Post Overview: How to Spend 3 Days in Porto Itinerary

Planning to spend 3 days in Porto? You’ve come to the right place.

I’ve had a handful of friends reach out asking about the best way to spend 3 days in Porto. Seems like most travelers tend to stay for 3 days, which is the perfect amount of time!

Porto is an underrated gem. Best known as Lisbon’s colorful and vibrant neighbor, the city is slowly coming out of the capital’s shadow (good things can’t stay secret for long).

Thankfully, the city is manageable, which means 3 days in Porto is enough time to appreciate everything on offer for those visiting the city for the first time.

I visited the city for a full month this winter (January 2023) and was able to draft a quick 3 Day Porto Itinerary. I’m not one for small talk, so let’s jump into the good stuff. Hope you enjoy!

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Meet the Editor Behind This Porto Itinerary

Óla! My name is Antonina and I’m an American traveler (nice to meet you!). My introduction to Portugal began five years ago during my honeymoon. Since then, my husband and I have returned a handful of times and decided to spend 3 days in Porto last fall.

We were smitten by the city and found ourselves disappointed we didn’t visit sooner. There’s no denying that Porto has a way of drawing people in and our case was no different, we found it irresistible. In fact, we enjoyed our time so much that we returned for a full month in January (2023).

Alas, the Porto itinerary below outlines the best way to spend 3 days in Porto based on the things we personally learned after visiting Porto for 3 days and then returning for a full month . Hope you enjoy!

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Tips for Spending 3 Days in Porto, Portugal

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Don’t rush the experience

• As mentioned, Porto is a manageable size! I’ll make sure you see the best of Porto in three days at a leisurely pace. Don’t expect to rush much with the Porto itinerary, it’s curated to align with the slow way of life the Portuguese people are known for.

Dinner is a late affair

• The Portuguese typically eat lunch around 1pm and dinner around 7pm or 8pm. As such, most restaurants don’t open until 12pm or 12:30 and then close from 4pm to 7pm, reopening around 7pm for dinner.

The Porto Card is a great deal

• The Porto Card can be purchased for a duration of one, two, three or four days and gives you access to six museums plus up to 50% discounts at many major attractions. We purchased the card for our 3 days in Porto and it ended up saving a decent amount of money. Highly recommend!

Best payment methods in Porto

• Credit cards were accepted at 90% of the places we went. However, it’s always handy to have some euros in your pocket. ATMs are easy to come by, especially in tourist areas. ATMs accept American bank cards, so pulling cash shouldn’t be an issue.

Visiting Porto longer? Here’s my complete roundup of the 20 Memorable Things to Do in Porto.

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How to Spend 3 Days in Porto

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Day 1 | Porto Itinerary

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Your first of 3 days in Porto will be spent visiting the city’s highlights. We’ll spend the day exploring the most charming neighborhoods, visiting some of the most famous sites and getting a proper bite to eat at a local restaurant. Day 1 on this Porto itinerary is all about introducing you to Invicta (Porto’s nickname).

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Breakfast at Época

No good day starts without food and since you’ll only have 3 days in Porto, it’s important to me that you enjoy meals at the best restaurants in town. As such, getting breakfast (or brunch) as Época is non-negotiable in my book because this place is a gem.

Everything on the menu is guaranteed to impress but I can personally vouch for the Turkish Eggs and pancakes. Don’t sleep on the opportunity to order both, the meals are exceptional.

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After breakfast, head towards Igreja do Carmo

Most folks don’t realize that Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas are two separate churches because it looks like one massive church from the outside.

However, if you pay close attention, you’ll notice that the two striking buildings are indeed separated by an unassuming narrow 6-foot house that is very easy to miss.

But the house serves a purpose! It ensured that the two churches didn’t share a common wall, so the monks and nuns could be properly kept apart.

You can tour the interior of the church (one of the churches is free to visit, the other charges admission). However, I suggest admiring the breathtaking tiles from the outside, it’s incredible and worth a few moments of your time.

