I visited Portugal for the first time this past September, starting my trip in Porto and making my way down to Lisbon. During my trip, so many locals asked me what brought me to Portugal, which, at first, seemed like a silly question. Beautiful beaches, lush winelands, rich history, dramatic landscapes – why wouldn’t this be on my bucket list?
Surprisingly, Portugal has been a bit under the radar as a tourist destination until recent years, with tourism really booming in the 2010s. But boom it has – Portugal was named the World’s Leading Destination at the 2018 World Travel Awards, and the number of visitors has steadily grown since 2014.
While it doesn’t get as much attention as Lisbon, Porto is absolutely worth a spot on your Portugal itinerary. As I planned my trip, I wasn’t convinced that I’d need more than one full day in Porto itself. But after deciding to use it as my home base for a few day trips, I couldn’t have been happier with that decision.
Below, you’ll find a detailed three-day itinerary for Porto and its surrounding gems – complete with tips on what to do, see, eat, and drink, as well as practical details to help you plan your own trip.
Let’s get into it!
Fast Facts – What to Know Before You Go
Best time to visit: You’ll quickly learn that I’m a huge fan of traveling during “shoulder seasons” – right before or right after peak travel times. For Porto, this ideal shoulder season is April to June or September to mid-October. You’ll enjoy great weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices.
Portugal’s summer months are the high season, meaning more tourists and higher accommodation costs. Late fall and winter (starting in November) mark the rainy season, and many resorts shut down until Spring.
Official Language: Portuguese
Important: Portuguese is not the same as Spanish and some locals may take offense if you confuse the two. Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases ahead of time to show respect:
- Hello – Olá
- Goodbye – Adeus
- Please – Por favor
- Thank you – Obrigado
Currency: Euro (€)
Electric Plugs / Outlets: Type F
Closest Airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (also called Porto Airport)
Getting Around: Portugal is very walkable and has an adequate public transportation network of trains, metro lines, and buses.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping isn’t common practice among locals, though rounding up the bill is appreciated. In more tourist-oriented spots, tipping around 10% is becoming more standard. Check your bill – some resestaurants already include a service charge.
Where to Stay in Porto
For an ideal three-day trip, stay somewhere central, within walking distance of landmarks and transportation hubs, and close to great food and drink options.
The Ribeira and Baixa neighborhoods are the best options. I stayed at Locally Yours Oporto Apartments in Ribeira, which was perfectly located across from São Bento station and a short walk from Clérigos Tower and other highlights. The apartment was bright, airy, and super comfortable – exactly what I needed for my stay.
Three Days at a Glance:
- Day 1:Explore Porto
- Day 2: Discover Peneda-Geres Park
- Day 3: Wine tasting in the Douro Valley
Day 1 – Porto
If you’re arriving late morning or early afternoon, don’t overpack your first day – you’ll likely be battling some jet lag.
One of my favorite ways to get to know a new city on day one is by joining a free guided walking tour. Here’s why:
- Orientation: It helps me get my bearings and understand where everything is.
- Local Insight: These tours are usually led by locals, giving you a unique perspective on the city, its history, and culture.
- Meeting Like-Minded Travelers: When I join an English-speaking tour, I know I’ll be among other travelers who also speak (at least some) English. Oftentimes, I come across other solo-travelers in my groups, some of whom became dinner or sightseeing companions and long-term friends!
One of my favorite companies for free walking tours is SANDEMANs Walking Tours. It’s one of the largest walking tour companies in the world, operating in 20 cities across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
If you haven’t done a free walking tour in the past, here’s how they work: it’s a “pay-what-you-feel” model, where you join the tour at no cost but are expected to tip your guide at the end based on how much you feel the tour was worth (I generally suggest 10-15 euro per person).
This particular three-hour Free Tour of Porto took us to highlights like Clérigos Tower, the Sáo Bento station, Porto Cathedral, the iconic Lello Bookstore, and incredible viewpoints along the Duoro River. I booked in advance but it was possible to join on the day-of at the meeting spot.
Note: a must-visit spot outside of the tour is the Lello Bookstore (“Livraria Lello”), which is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when she lived in Porto. Be sure to book your timed ticket in advance online – this place gets packed. If you want the best photo opportunities (and fewer people in your shots), try to book the earliest slot of the day. Inside, the stunning staircase and intricate woodwork will blow you away.
After the tour and a bookstore visit, spend the evening strolling along the Ribeira’s riverfront, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying some local cuisine.
Day 2 – Peneda-Gerês National Park
While Portugal has many protected areas, it has just one National Park – Peneda-Gerês – and its spectactular. Located in the northwest of the country, about an hour’s drive from Porto and not far from the border of Spain, this park offers a breathtaking mix of mountains, waterfalls, reservoirs, and ancient surrounding villages, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Porto. The name Peneda-Gerês translates to “the park between the Serra da Peneda and Serra do Gerês,” referring to the two main granite massifs that dominate the landscape.
A bit of history: While you’re unlikely to spot an endangered Iberian wolf during your visit, these elusive creatures have coexisted with local villagers since the Stone Age. That coexistence, however, hasn’t always been harmonious. Wolves often attacked livestock, leading villagers to hunt and trap them for centuries. One common method involved fojos – wolf traps with high granite walls converging toward a circular pit. You can still find these structures scattered throughout the park, though they’re thankfully no longer in use,as the Iberian wolf is now a protected species.
