Things to Do in Porto, Portugal: A Curated 5-Day Itinerary

PUBLISHED May 1st, 2025 12:00 am | UPDATED May 3rd, 2025 01:00 am

Nestled along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is where tradition meets trend. A city that hasn’t forgotten how to live well. With its cobbled alleys and sun-dappled facades, the city offers a rhythm all its own. The scent of grilled sardines mingles with the salty Atlantic air, and locals still take their coffee slowly, preferably at a marble-topped counter. This 5-day, 4-night itinerary curates the most memorable things to do in Porto, Portugal. From its grand cathedral and wine cellars to tucked-away tascas and sun-kissed seaside strolls. It’s designed with a Wednesday to Sunday schedule in mind, offering the best balance of midweek calm and weekend energy to enjoy everything Porto has to offer. It’s the perfect amount of time to truly experience the city’s layers without rushing.

Porto’s old-world charm is laced with unexpected stories. It’s a place where tram bells echo off baroque churches, and laundry flutters above winding lanes like urban prayer flags. J.K. Rowling once taught English here, and whispers of her time in Porto are said to have inspired aspects of the Harry Potter universe, from Livraria Lello’s storybook staircases to the black capes worn by university students. It’s a city with literary ghosts, generous food, and a gentle defiance against the rush of modern life.

Before Your Trip: Where to Stay

Porto is walkable, but hilly. Something to keep in mind when choosing where to stay. For easy access to most landmarks, Cedofeita and Santa Catarina offer central bases with a mix of traditional architecture and modern buzz. Rua do Almada and Rua das Oliveiras are two lively arteries full of indie boutiques, cafés, and bars. Bonfim is a great option if you’re after a slightly more residential, artsy vibe that’s still within walking distance of the downtown core. If proximity to the Atlantic is what you’re after, consider staying in Boavista or Foz, where beach breezes and slower rhythms shape daily life.

Day 1: Explore Wonders of the Medieval City

Begin your journey through Porto’s historic centre, a labyrinth of steep alleyways, stone staircases, and azulejo-covered façades that whisper stories from centuries past. Wander through Sé Catedral and continue downhill towards Ribeira, the city’s riverbank quarter, where colourful buildings lean into one another like old friends. The views across the Douro are postcard-perfect, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than along Cais da Ribeira.

Mid-morning, make your way to Mercado do Bolhão, the city’s historic market, recently restored to its full architectural and culinary glory. Sample freshly grilled seafood, pick up a wedge of buttery Azeitão cheese, and don’t leave without a pastel de nata (egg tart) from one of the bakeries tucked among the stalls. It’s a lively, flavour-packed immersion into local life.

Time to Refuel: Where to Eat?

Continue on to a mid-day stop at Taxca, a beloved no-frills spot serving hearty petiscos and carafe wine to locals on their lunch break. Then, lose yourself in the tiled opulence of Igreja do Carmo and the Harry Potter-esque interiors of Livraria Lello. It’s worth noting that J.K. Rowling has publicly refuted the myth that this iconic bookstore directly inspired elements of the Harry Potter series. However, she has admitted that the art nouveau modernist era Majestic Café is probably the most beautiful place she ever wrote in.

Pro-tip: to skip the queues at Livraria Lello, purchase a book from their online store. Your order comes with an entrance ticket, allowing you to bypass the line and step straight into the magic.

If the weather plays nice, make your way to the top deck of Ponte de Dom Luís I for one of the best sunset views in Porto. The iconic double-decker bridge offers a panoramic vantage over the Douro, and a short stroll across leads you to Jardim do Morro, where locals and travellers gather for golden-hour magic.

When the sun dips, head down to Café Santiago on Rua Passos Manuel for a proper Francesinha, the city’s signature gut-busting sandwich, dripping with beer-based sauce and molten cheese. It’s a rite of passage for first-timers and a nostalgic hit for returnees.

Pro tip: Download the Bolt app on your phone for a fun way to explore the city on a skate scooter.

Day 2: Contemporary Art, Green Escapes & Sunset by the Sea

Dedicate your day to exploring one of Porto’s most ambitious cultural institutions, the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. One of the city’s best cultural assets, the museum is situated within a sprawling estate that includes a minimal post-modernist museum by Architect Álvaro Siza Vieira (winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize), beautiful lush gardens, and the art deco Serralves Villa. The experience is a multi-sensory deep dive into modernist and contemporary creativity. Budget at least four hours to truly take in the museum and its grounds, including the scenic treetop walk that offers a unique canopy view.