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Pop into the São Bento Station

Much like Lisbon, Porto is known for donning spectacular displays of Azulejos (hand-painted tiles). It seems to me that Porto got the cream of the crop though because most of the tile work depicts fascinating celebrations or historic events.

Nowhere is this more evident than at the São Bento Train Station. Inaugurated in 1916, this masterpiece of architecture is covered in 20,000 hand painted tiles. No corner untouched, the interior is painstakingly beautiful, a real show stopper.

The tiles were hand-painted by Jorge Calaco and depict various scenes from Portugal’s history (like royal coronations and celebrations). Even if you don’t have a train to catch, add this to your Porto itinerary and make the time to see it, it’s wonderful.

Porto Itinerary Tip: While exploring São Bento Station you’ll be in the Baixa neighborhood. This is one of Porto’s most historic districts, which means it’s worth getting a little lost. Tuck into any tempting side street and explore the area to your hearts content.

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Walk the Dom Luis I Bridge

Built in 1886, walking the Dom Luís I Bridge is an iconic Porto experience! The double-deck iron-cast bridge connects the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Designed by an apprentice of Gustav Eiffel, the beautiful bridge spans the River Douro and is considered an architectural feat. When it was constructed, it was the longest bridge of its type in the world.

One thing we kept reading in guidebooks before finalizing our Porto itinerary was that walking across the bridge (especially at sunset) was non-negotiable. How true that turned out to me. We did this three nights in a row!

The Dom Luís I Bridge swells with tourists and visitors alike during the evening hours, everyone eager to get a glimpse of the breathtaking views of Porto. Join the club, it’s a great time to be had.

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Sunset at Jardim do Morro (or) Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

When you’ve made your way across the Dom Luís I Bridge, head directly to the Jardim do Morro for more breathtaking views of Porto at sunset.

Chances are good that you’ll be serenaded by a talented musician and the chatter of love birds all around you. Soak in the views and the energetic atmosphere until you simply can’t stop pinching yourself.

Then, I implore you to trek up to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar for yet another beautiful vantage point of Porto. It requires an uphill climb, which will ensure you keep your feet on the ground after all those happy feelings wash over you.

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Looking to add something fancy to your Porto Itinerary?

If you enjoy the finer things in life, I suggest swinging by the Yeatman Hotel for evening drinks and delicious fare. During our month-long stay in Porto we found ourselves looking for something to do. We decided to make our way to the Yeatman Hotel because the terrace caught our eye a few days earlier.

Not sure what to expect, we were impressed by the grandeur of this stunning hotel. Thankfully you don’t have to be a guest at this swanky institution to get a taste for the good life, you can merely pop in for dinner and drinks (or just drinks).

What started as a curious exploration turned into an easy going afternoon that melted into the memory of a lifetime. Two bottles later, we were shocked to discover that 6 hours had gone by. It was the perfect way to spend a day doing nothing while enjoying the good life Porto offers.

Obviously with only 3 days in Lisbon you won’t want to spend 6 hours nursing a bottle of wine (unless you do?). But if you’re in the mood for great drinks and even better views, this is definitively the place to be.

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Porto Itinerary | Day 2

The theme for your second day in Porto is “beloved traditional gems.” Today we discover some of the best sights in Porto, things worth traveling out of the way to see. We’ll visit one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and spend the easy afternoon hours sipping port before ending the evening with stunning views of the Douro River.

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Livraria Lello

It’d be a shame to spend your precious 3 days in Porto waiting in line, but somethings are worth seeing in person. You simply can’t visit Porto without popping into Livraria Lello because it’s considered the most beautiful bookstore in the world.

You’ll need to purchase a ticket in advance to get in (€5 per person), but the ticket price can be used towards a book purchase.

Admittedly, this is one of the most popular things to do in Porto so the lines are impossibly long. However, if you book the earliest morning ticket and show up 30-40 minutes before opening, you’ll be able to get in quicker.

Even with the hassle of waiting in line, I’d argue this is a can’t-miss activity for anyone visiting Porto for 3 days for the first time. If you’re flying halfway around the world might as well see this magical place!

