used this exact plan during our stay and found it to be the perfect mix of top sights, local favorites, and memorable moments.
Before you wrap up your travel planning, be sure to check out our other Europe travel guides here! They’re packed with insider tips, detailed itineraries, and personal advice you’d expect from a well-traveled friend. Or here are a few others that might come in handy. Happy exploring!
Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal: 5 Best Areas & Hotels
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Lisbon, Portugal: The Best 3-Day Itinerary