For many, 2 days in Porto won’t be enough. Not with all those stunning sights. Not with that Douro River. And certainly not with all that port. No matter how long your itinerary is in Porto, you won’t run short of options. Fear not however, if 2 days in Porto is all you have. You can still see all the highlights and then some.
We visited Porto in April 2019. It’s a delightful city that (like so many first time visits) we wish we’d explored earlier. In some respects it reminded us of Bologna. Something of a bridesmaid city that doesn’t always get thought of when planning a trip. And yet when you visit, you can’t understand why.
And like Bologna, this city is one that is best explored laid back. Eating all of the food. Taking solace in watching people go about their daily life. Against a backdrop of marvellous and unmistakable architecture.
Also visiting Lisbon? Check out our guide to Lisbon here.
We’ve pulled together our view of what 2 days in Porto could look like. Fair warning, it includes a disproportionate amount of eating. You will go home heavier than you arrived. But as you loosen that belt the following week, think fondly that the extra notch is thanks to Porto.
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How to get around Porto
Introducing the Andante Card
During your 2 days in Porto, the Andante Card will be your public transport weapon of choice. You’ll need this to travel from the airport to town or between metro stations. It’s €0.60 for the card and a journey will cost from €1.20 upwards depending on what zone you’re moving between. It is available to purchase from machines (there’s an English option) at the airport or metro stations.
Otherwise, walking is excellent in Porto. There are hills about, in which case a tram, a cable car or funicular will generally be on hand to assist. Most of the key attractions within Porto are within easy walking distance.
Porto Card
Purchasing a Porto Card is another great option for your 2 days. We didn’t as we weren’t interested in many of the inclusions for museums. If you are planning on visiting many of the attractions that the Porto card gives you access to, consider it with a travel card inclusion. If flying in, it’s best to purchase at the airport so you can begin to utilise its benefit immediately.
2 days in Porto
At a glance
Day 1 || Admire the artwork at Sao Bento train station || See Porto from the Douro || Get a little bit drunk before the sun goes down || Feast on Portuguese chicken
Day 2 || Start with a sweet Portuguese breakfast || Get above Porto for amazing views || Wander Porto’s streets || Visit the most beautiful book store
Day 1 – Morning
Opening up your first day in Porto is a trip to the Sao Bento railway station. Depending on how you’ve gotten yourself to Porto, you may have found yourself here to start anyhow.
We’re not heading out of Porto however, and this train station trip is to admire the station itself. This stunning station’s beauty lies in its main hall. Here you’ll find some 20,000 azulejos (colourful tiles). You’ll be more than familiar with that term after visiting Porto. These blue and white tiles are all throughout Porto and indeed a lot of Portugal. Here though, the azulejos tell stories as passengers hurry through to meet their train. Take some time to wander about and inspect. Decipher what they’re saying. And be sure to get out of the thoroughfare of oncoming passengers!
Heading out of Sao Bento, walk across the street and down Flores Street. Flores or Flowers is where the former flower market used to be. Today, it’s an atypical Porto street with buildings of a variety of colours. A range of shops, restaurants and bars adorn this street. You’ll find it difficult to walk down the street without popping in for a look or bite.
Head to one of Porto’s oldest neighbourhoods
Wandering onwards, you’ll find yourself near the Ribeira. This is a magic and bustling part of Porto. There is always something happening here. Getting lost in the backstreets is akin to getting lost in Venice. For your first morning, you’re heading to the waterfront also known as the Cais da Ribeira.
The Cais da Ribeira is home to countless bars and restaurants that you’ll inevitably find yourself at during your stay in Porto. It is also home to almost as many boat cruises willing to usher you up and down the Douro river. Now this might be about the most touristic thing you can do in Porto, but the crowds aren’t wrong!
Porto is built along the Douro River with 6 bridges criss-crossing the river. They all deserve to be seen, and a river cruise is absolutely the best way to see these. It’s also a nice way to get acquainted with the layout of Porto.
Day 1 – Lunch
After wiling away your morning on the Douro it’s time to seek out some Porto fare. Located on a river means that seafood is highly popular in Porto. Find yourself back into the windy, back alleys of the Ribeira. Be sure to take the time to admire the colours of the buildings. The old ladies hanging their washing out. And the waiter enjoying the last cigarette drag before lunch time really ramps up.
For lunch, head to Escondidinho do Barredo. If you haven’t gotten lost along the way, you’re not doing it right! You may well feel like you’ve found a back entry to someone’s home. Step through the door and mind your head as you enter. You’ll be greeted with warm smiles by a family preparing all manner of fresh seafood.