Porto Travel Tip: You can purchase tickets to skip the line for €15. It’ll save you time during your 3 days in Porto so it may be worth considering.

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Next, head to Torre dos Clérigos

Now that you’ve had your fill of crowds, make your way to Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower). A stone’s throw from the bookstore, you couldn’t miss it if you tried.

Torre dos Clérigos first opened n 1763 and officially became the tallest landmark in Porto. As you can imagine, the views from the top are some of the best in the city.

If you’re visiting Porto for 3 days, it’s best to start your first day getting a lay of the land. What better way to do that than by climbing to the highest point in town?

You can climb the 225 steps to the top of the bell tower to be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Porto for a small admission (8€).

The admission includes a tour of the small musuem, but let’s get real, the tower is the star of the show. Admittedly, the staircase can feel claustrophobia so you’ll want to embark on this popular Porto attraction at your own discretion.

If you’re interested in adding this to your 3 day Porto itinerary, tickets can be purchased on site or in advance.

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Get Your Fill of Tiles at Sé do Porto

Speaking of incredible tiles, don’t overlook Sé do Porto! The venerable Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest structures in Porto and serves as an iconic symbol for the city.

Built in 1110, the Porto Cathedral is unequivocally the most important religious structure in Porto (it’s been declared a National Monument). Strategically located on a hill overlooking the Douro River, this fortress-like cathedral is an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

But it makes sense, when considering that the cathedral was renovated throughout the centuries (it’s nearly 1,000 years old!). Architecture fans may consider studying the cathedral as one of the best things to do in Porto. The temple is Baroque, while the facade and nave lean towards Romanesque. The cloisters? Those are Gothic in style.

A striking stone facade covered in tiles tempts visitors to explore the cathedral in its entirety. Visiting the cathedral is free, but touring the cloister will set you back €3.

The cloister is a must-visit addition to any Porto itinerary, so don’t let the nominal entrance fee hold you back. Decorated in breathtaking splashes of hand-painted azulejos (tiles), this experience is worth every penny.

Paying admission gives you an opportunity to climb to the top of the north bell tower for panoramic views of Porto. The entire visit won’t take longer than an hour, but I can guarantee you — this is one of the most memorable things to do in Porto in 3 days.

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Stroll the Cais de Ribeira

Engulfed by stacked colorful buildings on one side and the gentle (albeit bustling) Douro River on the other, strolling the waterfront is one of the top attractions in Porto.

Cais de Ribeira is considered Porto’s liveliest spot for great food and drinks, especially during the evening hours.

We spent most mornings at a sunny cafe people watching and then returned in the evening for a different beverage of choice. Park yourself at a nearby restaurant and order a snack, it’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Porto in 3 days.

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Let’s go Port tasting!

You probably already know that Porto is the birthplace of Port wine. So how could anyone possibly visit Porto without sampling the stuff and learning more about the history?

If there’s only one activity you make time for on this Porto itinerary, it should be port tasting. Ironically, the port cellars are not in Porto, but rather in Gaia (the small town across the river).

Once in Gaia, you’ll quickly see that there’s no shortage of great port cellars to choose from. Seriously, there’s ten of them within walking distance from Ribeira. If you’d like some guidance, here’s a quick roundup of the three best port cellars in Porto.

Port tasting is one of the most popular things to do in Porto so you’ll want to book your tour well in advance if you plan to add this activity to your own Porto itinerary.

Porto Travel Tip: It’s easy to underestimate how strong port wine is. Traditional wine has an alcohol content of 11-13% whereas port clocks in at 20%. Keep that in mind if you’re add port tasting to your Porto itinerary!

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Dinner Idea For Your 3 Day Porto Itinerary

Looking for dinner plans? One of the best restaurants we went to while visiting Porto for 3 days was a tiny little local spot called Taberna Dos Mercadores.

When I say tiny, I mean tiny. The restaurant only seats 12 people, so you’ll want to make reservations if you’re visiting during high tourist season. My husband and I ordered the seafood stew for two and enjoyed every ounce of the IT. Another clear standout was the flaming shrimp, it’s a must-order.