From Serralves, it’s an easy stroll or short tram ride west to Foz do Douro, the neighbourhood where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Foz blends Porto’s maritime soul with leisurely elegance. Think seaside promenades, crashing waves, and a front-row seat to the sunset.

Settle into Cafeína, a long-standing Michelin Guide, brasserie-style restaurant that nails the balance between refinement and comfort. From fresh seafood to a wine list that champions Portuguese terroir, it’s a perfect end to a day immersed in culture and coastline.

Day 3: Port Cellars, Riverside Strolls & Friday Night Energy

Start your day in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Dom Luís I Bridge from Ribeira. This area is world-famous for its port wine cellars, many of which offer guided tastings, cellar tours, and incredible rooftop views. A top pick? WOW Porto, a sprawling cultural district housing multiple museums, wine experiences, and stylish eateries. Settle in for lunch here and enjoy regional plates with a view of the river.

Spend your afternoon soaking in the layered history of the wine trade as you meander between cellars and riverfront cafés. Then, take a long scenic riverside walk to Afurada, a traditional fishing village in the Gaia side of the river still rich in character. Dine alfresco with the scent of grilled fish wafting through cobbled lanes. This is one of the most authentic places for seafood lovers.

If it’s a Friday night, head back across the river for a proper night out. Start with pre-drinks at Donau or Fiasco, two of Bonfim’s beloved bars with excellent playlists and even better bartenders. Then let the rhythm guide you to Maus Hábitos, an ever-evolving cultural hub, before dancing into the early hours at Passos Manuel, Ferro Bar or Gare Porto, the latter a haven for techno heads.

Day 4: Sports, Surf & FC Porto Spirit

If you’re an early riser with a love for sports, start your day outdoors. Rent a bicycle and ride along the Douro River for scenic views and local vibes. For something indoors, try bouldering at São Rock Climbing gym, an urban favourite. Prefer water? Head north to Matosinhos Beach for a surf lesson, ideal for beginners and easily accessible by metro. On the way, stroll through Parque da Cidade do Porto (City Park), the city’s expansive urban park that connects Porto’s green heart to its coastal edge.

When it’s time to refuel, brunch at Mundo de Luisa offers wholesome, soulful plates in a sunny, creative space.

If you’re a football fan, catching a match at Estádio do Dragão is a must. This stadium is home to FC Porto, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner and the launchpad of José Mourinho’s legendary managerial career. The electric matchday atmosphere is unforgettable, but even off-season, the FC Porto Museum is worth the visit. Featuring immersive exhibits and memorabilia that showcase the club’s legacy as one of Europe’s greatest football institutions.

Day 5: Brunch & Bon Voyage

Ease into your final day with a relaxed morning in downtown Porto. Grab lunch at Madureira, a family-friendly spot known for its generous portions and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for one last taste of traditional Portuguese comfort food.

From here, you’re well placed to head to either Campanhã Station for onward rail travel or make your way to the airport. No matter your next stop, you’ll leave Porto with a belly full of flavours and a heart full of saudade.

Final Thoughts

From cobblestone strolls to stadium chants, this itinerary captures the spirit of Porto. A city that’s smaller than Lisbon, yet brimming with stories, flavour, and personality. It’s best absorbed slowly, without the pressure to tick off a checklist. We’ve designed this 5-day journey to reflect that pace, allowing space to wander, linger, and really feel the rhythms of daily life here.

Four full days is truly the sweet spot to understand Porto’s vibe and soak in its layered charm. And once you’ve had a first taste of it, don’t be surprised if you start plotting your return. Perhaps for day trips into the Douro Valley, a surf getaway along the southern coast, or exploring Portugal’s heartlands.

If you’re interested in the city’s creative scene, check out Agenda Porto, a go-to resource for current exhibitions, live music, festivals, and cultural happenings across town.

Take your time, follow your nose, and let Porto reveal itself in its own quiet, soulful way. For those considering a longer-term connection to Portugal, the Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund is one pathway to explore residency while investing in the country’s future.

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Top image: Jure Tufekcic on Unsplash