There are several ways to get to Peneda-Gerês from Porto, including buses, trains, or hiring a car or taxi. Public transportation options are time-consuming, with the buses taking about two hours and trains closer to three. By far the most efficient option is driving, as the park is only about an hour away from Porto by car.
While you could easily spend several days exploring Peneda-Gerês, I opted for a full-day tour hosted by GetYourGuide that included both the park and the nearby, remote village of Soajo.
The day began bright and early with a pickup in downtown Porto, where I met my group: two girls from France, a woman from Romania, and a young man from Switzerland. Our guide, Diago, was a friendly and knowledgeable local who had lived in Portugal his whole life.
Once we arrived at the park, surrounded by mountains, we started a short hike down to a crystal-clear lagoon where we stopped for a refreshing swim. The spot was completely empty outside of our group – Diago explained that this was a hidden gem known mostly to locals. The water was cold but the day was beautiful and mild. After a fairly strenuous hike, it felt like the perfect reward. Along the way, Diago pointed out native flowers and plants, even letting us pick and taste some of the wild berries. While the mythical Iberian wolf remained hidden, we did catch glimpses of some of the park’s other wildlife, including wild horses, sheep, Roe deer, and goats.
We spent several hours hiking and soaking in jaw-dropping viewpoints, finishing our time in the park at another secluded lagoon complete with a waterfall!
After drying off, we headed off to the ancient village of Soajo, which felt like stepping back in time. One of the first things you’ll notice in the village are the raised stone structures that resemble tombs or masoleums. They’re actually espigueiros – granite granaries perched on stilts that have been used for centuries to dry and store grain safely, protecting it from rodents. Some of these incredibly well-preserved granaries date back to the 1700s!
Time moves slowly in Soajo and it’s worth savoring the experience. Wander through the charming streets, soak in the peaceful atmosphere, and treat yourself to some authentic Portuguese cuisin. The village is small and walkable, so an hour or two is more than enough to explore its hidden corners.
Day 3 – Douro Valley
One of Portugal’s most beautiful areas is the Duoro River Valley – a winding, picturesque wine haven located upstream from Porto and surrounded by vast mountain ranges.
I can confidently say this is one of the most breathtaking wine regions I’ve ever visited. Picture lush, rolling hills, winding rivers, and steep, terraced vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s no surprise that the Duoro Valley is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Much like Champagne in France, the Duoro Valley is the only place in the world legally allowed to produce port wine, which makes it even more special.
The best way to experience the Duoro Valley is by renting a car or joining a day tour through a third-party company. Taking a boat is also a scenic (albeit slower) option, and trains run between Porto and the region’s main towns. However, once you’re in the valley, public transportation is limited, so having a car is the most practical way to visit the various quintas and wineries. Just be prepared for narrow, winding roads!
For my trip, I once again opted for a full-day tour with GetYourGuide, which I found to be a super convenient way to explore multiple wineries and parts of the valley. The tour took care of transportation to and from the Duoro Valley, made all the reservations for wine tastings and lunch, and allowed me to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about driving – especially with all the wine tasting involved.
The day started with a pick-up from a central spot in downtown Porto. After the scenic one-hour drive, we kicked things off with a lovely boat cruise down the river, complete with wine and snacks to set the tone for the day.
We then visited two small, family-run wineries where we got to sample a variety of wines and port wines. The experience was more than just tasting – we learned about the wine-making and storage process, and at one winery, we even climbed into an old, out-of-use port barrel for a unique photo op!
If you’re not too tired once you return to Porto, head over to Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, just past the Luís I Bridge on the Gaia side of the Douro River for the best sunset spot in Porto. It’s a hugely popular spot among locals and tourists alike and gets pretty crowded, so get there early to secure a good spot. There are typically vendors selling food and drink, as well.
Where to Eat and Drink in Porto
- Casa de Chá da Boa Nova: For fans of fine dining, this two-Michelin starred restaurant will delight all of your senses. A unique building set on the rocks above the Praia da Boa Nova, chef Rui Paula presents a well-structured tasting menu which can be ordered with 6, 12, or 21 dishes. Vegetarian tasting menus are available.
- Musa das Virtudes: Located in the heart of Porto, this lively social hub features an unbeatable setting, surrounded by lavish greenery and trees. There’s an impressive beer selection available, along with a menu of yummy snacks and light meals – perfect for a casual afternoon or lively evening.
- FLOW: A culinary gem with a sleek and modern design, FLOW attracts both tourists and locals with a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, from seafood to vegetarian options.
- A Despensa: An Italian fusion restaurant with Spanish influences.
- Zenith: A fantastic brunch in town in the city center.
- Francesinha Al Forno: A real Francesinha cooked on wood stove in the city center (with an incredibly vegetarian-friendly Francesinha option).
- Bialounge: Cozy spot next to the cathedral with delicious tapas and a good selection of regional wines.
- Castro: The best pastel de nata I had in all of Portugal. Seriously, do not miss this spot!
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