Our itinerary begins right in the heart of Porto, where the city's main monuments, viewpoints, and attractions are concentrated. While the list of things to see might seem extensive, the city center is compact and easily explored on foot. The major attractions are close to one another, so you won't need to cover long distances during this first day of discovering Porto. However, keep in mind that Porto's center is built on hills overlooking the Douro River, which means you'll encounter a few climbs and stairs along the way.

For this first day’s itinerary, we’ve included at least five must-see sites where you can admire stunning facades adorned with azulejos, the iconic art form of Portugal.

It's impossible to visit Portugal without setting aside time to admire these stunning ceramic masterpieces! The art of azulejos is one of the country’s most iconic cultural traditions. These hand-painted tiles, arranged into intricate murals, tell stories ranging from religious and historical events to purely decorative themes. You'll find them gracing the facades of countless buildings and monuments across the country, especially in Porto, where they add a unique charm to the city’s architecture.

Starting with the Capela das Almas, located on the bustling shopping street, Rua Santa Catarina. A true architectural gem, this church captivates visitors with its stunning facades adorned in blue and white azulejos. These ceramic tiles, depicting religious scenes from the lives of saints, were added in the early 20th century and consist of around 15,000 individual pieces. For the best view, head to Rua Fernandes Tomás, where you can fully appreciate their beauty.

Just two minutes from the Capela das Almas, you’ll find the Mercado de Bolhão. This covered market is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Saturdays when it closes at 6 p.m. With over 70 stalls offering fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and spices, it’s a vibrant spot that immerses you in the local culture. Originally built in the early 20th century, the market has recently been restored while preserving its authentic charm. It’s also a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs from your trip to Porto.

Close to the market, don’t miss A Perla de Bolhão, a charming shop with a bright yellow façade offering a wide variety of pastries, dried fruits, spices, and, of course, regional wines.

Return to Santa Catarina Street to discover Café Majestic, a must-visit in Porto. Founded by merchants during the Roaring Twenties, this Art Nouveau café is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM, except on Sundays. Its façade, along with the interior, is absolutely stunning: elegant chandeliers, intricate moldings, grand mirrors, and period woodwork create a unique atmosphere. However, be mindful of the high prices if you decide to take a break here; expect to pay around 7 euros for a cappuccino and 45 euros for their breakfast set.

Legend has it that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from the decor of Café Majestic while writing the Harry Potter saga.

Walk to the end of Santa Catarina Street, and on your left, you will find the Church of Santo Ildefonso. This stunning church, with its baroque façade adorned with blue and white azulejos, is a true architectural gem. It also houses a small museum, and admission is just 1 euro.

Our next stop is another architectural gem featuring a mosaic of over 20,000 azulejos: São Bento Station. Join the travelers and step into the hall of this regional train station, where you will find depictions of significant historical events in Portugal, such as the marriage of King João I to Philippa of Lancaster, along with scenes from famous battles.

Next, continue along Rua das Flores. Once inaugurated in the 16th century, this street is now bustling with jewelers, cafes, and restaurants, reflecting the former grandeur of Porto. It is pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to leisurely admire the façades of each building.

Our next stop is just a 10-minute walk from Rua das Flores: the Igreja do Carmo, which boasts our favorite azulejo façade in Porto. We were already enchanted after visiting the Capela das Almas and the Igreja Santo Ildefonso, but this baroque church, built in the 18th century, truly captivated us. The best view of its stunning façade can be enjoyed from Carlos Alberto Square.

Interestingly, the Igreja do Carmo was constructed next to another church, the Igreja dos Carmelitas. Since it was not permissible at the time to build two churches side by side, a narrow “house” measuring just one meter in width was erected between them to mark the separation.

For lunch, why not try the famous Francesinha in Porto? If you've been preparing for your trip, you’ve likely heard about this rich dish, which has become a culinary emblem of the city. The Francesinha is said to have been inspired by the French croque-monsieur. It consists of sausages, pork, and chicken, all generously topped with melted cheese and smothered in a savory sauce made from tomatoes and beer, typically served with fries. For an extra indulgence, you can even add a fried egg on top if you think it needs a few more calories! While it may seem like a heart attack on a plate, this sandwich is definitely worth trying during your visit to Porto!

Here are some great places to try the Francesinha in Porto:

Just a 5-minute walk from the Igreja do Carmo is the Igreja dos Clérigos and its famous tower. Standing at 75 meters tall, this baroque tower is one of Porto's most iconic landmarks. Constructed in the 18th century, it overlooks several streets in the city's historic center. The tower is open to visitors daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, providing a spectacular panoramic view of Porto and the Douro River.

After visiting the tower, treat yourself to a sweet break at Manteigaria on Rua dos Clérigos. This renowned pastelaria, known throughout the country, specializes in making Pastéis de Nata right on the premises. Their delicious custard tarts are simply irresistible!

Head down towards the Douro River to reach our next stop, the Miradouro da Vitória. During our visit, this viewpoint was still open to the public and offered stunning views of the Douro and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. However, we were informed by locals that a boutique hotel is set to be constructed at this very location soon, which will make it inaccessible to visitors. We sincerely hope you get the chance to enjoy this breathtaking panorama before the construction begins!

During our stay in Porto in January 2024, the weather was gloomy. However, the colorful facades of the city center still provided a vibrant display of colors and architecture, making our stroll enjoyable even under a gray sky.

