Looking for the best things to do in Porto? This vibrant riverside city in northern Portugal is one of Europe’s most charming destinations – full of colourful tiled buildings, riverside restaurants, historic landmarks, and world-famous Port wine.
Whether you’re into history, food, architecture, or just soaking up the sunshine with a glass of something local, this 5-day Porto itinerary covers it all. Recently experienced first-hand by Ginnie, our Managing Director, this Porto travel guide brings you the real gems – from bridge climbs and Port tastings to rooftop bars and peacocks in the park. Here’s how to experience the very best of the city – one glass, climb, and custard tart at a time.
Day one: arrival & dinner in a converted chapel
Touch down in Porto and ease into the city’s character with dinner at Capela Incomum – a unique wine bar and restaurant housed in a restored 19th-century chapel. The atmosphere is intimate and atmospheric, and the standout dish is the cured meats and pickled cucumber, paired perfectly with a glass of Casa de Saima Vinhas Velhas – a minerally wine from limestone-rich soils in Barraida, central Portugal.
Capela Incomum
Quinta do Vallado
Day two: day trip to the Douro Valley
No visit to northern Portugal is complete without exploring the world-famous Douro Valley. Spend the day wine tasting at Quinta do Vallado, one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the region. Enjoy a vineyard tour and Port tasting while taking in the terraced valley views.
Back in Porto, head to Duello, a buzzing Mexican restaurant where the Margaritas and Al Pastor tacos (pork with pineapple pickles and coriander) are the stars of the show. It’s casual, affordable, and full of flavour.
Day three: riverside walks, port tastings & sunset views
Start your morning at Honest Greens for breakfast, where the chia pudding bowl is a favourite and for good reason. Then enjoy a stroll along the riverside, where you’ll find buskers, craft stalls and scenic views. Tuck into a bite of Porto tradition at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau – a deep-fried codfish cake with a gooey Serra da Estrela cheese centre.
Next, make your way to Caves Calem for a Port wine cellar tour and museum experience. Learn how Port is made and taste the difference between Ruby, Tawny, and White Ports.
Arribida Bridge Climb
Porto River Tour
Day four: culture, cathedrals & rooftop cocktails
Start the day at Nicolau Porto,one of the best brunch spots in the city. It’s popular with locals and visitors alike – get there early to beat the queue.
Afterwards, head to Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) – one of the most beautiful and historically rich sites in the city. Then, join the locals and queue for a much-loved hot dog/toasted cheese hybrid at Gazela, a foodie favourite in the city.
Day five: coffee & Crystal Palace Gardens
Ease into your final day in Porto with a stroll through the city, grabbing a coffee and pastel de nata at a local bakery. Then head to Rua de Santa Catarina, the main shopping street, for last-minute souvenirs.
Spot the famous azulejo-tiled churches and buildings along the way, before enjoying a relaxed walk in the Crystal Palace Gardens, home to free-roaming peacocks and amazing river views.
Lunch is at Shiok, a vibrant little Asian restaurant with standout dishes like Dancing Clams (yes, they really dance!) and Sticky Mango Rice – the perfect end to your Porto culinary journey. From here, hop on the metro and head to the airport.
We offer a selection of beautiful holiday villas near Porto, ideal for couples, families, or groups looking to explore northern Portugal in style. From poolside retreats to charming escapes in the Douro Valley, we’ll help you find the perfect base for your Porto adventure.
Get in touch and we’ll help you find the perfect villa for your stay.
