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Portugal · Trip plan

3 days in Porto

Port wine cellars, tiled churches and the Douro Valley harvest.

Best time
Oct – Nov, Mar – May
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$170 per person
Trip for two
about $1,020

Planning a 3-day trip to Porto? Here's a day-by-day Porto itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Autumn is grape-harvest season in the Douro Valley, and the city is still mild, golden and far less crowded than summer.

Porto is Portugal's second city, a hilly, characterful place of azulejo tiles, port wine and the Douro river.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec

October to November: 12–20°C.

Create my Porto trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Porto

  • 01

    Ribeira

    A UNESCO riverside quarter of colourful houses.

  • 02

    Port lodges

    Tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia's cellars.

  • 03

    Livraria Lello

    One of the world's most beautiful bookshops.

  • 04

    Douro Valley

    Terraced vineyards along the river.

Day by day

Porto itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Ribeira and Gaia

    Morning
    Walk São Bento station's tiled hall and down to the Ribeira waterfront.
    Afternoon
    Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to the port lodges for a cellar tour and tasting.
    Evening
    Sunset from the Jardim do Morro and dinner by the river.

    The upper deck of the bridge has the best views.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Bookshops and tiles

    Morning
    Livraria Lello and the Clérigos Tower.
    Afternoon
    Bolhão market and Rua de Santa Catarina.
    Evening
    Francesinha dinner and fado.

    Lello opens at 9 AM; go first thing.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Douro Valley

    Morning
    Day trip to the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards.
    Afternoon
    Quinta tasting and lunch.
    Evening
    Back to Porto and home.

    Harvest season is September to October.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Porto in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Porto

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Douro Valley”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Porto

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Lisbon.

What it costs

Porto trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$80$480
Mid-range$170$1,020
Luxury$400+$2,400

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Porto is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Porto for every budget

  • Budget

    Gallery Hostel

    Miguel Bombarda

    Art-filled and friendly.

    from $35 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Ribeira

    Ribeira

    River views.

    from $180 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    The Yeatman

    Vila Nova de Gaia

    A wine hotel overlooking the city.

    from $450 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Porto

  • Francesinha

    A meat-stuffed sandwich in beer-tomato sauce.

  • Bacalhau

    Salt cod.

  • Port wine

    Tawny, ruby or white.

Getting there

How to reach Porto

Travel
Porto airport is 30 minutes by metro.
Getting around
Walk, metro and trams.
  • Buy Livraria Lello tickets online; they count towards a book.
  • Wear grippy shoes; Porto is very hilly.

Before you go

What to pack for Porto

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Porto trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Porto?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Ribeira, Port lodges, Livraria Lello. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Porto trip cost?

Roughly $80 a day per person on a budget, $170 mid-range and $400+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,020 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Porto?

Oct – Nov, Mar – May. Autumn is grape-harvest season in the Douro Valley, and the city is still mild, golden and far less crowded than summer.

Where should I stay in Porto?

Budget: Gallery Hostel (Miguel Bombarda), from about $35 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Ribeira (Ribeira), from about $180 a night. Luxury: The Yeatman (Vila Nova de Gaia), from about $450 a night.

How do I reach Porto?

Porto airport is 30 minutes by metro.

Is 2 days enough for Porto?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Douro Valley". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Porto?

October to November: 12–20°C.

What food should I try in Porto?

Francesinha: A meat-stuffed sandwich in beer-tomato sauce. Bacalhau: Salt cod. Port wine: Tawny, ruby or white.

How do I get around Porto?

Walk, metro and trams.

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