The restaurant fits around 16-20 people and at lunch time it is likely you can expect a wait. Don’t expect the family to move hastily because of a queue though. They prepare their food at their own pace with care. They serve up a range of small plates including cod balls which are famed in the area. Fresh as you like, you can watch them prepare your meal in their large open kitchen which takes up about a third of the restaurant space.
Prices are beyond reasonable. This is an authentic Porto experience if there ever was one. We do recommend exercising patience. Unfortunately not all visitors during our meal were able to. People seek out a traditionally authentic meal, but do not always allow the time to let traditions run their course. Don’t be that guy.
Day 1 – Afternoon
If you didn’t get a chance to get lost in the back streets of the Ribeira, now is your chance. Otherwise, head up top to the Dom Luis I Bridge. This bridge is often confused with being Gustavo Eiffel’s design. Indeed, Eiffel’s original design and plans for the bridge were rejected. He proposed a single carriageway. Through the next round of designs, the dual carriageway design was submitted by one of his students, Theophile Seyrig.
The double deck metal arched Dom Luis I bridge is also very close in design to the Pia Maria bridge just 1 kilometre down the Douro and also easily confused!
This afternoon, you’ll be wandering over the bottom level of the bridge. A narrow walkway exists next to free flowing traffic. Head to the other side of the river and into the suburb of Gaia.
You can’t come to Porto without trying port
If you’ve done any research on Porto yet, you’ll know what’s in Gaia and that’s port. I know some people that have devoted their full 2 days in Porto (and then some) to sampling the famous ports of the city. In Gaia, you’ll find a host of port cellars lined up just waiting for you to arrange a sample.
Now depending on the day and what you feel like doing, you have a critical decision to make. You can either take an organised port cellar tour or you can skip along at your own pace and sample some as you like.
On our visit, we sampled from 2 different cellars at our own pace. We had a beautiful day of sunshine to sit amongst, much needed after a couple of extra chilly weeks in Europe. Whatever you choose to do, there’s absolutely no reason not to enjoy some good port in this part of Porto!
Which are the best port houses in Porto?
We’re probably not best positioned to answer this. If you’re a port afficianado, I would encourage you to search high and low to make sure you visit the very best. You might enjoy this article on Porto’s best cellars from our friend Jonathan who has much deeper expertise here.
We can at least provide some detail. Kopke Port House is the oldest port house in Porto, so clearly must be doing something right.
You can’t miss Calem even from the other side of the Douro with its enormous exterior sign.
If you aren’t a massive port fan, you can also pull up a chair at Sobores D’Aldeia. Take some instruction from the very helpful staff on a sunny day.
Prepare for the most radiant of sunsets
With a few glasses of port under your belt, we hope you’re feeling happy. As the sun begins to set, it’s time to head to Jardin do morro. This large open space is near the Dom Luis I bridge on the Gaia side.
Depending on how you’re feeling after an afternoon of port, you may wish to catch the Gaia cable car up to the top. At €6 one way or €9 return it’s a bit steep in a city where that goes a long way. If you’re up for the walk though, that is completely free and might help burn off some of that alcohol.
The Jardin do morro is a special place on a lovely day for sunset. With views back over the Dom Luis I bridge, it’s the perfect place to sit back and unwind. As the sun goes down, the mist over the Douro catches an intense orange. It’s like someone is spray painting the sky. As far as sunsets go, this was one of our most memorable. A busker playing some mellow tunes certainly had a good pay day. Lovers dance and kiss. Friends hug and joke about. Sitting here taking it all in on the grassy knoll, this is what Porto is all about.
When you’re finished being serenaded by music and the dancing sky, head across the top of the Dom Luis I bridge. On the opposite side of the bridge there is a funicular. It ferries passengers down to the Ribeira. Or else head straight and you’ll be back in front of the Sao Bento train station.
Day 1 – Dinner
Reflecting on a day where you’ll wonder if you’ve done a lot or a little, it’s time for dinner. And is it possible to visit Porto or Portugal and not sample some Portuguese chicken? We think not.
Pedro dos Frangos does a mean chicken and chips. We’re unashamed to say when we weren’t able to secure a table, we were overcome with joy that they also do take away.
The restaurant is set up with stools at the bar with people chowing down on their chicken. There are also a few tightly packed tables. Chicken is always accompanied with a glass of port or wine. And the restaurant is constantly packed to the brim.
