Porto in 2 or 3 days - Visiting Portugal’s 2nd city
View over Porto, Nova de Gaia, the River Douro and the stunning Luis 1 bridge. Source: Winekeller
Why visit Porto?
Long regarded as Lisbon’s younger, quieter sibling, Portugal’s second city, Porto, is undergoing a transformation.
Famous for its history and its central role in the Port wine industry, it has also developed over recent years, into an incredibly cool and trendy place to visit - ideal for a long weekend break. Porto is definitely up there with the world’s top wine tourist destinations!
As a World Heritage City, Porto has a fascinating history, which you can explore by way of its many ancient cathedrals and monuments as well as its famous port lodges. Spending a few days exploring Porto offers the opportunity to experience the wonderfully laidback Portuguese culture and the warm hospitality of its people and to enjoy the city’s special charm, including it’s incredible light, especially at sunset and the beautiful “azulejos” or blue glazed ceramic tiles which adorn many of the monuments and for which Porto is famed (see later!)
In Porto, history and tradition sit comfortably alongside modern architecture and innovation. It has a wonderfully youthful, energetic vibe, with lots of busy riverside bars and restaurants, green spaces, bustling shopping streets, beautiful beaches and cool places to hang out, relax and admire the incredible views.
We visited for the first time in September, after spending a few days in the Douro Valley and absolutely loved it! So much so, we’ll definitely be returning! September is a great time to go - the weather is still warm and you avoid the heat of the high Summer. Spring would also be great!
Discover Porto - and more - in just 2 or 3 days!
The great thing about visiting Porto is that you can get to see and experience so much in a short time. If time is short and you’ve just got 2 days, you can spend a full day in the old city of Porto, discovering its history and its sights and your second day just across the River Douro in Vila Nova De Gaia - the beating heart of the Port wine industry!
If you’re able to spend 3 days here, then we would recommend that you book a day trip into the Douro Valley by boat, if you haven’t been before - an unforgettable experience discovering where Port wine is made!
And if you’re lucky enough to have another day to spare, then how about discovering some of the glorious Portuguese coast - or a day exploring another Portuguese wine region? Maybe Vinho Verde? Or Bairrada? Or Dão - there really is so much to discover!
A bit of background about Porto
Porto is located in the North of Portugal, on the Atlantic coast.
It is here in Porto, in the North, where Portugal was originally founded in the 12th century. It endured and survived a long and chequered history, witnessing successive waves of occupation, bringing with them many different cultural influences. Porto and its people remained unshakeable, leading to the city being known as ‘Invicta’ - or invincible.
The River Douro runs from Spain, through the vineyards of the stunning Douro Valley wine region and down into Porto and finally into the Atlantic. This beautiful river has played a defining role in Porto’s history and wine industry heritage.
The River Douro in Porto and the old ‘rabelo’ boats used to transport the port down from the vineyards. Source: Winekeller
Years ago, the port barrels were transported from the Douro Valley vineyards where the grapes are grown, in wooden boats called ‘rabelos’, where the wine was then aged in warehouses - or port lodges - in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite side of the river to the city of Porto. The Port wine was transferred to Nova de Gaia for ease of onward shipping, but also because the lower Atlantic temperatures are more suited to storing wine than the extremely hot temperatures in the Douro Valley. From Nova de Gaia, port wine was shipped all over the world, dating back to the 17th century. Stainless steel tanks have replaced river transportation and the ‘rabelos’, but the port is still stored today in these famous port lodges in ‘Gaia’ and exported globally. Today, both the historic centre of Porto and Gaia, where the Port Wine lodges are located, are together classified as a World Heritage site.
Getting from Porto over to Gaia on the other bank of the River Douro, is not a difficult task today. Porto is sometimes called ‘the city of six bridges’, unique in Europe. A key attraction and monument today is the central and most famous bridge of them all, the double level, wrought-iron Dom Luís I Bridge, dating back to 1886 and built by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris! Once the largest of its type in the world, it’s not so much its 172-metre span that takes your breath away but its staggering 45-metre height, which today provides visitors with incredible views of the city.
Getting to Porto
Porto has an international airport, close to the city centre.
