Four days in Porto is just the right time to fall absolutely in love with it. The tiled façades, the beautiful churches and architecture, and the riverside views are unbeatable. You’ll wander the winding streets of the historic centre, snack on one too many pastéis de nata (the famous Portuguese custard tart), and although there are endless things to do in this beautiful riverside city, you can cover a lot of ground in just four days.
Dare I say that I actually liked Porto more than Lisbon? Whether you are more of a Lisbon or Porto person, both of these cities should be on any first-timer’s Portugal itinerary. Here’s how I would spread out your four days.
Day One: Arrival & Old Town Charm
It’s likely that this will be the day you arrive if you are flying right into Porto or taking a train from Lisbon. So I’m going to take this day a little slower to allow for travel time, and to get checked in and settled in your Airbnb or hotel. When looking for accommodations, I’d recommend you centre yourself in one of the two areas: Baixa (downtown) or Ribeira (riverside). These are both very walkable to most major attractions.
Once you’re checked in, start your day with some fuel. There are so many delicious Portuguese foods that were on my must-eat list this past trip, so here are a couple great stops for lunch:
- Gazela Open 12pm-10:30pm, this is a must for trying cachorrinho, Porto’s iconic spicy sauce and cheese hot dog served on a crispy roll. It’s a budget-friendly meal, and they have two locations in the centre of Porto, basically across the road from each other (so if one has a line, head to the other).
- Pregar: Another must-have is the pregar which is a famous steak sandwich you can find at Pregar, a restaurant located right downtown, open 12pm-11pm on weekdays, and 12pm-12am on weekends.
Next you’re going to want to explore the old town of Porto. Porto’s old town is the kind of place where you’ll want to just wander. The cobblestone lanes twist toward the Douro, and every corner is so picturesque.
In this area, you’ll find some key attractions such as:
- Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) – One of the city’s oldest monuments, with a fortress-like exterior and sweeping views from the terrace. Open 9am-6:30pm (April-October), and 9am-5:30pm (November-March). Book tickets ahead to avoid long lines, especially during high season.
- Clérigos Tower – Climb the 200+ steps for a 360° panorama over the old town. Open 9am-7pm but there may be extended hours during high season, so triple-check their website.
- São Bento Station – Even if you’re not catching a train, pop in to see the blue-and-white azulejo tiles telling Portugal’s history. This is an active train station so the doors are always open as long as there are trains running (approximately 6am-8pm).
- Dom Luís I Bridge – Walk across the upper level at golden hour for unreal views over Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Since this is a bridge, it does not open and close. You can visit at any time and enjoy the views. It’s particularly beautiful during sunset on a clear day.
As you head towards the riverside, you can grab a table right by the water, order a chilled Vinho Verde, and watch the boats and people go by. If you’re here around sunset, you can catch fantastic sunset views to end your day.
To end your day, you can catch dinner on the Ribeira since you’ll already be there. I’ve pinned a ton of restaurant recommendations to this Google Map throughout Porto, so you can pick and choose based on where you find yourself at the end of the day.
Day Two: River Views, Downtown Gems & Local Flavours
On day two, I recommend that you book the 6 Bridges Boat Tour. You can move around this itinerary to make sure you book this for a day that the weather is supposed to be nice, but it’s definitely a great way to see the city from the Duoro River. You can book tickets in advance, which is recommended during the busy season, or you can choose to wander down to the riverside and book at one of the many tour operators. I’d recommend booking in advance to give you flexibility.
After the boat tour, you can grab some lunch. A must-try food in Porto is the famous Francesinha Sandwiches, the ultimate comfort food of Porto. A francesinha is stacked with steak, ham, and sausage, then covered in melted cheese and drenched in a rich, slightly spicy beer-based sauce. It’s usually topped with a fried egg and served with crispy fries. There are tons of restaurants that offer them on their menu, but here are a few that come highly recommended:
- Casa Guedes Rooftop (open 12pm-11:30pm)
- Cafe Santiago (open 12pm-10:45pm, closed on Sunday’s)
After you are stuffed with Porto comfort food, head to the Baixa area (downtown). Here are some things you may want to do around here:
- Avenida dos Aliados: This is Porto’s main street that is lined with stately buildings and is incredibly lively. It’s great for immersing yourself in the city vibes.
