I have created the perfect 2 days in Porto itinerary to help plan your trip!

Nestled along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with vibrant modernity. Known for its stunning architecture, delectable cuisine, and, of course, world-famous port wine, Porto offers an array of experiences that cater to every traveler.

I was in Porto for 36 hours and though it seems like a short amount I felt that I saw just about everything Porto had to offer. This is a perfect guide if you are visiting Porto for a few days or have a couple of hours like myself!

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to soak in the scenic views, Porto has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the perfect 2 days in Porto itinerary.

What To Know Before You Go

Language – Portuguese is the official language in Portugal. Though if you speak Spanish I found that it was easier for locals to speak Spanish than English. English though is widely spoken in tourist areas and easy to get around.

Currency –The euro is the currency used in Portugal

Climate- Porto has quite a Mediterranean climate. The summers are dry and hot while the winters are cold, rainy, and cloudy. Throughout the year, however, Porto is pretty windy. The best time to go in my opinion is April – September.

Safety- Porto was very safe, though I did not visit Porto on my own, I felt that if I were solo traveling I would not have any issues. Locals seemed friendly and walking around (especially alone) I felt safe. That being said, always be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of pickpocketing.

In case of any emergency, the number to dial is 112.

Daily Budget- I would budget around 35 to 65 euros including food, attractions, and accommodations (a hostel). Food is relatively affordable, you should be spending around 40 euros a day on food (or less if you are on a budget). Breakfast and lunch prices are cheaper (~5-10 euros) compared to dinner prices (20-25 euros per person). If you want to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations I would add another 50 euros per day.

The Perfect 2 Days in Porto Itinerary

Day 1

Take a free walking tour of Porto

the best way to make the most of your short trip is by taking a “free” walking tour of Porto! This

Climb the Torre dos Clérigos – Clérigos Tower

For one of the best panoramic views of Porto, climb the 240 steps of the Clérigos Tower. This baroque landmark, built in the 18th century, stands tall at 75 meters and provides a fantastic vantage point to see the city’s red rooftops and the Douro River. It is also said to be the highest bell tower in Portugal

Rua Das Flores

Rua Das Flores is a charming street in Porto, Portugal known for its picturesque cobblestone pathways, historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes!

Igreja do Carmo and right next to it Igreja dos Carmelitas

The Igreja do Carmo is renowned for its stunning architecture, and for its beautiful azulejos that depict scenes from the lives of Carmelite saints. Igreja do Carmo is located right next to Igreja dos Carmelitas just separated by the narrowest house ever (you can see it where the two white framed windows are located). Both churches are popular due to their architectural magnificence, historical context, cultural relevance, artistic treasures, strategic location, and religious significance, making them a must-visit for tourists and a cherished landmark for locals. It is free to enter Igreja dos Carmelitas, for Igreja do Carmo you have to purchase tickets to enter.

Porto Cathedral

A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto). This stunning Romanesque cathedral, perched atop a hill, offers breathtaking views of the city and the Douro River. Step inside to admire the beautiful Gothic cloisters and intricate tile work.

Sao Bento Train Station

Admire the stunning azulejo (tile) panels at São Bento Railway Station. These blue and white tiles depict significant historical events and cultural scenes, making the station one of the most beautiful in the world.

Get Lost in Livraria Lello

Book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike will be enchanted by Livraria Lello, often cited as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Its stunning staircase, intricate woodwork, and stained glass ceiling create an almost magical atmosphere. There is a rumor that is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing the Harry Potter series. Though it is not confirmed, the bookstore has some similarities!

It is 8 euros to enter and if you buy a book you get 8 euros off!

Jardim do Morro / Garden of the Moors

Head on over to Jardim Do Morro for the best place to watch the sunset!! The views and atmosphere are incredible here. Bring some snacks and wine and sit and enjoy the views!

Day 2

Wander Through the Historic Ribeira District

Start your journey in the heart of Porto’s old town, the Ribeira District. This UNESCO World Heritage site is characterized by its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, enjoy a coffee at a riverside café, and take in the vibrant street life. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Walk down Cais Da Ribeira

You can sit and people watch and enjoy the view of the iconic Luis I Bridge. After relaxing on the riverside you can walk across the river for some spectacular views of Porto and the Douro River.

Cruise on the Douro River

See Porto from a different perspective with a traditional Rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River. These boats once used to transport port wine, now offer scenic cruises that provide a unique view of the city’s skyline and its historic bridges.

Mercado Do Bolhão

Head to Mercado do Bolhão to sample fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood. It’s a great place to walk around and grab a snack/ a glass of wine (or 2).

Make sure to explore this neighborhood and do some shopping at the famous — st.

Head over to Mantegaria – The Pastéis de Nata factory, located – R. de Alexandre Braga 24

Here you can see how these famous Portuguese pastries are made and make sure to buy a few to indulge in.

Enjoy the views from Miradouro da Vitória

If you are looking to see Porto from one of its many viewpoints, check out Miradouro da Vitoria for spectacular views! You will not be disappointed!

Foods to try in Porto

Pastel de nata – A classic Portugese dessert. It consists of a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with a rich custard filling made from egg yolks, sugar, and cream.
Francesinha- Try this hearty sandwich layered with meats, covered in melted cheese, and smothered in a rich beer-based sauce.
Caldo Verde – Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup that is beloved for its simplicity and comforting flavors. When I was sick in Porto this soup was my lifesaver!
Porto wine- No trip to Porto is complete without indulging in some port wine tasting. Take a tour to learn about the wine-making process and enjoy tastings of this sweet, fortified wine.

Restaurant recommendations from my local tour guide

Café Santiago – 226 Rua de Passos Manuel – to eat the best francesinha in Porto.
BASE – Jardim Kiosk – Passeio dos Clérigos, 151 – Located at the heart of the historic center, nestled between the iconic Torre dos Clérigos and the renowned Livraria Lello
Solar Moinho de Vento – Rua Sá Noronha, 81 (near the University of Porto) – great authentic Portuguese food
Brasão Brewery (Aliados) – Rua de Ramalho Ortigão, 28 – can try the Bacalhau here!

Final Thoughts

Having only visited Porto for a short amount of time, I felt that I saw just about everything Porto has to offer when it comes to its main attractions! Porto is a small city but, it has so much to offer from museums to beautiful lookouts and great food. You can never get bored in Porto, it has a little bit of everything! This is the perfect 2 days in Porto itinerary to make the most of your trip. Unfortunately, when I went I got sick; nonetheless, I still had such a great time in Porto and I highly recommend visiting! It’s a great 2-3 day trip or perfect for a weekend trip when you are traveling around Europe and want to see a city in a short amount of time. I hope this 2 days in Porto itinerary that I created was helpful!

I hope you enjoyed this 2 days in Porto itinerary!