Epic 3 Day Porto Itinerary: Best Sights, Beaches & Day Trips

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Wondering what to do in Porto for 3 days? After spending a month exploring this beautiful city, I’ve crafted this 3 day Porto itinerary to help you experience its rich history, scenic views, and best vegan eats, all without the hassle of planning.

Whether you’re strolling through charming streets, soaking up riverfront views, or indulging in plant-based delights, this guide ensures you make the most of your time. It’s the perfect weekend getaway or a stop on your Portugal trip.

Just one fun fact before we start, in Portuguese Porto is actually called O Porto, which translates to harbour. Sometimes you can find the name Oporto in English as well.

Table of Contents

Getting There and Getting Around

If you’re flying into Porto, you’ll likely arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, which is easily connected to the city center by metro. Traveling from another Portuguese city? The high-speed train is your best bet, arriving at Campanhã Station, with metro and bus links to downtown.

Once in Porto, the best way to explore is on foot, the city’s charm is best experienced by wandering its streets. A 24-hour public transport ticket isn’t necessary unless you plan on venturing beyond the center.

Day 1: Explore Porto

Get ready for an action-packed first day! We’ll cover Porto’s top attractions, so you can relax at the beach tomorrow. Luckily, the city’s highlights are all within walking distance, making it easy to see the best of Porto in just one day.

🌍 Explore Porto with a Walking Tour!
See the city’s top highlights with an expert guide

Visit the Magical Bookshop Livraria Lello

inside the bookshop Livraria Lello — It can get very crowded in the bookshop

Though the rumor that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration for the Harry Potter universe from Livraria Lello isn’t true, this bookstore still feels straight out of a fantasy novel. Named one of the world’s most stunning bookshops by Lonely Planet, it’s a must-visit in Porto.

Entry requires a ticket, but the fee converts into a voucher for purchases, so consider grabbing a special edition classic novel as a unique souvenir from Portugal!

To avoid the massive crowds, get a ticket from the official website for the first time slot of the day. If you don’t book online in advance, expect a long wait just to buy a ticket.

Enjoy the View from Clérigos Tower

Clerigos Tower next to some colourful houses, a must stop on a day trip to Porto from Lisbon — Clerigos Tower on the left

Bronze plaque with city in the background — Clerigos Tower on the left

Very close to the Livraria Lello, you can find the Clérigos Church and Clérigos Tower. The tower is one of the most recognisable symbols of Porto and can be seen from many locations in the city. You can even climb the 75-metre-high bell tower to get a great view of the city.

I loved the amazing views from the top and the informational plaques. Some compare the Clerigos Tower to other towers worldwide, while others point out Porto’s main sights.

🤩 Don’t want to walk to the main attractions in Porto? Take a electric bike tour!

Take a Picture with the PORTO Sign

Located outside City Hall, the PORTO sign is a must for photo lovers! It’s a popular spot, so expect to queue up for a bit to get a good photo with it. The good thing about it being a popular photo spot is that there’s always someone to snap a picture for you.

Admire Porto’s Stunning Azulejos

Church in Porto with some blue tiles on the facade and people walking around in front of it — Igreja do Carmo

Church in Porto with blue azulejo tiles on the outside — Igreja do Carmo

Porto is filled with beautiful azulejo tiles, from ordinary homes to historic churches. The most striking examples are the Chapel of Souls on Rua Santa Catarina and Igreja do Carmo, which sits beside a hidden gem in Porto, the city’s smallest house (just 1.5m wide!).

For colorful azulejos, wander the Ribeira district and soak in the colourful facades hidden in its charming streets. Just keep your eyes open when you stroll through the city’s streets you can find the beautiful tiles in so many places!

Grab a Quick Snack

No trip to Portugal is complete without trying Pastel de Nata, the famous custard-filled pastry. While most are made with eggs and dairy, some bakeries offer vegan versions, Pastelaria Tupi is one of the best spots to find them!