If you decide to hire a car from the airport it’s just a 15/30 minute drive into the heart of Porto, depending on traffic. You can easily get a taxi or Uber, or you can also take the train. The train line from the airport takes you straight into the historic city centre (line E-Violet Aeroporto – Trindade). You can then link up with the local metro train service.
Where to stay in Porto
Look to book a hotel in the historic city centre. We can recommend the following hotels, but see here for other options.
Great location on the River Douro, a few minutes walk to the Dom Luís I Bridge, in the picturesque and colourful Ribeira district. A 4* hotel, very comfortable, with all amenities and an excellent buffet breakfast!
Just over the River Douro and in Vila Nova de Gaia, situated right on the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. A 4* hotel, excellent accommodation and fabulous views across Porto from the ‘Sky’ bar and the wine bar.
Day 1 - Discover Porto - What to see and do in Porto
Beautiful Porto with its historic Ribeira riverside area and old city. Source: Winekeller
Getting around
Porto is fairly hilly, but it is possible to see a lot on foot, being quite compact, with a little help from public transport. A good tip is to use the funicular, located just opposite the Luís I ‘road’ bridge, which transports you up and down the cliff side between the river and the historic centre. It costs a couple of euros each way but is a good option if you want to avoid a steep climb and lots of steps!
As well as the metro there is a tram system, useful for exploring outside as well as the historical city centre (line 22).
Hop on/off buses in Porto
Another good option is to purchase a one day hop on/off bus tour. The distinctive, blue ‘Gray Line’ buses take you to all of the main sights in Porto, including out to the beach area. In high season (July-September) they run every 30 minutes and a day’s ticket costs 18 euros for adults and 8 euros for children (Summer ‘21 prices). Note you can also combine the bus tour with a river cruise and/or port wine cellar visit.
Or perhaps take a guided Tuktour - a great way to explore the city and discover its secrets!
The river area and ‘Ribeira’
Depending on where your accommodation is you may want to start in this area or visit later in the afternoon - however visit you must!
Wander this beautiful riverside area and admire the great views of the Douro River and over the other side to Nova de Gaia with its port lodges, as well as views to Porto’s iconic landmark, the beautiful wrought iron ‘Dom Luís I Bridge’ bridge. Then turn around and admire the view the other way - the Ribeira quay is lined with rows of beautifully coloured, ancient houses, transporting you back to days gone by!
This bustling area by the river is where Porto’s role in the global port wine industry was formed and is the site of so many commercial transactions over its long history. You can still see the famous ‘rabelo’ boats moored up at the quaysides, which used to transport the port down from the Douro vineyards - although they’re replica tourist boats today!
Take time to wander down the quay and through the medieval streets, then enjoy a bite to eat, a coffee or a glass of wine or port (why not??!!) at one of the many bars and restaurants - and savour this special place, which really sums up the incredible atmosphere of Porto!
Take a panoramic boat tour
This is also a must for any trip to Porto - what better way to admire the sights of both Porto and Nova de Gaia, as well as the amazing bridges spanning the Douro connecting the 2 cities? There are several options to choose from and you can buy tickets from kiosks on either side of the river. We went on this BlueBoats tour, which we can highly recommend.
Explore the monuments in the historic centre of Porto
A good place to start a tour of Porto’s old city and monuments is the São Bento railway station, not just because of its ideal central location, but also because it’s an attraction in its own right. Stand inside the entrance and marvel at the walls, lined with exquisite tiles - some 20,000 tiles, depicting Portugal’s history and its transport evolution.
To the right of the station it’s hard to miss the stunning Church of St Ildefonso (Igreja de Sto Ildefonso), with its impressive blue and white tiles. Just up from here is Café Majestic - considered to be one of the most beautiful and representative examples of Art Nouveau in Porto and where JK Rowling worked on her first Harry Potter book, when living in Porto, working as a teacher.
Just up from the station is the Church of Santo António dos Congregados (Igreja dos Congregados), where again you can enjoy stunning interior and exterior wall paintings, depicting the life of Santo António.
Behind the church lies a beautiful tree lined promenade called Avenue dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies) and Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Square) - commemorating the 14th-century treaty between the UK and Portugal. Take time out to stroll around this beautiful square and elegant promenade.
