2 Days In Porto Itinerary: Exquisite Guide To Explore The City

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to explore the best of European culture. Porto has something for everyone with its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. 

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed weekend filled with adventure or just some time away from it all to relax and take in the sights, this 2 days in Porto itinerary will help you make the most of your stay in Porto! 

From exploring ancient churches to sampling local wines at one of the city’s many wine bars, plenty of activities can be enjoyed during your two days in Porto. So let’s get started and discover what makes this charming city so special!

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How Many Days Do You Need In Porto?

Two days in Porto is ideal for getting the most out of this city. Spend the first day visiting some of its historical sites like Torre dos Clerigos and Livraria Lello. Seek out the intriguing Museu do Carro Eléctrico, the memorial to 19th-century streetcars, for an afternoon stroll. 

On the second day, explore the city’s cafés and restaurants, then spend time on Ribeira’s bustling waterfront. A full day amidst its cobblestoned alleyways will also give you plenty of snippets of its culture and heritage. Before you leave, why not take a ride on Porto’s port wine train?

So, whether you have two days or decide to spend a long weekend in Porto, you will be able to see a good chunk of the city.

2 Days In Porto Itinerary

• Visit Ribeira
•  São Bento Station
• Walk Don Luis I Bridge
• Port wine tasting
• Cruise the Douro River
• Take a food tour
• Tour Porto’s churches
• Visit the azulejo buildings
• Shop at Mercado do Bolhão
• Stroll Rua de Santa Catarina
• Visit Palacio da Bolsa
• Ride a cable car
• Buy a book at Livraria Lello
• Watch a sunset at Jardim do Morro
• Take a day trip from Porto

Things To Do In Porto In 2 Days

Stroll Ribeira

Two days in Porto would only be complete with exploring the charming Ribeira neighborhood. It’s a cityscape like no other, gracing calendars and guide covers around the globe. To discover this area, embrace walking – you’ll walk through winding alleyways and cobbled steps along the inviting Cais da Ribeira promenade. 

Before strolling along the terracotta waterfront promenade, take some time to admire the wrought-iron balconies adorning many charming old-world buildings. As night falls, the area comes alive with restaurant lights and music to enjoy. Seek out those slightly further back for cozier atmospheres and more wallet-friendly prices. 

Whether day or night, visitors will surely fall in love with the beautiful Ribeira. If you’re looking to explore and experience one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, Porto is sure to enthrall you. 

Gawk At The São Bento Station

São Bento station is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world and was built during the late 19th century. It features stunning interior walls, adorned with over 20,000 azulejo tiles that depict scenes from Portugal’s history. 

From kings and queens to battles, these exquisite works of art make São Bento Station an absolute must-visit during a 2 day trip to Porto.

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Walk Over & Under Dom Luis I Bridge

Another must when spending 2 days in Porto is the Dom Luis I Bridge. The Dom Luis I Bridge is Porto’s most iconic bridge and was built in 1880. The immense steel structure spans the Douro River and offers incredible panoramic views of both river banks. 

Walk across the upper deck for a great view of the city skyline, or take an elevator down to the lower pedestrian walkway for an up-close look at its intricate design. Be sure to take some time to enjoy a stroll along the waterfront on either side of the bridge – it’s one of the best spots in Porto!

Cruise The River

A fun thing to do when spending 2 days in Porto is taking a river cruise. If you’re looking for a peaceful (and free!) activity, then cruising the river is a great option. You can see the city from a different perspective as well as admire the architecture and historical sites, including Dom Luis I Bridge and Se Cathedral.

Tour Porto’s Churches 

Porto has many different churches you can explore and learn about, including Sé do Porto, the oldest church in the city, São Francisco Church, Clérigos Church, and Igreja do Carmo. These churches are an essential part of any 2-day trip to Porto.