Centrally located and budget-friendly, this bakery has a clearly labeled vegan section with a variety of delicious pastries. Perfect for a quick snack on the go!

Stroll Through the Iconic Ribeira Neighborhood

colourful houses with some chairs and tables in front — Walking down the Ribeira can’t be missing from your 3 days in Porto itinerary

View of the old town of Porto and a steel bridge spanning a river, the best view of any 3 day Porto itinerary — Walking down the Ribeira can’t be missing from your 3 days in Porto itinerary

Nestled along the Douro River, Ribeira is Porto’s most picturesque district, lined with colorful houses, narrow alleys, and lively cafés. Stroll the Cais da Ribeira promenade, soak in the atmosphere, and embark on a Douro boat tour.

No visit to Porto is complete without crossing the iconic Ponte Luis I. Once the longest bridge of its kind, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the upper deck for stunning river views or the lower deck for a closer look at Ribeira, the views are amazing!

🤩 Take a walking tour through Porto to see the top highlights!

Porto Cathedral

The cathedral in Porto is one of the most important Romanesque monuments in the city. It’s located right next to the top level of Ponte Luis I.

I personally didn’t go into the cathedral but it’s supposed to be nice inside. But even just walking up to the cathedral is very nice and it’s close to the city centre anyway. From there you can cross the bridge and wait for sunset.

🤩 Want to explore Porto without all the walking? Hop on an electric bike tour and see the city’s highlights effortlessly!

Enjoy the Sunset from Gaia

sunset over a river and a city — Enjoy the sunset

A lot of people sitting in a park — Enjoy the sunset

Cross the Ponte Luis I into Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its port wine cellars. If you’re up for a tasting, you’ll find plenty of options!

For an unforgettable sunset, head to Jardim do Morro, a popular spot, so arrive early for the best view. Nearby, Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar offers stunning panoramas, making it my favorite sunset viewpoint over Porto.

Go for Some Delicious Vegan Food

Mexican bowl and burger — Traditional Portuguese francesinha

After a perfect sunset, it’s time to try some of Porto’s incredible vegan food! My favourite restaurant is Kind Kitchen since they have a great mix of traditional Portuguese dishes and global flavors. But there are plenty of other amazing vegan restaurants in Porto as well.

A must-try traditional Portuguese dish in Porto is francesinha. It’s a sandwich topped with cheese and covered in hot tomato sauce. Many vegan restaurants in Porto offer it, and even some non-vegan spots have a vegan version.

Day 2: Relax at the Beach

After a busy first day, it’s time to slow down and enjoy Porto’s stunning beaches. The Foz district, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, offers the closest and most scenic beaches. And getting there is half the adventure!

Take the Historic Tram to the Beach

A ride in the heritage tram in Porto is on many to-do lists, but instead of aimlessly riding the tram just for the sake of it, why not take it to get to the beach? The tram sets off at the Infante tram stop, close to Palácio da Bolsa.

Regular transport tickets aren’t valid on this tram, you’ll need a special ticket, which you can buy onboard. I recommend getting a one-way ticket and getting the bus back. Ride all the way to the final stop and soak in the scenic journey along the river.

Find Your Favourite Beach

A lively sandy beach with sunbathers on colorful towels and umbrellas. People of all ages are scattered along the shoreline, some lounging on the sand while others wade into the ocean waves. The horizon is slightly hazy, blending the sky and sea. — The beach can get crowded

A picturesque seaside promenade with classical beige columns supporting an open pergola. The curved pathway is lined with flower pots, overlooking a rocky shoreline and a calm blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. — The beach can get crowded

Once off the tram, walk straight to the ocean. Stop by the lighthouse at the pier, or head north to discover a string of beautiful beaches, just pick your favorite spot to relax!

For a scenic walk, make your way toward Matosinhos, passing the Pérgola da Foz and Fort of Leça da Palmeira along the way. End the day with a gorgeous sunset by the ocean, followed by some delicious vegan food in Matosinhos.

Afterwards catch the bus, tram or underground back to Porto from Matosinhos.