You can then visit the Clérigos Church and tower (Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos) - one of Porto’s most famous and iconic monuments, dating back to the first half of the eighteenth century. You can walk up the tower and enjoy magnificent views over the city and the Douro.
Not far from here are the twin churches of Igreja Carmo & Igreja Carmelitas - once again marvel at the blue and white façades - especially on the larger of the two, Carmo, said to be a nineteenth century Baroque masterpiece.
Near here is Livraria Lello - a gothic-inspired bookshop said to be the inspiration for ‘Hogwarts’ for JK Rowling when writing Harry Potter (see earlier). If you’re a big HP fan, then stop by, but expect crowds of people! Also near here, stroll down the Galeria de Paris - arguably Porto’s trendiest street, full of bars and clubs and the centre of Porto’s nightlife scene!
Head back in the direction of the river, exploring the winding streets, shops and coffee bars and head for Igreja de S Francisco - the Church of S. Francisco - definitely worth a visit to see the beautiful gilt interior, considered to be the best in all of Portugal.
Then onto Porto’s Cathedral - not to be missed! Visit the interior of this 12th century cathedral, but enjoy the wonderful views from the square down across the old city and across the river to Gaia. The cathedral is located just behind the imposing Paço Episcopal - the former residence of the bishops of Porto. This building dominates Porto’s city skyline, standing high on the cliff side, looking over the river below. You can visit the palace and it’s possible to purchase a combined ticket, including a visit to the cathedral.
Things to do outside Porto’s city centre
Head to the beach and take a trip on the tram
Take a tram ride out to Foz and Porto’s beaches and enjoy the lovely scenery along the River Douro. Tram number 1 leaves regularly from the Church of S. Francisco and it will take about 20 minutes or so to get to the mouth of the river and the Atlantic. It’s a lovely place to relax and enjoy wonderful sea views and there are plenty of bars, terrace cafés and restaurants to help you pass your time!
Enjoy the parks
Close to the beaches lies the City Park - Parque da Cidade, which is definitely worth exploring.
The gardens of Serralves are also worth visiting if you have time and combine with a visit to the contemporary art exhibitions and the museum, the work of Álvaro Siza Vieira, one of the foremost architects of the Porto School of Architecture.
There are also Botanical Gardens and the Palacio Cristal Gardens - so lots of gardens to enjoy!
Day 2 - Vila Nova de Gaia and Port wine tasting!
Having explored the main sights in the city of Porto, it’s now time to immerse yourself in the other side of the River Douro - in the city of Nova de Gaia. Two separate cities, often referred to as simply ‘Porto’, but sharing a unique history centred around the Port wine industry. All that separates them is the River Douro.
If your accommodation is on the Porto side, cross the river by way of the famous Dom Luís I double decker wrought-iron bridge. You can follow the road across at the lower level - or walk across the top of the bridge from the old city, also a train line.
Crossing over from Porto to Nova de Gaia, on the right. Source: Winekeller
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
You can’t miss the Serra do Pilar Monastery, with its unique circular church and cloister, sitting imposingly on the top of the cliff overlooking Porto, the River Douro and the Dom Luís I Bridge. You can visit this former monastery, which dates back to the 17th century.
You can access one of 3 ways: walk from the old city of Porto via the top level of the bridge, take a steep walk up from the lower level of the bridge, or you can take the cable car directly there from the riverside in Gaia (see later).
It doesn’t matter when you walk across the top but you really need to do this as the views are just incredible!!
Jardim de Morro
Close by the monastery are the lovely gardens of ‘Morro’. By all means visit this hilltop green space, sheltered by palm trees, during the day, but the best time to visit is just ahead of sunset where you can enjoy the most spectacular views!
Enjoy a cocktail in the Vincci Hotel
Close to the monastery and the Jardim de Morro is the Vincci Hotel. We have recommended this for accommodation, but we also recommend ordering a cocktail here, just to enjoy the views from the Adega wine bar or the Terrace 6 Ponte Sky bar, Again sunset is a perfect time to go, but the views from here are just amazing, especially with views directly over the stunning Dom Luis 1 bridge.
