2 Days in Porto- All you can see, eat and do in 48 hours
Porto was our first stop in our 10-day backpacking trip throughout Portugal. What a magical place! From delicious port wine to colourful azulejos (tiles) and amazing food- this city has it all and it is a must-visit. Let me help you plan for the perfect 2 days in Porto!
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Is two days enough time to spend in Porto?
Porto is extremely walkable and due to its size, you can easily see most of the city and its landmarks in 48 hours. However, if you plan on paying a visit to the wine region, you may want to add a third day to your itinerary to make the most of it.
When is the best time to visit Porto?
We chose to visit Portugal in April and in hindsight it was the best decision. The weather was warm and sunny during the day and cool and breezy in the evening. The crowds were bearable and accommodation considerably cheaper. Although we were blessed with mostly sunny skies, Springtime in Porto can get wet and so remember to pack an umbrella for those rainy days. If you prefer warmer weather (and water) then June- September might be the best time for you to visit, but be prepared to deal with the crowds and everything that accompanies Peak Season in Europe.
Tips & Tricks
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Forget the heels ladies as you’ll be walking all day long.
- If walking is not your thing, then consider buying a Porto Card. This card gives you unlimited use of public transport, free admission to 6 museums and up to 50% discount on sights and sightseeing tours. To be honest, we did not need to use public transport once during our stay.
- Do pack something warm for the breezy days and evenings.
- If you’re a foodie like me, consider booking a walking food tour. It’s a great way to explore the city if you only have 2 days in Porto and you’ll also get to taste delicacies you may never have discovered on your own. We did a tour with Food Love Tour and I would definitely recommend them.
- If you’re keen to visit a specific restaurant, don’t forget to make a reservation either online or in person.
Stay
With only 2 days in Porto, you’ll probably want to stay as central as possible.
Consider the following Neighbourhoods:
- Riberia: The gorgeous historical centre full of character on the riverbank of the Douro.
- Centro- Baixa: here you’ll find the Lello Livaria and abundant nightlife.
- Cedofeita: Trendy and artsy area.
- Bolhoa: Vibrant and central
During our 2 days in Porto, we stayed In a unique hostel called Zero Box Lodge in the heart of Portugal, in the Bolhoa district. Inspired by Japanese capsules, this hostel provides minimalist wooden boxes with a double bed and a private bathroom. It’s a shared dorm in what was once a bank and an old shirt factory. We enjoyed every second of our stay. The atmosphere is out of this world and upon arrival, you’re greeted with a cold welcome beer. There’s a cinema room, a sauna, an “underwater club” a rooftop bar and a quirky cocktail lounge. If you’re looking for budget accommodation in the ideal location then this is it.
Do
This quaint city certainly packs a punch. There is so much to see and do in Porto, here’s a list to help you make the most of your 2 days in Porto.
Porto’s Sé Cathedral
This magnificent cathedral is set atop a dramatic hill and it’s a must-see! It’s a 12th Century historical landmark in the oldest district in Porto with one of the best views of the city. Admire the stunning Azulejos inside the Cathedral and the cloister. You can visit the Cathedral for free between 9 am and 7pm. To visit the Cloister and museum you’ll have to go between 9 am and 6:30 pm and it’ll cost you £3 (you can buy this at the entrance). Try to beat the crowds by going as early as possible.
Largo Da Pena Ventosa
Just a 3 min walk from the Cathedral is Largo Da Pena Ventosa. This is a quaint and colourful square with so much character. Grab a table at the little cafe Circa Velha and enjoy an espresso (or a glass of port) as you soak in the vibe and people watch. Once you’ve refuelled, take a stroll through the charming alleyways.
Cais Da Ribeira
If you make your way towards the Point Luiz bridge, you’ll stumble upon the gorgeous riverside area, Cais Da Riberia, where colourful houses feature on the banks of the River Douro. Grab a Sangria at one of the quaint (but very busy) cafes and take a seat next to the river for an uninterrupted view of Gaia. The atmosphere is vibrant with street musicians and tourists enjoying the sunshine.
Dom Luis I Bridge
This iconic bridge spans across the Douro River and connects the Riberia district with the wineries of Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s a unique double-decker structure with the metro crossing on the top level and cars crossing on the lower level. Pedestrians can walk on either level and so you can cross over one level and back on the other to experience the bridge in its entirety. The walk itself is delightful with breathtaking views and definitely, a must-do if you have 2 days in Porto.
Serra do Pilar
As you cross over the Dom Luís I Bridge you’ll walk into Serra Do Pilar, a church and former convent. It’s a steep walk if you’re up for it, but the views are definitely worth it with one of the best panoramic views in Porto.