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Porto Itinerary | Day 3

Spending 3 days in Porto gives you the luxury of diving deeper into Porto’s incredible sites or taking a day trip to one of the surrounding areas. There’s no shortage of great fun to be had, but if you’re going to take just one day trip while spending 3 days in Porto, I’d suggest visiting the Douro Valley, I’ll explain why below.

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Breakfast at Confeitaria do Bolhão

Serving happy customers for more than 120 years, Confeitaria do Bolhão is one of the oldest bakeries in Porto. You absolutely must pick up a few pasteis de nata. You should to eat your weight in these bad boys otherwise it’ll be your biggest regret from the trip (learn from my mistake).

There’s a reason both locals and tourists alike flock to this bakery all hours of the day. It lives up to the hype! Besides, you’re going to need all the fuel you can get to power through your 3 days in Porto.

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Admire the Capela Das Almas (Chapel of Souls)

After breakfast you’ll be a stone’s throw from Capela Das Almas (also known as the Chapel of Souls). Found right off Rua de Santa Catarina, this stunning 18th-century building is arguably one of the most famous churches in Porto, thanks to the 15,000+ Azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the lives of notable saints.

Chances are high that you’ll see many folks talking pictures with the building (it’s so beautiful in person). Spend your time admiring the tiles before moving on to the next activity on our Porto itinerary: touring the Bolsa Palace.

Porto Itinerary Tip: While exploring Capela Das Almas you’ll be in the historic Bolhão neighborhood.

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Tour Bolsa Palace

Touring the Bolsa Palace was a highlight during our 3 days in Porto. As such, no Porto itinerary is complete without mentioning this gem.

The Palácio da Bolsa was built between 1842 and 1910 and stands as a testament to Portugal’s obscene wealth during the 19th-century.

Built atop the ruins of the St. Francis Church and originally operated as the Portuguese stock exchange and the glamorous interior was meant to encourage wealthy investors to consider Portugal’s robust trade ventures.

As impressive as the exterior is, you have to go inside to appreciate the breadth of splendor and detail that adorns these gold-leafed walls.

During our tour we learned that is took more than 60 years to complete the palace because of the grand detail, especially in the staircase past the Hall of Nations. How wild is that?

The star of the show, by far, is the jaw-dropping Salão Árabe (Arab room), which is guaranteed to take your breath away. I also enjoyed the Pátio das Nações (Hall of Nations, the original trading floor), the beautiful Court Room and Gustav Eiffel’s office.

Note: You cannot visit the Bolsa Palace without a guided tour, which is included with admission. Tours are conducted in four languages and the first person to sign up for a tour gets to choose the language.

Here’s how it worked for us: We showed up at 11am for a tour and were informed we missed the English tour by ten minutes. We were told that the 2pm tour was not booked yet and had an opportunity to book the 2pm tour in English, which we did.

We had a few hours to kill, so we had some lunch and returned to the palace five minutes before 2pm to start the tour, it was a breeze!

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Sunset at Miradouro da Vitória

As we wrap the last of your three days in Porto, head over to one of the coolest viewpoints in the city. Miradouro da Vitória offers sweeping views of Porto while the Sé dominates the skyline. It’s an incredible vantage point and one that will give you an appreciation for all you’ve seen during your three days in Porto.

Of all the great viewpoints we explored during our trip, Miradouro da Vitoria was one of the more memorable because the expansive views of the city were unbeatable – you can see practically every Porto landmark from here!

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Enjoy a Performance at Casa da Música

One of the true highlights of our trip personal Porto itinerary (and the reason we extended our stay in Porto), was catching a performance at Casa da Música.

Casa da Música is an incredible and unique concert hall that opened in Porto in 2005. The thing looks like a spaceship! The building is a true masterpiece and just being inside of it feels like a privilege.

You can catch performances there most days of the week and the prices are very affordable (we paid 6€ each and would have gladly paid way more).

