Porto – a lively city with rich history, beautiful architecture, and a picturesque waterfront. I fell in love with Porto almost immediately. While it is Portugal’s second biggest city (behind Lisbon), it maintains its historic charm and laid-back vibe. The historic center of Porto can be explored on foot within just a couple of days, so if you’re short on time you can still see quite a few highlights and experience the culture of the region. Here’s our weekend itinerary in the beautiful city of Porto!
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Day One: East Porto
I’m all about maximum efficiency when planning an itinerary for just a weekend. It’s the only way to make sure you have enough time to see everything! For this reason, I split Porto into an eastern half and a western half. We had plenty of time to see everything without spending too much time walking back and forth between attractions/restaurants/etc.
Porto is an incredibly walkable city! We didn’t use public transportation or taxis once (with the exception of to/from the airport). I always recommend walking everywhere if you’re physically able as it is truly the best way to see a city!
See the Azulejos at Capela Das Almas
Azulejo tiles can be found all over Portugal. These beautiful tiles date back to the 13th century, where they were originally used for durability and protection from harsh weather conditions. Around the 16th century, artisans began painting beautiful murals and depictions of biblical and mythological scenes. Now, these azulejos still remain to celebrate the history of Portugal and the beauty of the art form.
Some of the most vibrant azulejos can be found at Capela das Almas (translating into “Chapel of Souls”). We just admired the tiles from the exterior, but you’re able to visit the interior for free (just check their schedule beforehand, mass is held seven days a week here).
Grab a Bite at Mercado do Bolhao
Ask a Porto local what you should do during your time in the city and they’ll recommend this market every time. It’s a must do! The market houses over 80 local farmers and vendors and offers plenty of fresh meats and produce to take home and prepare, as well as ready-to-eat foods too! The flower selection is incredible, and there’s port wine for days. Grab a glass and spend your afternoon perusing the variety of stands and shops. We decided on some fresh meats and cheeses, olives, honey, and fruit for a bit of a DIY charcuterie board! Find a spot on the steps to eat, drink, and socialize with the Portuguese natives.
Igreja de Ildefenso
Igreja de Ildefenso is another beautiful 18th century church covered in azulejo tiles. The tiles here depict the life of Saint Ildefenso (whom the church was constructed after) and stories from the gospels. It’s located on the Batalha square, which hosts a variety of restaurants and cafés if you’re so inclined.
Sao bento train station
One of the most beautiful train stations in the world, São Bento’s interior is decorated with over 20 thousand azulejos.
Explore the Riberia Neighborhood
Head south toward the bridge through the Riberia neighborhood. This charming neighborhood sits right on the riverbank of the Douro. The winding cobblestone streets will lead you through colorful townhouses, small bars, and restaurants. It’s one of the liveliest areas of Porto and is a great spot to grab a pre-dinner drink!
Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge
You can’t visit Porto without visiting the Dom Luís Bridge. Pedestrians can walk along the lower level into Vila Nova de Gaia or stroll along the upper level for a birds-eye view of the city. Either way, the views from both sides across the river are stunning. Once you cross the bridge into Gaia, there are several port wine cellars to stop in and enjoy a tasting. Bars and restaurants line the riverfront offering incredible views of the colorful townhouses of Riberia. It’s a lovely place to spend the evening and watch the sunset!
If port wine is too sweet for you, Portugal is also known for Vinho Verde (green wine). It’s not actually green – the name refers to the lush green vineyards in the region where the grapes are produced. The wine is light, refreshing, and generally pretty dry. I’m not a huge fan of sweet wines, so I opted for Vinho Verde instead!
Day Two: West Porto
Igreja do Carmo + DOS Carmelitas
This might have been my favorite of the three azulejo covered churches on this itinerary because it was just so interesting. Usually I’m not one to get that excited about visiting a church as they can get a bit repetitive but I spent the 5€ here to venture inside. The outside of the church is gorgeous, with light blue azulejos sprawled over the entire side of the building. But the interior is what makes it so interesting. The building appears to be one massive church, but it’s actually two separate churches with a hidden house in between. The Igreja do Carmo belonged to the monks, and the Igreja Dos Carmelitas to the nuns. It is believed that the house was in place to prevent nuns and monks from mingling. The hidden house is only three-feet wide and was actually inhabited up until the 1980s!
The clerigos tower
The Clerigos tower might be one of the most famous landmarks in Porto. The beautiful baroque tower is the tallest in the city, and offers incredible views of Porto (if you’re willing to take the 240 steps up to the top). It does get quite busy during the day and we visited in peak season, so we decided against waiting in line to get to the top. If this is a must-do for you, I recommend getting here early to avoid the line!
Grab a drink at Base
Just next to to the Clerigos Tower is a grassy outdoor bar called Base. It’s fairly large area with couches, high top tables, and beanbags under the trees. This was the most gorgeous way to spend the afternoon and actually ended up being one of our highlights in Porto! Lean up against a tree with a spritz and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere right in the middle of the city.
nerd out at livraria lello
Harry Potter lovers, this one’s for you. While writing the books, JK Rowling worked in Porto as an English teacher. It is said that she drew inspiration from this bookstore when writing Harry Potter. While this hasn’t been confirmed or denied, the bookshop really does seem like a place straight out of Hogwarts. Beware, though – this was the most touristy spot we visited in Portugal. You will have to purchase a ticket online and choose an entry time, then wait in a queue to enter. (Granted, this was during the peak season in July.) I would recommend going either right when they open, or right before closing.
get dinner at flow
This was one of our best meals in Portugal! The food and service was unmatched and the ambience is stunning. I HIGHLY recommend the pork! Make a reservation here.
Finish up the day with a pastel de nata
I simply couldn’t make an itinerary for Portugal without including trying one of their famous pastries. These delicious custard-filled pastries are mouthwatering and we couldn’t get enough of them during our time in Portugal. My favorite spot was Manteigaria, a shop that literally ONLY sells pasteis de nata. They’re made fresh and pair great with an espresso and some people watching.
Where to Stay in Porto
We stayed at Pause Apartments in East Porto, about a 15 minute walk from the historic downtown. The location was fantastic, we felt so close to everything!
The rooms are quite affordable as well, starting at about 100€/night. Each room is different, some offering a balcony or patio.
Know Before You Go
BEST TIME TO GO | Porto is a bit cooler than some other regions in Portugal. We visited in July and the weather was incredible – 75°F (24°C) and sunny every day. July and August are also the busiest months, so you’ll get fewer crowds the spring and fall with slightly cooler temperatures – 65°F (18°C).
CURRENCY | The Euro
POWER OUTLETS | Type C and F
LANGUAGE | Portuguese, but many locals speak English and Spanish as well.