If you’re travelling through Portugal and plan to visit both Lisbon and Porto, this 2 days in Porto itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this charming city.
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Porto is packed with stunning architecture, rich history, and incredible food, and with a well-planned itinerary, you can experience many of its highlights in just two days.
Are 2 days in Porto enough? I think you can see a lot if you plan well.
I have visited Porto now three times and each time I discovered something new. I decided to write this Porto itinerary based on my own experience to help you plan your stay here.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from must-see attractions I enjoyed, the best places to eat, to essential tickets to purchase in advance.
I’ve included the best place to catch the perfect sunset and a brief city overview.
Nestled along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is a city known not only for its culture, architecture and its world-famous port wine.
The city is home to UNESCO-listed Ribeira, an atmospheric waterfront district. It offers some cool experiences, such as visiting wine cellars, tasting delicious seafood, and exploring historic churches adorned with azulejos (Portuguese ceramic tiles).
Prepare yourself to walk a lot, whether uphill, downhill or upstairs. So, comfortable shoes are essential here.
Porto hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, with the most famous São João Festival in June. I visited during this time, and it was incredible.
Expect fireworks, grilled sardines, hundreds of lanterns floating in the sky, and locals playfully hitting each other with plastic hammers.
Given its popularity, booking accommodations and major attractions in advance is best, especially in peak season.
Staying near the Ribeira or the Baixa/Sé district provides easy access to the city’s highlights.
2 days in Porto Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Porto’s Historic Charm
Morning: Traditional Breakfast and Iconic Landmarks
Start your day with breakfast at Confeitaria do Bolhão, a historic pastry shop known for its traditional Portuguese sweets and pastries. We had the typical breakfast here: butter toast with orange juice and coffee.
The place was buzzing with energy and honestly felt authentic despite some tourists.
Of course, this makes more sense if you stay in Porto’s upper part on this side. While walking here is nice, you can also easily catch a ride with Bolt or Uber for a few euros.
Mercado do Bolhão
If interested, you can also explore Mercado do Bolhão, a lively market offering fresh produce and local delicacies, or plan to return another day. You can easily see and try some of the Portuguese specialities here.
Maybe at least some of the famous Pastel de Nata, or why not pick up some of the favourite Portuguese sardines in a can?
The market is not too big, but it’s very enjoyable, and with the snacks and drinks by the glass (wine or Port) you can spend some time here.
Mercado do Bolhão is closed on Sunday but open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. The official website can be found here.
From the market, walk across the city and enjoy the architecture. The next stop is Livraria Lello bookshop.
Livraria Lello Bookshop
Pre-purchase early tickets for Livraria Lello a few days before. This is one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, renowned for its breathtaking Neo-Gothic interior, grand wooden staircase, and stunning stained-glass ceiling.
The bookstore is often associated with J.K. Rowling’s time in Porto, as it is believed to have inspired elements of the Harry Potter series.
Due to its popularity, long queues are standard; I booked a time slot but still waited about 30 minutes.
Booking in advance ensures a smoother visit. The credit towards your purchase offsets the cost of entry, as the ticket is 10 euros.
They print their own versions of classic books, and I got a small book by Bram Stoker—Dracula—but there are many others.
The bookshop does get busy and also hot, so I suggest booking a ticket for the morning. Here is the official website for tickets.
Alternatively, you could book this 3-hour guided city tour of Porto with a skip-the-line entrance to Levraria Lello.
Igreja do Carmo (small fee) and Igreja dos Carmelitas (free)
Up next are the two stunning adjacent churches separated by a narrow house. In fact, this is the narrowest house in Porto, measuring just one metre wide.
It was initially built to prevent direct contact between monks and nuns and is now a curiosity for visitors.
Igreja do Carmo is famous for its striking blue-and-white azulejo-covered façade, depicting scenes from the Carmelite Order’s founding.
You’ll find a beautifully gilded baroque altar with intricate wood carvings inside. Entry to the church is 5 euros, but it’s worth it for a glimpse. You might only need 15-20 minutes here.
Igreja dos Carmelitas, on the other hand, is free to enter and features a more subdued yet elegant baroque design. It was built in the 17th century as part of a convent and remains an important religious site.
The church’s grand interior includes golden altarpieces and a beautifully painted ceiling, offering a quieter yet equally impressive experience.
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Clérigos Church
After you admire these two churches, Walk past Clérigos Church, an iconic baroque church. If you’re up for it, climb the Clerigos Tower for panoramic views of Porto.
The 225-step climb is well worth it, offering spectacular views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and the Douro River.
Midday: Lunch and Riverside Exploration
Enjoy lunch at Concept 31 or A Sandeira do Porto; both offer delicious and affordable Portuguese sandwiches and small plates. I also love these little side streets in Porto.
You will also find one of the famous places to try Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria.
This famous Portuguese custard tart has a perfectly flaky, buttery crust and a creamy, caramelised filling that melts in your mouth. So good, trust me.
Pastel de Nata originated in Lisbon, but Porto has its fair share of excellent spots to try this beloved pastry.
Manteigaria is one of the most highly rated. It is known for baking tarts fresh throughout the day, ensuring a warm, crisp bite every time. Pair it with an espresso for the ultimate Portuguese treat.
Rua das Flores
Stroll along Rua das Flores, a charming street filled with boutique shops, street performers, and historic architecture.
(Sé do Porto)
Even if you don’t plan to visit Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), one of the city’s most important religious landmarks, make sure you come here at least to see it from the outside and for the view.
This fortress-like cathedral boasts a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
Inside, don’t miss the cloisters adorned with intricate azulejo tiles, and step onto the panoramic terrace for incredible views of Porto’s rooftops and the Douro River.
