How to Spend A Weekend in Porto
So you only have a weekend in Porto and are trying to figure out what to do with your time. This is a complete itinerary to hit the top spots in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal and home of Port Wine. Porto has many amazing sights to see, so it will be packed, but follow along to see what this beautiful city has to offer. From the city center to the Ribeira, it will take you all around Porto.
Know Before you go:
When to go:
Porto is a place where you can spend time anytime of the year, but summer is the best. June to August is when you will have the best weather in Porto, the negative is that is when it’s the most crowded. If you go in the border months of April/May or September/October, you will have the good weather, but less crowds.
How to get around Porto
Most of the main sites in Porto are within walking distance. I recommend starting at the top and walking down. It’s easy to get a taxi or uber. If you want a good all around tour, they have a few hop on hop off buses that you can use to get around.
We didn’t end up using public transportation, but if you are think about getting the Porto Card. You can use it to get unlimited pic transport as well as to get into several museums. For 2 days its €20.
Things to know:
The town is covered in Azulejos which are white and blue tiles, often depicting the past. You will see these in Porto and throughout all of Portugal.
There are three main regions in Porto for tourists:
Ribeira – down along the river front. You will find lots of narrow streets and outdoor cafes in the region. Make sure to check out the Sao Francisco Church and go on a boat tour.
City Center – Around Avenida dos Aliados. Lots of monuments and sights surrounded by small little streets.
Vila Nova de Gaia – this is the neighboring city of Porto across the River. If you don’t have time to make it to the Duoro Valley, this is the next best place to try the Port Wine. Many of the large wineries have a tasting house here too. Try Sandman and Croft.
Go on a 6 bridge boat tour to see Porto from the river.
Make sure to take note of the different tiles in the pedestrian areas. Portugal uses pavers instead of cement in many of the pedestrian areas, displaying patterns or designs.
What to see and do around Porto:
Porto – Day 1
Rua da Fabrica
Make your way up the Rua da Fabrica that was named for the tobacco factories that were once a major industry for this town.
Lello & Irma Bookstore
For all Harry Potter fans, you probably already know that J. K. Rowling worked in Porto for a year and the town has inspired different parts of the book. This bookstore is said to have inspired Hogwarts. Because of the popularity, it does cost money to get inside, however if you purchase something this can be applied to the purchase. They have lots of Harry Potter Memorabilia for Harry Potter Fans. To get in, make sure to get your ticket at the shop two doors over on the left before you get in line, otherwise you will be waiting in life for no reason. It does take some time, so plan ahead for this. Also for all Harry Potter fans, you will likely see many university students walking around town in uniforms very similar to those worn at Hogwarts.
Sao Bento Train Station
This is the main train station in Porto. The station entrance is beautifully decorated with over 20,000 tiles (Azulejos) that show historical scenes from the Duoro region. Be sure to actually go into the train station to see the trains come and go.
Porto – Day 2
Henry the Navigator Square
One of the main squares in Porto. The statue in the middle is of Henry the Navigator who was born in Porto. The Stock Exchange Palace and the Sao Francisco Church border the square.
Stock Exchange Palace
Many reviews say it’s amazing, but in order to go through you have to do a 30 min guided tour. When we went, there was long line and would have had to wait over 2 hours to do a tour.
Sao Francisco Church
Right next to the Stock Exchange. This is one of the churches that you have to go in. It does cost money, but is only a few euro and is worth it. It was built in the 18th century in the Gothic style. The interior is amazing and make sure to visit the crypt. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take photos inside.
What to do if you have more time:
Duoro Valley
If you have another day in Porto, I highly recommend taking a tour of the Duoro Valley if you haven’t yet. The Duoro Valley is where the Port Wine vineyards are. You can rent a car and drive yourself. Of if you want to relax for the day, take a tour. We arranged on Expedia a private tour, there were group ones as well.
Around Porto
If you don’t have enough time to make it all the way to the Duoro Valley, but you are still looking for other things to do around Porto; I recommend checking out the coastline. There is boardwalk that you can walk along to see the sites.
The Majestic cafe is almost 100 year old cafe and is a very popular sight in Porto. There is a long wait and the food is expensive. We went for a cheaper option along the street, you can try it if you have the time.