With our apartment just a 2 minute walk away, this was the perfect dinner for two lazy travellers. A full chicken and chips set us back €10. How’s that for value?
Day 2 – Morning
If you thought that day 1 of our Porto itinerary was heavy on the eating and drinking, day 2 will start much the same.
Also just a 2 minute walk from our apartment was the elegant and simple Confeitaria de Bolhao. With some modest seating at the back of the café, you can choose to dine in or take way. There is usually the odd table free and if you ask the staff will kindly usher you through quickly.
Here you can expect an array of diabetes inducing ‘breakfast’ options to choose from. Sneak a glance through the window on the walk in to avail you of the range of options at your disposal. When in Portugal, I find it hard to go past pastel de nata and the ones here were very good. No pasteis de Belem mind you, but very good nonetheless!
Only a couple of minutes walk away, it’s worth wandering to Rua Santa Catarina, the main shopping strip of Porto. Of note is the Majestic Café where JK Rowling spent time writing one of her many Harry Potter novels. It’s a busy café with an expensive menu, so we gave it a miss on our visit. It’s still possible to see the beautiful decorative features from the street. Expect to queue if you plan on dining.
At the end of Rua Santa Caterina, you’ll find Capela das Almas. The entire exterior of this chapel is decorated with azulejos in the middle of a very busy street. It’s a stunning feat of art just casually adorning the wall as the thousands pass them by each and every day. Given we stayed near to here, we always made a point of wandering by, mouths agape.
To mercado we go
During our visit, the famous Mercado do Bolhao was undergoing reconstruction. And from what we could see, it was quite significant! When they’re finished, it is going to be mightily impressive. We’ll probably just have to come back to see it for ourselves.
If you are a market lover, do not despair, there is a temporary location available. Most of the vendors shifted here, and you can still enjoy a convivial market atmosphere.
Day 2 – Lunch
Having had breakfast and then surrounded by food once again, we’ll make lunch a light one. Stop by Sandeiro do Porto for a delicious sandwich to fuel yourself for the afternoon.
It’s an intimate environment. Elbow to elbow with other diners with friendly and attentive staff. The sandwiches are a curious mix of fruits, meats and vegetables, and a range of combinations I’ve never considered little own eaten.
At €4.90, their sandwiches are a steal. Better still, splash out and get the lunch menu between 1200-1500. For €6.50, you’ll get a sandwich plus soup and drink of the day. Served on a warm ciabatta roll, it’s hard to go wrong. The clerigos is an excellent non-meat option with olive paste, feta cheese and basil. For something closer to Porto’s heart, try the Sao Joao with sardines.
Day 2 – Afternoon
With a satiated appetite, it’s time to head upwards. The tallest building in Porto, the Clerigos tower will afford you some expansive views of the city. Take an opportunity to stroll around the church itself before heading upwards. There are 230 steps to the top. Entry to the tower is €5 which gives you access to the church and museum as well.
With the lactic acid settling, take the opportunity to jump on a tram. Seeing Porto from inside one of these stunning, almost antique vehicles is an easy way to sightsee.
If you haven’t emptied your bank account on shopping, there are a couple more stores you need to check out. The amazingly named O mundo fantastic da sardinha Portuguesa translates to the Fantastic world of Portuguese sardines.
I can’t help but wonder if Willy Wonka was Portuguese, he’d have produced this shop. Porto is famed for their sardines, and this shop celebrates everything about sardines. Colourful tins adorn the walls, and you can even find a tin of sardines with your year of birth on them.
You may or may not come away with a purchase, but I feel you need to visit for the sheer novelty factor.
Near to this wondrous sardine store, you’ll find the Igreja do Carmo church. Adorned in 3 story high azulejos, this has to be another of the azulejos highlights of Porto.
Porto’s most famous bookstore
Rounding out the afternoon would be our second biggest highlight of our Porto trip. A visit to the ridiculously Instagrammable and potentially world’s most beautiful book store, Livraria Lello.
Not to be confused with a library, the bookstore is an architectural delight. You’ll need to buy a ticket to enter at a cost of €5. The ticket is a voucher, and can be used against a book purchase once inside the store.
Livraria Lello’s deep swirling red staircase, and stained glass roof make for the most stunning of interiors. Be sure to explore each corner of this store and its architectural nuances.
Tip: Livraria Lello is a popular book store. To enjoy shopping the store without an army of people, grab your ticket in advance online.