Vila Nova de Gaia
No visit to Porto is complete without a visit to Villa Nova de Gaia! As you leave Serra do Pillar and walk down you’ll find another gorgeous riverside walk with an array of wineries and cellars offering tours and tastings. If you manage to grab a seat in the sunshine, order a glass of Port and enjoy the atmosphere. If the cafes are full, grab a- port- to -go and take a seat next to the riverbank. It’s a lovely area and you can certainly get lost in the narrow alleys and the picturesque houses for ages.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
Built in the 18th century, the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso features Azjules by the Italian Artist Nicolau Nasoni.
Livraria Lello
A visit to the most beautiful library in the world is one of the top things to do in Porto. Legend has it that when J.K Rowling lived and worked in Porto in the early 90s, the gorgeous architecture is said to have inspired the Hogwarts interior. Although this library is certainly breathtaking, it was a largely frustrating experience. Despite purchasing a ticket (£5) you’ll still have to queue for hours and once you are inside, you’ll find yourself being squished by the crowd or pushed out the way while someone attempts to take the perfect picture. If you simply have to pay a visit to the library, make sure to buy the priority entry ticket (£15) to skip the queue. Or alternatively, make sure to arrive well before opening to join the queue early. Book your tickets here.
Sao Bento Station
Sao Bento Station is a gorgeous 20th-century, still functioning railway station. The main hall is definitely worth a visit with over 20,000 gorgeous azulejos depicting the history of Porto.
Capela Das Almas
Another beautiful church adorned in iconic azulejos is Capela das Almas aka Chapel of Souls. The blue and white tiles depict scenes of the lives of various saints and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Bolhão Market
Just around the corner, you’ll find the famous Bolhão Market in its temporary location. Unfortunately, the Market’s original location has been under refurbishment for a number of years and although it’s not as charming, the stalls and vendors are still delightful. You’ll find cheese and wine platters, sardines and gorgeous flowers- great for a midday pit-stop!
Rua Galerias de Paris
End your evening at Galerias de Paris where trendy bars and restaurants line the street. It comes alive after 10 pm when music and crowds spill into the streets. The atmosphere is vibrant and if you’re someone who enjoys dancing the night away then make sure to add it to your itinerary.
Miradouro da Vitória
“Miradouro” is the Portuguese word for “viewpoint”. The Miradouro da Vitória is another gorgeous look lookout point with a panoramic view of Porto and it’s free. Like most viewpoints, you’ll have to climb a stairway to get there, but it’s definitely worth the walk with views of the Riberia district, the Douro River and the Se’.
Ride The Tram
Many people associate the cute yellow trams with Lisbon, but did you know that the trams in Porto are one of the oldest electrified transport systems in Europe? There are three tram lines but Tram 1 is definitely the most popular option with tourists. It runs between Riberia and Foz and it’s a beautiful ride. Unfortunately, the trams weren’t running during our stay but if you’re very keen to do so, you can read all about it here.
Eat
The food in Porto is out of this world and If you’re a foodie like I am, then you’ll need this list of what to eat and where to find these delicacies.
Pastel Da Natas
It goes without saying, that when in Portugal you must have many, MANY Pastel Da Natas. These egg custard tarts (dusted with cinnamon) were created before the 18th Century by Catholic Monks. Voted as one of “Portugal’s Seven Wonders Of Gastronomy” this delicious tart is a must-try.
Manteigaria serves the best Pastel Da Natas in Porto – through a glass panel you can see the talented bakers and the entire process. It’s a treat!
Francesinha
If you love bread, cheese and meat- then you’ve got to try a Francesinha. It’s a sandwich that originates in Porto and it consists of thick slices of white bread, ham, sausage and steak. It’s drenched in cheese and topped with an egg! Apparently, the secret is in the sauce which differed from place to place. It’s delicious and trust me…you’ll definitely want to share this decadent dish with someone.
For the best Franceshina In town, you should try Brasoa Aliados and Santa Francesinha. Both places are extremely popular and so don’t forget to make a reservation.
Um Pingu
Um Pingu refers to a double espresso with a splash of milk. Cafe Guarany serves a delicious and balanced Um Pingu and while you’re there, you must try their Torrada (toast with butter).
Bifana
This is another delicious Portuguese sandwich you have to try during your 2 days in Porto. Strips of pork are sautéed in a special sauce and then served on a crispy bread roll. It has a spicy edge to it and it’s usually paired with a big glass of beer.
Conga is known for serving the best Bifanas in town and it’s incredibly popular so be prepared to queue or grab one to go instead.
Pastel de bacalhau
This is Codfish cake deep-fried with potatoes and it is delightful! It’s an extremely popular traditional dish and you’ll find them anywhere in Porto. If you’d like to try something a little different head over to Casa Portuguesa Do Pastel Bacalhau in Gaia. These cakes are paired with a glass of port and it is a combination of cod and Serra cheese- a yummy combination!
And there you have it, friends- all you can see, eat and do in 2 days in Porto. It’s a fantastic city and you won’t regret stopping by!