🏄‍♀️ Take a surf lesson in Matosinos!

Day 3: Go for a Day Trip

On your final day in Porto, take advantage of its perfect location for day trips! Many destinations in the North of Portugal are easily accessible by affordable urban trains from the stunning São Bento Train Station, a must-see with its iconic azulejo tiles.

Wine glasses against vineyards in Douro Valley, Portugal — Douro Valley

Two boats on a canal next to a palm tree in Aveiro Portugal — Douro Valley

Pick the best day trip from Porto for you based on your interests:

🍷 Douro Valley: Best for Wine Lovers & Scenic Views
Explore Portugal’s UNESCO-listed wine region with vineyard tours, wine tastings, and a river cruise through stunning landscapes. A guided tour is best way to visit.
🏰 Guimarães: Best for History & Medieval Charm
Known as Portugal’s birthplace, Guimarães is where the country’s first king was born. Stroll through its UNESCO-listed old town and visit the medieval castle and palace.
🚤 Aveiro: Best for a Relaxed, Picturesque Getaway
Known as “Portugal’s Venice,” Aveiro is famous for its canals and gondola-style boats. Stroll the colorful streets, see the striped Costa Nova houses, and relax at the beach. While it lacks major landmarks, its charm makes it a perfect day trip.
📚 Coimbra: Best for Culture & Architecture Lovers
Home to one of the oldest universities in the world (a UNESCO site), Coimbra boasts a stunning historic library and the tomb of Portugal’s first king. It’s the longest train ride from Porto and departs from Campanhã Station instead of São Bento.
⛪ Braga: Best for Pilgrimage & Stunning Views
Braga’s highlight is the breathtaking Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary with spectacular baroque staircases leading to panoramic city views.

🌟 Want to make the most of your day? Many tours combine multiple destinations, like Guimarães & Braga or Coimbra & Aveiro!

Where to Stay in Porto?

I recommend staying in hotels instead of apartments, as the rise of short-term rentals has driven up housing prices, making apartments unaffordable for locals. Luckily, Porto has fantastic hotels for every budget! Here are three great options:

🏨 The Passenger Hostel: Best for Budget Travelers & Solo Adventurers
Inside São Bento Train Station, this stylish hostel offers dorms and private rooms. Perfect for solo travelers looking to meet people while staying in a central, historic location.
🌆 Porto River Infante: Best for Couples & Central Location
A 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Porto, just 300m from Ribeira Square. Guests love the city views and stylish rooms. Perfect for those wanting a romantic, central stay with modern comforts.
✨ Torel Avantgarde: Best for Affordable Luxury & Stunning Views
A 5-star design hotel with breathtaking river views, a rooftop pool. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with top-notch service, this is the perfect place to unwind in style.

How Many Days in Porto Do You Need?

I think 3 days in Porto is the perfect amount of time to see the city’s highlights, enjoy its beautiful views, historic sites, and amazing vegan food, and even take a day trip. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer Portugal itinerary.

Of course, if you have more time, you can explore Porto at a more relaxed pace, visit lesser-known neighborhoods, or take multiple day trips. You can also spend some nights in the Surf and Yoga retreat near Porto to properly learn how to surf.

Looking for more Portugal tips? Check out this Lisbon 3 day itinerary or this comprehensive Algarve itinerary.

🤩 Take a walking tour through Porto to see the top highlights of the city

Final Thoughts: Porto 3 Day Itinerary

With its stunning riverfront, rich history, and vibrant food scene, Porto is an unforgettable destination and three days is the perfect amount of time to soak it all in!

Whether you’ve explored its charming streets, relaxed by the ocean, or taken a scenic day trip, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your adventure.

There’s another way to experience Porto, from the water! A boat tour on the Douro River offers a fresh view of the city, passing under Porto’s famous bridges and showcasing the stunning skyline. Check out my guide for the best boat tours in Porto and start your adventure!

👉 Read my guide to the best boat tours in Porto!