Located on Portugal’s northern coast, Porto is an excellent destination for those seeking an exciting weekend getaway. With all of the main sites and attractions packed into close proximity around the city centre, 2 days in Porto is the perfect amount of time to spend.
From wine tasting in the historic cellars to exploring the cobbled streets of the Ribeira district and discovering the city’s best viewpoints, we couldn’t recommend Porto enough for a fun city break. Oh, and did we mention the wine? Porto is home to some of the most incredible wine on this entire planet!
After recently spending some time in this beautiful city, we’ve created the ultimate 2 day Porto itinerary to help you maximize your time and ensure you don’t miss any of the main highlights. If you have more time to spend in Porto, you’ll find an extra section at the end of this post with some recommended day trips and more fun things to do around the city.
Panoramic view from the top of the Dom Luís I Bridge
Besides being an awesome place to spend a weekend, Porto can easily be included as a stop on your road trip through Portugal. We spent 2 days in Porto before beginning our epic 10-day road trip from Porto to Lisbon. If this interests you, check out the full itinerary here!
Table of Contents
The Perfect 2 Day Porto Itinerary – How to Spend 2 Days in Porto
Porto Tours and Tickets
2 Days in Porto Ticket– An excellent option that kills three birds with one stone is the 2 day combo ticket. This ticket is valid for 2 full days and it allows you to hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tours, 1 Douro River day cruise and 1 tour of the Cálem Port Wine cellars.
If you purchase this ticket at the start of your 2 days in Porto, you can spread these activities out over the 2 days. For more information and to purchase the combo ticket, click here.
Porto Card – Buying this card is a great option to save money on transportation around the city. The Porto card is valid for up to 4 days (depending on how long you choose to stay) and gives you unlimited access to Porto’s transportation system (including the metro, buses and trains.)
You can also enjoy up to 50% discounts and free entry to over 6 museums and attractions. Click here to see more info on what’s included in the Porto Card.
Exploring the streets of Porto
Porto Walking Tour – To kick off your 2 day Porto itinerary, why not take a walking tour and learn about the history and culture of the city from a local guide? This popular walking tour passes through some of the most iconic and photo-worthy spots around Porto as well as some of the city’s hidden gems on a 3 hour tour.
The tour runs on a daily basis starting from the Se Cathedral in the heart of Porto. This walking tour tends to fill up quickly, especially in the high season, so it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
➤Check tour availability and starting times here
If you’re like us and prefer to explore a city at your own leisure, see our recommended 2 day Porto itinerary below.
The Best Travel Insurance for Europe
Are you travelling to Portugal from overseas? If you are, then you’ll need to get travel insurance before you go.
Travelling to any country without insurance is never a good idea. The reality of travelling overseas is that unexpected things can happen at anytime so the best thing you can do is be prepared.
For peace of mind while abroad, Heymondo is one of the most reputable companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you are into adventurous activities or simply looking for trip cancellation and medical insurance, Heymondo has you covered!
As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!
►Get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance◄
2 Day Porto Itinerary: Day 1
Porto’s Baixa district is packed with some of the city’s best attractions. On your first day in the city, you’ll want to make your way over to this area to tick some of these highlights off your bucket list.
In the afternoon, explore the historic streets of the Ribeira district followed by a relaxing evening sipping wine at a waterfront bar. So, get your sightseeing shoes on and let’s go see Porto!
Clérigos Tower
Majestic Café
Take a step back in time while stopping for coffee and breakfast at the prettiest and most famous café in Porto. It’s easy to find on the main pedestrian strip, Santa Catarina Street. Majestic café is beautiful from the outside, but it’s only once you enter the building that you will be truly impressed. Dating back to 1921, this historic café’s ornate interior will be sure to wow you with its chandeliers and wood carvings.
Don’t be surprised that the coffee and food is a little pricey at the Majestic, it’s worth the extra cost. There is a unique and special vibe to this place that will transport you to another era as you sip your coffee and eat your pastéis de nata.
São Bento Train Station
A trip to Porto isn’t complete without visiting the most beautiful train station in the world. Whether you have a train to catch or not, this place deserves a spot on your Porto itinerary. Dating back over 100 years, the São Bento train station is full of history and incredible artwork.
Marvel at the detail of the 20,000+ azulejos (Portuguese painted tiles) that cover the walls of this historic building. These stunning blue and white tiles were completed over an 11 year period (1905–1916) by artist Jorge Colaço.
