3-Day Itinerary for Porto, Portugal

• Day 1: Visit the historic Ribeira district located on the banks of the Douro River. Walk across the Dom Luis I Bridge for stunning views of the city. Stop by Livraria Lello, a beautiful bookshop known for its intricate design and connection to Harry Potter. End the day with a visit to the Clerigos Tower, a landmark of Porto’s skyline with panoramic views of the city.
• Day 2: Explore the art district of Miguel Bombarda and visit galleries like Galeria Fernando Santos and Casa das Artes. Take a break at the Majestic Cafe, a historic spot that’s been popular among writers and artists. Continue to the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, a beautiful space surrounded by gardens.
• Day 3: Visit the wineries of the Douro Valley on a day trip from Porto. A scenic drive takes you to the famous Casa da Musica, a concert hall known for its unique architecture. Take a stroll around the trendy Boavista district. End the day with a sunset stroll along the seafront promenade, the Avenida dos Aliados.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Ribeira district (2 hours, free)
• Livraria Lello (1-2 hours, €5-€15)
• Dom Luis I Bridge (30 minutes, free)
• Clerigos Tower (1 hour, €5)
• Miguel Bombarda district (2-3 hours, free)
• Galeria Fernando Santos (1 hour, free)
• Casa das Artes (1 hour, free)
• Majestic Cafe (1-2 hours, €5-€15)
• Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art (2-3 hours, €10)
• Douro Valley day trip (8-10 hours, €50-€100)
• Casa da Musica (1 hour, €10)
• Boavista district (1-2 hours, free)
• Avenida dos Aliados (1 hour, free)

Total Estimated Costs: €85-€180

Transportation

Most of the points of interest in Porto can be reached on foot, but public transport options include buses, trams, and the metro. Single tickets cost €1.20-€2.00, and a 24-hour pass costs €7.00. Taxis and Ubers are also available but can be more expensive. The Douro Valley day trip requires a car, which can be rented for €30-€50 per day.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the medieval town of Guimaraes or the beachside city of Matosinhos. To save money, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks or gardens around the city. Porto is famous for its port wine, so make sure to try some at a local winery or bar. If you have less time, prioritize the Ribeira district and the historic landmarks of the city center.

Airports

Porto has one airport, the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), located 10 km from the city center. The airport is served by many European airlines and some international airlines, with connections to major cities in Europe and beyond. Transportation from the airport to the city center is available through metro, bus, taxi, and Uber, with prices ranging from €1.50-€30 depending on the mode of transport.