Porto charms with steep, slate-blue streets that tumble toward the Douro River and an Old Town so atmospheric it’s UNESCO-listed. Merchants and sailors once loaded casks here bound for England; today, travelers trace that legacy in Port wine lodges, tiled churches, and cellar doors with golden views.

Expect azulejo mosaics in train stations and chapels, a skyline stitched by iron bridges, and a culinary scene that swings from hearty “francesinha” sandwiches to Michelin-starred tasting menus. Coffee culture hums in specialty roasters, while sunset belongs to the river—best admired aboard a traditional boat.

Practical notes: Porto is walkable but hilly; bring good shoes. Card payments are widely accepted, and tap water is safe. Book Livraria Lello and Port lodges in advance, and remember that dinner skews late. The metro links the airport to the center in about 30–35 minutes.

Porto

Portugal’s “Invicta” (Unvanquished City) pairs centuries-old trade routes with cutting-edge arts. From the azulejo-clad São Bento Station to the minimalist Serralves Museum, Porto meshes history and modern design with ease.

• Top sights: Ribeira riverfront, Dom Luís I Bridge, Sé Cathedral terraces, Igreja do Carmo and Capela das Almas tiles, Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station murals, and the WOW cultural district in Gaia.
• Food & drink: Francesinha at Café Santiago or Brasão, pork-sandwich perfection at Casa Guedes (with Serra cheese), petiscos at Taberna dos Mercadores, and seafood in Matosinhos (O Gaveto, Salta o Muro).
• Fun facts: The Douro is the world’s first demarcated wine region (1756). The Dom Luís I Bridge was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. Livraria Lello inspired imaginations long before it inspired queues.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• The Yeatman (Gaia, sweeping river views; destination dining and spa): Check availability
• HF Ipanema Park (upper Boavista; rooftop pool and easy access to Foz): See rooms
• Moov Hotel Porto Centro (budget-friendly, central, in a historic cinema): See rates
• Gallery Hostel (arty hostel with private rooms in Cedofeita): Book beds/rooms

Browse more stays: VRBO Porto | Hotels.com Porto

Getting to Porto (OPO):

• Flights within Europe: Compare fares on Omio (flights). Typical times: Madrid 1h15, Paris ~2h, London ~2h15.
• Flights from outside Europe: Search global options via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Trains in Portugal: From Lisbon, fast trains take ~3h; check timetables and fares on Omio (trains).
• Buses: Budget-friendly links from Coimbra, Braga, and Lisbon on Omio (buses).

Day 1: Arrival, Ribeira Stroll, and Sunset on the Douro

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Ease into Porto with a gentle loop through Ribeira: arcaded lanes, clotheslines, and river sparkle. Pop into Confeitaria do Bolhão for a flaky pastel de nata or to Manteigaria near Clérigos for fresh-from-the-oven custard tarts.

Evening: Toast your first night on a scenic cruise. Book the Porto Douro River Sightseeing Sailing Cruise at Sunset or Daytime to glide beneath the six bridges with postcard views.

Dinner: Book a cozy table at Taberna dos Mercadores (tiny, candlelit; cod “à Brás,” sautéed mushrooms) or riverside Adega São Nicolau (crispy pataniscas, octopus rice). For a nightcap, climb to Guindalense Futebol Clube for a humble terrace with grand bridge views.

Day 2: Tiles, Towers, and a Private Tuk Tuk Overview

Morning: Start at the revamped Mercado do Bolhão for market breakfast—strong espresso, broa bread, Serra cheese, and seasonal fruit. Wander to São Bento Station to study its blue-and-white azulejo panels, then climb to the Sé Cathedral terraces for river panoramas.

Afternoon: Time your slot for Livraria Lello (reserve in advance) and scale the Clérigos Tower for a 360° city sweep. Refuel at Casa Guedes with the city’s cult sandwich: slow-roasted pork loin crowned with oozy Serra da Estrela cheese.

Evening: See more with less walking on the Discover Porto's Highlights on a 2-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk. The silent ride threads Baixa, Miragaia, and hidden lookouts while your guide stories the city.

Dinner: Try a modern tavern vibe at Cantina 32 (smoked mackerel, veal cheeks) or share plates at Casa de Pasto da Palmeira by the river mouth. Craving the classic? Split a francesinha at Café Santiago or Brasão Aliados—a saucy, molten monument to Porto appetites.

