If you’re planning a trip to Porto, four days is the perfect amount of time to soak in the "Invicta" city. From the tiled streets of Old Town to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, here is your curated guide to the very best of Porto.
- Best Time to Visit: Shoulder seasons (March–June or Sept–Oct) for the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Walking is the best way to see the city. Wear comfortable shoes; those hills are real.
- Where to Stay: Near São Bento Station for central access to everything.
Day 1: Potter & Port
Start your journey with a mix of magic and the city's most famous export.
Morning: A Potterhead Pilgrimage
Start off a little kitschy and get your footing with a Harry Potter themed walking tour. Porto is famously linked to the wizarding world through J.K. Rowling’s time living there in the early 1990s, and several walking tours celebrate the magic with some iconic stops around Old Town.
- Best Tour: Harry Potter and the City of Porto led by Vinicius (Vini). He blends history with Rowling’s personal journey.
Lunch: The Bourdain Special
- Best Lunch Spot: Gazela Cachorrinhos da Batalha.
- What To Order: Their famous spicy, pressed hot dog sandwiches. Even as a health-nut, I couldn't deny this salty, crispy masterpiece.
Afternoon: The Gaia Revelation
Walk across the iconic Luis Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic hub of Port wine featuring over 60 wine houses. Even if you’re not a "port person," you might just become one by the time you leave; Gaia has a way of converting you.
- Best Winery: Skip the big, commercial, impersonal caves and head to intimate Vasque De Carvalho.
- Pro Tip: Their red ports are phenomenal, but don’t you dare leave without trying their porto tonic. It will convert you.
Evening: Sunset & Tapas
- Sunset Drinks: Head to Base Porto, a trendy open-air bar with bean bags overlooking the Clérigos Tower.
- Dinner: Taberna Folias de Baco. They serve exceptional natural wines from their own vineyards in the Douro Valley.
Day 2: The Douro River Excursion
Escape the city streets for a day of "slow travel" on the water. Take a boat tour from Porto to Pinhão in the heart of the Douro Valley.
- Best Boat Tour: Douro Acima offers an all-day excursion that includes breakfast and lunch served on board.
- The Return: After the boat ride ends, spend an hour soaking up the vineyard scenery before taking the scenic train back to Porto.
Day 3: Coastal Urban Hike & Techno Dungeon
Today is about contrast—from fresh sea breezes to underground beats.
Morning: Urban Hiking to the Beach
See more by walking the 7km along the river to Douro Cabedelo Beach at the river mouth.
Lunch: Stop at Casa do F.C. Porto na Afurada near the fishing docks for the freshest grilled sardines you'll ever taste.
Evening: Jazz and Tapas
Jump in a rideshare back to the center and dive into the local nightlife.
- Best Tapas Bar: Taberna Aduela. You must order the mushroom brie toast.
- Live Music: Catch a set at Hotfive Blues and Jazz Club.
Late Night: Dance the Night Away
- Best Club: Head to Gare Club, a techno dungeon located beneath the São Bento Station.
- Note: Only open Friday/Saturday; it doesn't truly get moving until 3:00 AM. No cover, 2 euro waters and shots, 3 euro beers.
Day 4: Hangover Sammie & Final Views
Sleep in and cure your hangover. Wrap up your trip with Porto’s most legendary comfort food and sunset view.
Lunch: The Francesinha Challenge
You cannot leave Porto without trying the francesinha, a decadent, meat-heavy sandwich smothered in melted cheese and a secret beer-based sauce.
- Top Picks: Lado B Cafe or Cafe Santiago F.
Sunset: One Last Look
- Best View: End your trip by climbing the Clérigos Tower at sunset. The panoramic view of the tiled rooftops and the river is the perfect goodbye to the city.