Take a riverside stroll
Take a stroll along the Gaia river front. There’s always lots going on, with stalls selling artisanal gifts and crafts, boats coming and going taking people on river tours and there are plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants to discover! And of course, you can’t escape the opportunity to taste some port wine and perhaps visit one of the famous port lodges (see later).
See Nova de Gaia by cable car
If your feet are tired, give yourself a break and maybe replace the return riverside stroll with a cable car journey from the riverside and up to the monastery, Jardim de Morro and Vincci Hotel. The views are fabulous, but please note we did find it pricey - so just check the prices first and you can then decide how much you need to rest your feet!!
Visit the amazing ‘WOW’ - World of Wine
In July 2020 a highly ambitious tourism project was launched in Nova de Gaia. The ‘WOW’ - or the ‘World of wine’ - is a brand new visitor attraction and cultural, gastronomic and retail centre for the cities of Porto and Nova de Gaia, covering some 429,000 square feet and comprising seven immersive museum experiences, twelve restaurants and even a wine school!
A haven for the wine lover and the ultimate destination for oenophiles, this is a place to explore, to discover and to learn, about wine, about wine and food culture and about Portugal’s most important industries and traditions.
We took the decision not to visit the museums, due to time constraints, however we did browse the shops and restaurants and indoor space and were extremely impressed. Due to covid restrictions at the time of our visit, it was very quiet. This is a huge tourism project and is clearly the result of significant investment - we have seen some excellent reviews and really hope WOW becomes a major success for Porto and Portugal. See here for information on tickets and plan in time in your itinerary to do your visit justice!
The luxury Yeatman Hotel in Nova de Gaia, claimed to be Porto’s ‘best’ hotel, promotes a package combining accommodation with entrance to the WOW experience.
Book a Port wine tour
In Porto and Nova de Gaia, you’re in the home of Port wine. Even if you don’t normally drink port, but you love and appreciate wine, we would really recommend you book a port wine tour whilst you’re here. After all, not only is it wine, albeit fortified with brandy, it’s a huge global industry, dominated by some major brands and it’s a great opportunity to experience the ultimate in wine tourism!
Porto’s port lodges are clustered along the River Douro’s southern bank in Nova de Gaia, and you can tour most of them.
We visited Graham’s and were not disappointed….
Source: Winekeller
Graham’s Port lodge and wine tour
The Graham’s lodge was opened in 1890, the company having been formed by William and John Graham. The brand was taken over in 1970 by the Symington Group, who own 5 famous port houses today, also including Dow’s, Cockburn’s, Warre’s and Quinta do Vesúvio. The lodge is located on the Gaia hillside, about a 15 minute walk from the other port lodges at the Gaia riverside. It was a bit of a steep climb but was definitely worth it!
Note that Graham’s was voted no. 40 in the ‘World’s Best Vineyards 2023’ list!
We booked tickets for the ‘classic tour and tasting’, costing €20 per person. For that we received a very informative +2 hours guided tour of the port cellars and a tutored tasting of 3 ports (ruby, LBV and 10 year old tawny), in the fabulous tasting room.
Graham’s have 5 vineyards in the Douro Valley. All grapes are harvested by hand, then the wine is transported to Gaia, where the blending takes place, producing Graham’s typical style of port, which is fairly sweet. Some 4 million bottles are stored in the huge Graham’s port lodges in Gaia. It really is mind blowing to experience the scope and scale of this famous port brand and to learn all about its history, its current operations and its world-famous wines!
Following the tasting and finding ourselves a bit peckish, we decided to have lunch at The Graham’s restaurant, Vinum. This, we would certainly recommend, without hesitation. Not only was the food absolutely incredible, so was the view over Gaia and Porto. This lunch made our port wine tour extra special, but even without lunch we would highly recommend it.
The tour can be booked in advance online. All together a very informative tour and tasting combined with a delicious lunch in a very good restaurant plus a top view!
Other recommended port wine tours
Taylors - part of the Fladgate Group. Tours at this famous lodge are mostly self-guided, though you can book a private tour in advance if you prefer. Tickets cost €15 and include an audio tour that is available in 13 languages and the tasting of 2 Ports (white & LBV) . When visiting Taylor’s you might also want to book lunch or dinner at the Barão Fladgate Restaurant.
