Three Days in Porto: A Travel Guide

Ah, Porto! The city of port wine, endless staircases, and a general lack of urgency. If you're not a fan of melting under the Iberian sun or being trampled by hordes of tourists wielding selfie sticks like medieval weapons, November is your golden ticket. A comfortable 20 degrees, cheaper prices, and locals who aren’t (yet) exhausted by the summer rush. What more could you ask for?

Day 1: Arrival and a Leisurely Stroll

We kicked off our Porto adventure at the TURIM Oporto Hotel, which I highly recommend – despite the unavoidable stairway workouts required to reach the riverside. (Let’s call it sightseeing with a side of cardio.)

After checking in, we wasted no time and embarked on an evening walk. First stop: Mercado do Bolhão, a historic market where you can marvel at fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and enthusiastic vendors trying to sell you something you definitely don’t need but suddenly want. Nearby, the Sé do Porto, a stunning 12th-century cathedral, loomed in all its medieval grandeur. We wandered along Rua das Flores, a charming street lined with beautifully lit buildings, lively street musicians, and the occasional confused tourist consulting Google Maps in vain.

Down by the Ribeira do Porto, we soaked in the atmospheric riverside, with the twinkling city lights reflecting off the Douro River. If you have time, cross the iconic Ponte Luís I bridge for the best night views. You’ll often find local musicians adding a live soundtrack to your evening :) .

For a quirky little detour, walk along the Avenida de Diogo Leite and visit the free Sardine Museum, dedicated to Portugal’s most famous tinned export. Never thought you'd be deeply moved by a fish in a can? Well, welcome to Porto.

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Too Much Food

No holiday is complete without excessive caffeine consumption, so we started the day at Do Norte Café, where the coffee is strong and the pastries are dangerously addictive. Then it was off to Livraria Lello, arguably the world’s most beautiful bookshop and inspiration for Hogwarts (yes, really). It’s stunning, but be warned – entry requires a ticket, and it gets crowded. If you're determined to go, book a ticket beforhand or arrive early and pretend you enjoy queuing.

After indulging in some literary eye-candy, we made our way to the Clérigos Tower. If you're willing to climb 225 steps, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of Porto. If not, well... at least you tried?

Lunch was at Bacalhoeiro, an absolute must for anyone wanting to try authentic Portuguese cuisine. Their bacalhau (salted cod) is legendary.

For dessert (because why not), we stopped at Garden Porto Café. Their cakes? Phenomenal. Their coffee? A hug in a cup. Their vibe? Peak European chic.

With our stomachs full and arteries slightly compromised, we spent the afternoon exploring the Palácio da Bolsa, a former stock exchange, lavishly decorated. Next, a visit to the São Bento Railway Station, where the intricate blue and white azulejo tiles tell a lot of stories.

In the evening, we decided to dive into Porto’s true claim to fame – port wine. Cálem Cellars offers an entertaining tour and, most importantly, generous tastings. A few glasses in, and suddenly everything in Porto seemed even more beautiful.

Day 3: Coastal Escapes and a Farewell Feast

For our final day, we ventured a little outside the city centre to Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic. The Passeio Alegre Garden is a lovely spot for a morning stroll, with palm trees, sea breezes, and a high probability of an elderly Portuguese gentleman feeding pigeons.

We took the vintage Tram 1 back into the city (because who doesn’t love pretending to be in a Wes Anderson film for a moment?) and headed to Café Majestic for lunch.

With our time in Porto coming to an end, we made one last essential stop: Francesinha at Café Santiago. If you don’t know what a Francesinha is, imagine a croque monsieur that went on a wild night out, got into a fight with a steak, a chorizo, and some beer sauce, and somehow emerged victorious. It’s an absolute must-try, but do ensure you have a nap scheduled afterward.

Porto, with its friendly locals, delicious food, and charmingly chaotic streets, is a city that’s easy to love. Whether you come for the history, the wine, or just an excuse to eat your weight in custard tarts, you won’t leave disappointed. And if you do, well… you probably didn’t drink enough port.