Day 3: Port Wine Day in Gaia

Morning: Cross the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge to Jardim do Morro and the Serra do Pilar terrace—two of Porto’s best lookouts. Ride the Gaia cable car down for fun and views.

Afternoon: Dedicate the day to Port. You can self-schedule classic lodges such as Taylor’s, Graham’s, or Cálem, or let a guide streamline tastings with history on a curated small group. For a simple lunch, head to 7g Roasters (house-roasted coffee, eggs, bowls) or graze at Mercado Beira-Rio.

Evening: Stay for sunset over Ribeira’s colorful facades. Dine with a view at DeCastro Gaia or, for a splurge, plan a tasting menu night at The Yeatman (book far ahead). For wine bars, try Prova or Capela Incomum, the latter set in a small former chapel.

Day 4: Full-Day Douro Valley Wine, Views, and River

Make this your countryside day. Terrace after terrace of vines stair-step above the Douro; it’s where Port begins and outstanding dry wines now shine.

Join the Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise for estate visits, a regional lunch, and a scenic boat glide around Pinhão. Expect to learn about grape varietals, barrel aging, and why schist soils matter.

Back in Porto, keep dinner simple with flame-kissed chicken at Pedro dos Frangos or petiscos and a glass of Douro red at Taberna Santo António.

Day 5: Art, Architecture, and the Atlantic (Serralves, Foz, Matosinhos)

Morning: Head to the Serralves Museum & Park for contemporary art inside an Álvaro Siza-designed space and a magical treetop walk. Coffee at onsite cafés or detour to Combi Coffee Roasters for a flat white and cinnamon bun.

Afternoon: Ride vintage Tram 1 along the river to Foz do Douro. Stroll the Pérgola da Foz, watch waves crash by the Felgueiras lighthouse, and grab gelato at Gelataria Portuense.

Evening: For seafood in nearby Matosinhos, book O Gaveto (razor clams, arroz de marisco) or Salta o Muro (grilled sardines, cuttlefish). If you’re celebrating, consider a tasting menu at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova—a dramatic cliffside icon with inventive Atlantic cuisine.

Day 6: Eat Like a Local, Then Choose Your Passion

Morning–Afternoon: Join the Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option for 10+ tastings that trace Porto’s palate—from staple pastries and cured meats to DOC wines, Port, and the cherry-kissed Ginjinha.

Late Afternoon: Pick your interest. Soccer fans: tour Estádio do Dragão and the FC Porto Museum. Design lovers: browse galleries along Miguel Bombarda. Shoppers: hunt Portuguese goods (cork, ceramics, tinned fish) along Rua de Santa Catarina.

Evening: Casual dinner at Gazela for addictive bite-size “cachorrinhos” (griddled mini hot dogs with spice and snap) or try Boa-Bao for a pan-Asian break. For drinks, choose craft beer at Letraria (garden out back) or cocktails at The Royal Cocktail Club.

Day 7: Azulejo Finale, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: Admire the dramatic tilework at Capela das Almas and the baroque-lacy façade of Igreja do Carmo (spot the narrow “hidden house” between the twin churches). Brunch at Zenith (shakshuka, pancakes, cold-pressed juices) or Nicolau Porto (açai bowls, eggs benedict).

Afternoon: Last-minute treats—pick up eclairs at Leitaria da Quinta do Paço or tinned fish assortments for gifts. Depart for the airport via metro (Line E) or a quick taxi/ride-hail.

Evening: If your flight’s late, squeeze in a final riverside espresso and a slow gaze at the arches of Dom Luís I. Porto rewards unhurried goodbyes.

Optional Add-Ins (if you swap a day):

• Braga & Guimarães: Two northern gems packed with churches, castles, and plazas. Trains on Omio (trains) make an easy day trip.
• Aveiro & Costa Nova: Canals and candy-striped cottages; combine with a beach walk if you’re craving more ocean air.

Where to book core experiences in advance:

• Sunset river cruise: Porto Douro River Sightseeing Sailing Cruise at Sunset or Daytime
• City overview: Discover Porto's Highlights on a 2-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk
• Douro day trip: Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise
• Food immersion: Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option

This 7‑day Porto itinerary layers Old Town history with Douro Valley landscapes, Port wine heritage, and the easy rhythm of the Atlantic coast. With these curated eats, sips, and viewpoints, you’ll taste—and see—why Porto lingers long after you leave.