Alternatively, you can purchase from the store next to the book shop during the last hour before closing. Tickets aren’t sold during the last half hour, so you’ll be there when people are beginning to clear out. And you can also enjoy staring at the interiors without a worry of bumping into someone at every turn.
Given we’ve recommended this for your last afternoon, the bottom line is giving yourself time to get a ticket and get inside before closing. If crowds don’t bother you, by all means head here during another part of the day.
Day 2 – Dinner
We’ve given enough tips at this point for food we think you can choose your own tonight. Well, a disclosure. We ate at Pedro dos Frangos again on our second evening. And we have no guilty regrets.
If you’re looking for a different option, consider heading down to the Ribeira or Gaia. There are no shortage of good restaurants in Porto – just make this meal count!
When to visit Porto
Porto’s location means it’s a lot warmer than a lot of Europe a lot of the time. We visited at the end of April. The sun was shining and it got warmer as the day progressed. The temperature came down in the evening, but a jumper or cardigan was enough to cope.
Porto makes a sensible winter break option for those seeking some sun. It’s not what this Australian would define as ‘warm’ though. You will be a lot warmer than most of mainland Europe or the UK that is for sure.
Summer is the typical European conundrum. It manages to be pleasant most of the summer without oppressively hot days. It is however also the peak time for visitors. This means prices will be higher, and perhaps the city a little less enjoyable.
Our recommendation would be to aim for shoulder season here. Either April-early June or September-October. The weather remains good, there are fewer crowds and the cost should be more tolerable.
Where to stay in Porto
We stayed in a fantastic apartment called Your Opo Apartments in the Bolhao area. With a handful of apartments, think of it like a semi-serviced Airbnb. Our apartment was located just a short walk from both Pedro Dos Frangos and Confeiteria de Bolhao.
The bed was extremely comfortable. The room spacious. And the sun streamed in through the windows in the most delicate way. The kitchen was big enough for the both of us. Importantly, there was more than enough room for us to enjoy our Portuguese chicken from Pedro Dos Frangos.
A unique touch was the provision of a mobile phone in the room. We could take this with us, call the team to book us a restaurant, or make our own calls as necessary. We had our own local SIMs, but if you didn’t, this was a great added benefit.
This accommodation was a highlight of our 4 months in Europe on this trip. That said, Porto has no shortage of excellent accommodation options should this not be available or to taste.
Getting to Porto
Porto by air
Porto’s Francisco Sa Cameiro International airport has daily flights to most major European cities. We used it to depart to Barcelona afterwards. Getting to the airport will take around 20-30 minutes by car or 40 minutes via the very good metro system.
Porto by train
Porto is serviced by regular trains to and from the capital Lisbon. We arrived via train in the early afternoon. The train takes around 3 hours from Lisbon. We use Omio to search and book our trains.
We arrived at Porto Campahna after departing Lisbon Oriente. Both respective stations are well connected to their city’s metro.
We booked two days prior to departure. In the busier season, we would encourage a much earlier booking. It helps both from a discounting perspective and also securing a seat.
Other things to consider for your 2 days in Porto
Porto has hills. Nothing in comparison to its big brother Lisbon, but hills nonetheless. Depending on your level of fitness, you may want to carefully plot your route around the city. For the less able, public transport is a completely reasonable substitute.
This Porto itinerary is for 2 days, but there’s nothing stopping you compressing the key sights into a day. This would free you up to consider a day trip to the Douro Valley or nearby towns if that’s your jam.
You may have gathered from this itinerary that Porto is great for food. If you’re a foodie, consider spending more time here. We only scratched the surface. We felt like we were a little underprepared for the grandness of the food scene. So lock in more time if eating amazing food is high on your trip priorities.
Porto makes a wonderful addition to a longer trip in Portugal. Alternatively consider a weekend/long weekend break. We spent a total of 3 nights here which felt like the perfect amount on our long term travels. We’d have happily spent longer. We found ourselves surprised we hadn’t considered Porto for a weekend visit when living in London previously.
We hope you have an amazing 2 days in Porto. If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
What a wonderfully detailed post chock full of gorgeous photos and suggestions for Porto. We spent three weeks in Lisbon but did not get to Porto and now reading your post, I am very much regretting that. We will just have to go back. Oh, that library!! And hey, the best food takes time to make… I always am suspicious if my food comes out too quickly, whereas when it takes time, then i know it has been prepared freshly and has not been sitting. I know this can be hard to do when one is hungry. All the more reason to eat lots of pasteis de nata for breakfast to fill you p!
Wonderful post, great info and photos.
Peta