The beautiful São Bento train station
Clérigos Church and Tower
Porto’s most iconic tower can be seen from almost anywhere in the city – it’s that tall (76 meters to be exact). They say the best views come after the hardest climb. For 5€ each, climb over 200 steps to the top of the tower and you’ll be rewarded with the most breathtaking view over the city and river below.
Clérigos Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of Porto, but don’t miss out on visiting the beautiful 18th century Baroque style Clérigos church while you’re there! Entrance is free for the church.
Click here to find tickets for the Clérigos Tower.
Livraria Lello
It’s easy to see why Livraria Lello is considered one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. From its intricately designed ceilings to the striking red staircase leading you to the second floor, this stunning little shop is not to be missed out on.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you might notice something familiar inside. The red staircase of Livraria Lello inspired J.K. Rowling to use the same design for the Hogwarts staircase!
With over 100 years of history this gorgeous bookstore attracts masses of tourists daily which means one thing: expect to wait in line. It also costs 4€ to enter but this will be deducted if you purchase a book.
Grab a coffee or a port from the upstairs café and escape the world for a while or if you’d like to keep moving, a short stop here is fine too.
Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas
These two beautiful Baroque style churches are connected by a 1 meter wide wall on the inside which separates the two buildings. Igreja do Carmo is well known for its beautiful exterior decorated with blue and white tiles dating back to the early 1900’s.
Igreja dos Carmelitas is the older of the two, dating back to the early 17th century. The interiors of both of these churches are absolutely stunning and both are worthy of a peek inside!
Ribeira District
Take a stroll down to the Ribeira district in the evening to try out some of that famous Douro wine while taking in river views. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Ribeira, this place really comes to life in the evenings.
The colourful Ribeira district is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Lining the waterfront is the Cais da Ribeira, the long row of colourful houses that this area is known for. These charming buildings have been home to the locals of Porto since the 15th century. The buildings below them were once warehouses and have now been turned into shops, cafes and restaurants.
Don’t be afraid to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets of the Ribeira district. These ancient streets haven’t changed much over the centuries but this is where you will come across some of the city’s best and most traditional restaurants and bars!
2 Day Porto Itinerary: Day 2
Day 2 is an exciting one: it’s all about that wine! Home to some of the best wine in the entire world, Porto is the best place to learn all about and of course try the famous Port wine. Not only is the Port incredible, the Douro Valley non-fortified red variety is some of the best wine we’ve ever tried!
Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Douro River followed by an afternoon of touring the wine lodges while sampling some of the world class wines and Ports.
Dom Luis I Bridge
Start the day by taking a stroll across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for some panoramic views. Completed in 1886, this impressive double-deck iron arch bridge connects Porto with Vila Novo de Gaia, the city located on the south bank of the Douro River.
Pedestrians have access to both upper and lower decks of the bridge. Cars can only pass through on the lower section as the upper deck is reserved for the Metro. For the best views and photo opportunities, you’ll want to walk across the upper deck!
Douro River 6 Bridges Cruise
As touristy as it is, taking a cruise along the Douro River is a must when visiting Porto. Get a unique perspective of the city while cruising along the same route the traditional Rabelo wine boats once took. The Rabelo boats were used to transport wine from the Douro Valley to the wine cellars of Porto.
The 6 bridges boat cruise is by far the most popular option, but for good reason. This 50 minute boat cruise will take you along the Douro River, passing underneath all 6 of Porto’s bridges while learning the history behind each of them. Take in views of beautiful landscapes and the colourful Ribeira buildings from the water.
➤Find tour prices and availability here
Tour the Wine Cellars
Visiting the wine cellars of Vila Novo de Gaia is one of the most popular things to do in Porto. Vila Novo de Gaia is home to an abundance of historic wine cellars that mark the end point in the wine’s journey from the wine estates of the Douro Valley.
Spend some time exploring a few of these 19th century wine cellars. Most of them offer guided tours or tastings and you’ll get a chance to take home the best souvenir: a bottle of vintage Port!
One of the most popular wine cellars is the Cálem Caves which offers a fantastic cellar tour along with a Port tasting that includes a live Fado performance. The tour lasts for 55 minutes and will take you through the complete history and traditions of Port production.
➤Find tour prices and availability here
Some other famous wine cellars of Porto include:
Porto Wine Tour
Here is another