You may notice that many buildings in the city center are sadly abandoned or even in ruins. This piqued our curiosity during our trip. Locals explained that this is because life in the city center has become less attractive for Porto residents, who prefer neighborhoods that are better served by public transport, closer to shops, and offer garages or parking spaces. Today, many buildings in the city center have primarily been converted into temporary accommodations for tourists.

Continue your journey to another viewpoint, this one safe from hotel construction projects: the Miradouro da Rua das Aldas. Located about a 10-minute walk from the Miradouro da Vitória, it offers a lovely view of the city.

By taking a grand staircase, you'll reach the Porto Cathedral, the oldest building in the city. In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral, be sure not to miss the Gothic-style cloister adorned with azulejos. You can catch a glimpse of it from outside the cathedral as you make your way towards Rua Dom Hugo. The cathedral is open to visitors every day from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

Our final stop of the day is the charming little neighborhood of Largo da Pena Ventosa, located just a two-minute walk from the cathedral. This picturesque square features a lovely café and houses with colorful façades. Residents, lacking gardens, display their plants right on the street, creating a wonderfully bohemian atmosphere. It's a popular Instagram spot for tourists, so it's advisable to return early in the morning if you want to enjoy the tranquility and capture the magic of the place.

For dinner, we recommend reserving a table at one of the downtown taverns that offer Fado concerts. This Portuguese musical genre, known for its melancholic essence, is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Fado is performed by both men and women, accompanied by Portuguese guitar and classical guitar. While often associated with Lisbon, Fado is also very much present in Porto.

Here are two places we recommend for a Fado dinner in Porto:

Taverna Real do fado and the restaurant Típico O fado. 

Both of these restaurants offer set menus that include appetizers, main courses, and desserts, with Fado performances between each course. Beverages are not included. For us, this is one of the must-do experiences when visiting Porto, allowing you to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture and feel the essence of Saudade through the melancholic voices of the Fado singers.

For your second day in Porto, we have planned several must-see attractions located around the Douro River, such as the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the lively Cais da Ribeira district. However, we will start the day by visiting a stunning (and therefore very popular!) site that is best explored early in the morning: the famous Lello Bookstore.

Livraria Lello is often described as the most beautiful bookstore in the world, and it's hard to argue with that! Founded in 1906, this bookstore is famous for its neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau interior, which is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling in her depiction of Hogwarts and its library in the Harry Potter series. With its stained glass ceiling, towering wooden shelves brimming with books in various languages and stunning editions, Livraria Lello is a paradise for book lovers. However, it’s the magnificent carved wooden staircase that truly captures attention, making this place a must-visit.

The downside is that this location suffers from its popularity. Although the number of visitors is regulated, the place is still overwhelmed with tourists and Instagrammers. Sadly, it's nearly impossible for book lovers to explore the selection of books and calmly decide which one will enrich their personal library.

Once free, visiting the Lello bookstore is now subject to a fee, and you must book your tickets in advance. The basic entry fee is €8, but this amount will be deducted if you purchase a book on-site, making the experience even more enticing for book lovers. Tickets can be reserved directly on the bookstore's website, which you can find through this link.

Be aware that even if you have tickets, you'll need to be patient, as a queue is often inevitable before you can enter this iconic location.

After visiting the bookstore, make your way down to the banks of the Douro by taking the Escada dos Guindais. This narrow staircase will lead you to the Cais da Ribeira neighborhood and the riverside, providing a beautiful viewpoint of the Dom Luís I Bridge along the way.

Once you reach the banks of the Douro, enjoy a stroll along the river in the picturesque Cais da Ribeira neighbourhood. With its narrow streets, colorful houses, and numerous restaurants and cafés, this area is perfect for a leisurely walk or a lunch break while taking in views of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Porto wine cellars across the river. You'll also spot the famous Rabelo boats, long vessels inspired by Viking ships, which once transported barrels of Port wine from the Upper Douro region to Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto.

After lunch by the Douro, retrace your steps to cross the Dom Luís I Bridge and head to the other side of the river.

The Dom Luís I Bridge, an emblematic symbol of Porto, connects the city to Vila Nova de Gaia. Designed by engineer Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, this bridge features two stacked levels, each accessible to pedestrians. We recommend crossing the bridge using both levels to experience two different viewpoints of the city. The upper level is particularly impressive, offering stunning views of the Douro River and the Cais da Ribeira district. It's also one of the best spots in the city to admire the sunset.

The banks of the Douro on the Gaia side are equally delightful for a stroll and for admiring the view of Cais da Ribeira. Here too, you will find several Rabelo boats.

To end this day and weekend in Porto, why not take the opportunity to enjoy a Port wine tasting? After all, it is the emblematic wine of the region!

Both fortified and sweet, this wine (which should be consumed in moderation, of course) is made by adding brandy during the fermentation process to stop it and preserve some of the natural sugar from the grapes, giving Port wine its distinctive sweetness and high alcohol content.

The Graham’s Cellars, located not far from the banks of the Douro on the Gaia side, offer several Port wine tastings starting at 25 euros per person, including a guided tour and tasting. Be sure to book as early as possible and several days before your trip to Porto.

This wine tasting marks the end of our two-day itinerary in the city of Porto. We hope this itinerary helps you discover and appreciate this historic city with its rich cultural heritage. For us, Porto is an interesting alternative to Lisbon for a nice city break in Portugal.