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Porto Itinerary Day 3 | Option B: Day Trip to the Douro Valley

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Few know that Portugal’s Alto Douro “high Duoro” is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Romans planted vines more than 2,000 years ago after realizing the area’s ideal growing conditions.

There’s no reason to miss an opportunity to take a day trip to the country’s premier wine region while visiting Porto for three days. Located 3-hour’s drive from Porto, you can reach the valley by train, car or cruise and can make it a day trip or extend your trip and stay a night.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll want to brush up on your knowledge of Portuguese wine beforehand. Spend some time researching the best wineries to visit, or sign up for a helpful tour.

Between the breathtaking views and delicious wine, you’ll see why visiting Douro Valley is considered one of the best day trips to add to a Porto itinerary.

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Visiting Porto for 3 Days (How to Get to Porto)

Most travelers end up traveling to Porto from Lisbon. And thanks to the train, the journey couldn’t be easier. But those strapped for time may choose to fly. Here’s the three main ways to get to Porto.

• By Train: The train between Lisbon and Porto runs several times daily. Make sure to book your ticket to the São Bento Train Station in Porto because it’s right in the heart of the city.
• By Plane: Flying into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Flight deals are easy to come by when flying within Europe. Our tickets from Lisbon to Porto were $34 a piece and the flight only took one hour.
• By Bus: Although the bus is an option for getting to Porto from Lisbon, I wouldn’t recommend it because it takes a bit longer. However, it is the cheapest option.

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What’s the best time to visit Porto?

Honestly, when it comes to the best time to visit Porto you can’t go wrong. The only months I’d suggest avoiding are January and February because there’s a higher chance of rain. Apart from that, it’s all fair game.

As with most European cities, spring and fall are the best time to visit Porto. But the mild temperatures attract crowds, which brings up the cost of hotels and makes dinner reservations a necessity.

If your schedule permits, try visiting in April for sunny weather with a chance of some solitude. Plus, there’s a higher chance you can walk up to a restaurant without reservation. Always a win!

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Where to eat in Porto

Taberna Dos Mercadores: This tiny (and I mean tiny) restaurant only seats 12 people, so you’ll want to make reservations if you’re visiting during high tourist season. My husband and I ordered the seafood stew for two and enjoyed every ounce of the meal. Another clear standout was the flaming shrimp, it’s a must-order.

Casa Guedes: A very popular restaurant for sandwiches, this is a can’t-miss spot for a quick and cheap bite while visiting Porto.

Tasco: Quite simply, Tasco makes you feel like royalty. I don’t think I’ve had better service at any other restaurant, ever. Fantastic shareable plates with memorable fare you’ll return for.

Cantinho do Avillez: It’s impossible to find a “best things to do in Porto in 3 days” list that doesn’t mention Cantinho do Avillez and there’s a reason for it – this place is one of the best restaurants in Porto! We had the octopus dish and cocktails, the entire experience was such a treat and we can’t wait to go back.

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3 Day Porto Itinerary (Post Summary)

In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the best way to spend 3 days in Porto. In other words, the ideal Porto 3 day itinerary.

Porto Itinerary | Day 1

• Breakfast at Época
• Admire Igreja do Carmo
• Visit São Bento Station
• Walk the Dom Luis Bridge
• Sunset at Jardim do Morro
• Drinks at Yeatman Hotel

Day 2 | Porto Itinerary

• Livraria Lello (Famous Bookstore)
• Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower)
• Get Your Fill of Tiles at Sé do Porto
• Stroll the Cais de Ribeira
• Port Tasting in Gaia
• Dinner at Taberna Dos Mercadores.

Porto Itinerary | Day 3

• Breakfast at Confeitaria do Bolhão
• Admire the Capela Das Almas (Chapel of Souls)
• Tour Bolsa Palace
• Catch Sunset at Miradouro da Vitória
• Enjoy a performance at Casa de Musica
• Option B: Take a Day Trip to the Douro Valley

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Map of Things to Do When Visiting Porto for 3 Days