From here, it’s easy to walk down towards the riverside.
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Cais da Ribeira
Head to Cais da Ribeira, the picturesque riverside promenade lined with colourful buildings, cafes, and lively street performances.
You will also see boats floating on the river Douro, something you can do on the second of your 2 days in Porto.
Evening: Dinner and Sunset Views
Dine at a recommended restaurant in Ribeira, such as Terra Nova for fresh seafood (I loved the octopus risotto here) or Taberna dos Mercadores for traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a stunning sunset view from Jardim do Morro.
It is a bit of a walk and workout, but it is worth it. Depending on the season, the sunset occurs at different times, so you can also have dinner afterwards.
Optional: Enjoy a port wine tasting at one of the famous cellars in Gaia. Numerous places offer port tasting, but most close by 7 p.m., so plan to do it earlier. I highly recommend this Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting Evening Tour.
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Day 2: Day Trips and Hidden Gems
On the second day of the 2 days in Porto, you could start with a day trip to the Duoro Valley.
This usually takes 8 to 10 hours, but it is well worth it if you wish to see the outside of Porto, learn more about wine and taste some. Otherwise, explore Porto on this morning cruise and see a few more sights.
Morning: Miradouros and Boat Tour
Walk to Miradouro da Vitória, a hidden viewpoint with stunning city views. Once again, assume you are staying up in this part of Porto.
After the viewpoint, head down to the river cruise.
Douro River cruise
Embark on a Douro River cruise, either this hour-long 6-bridge tour or a full-day trip into the Douro Valley. The river cruise usually departs every half hour to every hour.
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Midday: Lunch and Palácio da Bolsa
Have lunch at a local seafood spot, and try bacalhau (salted cod) or grilled octopus. Cod is something you should try at least once when in Porto.
Our post about the 20 foods from Portugal you need to try will help you to make the best food choices!
You will finish your morning cruise here along the river so there are many options. Of course, if you like the market vibes, you could visit Mercado do Bolhão but if you are heading to Palacio da Bolsa, which is very close to here, it makes sense to eat around the waterfront.
Palácio da Bolsa
If you enjoy architecture, visit Palácio da Bolsa, the grand Stock Exchange Palace, which has a jaw-dropping Moorish-style Arabian Room.
The visit is only done by a guided tour that lasts about an hour and is offered in different languages. You can check online and pre-book here on the website.
Afternoon: Gardens and Street Art
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Our accommodation in Porto was very close to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, beautifully landscaped gardens with sweeping views over the Douro.
While you might not feel like walking up here from the river, it is worth seeing if you stay on this side of the town.
We also explored Porto’s street art, with impressive murals along Rua de Miguel Bombarda.
Evening: Coastal Walk and Seafood Dinner
Historic tram to Foz do Douro
Take the historic tram to Foz do Douro, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The old trams of Porto are iconic, especially tram Linha 1.
The Linha 1 tram departs from Infante and extends to the Passeio Alegre Park in the Foz district.
This is a superb route, as the tram trundles along the banks of the Douro River and passes beneath the Ponte da Arrábida bridge.
Felgueiras Lighthouse
Walk along the seaside promenade, stopping by the scenic Felgueiras Lighthouse. This striking red-and-white lighthouse stands at the edge of a long stone pier where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Initially built in the late 19th century, the lighthouse has long guided sailors safely into Porto’s harbour.
On a windy day, waves often crash dramatically against the pier, creating a stunning and dramatic sight—one of the most photographed spots along the coast. So don’t worry about the wind; it kind of makes it special.
If the weather is calm, you can stroll along the pier for a closer look at the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic.
It’s a perfect spot to soak in the fresh ocean breeze, watch the sunset, or just admire the raw beauty of Porto’s coastline.
Nearby, you’ll find seaside cafés and restaurants where you can relax with a coffee or a seafood dish while enjoying the view.
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a coastal restaurant before heading back to central Porto for a final evening stroll—the perfect way to finish your two days in Porto.
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Where to Stay in Porto
Porto offers many accommodations, from boutique hotels to budget-friendly stays.
Here are five excellent options to consider:
- Limehome Porto Rua 31 de Janeiro – A stylish and modern aparthotel offering spacious rooms with a contemporary design. I stayed here myself and loved the convenient location, comfortable beds, and well-equipped kitchenette, making it a great choice for a longer stay. View this property.
- The Yeatman – A luxury wine hotel with stunning views over the Douro River. If you’re a wine lover, this is the place to stay, with an extensive wine cellar and a Michelin-starred restaurant. View this property.
- RS Porto Historic Center – RS Porto Historic Center offers accommodation within 300m of the centre of Porto. This property offers excellent value for money. View this property.
- Casa do Conto – A boutique design hotel with a unique, minimalist aesthetic. The concrete interiors, artistic details, and warm hospitality make it a great option for travellers looking for something different. View this property.
- Being Porto Hostel – A fantastic choice for budget travellers and digital nomads. Located 100m from Ferreira Borges Market and 200m from Palacio da Bolsa. The hostel offers shared and private accommodation and a shared lounge. View this property.
Final Thoughts on this 2 days in Porto Itinerary
I fell in love with Porto the first time I visited.
The city is just different, in the best possible way. Spending 2 days in Porto will leave you amazed by its old-world charm, stunning views, and incredible food.
If you have 3 days in Porto, consider a day trip to the Douro Valley’s vineyards or this half-day tour to explore the fairytale town of Aveiro.
Don’t miss reading our perfect itinerary for 2 days in Lisbon.
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