Do Port Wine Tasting In Porto

One of my favorite things to do in Porto in 2 days was wine tasting.  Whether you’re a fan of wine or just want something different to do while in Porto, then touring some wineries is an excellent choice. Here’s our selection of the best places to go wine tasting in Porto.

• Sandeman: Sandeman was founded in 1790 and is one of the oldest and most well-known wine houses in the country. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the winery and the process behind wine production.
• Cálem: Another popular wine house that was established in 1859 and also has daily guided tours.
• Ferreira: Is a historic winery that was founded in 1751 and an excellent place to enjoy some great wine varieties.
• Noval: Quinta do Noval is a well-known producer of fine Port wines, and visitors can tour their vineyards and cellars and taste some of their award-winning Port wines.

Visit The Azulejo Buildings And Architecture 

If you’re visiting Porto and only have two days to explore, hit up some of the city’s most stunning Azulejo buildings and architecture. Igreja do Carmo, Chapel Of Souls, and Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso are three must-see spots for any art enthusiast.

These iconic places will awe you with their exquisite stylings not to mention the centuries-old stories behind them. Stop by one (or all!) of these landmarks to get a feel for Porto and its amazing history!

Related post: Where To Find Azulejos In Porto

Shop Local At Mercado do Bolhão

To taste local life in Porto, visit Mercado do Bolhão. This indoor market has been around since 1839 and is among the city’s most popular attractions. Here you will find everything from fresh produce to cured meats and hot-smoked sardines – ideal for sampling some authentic Portuguese cuisine in town. 

Explore the stalls, pick up some souvenirs, or people-watch – this bustling spot will surely provide an enjoyable two days in Porto!

Stroll Rua de Santa Catarina

Rua de Santa Catarina is a famous pedestrian-only street zone filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a perfect spot for spending time chatting with locals and doing some shopping.

Shop for souvenirs or stop by a cafe for some traditional Portuguese dishes. It’s one of the best ways to experience Porto in 2 days!

Love food? Walk the city while sampling the cusine and wine of Porto with a local on a food tour.

Visit Palacio da Bolsa

Another must-see added to this 2 day Porto itinerary is Palacio da Bolsa. Palacio da Bolsa is a stunning palace that was the former home of the Portuguese Stock Exchange. It features neoclassical architecture, stunning marble staircases and unique ceiling frescoes.

Ride A Cable Car

You can take a cable car ride at Massarelos to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from above. This is one of the best ways to end your two days in Porto – take in the stunning landscape and relax after a busy day of sightseeing!

This is one of the best ways to end your two days in Porto – and capture a bird’s eye view of this city.

Staying longer than 2 day in Porto? Consider a Douro wine tasting tour.

Buy A Book At Livraria Lello

Last but certainly not least, you must visit Livraria Lello. This is one of Porto’s most iconic bookstores and has been visited by authors such as J.K Rowling and Ernest Hemingway. Explore the magnificent interior with its stunning wooden staircases, stained glass windows, and murals – it is a sight to behold! 

Moreover, if you’re lucky enough to visit on special days, there may even be live music performances in store for you. If books are your thing, this is the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs during your two-day Porto trip!

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Watch A Sunset At Jardim do Morro

One of the best ways to end your two-day stay in Porto is with a perfect sunset at Jardim do Morro. This garden overlooks the Douro River and offers spectacular views of the city skyline. Sit back, relax, and enjoy one last drink as you take in the beauty of this enchanting place. What better way to cap off your trip than watching an unforgettable sunset over Porto?

Take A Food Tour

Foodies rejoice! Porto is home to a tantalizing array of flavors. From the classic Francesinha sandwich to the local specialty trips à moda do Porto, this city is not only known for its port wine but also its delicious gastronomy.

Take a food tour and sample some of the best that this region has to offer. Indulge in freshly caught seafood, devour a pastel de nata, and try some of the unique port wines this city is well-known for.