Sandeman - a highly visible port brand in Gaia with its black cloaked man. Sandeman offers a ‘classic’ tour that includes a tour and tasting of Ruby and Tawny Ports for €14 and a ‘premium’ tour costing €17 which includes a tasting of 3 ports. The ‘1790’ tour includes a more in-depth look at the facilities and a tasting of 5 unique Ports for €23. Sit outside and enjoy a drink here, enjoying the views over Porto.
The Calem lodge is located directly on the riverside in Gaia. They offer several options for visitors. The tour and tasting includes an interactive museum, a guided tour of the cellar and either a ‘standard’ tasting for €14 or ‘premium’ tasting for €17. You can optionally add a Fado show or add some food to taste along with the port wines. You can book your tour and pay for your tickets directly on their website.
Kopke Port House is the oldest port house in Porto, having opened in 1638. They don’t offer a tour, but they have a comprehensive tasting menu where you pair your port wines with chocolates. The flights start from €25.
Burmester started to export Port wine to Europe in 1750. In the 1990’s they also began producing still wine. Cellar tours start with a ‘classic’ option for €13, ‘premium’ for €17 and ‘exclusive’ for €20 per person, where you will taste 3 of their ports.
Day 3 - Discover the Douro Valley
If you have 3 days and you have never been to the Douro Valley, then spend one of these days taking a boat trip up the River Douro to see where the grapes are grown and where the port wine is made!
The Douro Valley is the most amazing place and as wine lovers who had never been before, our recent trip here was truly memorable. It is hard to find the words to describe how beautiful it is here, the scenery, the vineyards, the people, their history, their culture..
See our blog on our visit to the Douro here.
If you only have a day, then book a day’s trip from Porto. With Rota do Douro you can book a round trip from Porto to either Régua or Pinhão, by boat/rail/bus.
The Douro Valley in Pinhão, Quinta de la Rosa. Source: Winekeller
Other things to do whilst staying in Porto:
If you have another day to spare, then why not explore further, within easy reach of beautiful Porto?
Hire a car and drive south to the nearby city of Aveiro (an hour’s drive) - said to be the Venice of Portugal with its many canals and traditional colourful boats
Drive south to Coimbra (90 minutes drive) - a riverfront city in central Portugal and the country’s former capital, home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra
Drive north into the beautiful Vinho Verde wine region
Explore the stunning Atlantic coast - north or south of Porto
Useful tips for visiting Porto
Where to eat:
There’s lots of choice in the Ribeira district, as well as the riverside in Gaia - add to that the new restaurants in the WOW and you’re spoilt for choice! See here for some ideas and here are just a few which we would personally recommend:
Bacalhoeiro: A great place to discover Portuguese cuisine. This riverside restaurant in Gaia offers you tasty baked cod, grilled octopus and prawns, complemented with great wines! Bacalhoeiro is well known for its great service and friendly staff and represents good value for money. There is also a lovely ambiance with views across the river to Porto.
Grahams / Vinum restaurant: One of the few cellars that also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a great lunch or dinner. In nice weather, the outdoor terrace has amazing views
Taylors / Barao Fladgate restaurant: Enjoy stunning views over Porto and the River Douro from the terrace, or from within the restaurant, whilst experiencing traditional Portuguese dishes accompanied by great Portuguese wines, and of course a glass or two of Port.
Wine Quay Bar: Located on the Ribeiro/Porto side and offers magnificent views, lovely wines and some really good tapas.
More information:
For additional information and inspiration when planning your trip to Porto, visit:
Porto Sightseeing, VisitPortugal, VisitPorto, Introducing Porto
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has given you some insight into why Porto is becoming such a popular tourist destination and why we really encourage you to go there! In terms of wine, the main focus is of course port - a wine which is popular all around the globe and an industry of significant importance to Portugal. Especially if you combine a visit to Porto with a trip to the Douro Valley, this has to be one of the top 5 wine tours you will ever experience, anywhere. We loved it - the combination of wine, history, traditions, food, landscapes and hospitality is just second to none! Hopefully we have inspired you to plan your own trip and wine tour to Porto!