- Livraria Lello: One of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, this famous bookstore gets busy so it’s important you buy tickets well in advance. If you’re lucky, like we were, to be travelling in low season, you can probably just snatch a ticket right at the door. Open 9am-7pm daily.
- Igreja do Carmo: The blue and white tiles on this beautiful church are so stunning that it’s no surprise it’s one of Porto’s most photographed spots.
- Mercado do Bolhão: A beautiful indoor/outdoor market that is lined with stalls to sample local cheeses, meats, sardines, fresh fruit, wines, and more. Definitely worth a stop for some snacks. Open 8am-8pm on weekdays, 8am-6pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.
For dinner, you can try Portugal’s famous piri piri chicken. Piri piri chicken is a Portuguese-style grilled chicken marinated in a bold, spicy sauce made with chilli peppers, garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s smoky, juicy, and although a simple, local meal, it’s still so delicious. We had it at Pedro dos Frangos, and we were some of the only tourists in the spot. It was good and budget-friendly!
For dessert, you may want to try some of the famous Portuguese custard tarts, pastéis de nata. We made a point to eat at least one of these daily. You’ll find them everywhere, but there are definitely some spots that are better than others. Look for cafes making them fresh right in front of you. Many of the below have multiple locations and are open late.
Day Three: Across the River in Vila Nova de Gaia
On day three, you’re actually not going to technically spend your day in Porto, but you’ll spend it across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Vila Nova de Gaia is a short walk over the Dom Luís I Bridge from Porto and is a hub for the port wine industry. It’s lined with cellars that offer tours and tastings, and also known for beaches during the summertime, like Praia da Madalena. It is a must-do for at least an afternoon (and I’m saying this as someone who couldn’t drink on our trip because I was pregnant).
I have a full guide on Vila Nova de Gaia but here are some of the top things to do:
- Tour a Port Wine Cellar: Make sure to book these in advance, but doing at least one guided tour to learn about the wine-making process is definitely worth it. Taylor’s, Graham’s, or Sandeman’s are all popular choices.
- Wander the Cais de Gaia: The riverside promenade is perfect for a slow stroll with postcard views back toward Porto’s colourful Ribeira district. Grab a drink on a terrace, pop in for a port tasting, and enjoy the views.
- Visit the Beaches: We visited in January, so it wasn’t beach season, but if you’re there in the summer, you can head towards Praia da Madalena or Praia de Salgueiros for the Atlantic waves and breezy ocean air.
- Explore World of Wine (WOW): This complex combines museums, restaurants, and wine experiences all in one spot. It is a great place if you want something interactive beyond (or on top of) a traditional cellar tour.
- Catch the Sunset at Jardim do Morro: Jardim do Morro is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the Douro River. Get there early for optimal seating!
For dinner, you can choose to find a spot in Gaia, or you can reference my Google Maps list to find something back in Porto.
Day Four: Food and/or Day Trips
On the fourth and final day in Porto, you may want to take a break from touring yourself around and join a tour. My favourite kind of tour to do in any new city I’m visiting is a food tour. There are several companies that offer food tours in Porto. Some companies I’ve worked with in the past are Secret Food Tours, Eating Europe, and Culinary Backstreets.
You can also opt to take a day trip from Porto. There are some great options, but one of the most popular is a day trip to the Douro Valley. The best time to visit is in the spring when vineyards are lush and green, and it’s not too hot, or autumn during harvesting season. Mid-summer can be really hot, and obviously, in the winter, you won’t get the lush, beautiful vineyards.
There are a ton of tour companies offering day trips to the valley. GetYourGuide can be a great place to start, as they’ll curate a list of a variety of tours.
For dinner, if you’re back in time (or still hungry), I would recommend Arroz de Costelinhas (rice with pork ribs) at Solar Moinho de Vento. Make sure to make a reso in advance. This was one of our favourite meals in Portugal!
That wraps up your four days in Porto. It includes the perfect mix of history, food, and riverside charm. You’ll wander the cobbled streets, eat all the essential, local foods, and sip port wine. This itinerary gives you a taste of the city’s culture, and I promise you’re going to fall completely head-over-heels in love with it.
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