Itineraries for Your Trip to Porto
2 Days in Porto for First Timers
Before I visited Porto for the first time, I’m embarrassed to admit that I expected it to be a less-good Lisbon. Even writing that makes my cheeks burn—it couldn’t be further from the truth, as I’ve learned over several visits to Portugal’s culture-packed and character-rich second city.
Whether you’re wandering cobbled streets lined with Gothic architecture, sipping a ruby red port by the river, or even taking a day trip to the UNESCO–listed Douro Valley during your two days in Porto, there’s so much to love here. This 2-day Porto itinerary for first timers is sure to help you adore this highlight of Northern Portugal as much as I do.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a tour of the port wine cellars.
Unlike its southern sister, the Algarve, Porto is prone to rain showers year-round; bring a brolly, even in summer.
There’s so much to see and do in Porto that knowing where to start can be tough, so get an overview of its highlights on a walking tour. Pose for pictures outside the Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto), a buffet of architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to baroque, and stroll past Igreja do Carmo from the 18th century.
No trip to Porto would be complete without sampling the wine it's named after, so relax after a busy morning with an afternoon tour of the city’s historic port wine cellars. You’ll learn about port production in the Douro Valley, plus taste seven different types and identify what makes Porto’s port so popular around the world.
After a day of non-stop sightseeing, get a fresh perspective on Porto’s land-based attractions during a sunset sail on the Douro River (Rio Douro). Cruise past the dramatic Dom Luis Bridge (Ponte de Dom Luis I)—which you can climb if you’re feeling adventurous—and sip more port wine as you sail and enjoy the views.
Spend your second morning in Porto ticking off more historical attractions in the city center on an electric tuk-tuk tour that lets you cover more sights in less time. Travel down the bustling Rua Santa Catarina shopping street and see Clérigos Church and Tower (Torre & Igreja dos Clérigos), the city’s architectural symbol—you can climb to the top of its bell tower for panoramic views of the city.
After lunch, head to São Bento Railway Station (Porto São Bento) for some inspiration before your afternoon activity. Gaze at floor-to-ceiling azulejo tiles in shades of blue and white before trying your hand at designing your own tile during a painting workshop designed to help you unleash your creative side.
Just before it closes, pop into Livraria Lello, hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops—it’s also rumored to have been the inspiration for Harry Potter, so it attracts many fans of the famous wizard. Then, round out your time with an evening tour that reveals illuminated landmarks and includes a fado show, so you can experience the moving Portuguese musical tradition over dinner.