 Take A Day Trip From Porto

If you have extra time, why not take a day trip from Porto? Visit Aveiro to explore its canals or Santiago de Compostela to see the gorgeous Galician city. Valença is just a stone’s throw away and offers stunning views of the Minho mountains and river, while Matosinhos boasts plenty of delicious seafood restaurants to sample.

With so much on offer in the surrounding area, why not make time for an excursion while in Porto 2 days?

Related post: 16 Day Trips From Porto

How To Get To Porto?

By Train

If you’re traveling from another place in Portugal and want to go to Porto, then using the train is the easiest way. Sao Bento station is located in the center of the city and receives trains from various places like Lisbon, Coimbra, Braga, and Guimares.

By Car

If you rather get to Porto by car, it will take you between 2-4 hours, depending on where you are. From Lisbon, it is typically 3-4 hours, while from Coimbra it can take you 2-3 hours. You can even go from Spain to Porto by car, just make sure to have all the necessary documents to enter with a vehicle.

By Plane

If you are arriving to Porto from the United States or another country you can fly into their airport. Flying into the city you won’t have to worry about driving from another city and can utilize your full 2 days in Porto. You can get to your accommodation stress-free using a transfer.

When To Visit Porto?

Each season in Porto has its unique charms, but definitely spring and summer are the best times to visit thanks to the warm temperatures, which start around April and finish in June. This time is perfect for outdoor activities, and explore this 2 days in Porto itinerary.

Where To Stay In Porto

Mid Range:

Bloom House

The Bloom House offers a home away from home in enchanting Porto. It’s the ideal choice, providing 65 well-located apartments with the city’s original aesthetics preserved. Tastefully renovated, you’ll love being welcomed with all the comforts of home. 

Experience what so many have come to adore about this beautiful Portuguese city. The Bloom House is ideal for spending days in Northern Portugal’s beautiful capital city!

Luxury:

Yeatman

The Yeatman is the ultimate definition of luxury and glamour. This world-renowned wine hotel and spa is located in the heart of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. With its two Michelin Stars, it’s no surprise this hotel has become the best in Porto,  providing guests with a unique stay surrounded by beautiful views over the Douro River and majestic hills populated by Port wine lodges. 

When guests enter The Yeatman, they are immediately immersed in unparalleled classic luxury. On top of that, they will also have access to sparkling infinity swimming pools indoors and outdoors while soaking up the stunning 7 acres of lush land.

InterContinental Porto

The InterContinental Porto is an exquisite 5-star hotel in the center of Porto that offers breathtaking views of the iconic Avenida dos Aliados. With its convenient location, guests have easy access to several major attractions and can get lost in the beauty of this unique Portuguese city. 

Formerly known as Palacio das Cardosas, the building has been transformed into a luxurious hotel that continually provides memorable experiences.

Maison Albar Hotels Lie Monumental Palace

Maison Albar Hotels Lie Monumental Palace is an exceptional experience where guests can blend in with Porto’s high society. This 5-star hotel is located in the city’s heart and was once the most famous café in Porto since 1930. 

With its sophisticated services and amenities, guests can indulge in the lavish accommodation and first-class services expected from a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Guests will be captivated by luxury at Maison Albar Hotels Lie Monumental Palace, where they become part of history.

You can check out the map below from booking.com to find accommodation within your budget. 

How To Get Around Porto?

The easiest way to get around with this Porto 2-day itinerary is by walking. For further distances, you can get around Porto by taking public buses, which provide frequent and affordable services throughout the city. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the metro system, which comprises four lines and covers most of the main attractions in Porto. 

Those wishing to explore further afield can opt for a rental car, allowing them to discover more of Portugal’s hidden gems. Finally, for a more personal experience, visitors can also opt for a private taxi service or a tour guide.

2 Days In Porto Itinerary Final Thoughts

Porto is a charming city with lots to see and do. This 2-days in Porto itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this wonderful place. Be sure to try some delicious food, walk along the river, and visit one of the many museums or art galleries. Planning allows you to fill two days in this lovely city. Have you been to Porto? What did you think? 

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