Porto is a beautiful city located in the north of Portugal, known for its historic centre, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Here is a weekend trip itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in Porto.
Friday - exploring the nightlife in Porto
If your weekend trip to Porto begins on a Friday evening, start by getting acquainted with the culture by trying some hearty and comforting Portuguese food. An excellent choice would be Raiz, which is located in the city centre. There, you can taste some traditional Portuguese gastronomy with a contemporary twist in a restaurant that prides itself on their slow cooking methods and use of seasonal fresh produce. So take your time and savour every bite!
Once you’ve had your fill, head up to Galeria de Paris street, just a short walk away, to explore the thriving music scene. Here you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs with live performances, ranging from jazz to rock to fado. So come on out and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Porto!
Saturday - discovering the beauty of Porto's architecture and local commerce
Start your day admiring Porto’s architecture at famous churches like the Chapel of Souls and Saint Ildefonso. In the same neighbourhood, you have Mercado Bolhão, which is a traditional local market where you can also try local delicacies. Then descend to São Bento station through Avenida dos Aliados, the most iconic avenue in the city. This historic railway station has beautiful tile panels covering the walls and ceilings of the main hall. If you are interested in going beyond Porto, this station will also connect you to other historic cities such as Braga, Aveiro and Guimarães. Check train schedules and book your tickets with ease online. Did you know that Guimarães was the first capital of Portugal?
Walk through the famous Rua das Flores to see some local craft shops. Head to see the famous Largo da Pena Ventosa which is known for its colourful and picturesque houses. Not too far from it, it’s the cathedral of Porto. The cathedral is an excellent example of the Romanesque architectural style, and its walls are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Visitors to the cathedral can admire its stunning stained glass windows and climb to the top of its towers for panoramic views of the city.
An hour before sunset, head down to the river to cross the D. Luís I bridge on the upper deck. This bridge is one of the postcard images of the city and it’s fun to cross it as a pedestrian walking alongside the trams.
An hour before sunset, head down to the river to cross the D. Luís I bridge on the upper deck. This bridge is one of the postcard images of the city and it’s fun to cross it as a pedestrian walking alongside the trams.
Once on the other side, you can either enjoy the sunset from Jardim do Morro or go down to the riverside. I recommend the view from the riverside, as you can admire the beauty of the city of Porto and the bridge from afar. If you’re interested in doing some Vinho do Porto tasting, there are many cellars in Gaia. On the way back, if you are on the riverside, cross the bridge on the lower deck and you’ll exit straight into Ribeira. Enjoy the evening atmosphere on the riverside with live music and amazing views from either side of the river.
Sunday - immersing yourself in Porto's rich cultural heritage
Begin with Igreja do Carmo to admire the beautiful tile work and ornamented façade up close. This magnificent church is famous for its blue azulejos (painted tiles) that adorn its exterior walls with intricate patterns and designs. In Porto, many of the churches were constructed or renovated during the Baroque period, which lasted from the late 16th to the mid-18th century. During this time, the use of decorative tiles became even more prevalent, and the blue azulejos in particular became a hallmark of Portuguese architecture.
In the heart of Porto, is the stunning Livraria Lello. The spiral staircase, intricate wood carvings and stained-glass skylights make the bookshop considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. This Art Neveau bookshop inspired J. K. Rowling while she was writing Harry Potter.
From there, you’re just minutes away from the Clérigos Tower. You can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and visit the small museum showcasing the history of the church and the tower itself.
Next, head down to Miradouro da Vitória for some of the best panoramic views of the Ribeira district and the Douro river. You can follow up with the marvellous Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour. The interior of the building is just as impressive as the exterior, with its ornate halls and grand staircases that showcase the wealth and prosperity of Porto during the 19th century. Built in the neo-classical style, this magnificent palace was once the home of the city’s stock exchange. Now, it’s used as a cultural centre to host international leaders or for events like fashion shows. The highlight of the Palácio da Bolsa is the Arabian Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful rooms in Portugal. With its intricate wood carvings, and glittering chandeliers, the Arabian Hall is a breathtaking display of Porto’s rich cultural heritage.
A trip to Porto would not be complete without trying the most famous local dish – the Francesinha. The dish consists of layers of bread, ham, fresh sausage, and steak, all topped with melted cheese and a spicy tomato and beer-based sauce. It is usually served with a side of french fries. It’s quite filling, so I’d suggest asking for a half portion or sharing it with someone. I was lucky enough to be hosted by friends in Porto and they took me to try a wood fire cooked Francesinha at Alfândega Douro.
Lastly, for something off the beaten track, visit the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. This is a beautiful and tranquil park located a bit on the periphery. The gardens are well-manicured, with lush green lawns, flower beds, and a variety of trees. Visitors can stroll along the paths, sit on benches and enjoy the view, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Porto offers a wealth of exciting and unique experiences to visitors. From the stunning architecture of Igreja do Carmo and the Palácio da Bolsa to the panoramic views from the Miradouro da Vitória and the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights to see. Don’t forget to also check out the historic Livraria Lello bookshop and cross the D. Luís II bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the city from the upper deck. And with a delicious local cuisine and exquisite wine to enjoy, Porto is the perfect destination for a memorable weekend getaway.
