48 hours in Porto: The perfect two-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   
   1. Morning

      Get acquainted with Old Porto and its 18th-century tower (1.5 hours)

      

      Start your day early in the Ribeira District, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Porto, to get acquainted with its narrow and colorful streets. Its tallest point is the Torre dos Clérigos that stands at around 250 feet high. Climb the tower’s 225 steps and you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal 360-degree views of the city. Get here early before a line forms, making your way via the Avenida dos Aliado, a grandiose avenue with impressive architecture that you’ll want to drink in before the tourists wake up.

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   2. Catch up on your reading at the ornate Livraria Lello (1 hour)

      

      Close by, you’ll find the Lello Bookshop, one of the most extraordinary historical and architectural sights in Porto. Dating back to 1881, its neo Gothic-style façade ensures that it stands out against its neighbors. Inside, a grand staircase leads to the first floor where a vast stained-glass ceiling bears the store’s, “decus in labore” (honor in work). Head to the store as close to its 9:30 AM opening time as possible, as it often has a line out of the door later in the day.

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   3. See the mash-up of styles in the Bolsa Palace before lunch (2 hours)

      

      Refuel your energy by savoring one of Portugal's gastronomical treasures: the Pastel de Nata. Grab one of the best in the country at Manteigaria, by the Torre dos Clerigos, before continuing through Ribeira to the Bolsa Palace. The 19th-century palace boasts a unique design thanks to the many architects, artists, and craftspeople who each put their stamp on it during its 68-year construction. Pour over the details, inside and out, with a guided tour and learn about its history and purpose in Porto today. Make the most of being in the area by finding a spot for lunch on one of the streets surrounding the palace and Infante D. Henrique Square. You’d be wise to try one of Porto’s most famous dishes: the Francesinha sandwich.
      

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   4. Afternoon

      Sail under Porto’s six bridges (1 hour)

      

      Looking for a new perspective? Head south until you reach the river, where boat cruises take off from Ribeira do Porto near Ribeira Square. Climb aboard one of the traditional Rabelo boats, which were used to transport wine from the Douro Valley, to learn more about the historic bridges that connect Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. The Six Bridges Tour, as its name suggests, neatly takes in all six of them, all the way up to the Arrábida Bridge and the sandy beaches of Foz do Douro, where the river finally spills into the Atlantic.

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   5. Cross the Luis I Bridge to the home of Port (1.5 hours)

      

      You’ll have sailed underneath it during your Rabelo cruise, but now it’s time to cross one of the most iconic monuments in Porto: the Luis I Bridge. It leads you to the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, which is the hub of the port wine trade — in fact, it’s where all the port in the world has originated since the 17th century. Thirsty? Drop in at one or two of the best cellars in the area: Burmester or Graham's Port Lodge. Their intimate guided tours sell out fast, so book in advance.

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   6. Evening

      Pick up sundowners at World of Wine for Jardim do Moro (2 hours)

      

      While in Vila Nova de Gaia be sure to visit the World of Wine, a cultural district full of museums, stores, restaurants, and bars that have incredible views back across the Douro River to Porto. Pick up a bottle of your chosen port, or a refreshing Vinho Verde (another local favorite), and join those in the know in Jardim do Morro, a hilltop park with seating that is perfectly placed to take in the sunset views.

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2. Day 2

   
   1. Morning

      Go up the Douro to wine country (9 hours)

      

      If your experiences of the evening before have left you wanting to discover — and drink — more Portuguese wine, a trip to the Douro Valley should be on your agenda. Spending a day in this majestic valley, dotted with picturesque vineyards, is not something you’ll easily forget. Besides the beautiful landscape, you can glide down the Douro on a boat, enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch, taste a variety of wines and get further acquainted with the region’s winemaking history.

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   2. Or start the day with a lively breakfast in Cais da Ribeira (1.5 hours)

      

      If you’ve fallen in love with Porto and don’t fancy leaving for a minute, stay in the city and begin proceedings with a lively but relaxing morning in the picture-postcard area of Cais da Ribeira. Take a leisurely walk along its riverfront promenade, capturing the best views of the Luis I Bridge, before settling in for breakfast at one of the many restaurants lining the waterside.

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   3. Reach new heights at Porto Cathedral (30 minutes)

      

      Walk to Porto’s 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral, which is built on the city’s highest point and has the dramatic views to prove it. The murals and gilt inside are a stark contrast to its gray exterior and entrance is free, but make sure you have €3 on you to visit the cloisters. Afterwards, make time to stop by São Bento Station to see an architectural gem that holds the country's history in its traditional tile panels — at least 20,000 of them.

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   4. Afternoon

      Go your own way at Cemiterio de Agramonte (1 hour)

      

      Fancy going off the beaten track? The Cemiterio de Agramonte makes for a peaceful, meaningful walk peppered with striking monuments, sculptures, and gravestones. Originally built for victims of cholera in the mid-1800s, it is now the final resting place for many important Portuguese figures and is Porto’s most beautiful cemetery. Don’t miss its Byzantine-inspired chapel, which you’ll find is decorated with Italianate frescoes inside.

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   5. Eat your way around the Mercado do Bolhão (1.5 hours)

      

      No trip to Porto is complete without a pit-stop at the Mercado de Bolhão, one of the best markets in Portugal. Packed with meat, fish, fruit, and flowers since 1914, there are also many cafes surrounding the stalls which are perfect for lunch — Lado B Cafe and Bolhão bakery (dating back to 1896) are the cream of the crop. No one will judge you for ordering another Francesinha or Pastel de Nata — in fact, it’s encouraged. Fancy something a little more structured? Join a food and wine walking tour and uncover the story of Porto’s traditional dishes, while relishing a few tastings.

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   6. Evening

      Find an urban oasis at the Palacio de Cristal (1 hour)

      

      If you’re looking to walk off lunch, make for the Jardins do Palácio De Cristal which has seriously good-looking botanical gardens and even better panoramic views. Sitting atop a bluff overlooking the Douro, you’re not far from Porto’s historic center but urban life couldn’t feel further away. From its myriad fountains and sculptures to the Concha Acústica (a stage shaped like a shell) and the modern Almeida Garrett Library, there’s plenty to keep you occupied within these eight lush hectares.

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   7. Experience the musical magic of a Fado show (1 hour)

      

      After another day getting to know the city, or after returning from the Douro Valley, you have to sample the magic of fado. Listening to fado music, while sipping on a final glass of port, is so intrinsically Portuguese that UNESCO has declared it part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Book a seat at the Ideal Clube de Fado Porto for a traditional show which is far removed from the commercial style often found in tourist hotspots. Or, oenophiles should toast to a wonderful two days in Porto at Cálem Cellar, where white and a special reserve port wine are served during the performance.

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