The Ultimate 5‑Day Porto Itinerary (With Stunning Views, Hidden Gems, & Local Flavor)
Views of the Ribeira District
If you’re planning a Portugal itinerary, Porto should absolutely be at the top of your list. Nestled along the winding Douro River, this vibrant city took my breath away with its blend of old-world charm, dramatic viewpoints, blue-tiled architecture, and unforgettable bites. Whether you're including Porto in a Lisbon-to-Porto journey or exploring it on its own, this 5-day itinerary is filled with iconic landmarks, off-the-radar gems, and foodie finds that make Porto a must-experience destination.
📍 Want to follow along visually? Check out my custom Google Maps list with all the spots I visited and loved!
Day 1: Iconic Views & Ancient Foundations – Dom Luís I Bridge + Porto Cathedral
🌇 Dom Luís I Bridge
Start your adventure with Porto's crown jewel. This towering, double-deck metal bridge is more than just a crossing, it's a front-row seat to the soul of the city. Walking across it at sunset, with the Douro glowing below and the city lighting up behind you, felt like stepping into a painting.
Photography Tip: Head to the upper deck right before golden hour for jaw-dropping skyline shots. The breeze, the bustle, the views, it's electric.
⛪ Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
A few steps uphill leads you to one of Porto’s oldest and most important monuments. The Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is steeped in history and offers a gorgeous terrace view over the red rooftops and tangled alleys below.
Tip: Climb the steps near the cathedral plaza to soak in panoramic views before heading inside to admire the cloisters lined with intricate azulejos.
Day 2: Taste Your Way Through Porto – Francesinha, Majestic Café & Pastel de Nata
Porto stole my heart with its food: hearty, indulgent, and packed with flavor.
🥪 Francesinha Sandwich
A love letter to all things meat and cheese. This Porto specialty layers ham, sausage, and steak between thick bread, doused in a spicy beer sauce, and blanketed with melted cheese. It’s a glorious mess and an absolute must-try.
Where I Enjoyed It: Café Santiago: iconic and full of locals.
☕ Majestic Café
Stepping into this Belle Époque landmark feels like traveling back in time. With its sparkling chandeliers, carved wood interiors, and perfectly frothed espresso, Majestic Café is a dreamy breakfast or coffee break stop.
Foodie Tip: Go early to avoid the tour crowds and enjoy your coffee in peace. Pair it with a warm croissant or local sweet.
🍞 Pastel de Nata
I went on a mini custard tart pilgrimage and found three contenders that blew me away: Castro, Natas D’Ouro, and Manteigaria. Crispy, caramelized pastry with silky centers, heaven in every bite.
Day 3: Artistic Tiles & Literary Legends – São Bento Station & Livraria Lello
Today is about Porto’s artistic soul.
🚂 São Bento Station
This train station is a living museum. Its grand entryway is lined with over 20,000 azulejos, depicting Portuguese battles, countryside scenes, and daily life with exquisite detail. I spent nearly an hour here, just admiring the tiles and taking it all in.
⛪ Church of Saint Ildefonso
An underrated gem, this 18th-century church stands tall with a dazzling blue-and-white tiled façade. Every inch tells a story… religious, historical, and artistic.
📖 Livraria Lello
This might be the most beautiful bookstore I’ve ever stepped into. Its carved staircase spirals like something out of a fairytale, and the stained glass ceiling casts a warm, magical glow.
Harry Potter Fans: Yes, this is that bookstore. J.K. Rowling was rumored to be inspired by it while living in Porto.
Tip: Book a timed entry ticket online to skip the long queues.
Day 4: Riverside Wanders & Wine Tastings – Ribeira & Gaia
🌊 Ribeira District
This is the heart of Porto. Cobblestone alleys, pastel-colored houses, and the murmur of the Douro create a lively, romantic backdrop. Grab a coffee, sit by the water, and soak it all in. It’s postcard-perfect and even better in person.
🍇 Vila Nova de Gaia – Home of Port Wine
Just across the bridge lies Gaia, the quieter cousin of Porto and the keeper of the city’s most famous export: Port wine.
Where to Taste Wine:
Taylor’s: Sophisticated, great history lesson
Graham’s: Intimate and beautifully set
I learned the difference between tawny and ruby, and sipped a 20-year-old vintage while watching the sunset. Bliss.
⬆️ Gaia Cable Car
For a fun twist, hop on the Teleférico de Gaia and float above the rooftops with panoramic views of the river and city. Great for photos and a breezy break from walking.
Day 5: Coastal Escape – Foz do Douro & Porto’s Brunch Scene
🌊 Foz do Douro
After days of exploring, Foz felt like a breath of fresh, salty Atlantic air. It’s where the Douro River gently meets the ocean, and it’s lined with peaceful beaches, charming lighthouses, and coastal cafes.
How I Got There: I took the vintage tram from the city center: slow, scenic, and worth every rickety moment.
🍞 Camélia - Brunch Garden
My final meal in Porto was this cozy garden café, filled with greenery, strong coffee, and flaky pastries. It was the perfect peaceful note to end on.
What I Loved: Avocado toast with smoked salmon and a lavender latte.
Want the full list of everywhere I ate? Grab my Porto Google Map here to explore it all.
Why Porto is Worth Every Moment
With its magic mix of food, views, culture, and charm, Porto is a city that lingers in your memory long after you leave. This 5-day itinerary reflects my favorite moments, and I hope it helps shape yours. Want to see it all in action? Watch my vlog featuring the best of Porto’s sights, eats, and secret spots!