Steal My Porto Itinerary: 3 Days in Porto

I spent 2 weeks in Porto and didn’t want to leave! It’s easily become one of my favorite cities, and this comes from a travel blogger who has been to over 50 countries. I explored so much while in Porto, but at a slower pace so I could really get to know the city. If I only had 3 days in Porto, this is exactly how I’d spend it. Feel free to steal this itinerary, and for your 3rd day, I’d highly recommend a visit to the beautiful hidden wine region in Portugal known as the Douro Valley.

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Where to Stay in Porto

Porto is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. Plus, Bolt is pretty cheap here in case something is farther away. If you really want to be able to walk to all the main sights easily, I recommend staying near Ribeira. I actually stayed on the Gaia side, but it was so quick to get to the Dom Luís I Bridge from my hotel. I absolutely loved where I stayed because not only was it affordable, it had amazing views from my room. It was called the River Soul Hotel. Even the cable car was zooming by my window, such a sight!

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3 Days in Porto: My Perfect Porto Itinerary

Summary of the perfect Porto 3 Day itinerary:

Day 1: São Bento Train Station, Castro for Pastel de Nata, Capela das Almas, A Pérola do Bolhão, Bolhão Market, Majestic Café, Igreja do Carmo, Livraria Lello, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, Jardim do Morro & Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Day 2: Palácio da Bolsa, Porto Cathedral, Ribeira Waterfront, My Coffee Porto, Dom Luís I Bridge & Gaia, Gaia Cable Car, Taylor’s Port Wine Tasting, Vintage Newspaper Photo, Digby, BOSCO Porto
Day 3: Douro Line Train to Pinhão, Pinhão Train Station, Traditional Rabelo Boat Tour, Quinta de La Rosa / Quinta do Bomfim Lunch & Wine Tasting, Terraced Vineyards Sunset

For more detail, read my guide on the best things to do in Porto, Portugal.

Day 1: Downtown Porto

On Day 1, explore Porto’s historic downtown. It’s full of shops, cafes, and beautiful buildings decorated with blue tiles known as azulejos. End the evening with the most magical sunset I’ve ever seen at Jardim do Morro.

São Bento Train Station to see the beautiful blue tiles known as azulejos
Pastel de nata at Castro
Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) for more azulejos
Sardines shopping at A Pérola do Bolhão, which happens to have the prettiest facade
Bolhão Market for lunch
Coffee at the historic Majestic Café
Igreja do Carmo
Livraria Lello (reserve ahead)
A hidden garden in the city, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Sunset at Jardim do Morro & Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Day 2: Explore the Riverfront & Gaia Side

On Day 2, you will want to explore the riverfront deeply. The Ribeira is where all the action is, and if you cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, you will end up in Gaia. Here you can enjoy even more incredible views of the colorful houses and buildings while enjoying Port wine. This area is famous for it, and there are many cellars right beneath the Gaia Cable Car.

Palácio da Bolsa (needs advanced booking)
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) tile cloisters
Stroll the Ribeira Waterfront
Coffee at My Coffee Porto
Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge and explore Gaia
Gaia Cable Car
Port wine tasting at Taylor’s
Get your photo printed on a vintage newspaper
Dinner with a view at Digby
Sunset drinks at BOSCO Porto

Day 3: Day trip to the Douro Valley

I can’t believe how many people skip the Douro Valley! It’s the famous wine region in Portugal, yet many tourists don’t even know it exists. It was the highlight of my time in Porto, so don’t miss the chance to visit.

Vintage scenic train ride from Porto to Pinhão along the Douro Line
See the azulejo tiles at the historic Pinhão Train Station
1-hour traditional Rabelo boat tour along the river
Lunch & port wine tastings at Quinta de La Rosa or Quinta do Bomfim
Sunset views over the terraced vineyards before heading back to Porto

Check out my Douro Valley guides for more detail. Here’s how to take the Douro Valley Train. It’s one of the most scenic train rides in the world! And once you get to the Douro Valley, here’s what to do!

For more reading, you may also like:
🇵🇹 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal
🏰 The Ultimate Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon
☕ My Favorite Cafes & Brunch in Lisbon
🇵🇹 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal
🚂 Douro Valley Train: The Most Scenic Train Ride
🍷 How to Enjoy the Best Douro Valley Day Trip from Porto
☂️ The Colorful Umbrella Street in Agueda, Portugal
⭐ 8 Hidden Gems in Lisbon