Wonderful City Sightseeing and Things to Do in 3 Days Porto Trip

Porto, also sometimes known as Oporto, is a city in Portugal situated in the Iberian Peninsula. The older part of this city has been included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The coastal side is another major aspect of this city. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, some of the best places to visit in Porto are situated along the coast. The first and foremost state of affairs for anyone who’s there to visit Porto is to get lost in the Ribeira. This part has an altogether different feel to it. You will see cobblestone paths surrounded by 18th-century structures as well as some later additions. The area is peppered with numerous things to see in Porto which are quintessentially Portuguese. If you are a little fit, one of the best things to do in Porto is to take a bicycle tour around the old town.

Among historic Porto’s tourist attractions are towers, churches, palaces, bridges, and museums. You will notice during Porto sightseeing that Baroque and Beaux-Arts are prominent styles of architecture among older buildings. There are various sites with high vantage points from which you can get a good view of the city. The Clergies Tower and the Hilltop are some of the best spots for city sightseeing in Porto. You will get to roam around quite a bit while exploring Porto attractions. It is best to divide your day by area. Make sure you pick out places for lunch and dinner that serve a variety of local wines.

This brings us to another one of the top things to do in Porto, Wine tasting. Some of the best places to go in Porto for trying out good wine are the winery’s cellars. There are several of these located at Ribeira. They are so ingrained in the city’s culture that cellars like Caves Calem and Vila Nova de Gaia are even considered among Porto’s top attractions.

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Explore The Best Tourist Attractions of Porto in 3 Days

Day 1

1. Church of Saint Francis (Igreja de São Francisco)

This church is the most lavish things to see in Porto. It is heavily and intricately decorated with rich materials. This church is also popular among Porto tourist attractions for 350kg of Gold decoration inside the church. You will need about an hour to explore the grandeur of this church.

2. House of the Prince (Casa do Infante)

This 14th century house serves as a museum about the city. It is one of the most important Porto attractions as it is believed to be the house where Prince Henry the Navigator was born. You will need an hour at the House of the Prince.

3. Bolsa Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)

This grand historic palace is one of the most popular stops during Porto sightseeing. The Neo-classical architecture and ornate artwork of this palace are highly renowned. Tour of this palace would be the most beautiful among all attractions on Porto itinerary. You will need 2 hours to explore this palace.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Bolsa Palace in advance.

4. Church of Mercy and Museum (MMIPO – Museu da Misericórdia do Porto)

This 14th century church was designed by Nicolau Nasoni. The exterior of the church exhibits baroque and rococo styles of architecture and design. You will need an hour or so to explore this church.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket of Church of Mercy and Museum in advance.

5. Portuguese Center of Photography

This building used to be a prison, now it is one of the finest museums in the country exhibiting a variety of photographs by different people from different time periods. It holds a unique place among Porto attractions and will require an hours time to explore.

6. Clerigos Chuch and Tower (Igreja e torre dos Clérigos)

Also known as Torre dos Clerigos, it is part of the Church of the Clergymen. It is one of the best places for city sightseeing of Porto, but you will have to climb 240 steps for that. You will need an hour and a half for this tower.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of Clerigos Tower.

7. São Bento Railway Station (estação ferroviária de São Bento)

This is a historic train station of the city. It is included among places to see in Porto for the ceramic wall tiles, which look like a work of art, because they become one on these walls. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for Sao Bento Train Station.

8. Avenida dos Aliados

This tree lined street has several Porto top attractions along its sides. The street is mainly strolled by visitors to admire the architecture. You will need about an hour to stroll this street.

9. Chapel of Souls

This beautiful chapel is among Porto top sights. It is visually stunning with its striking blue facade. You should keep aside an hour from Porto travel to admire this wonderful historical monument.

Day 2

1. Porto City Park (Parque da Cidade do Porto)

This is the place for some of the best things to do in Porto, Portugal including enjoying the beach. This large urban park is as popular with locals as it is with those who visit Porto. Keep at least an hour to explore the offerings of this park.

2. Serralves Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves)

This art museums displays works of contemporary art by Portuguese as well as foreign artists. The building itself was designed by Alvaro Siza and is among the best places to visit in Porto. You will need 2 hours for the art museum.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket of Serralves Art Museum in advance.

3. Jardim do Palacio de Cristal

This park has a few historical structures and a pavilion which are included among things to see in Porto. You will need an hour to explore this park.

4. Soares dos Reis National Museum (Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis)

This art museum is held inside Carrancas Palace and exhibits works of art by Portuguese artists. It is also among Porto tourist attractions for being a museum dedicated to the life and work of renowned Portuguese artist Antonio Soares dos Reis. You will need 2 hours to explore this art museum.

5. Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo)

This church is one of most interesting Porto attractions. The church is actually two buildings connected by a narrow house. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this church during Porto travel.

6. Livraria Lello Bookstore

This historical book store is a great addition to Porto 3 day itinerary. People visit here for the opulent interior design and decor elements of this store. You will need 1 hour to admire the wonders of this book store to understand why it is included in Porto itinerary.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Lello Bookstore with Skip-th-Line Entry Ticket.

Day 3

1. Vila Nova de Gaia

This area is famous for Port Wine Caves which people visit for Wine Tasting. It is among top things to do in Porto, Portugal. You should keep 2 hours of time for this experience.

I suggest you should try a Wine and Food Tasting Tour at Villa Nova de Gaia.

2. Caves Calem

These wine cellars are known specifically for 2 types of wines. It is also a prominent site for city sightseeing Porto. Keep an hour to explore the the cellars and to enjoy the view.

You should book your Entry Ticket of Caves Calem with Museum Visit and Wine Tasting in advance.

3. Monastery of Serra do Pilar (Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar)

This monastery sits atop the mountain and is known for its wonderful architecture. It is also one of the best places to enjoy Porto sightseeing. You will need about an hour to explore this monastery.

4. Dom Luis Bridge

This historic iron arched bridge is among popular places to see in Porto. It was the longest iron arch bridge in the world at the time of its construction. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this bridge.

After visiting Dom Luis Bridge, you should go for Douro River Boat Tour.

5. Cais da Ribeira

This waterfront area has several Porto top sights to offer its visitors. Here you would want to take leisurely strolls and admire culture, architecture and history around you for a couple of hours.

I suggest you should try a Walking Tour of Cais da Ribeira.

6. Funicular dos Guindais

The funicular train is as much a means of transport as it is among Porto tourist attractions. You should at least take one ride in this Funicular during Porto travel. The ride won’t take more than 30 minutes.

7. Church of Santa Clara (Igreja de Santa Clara)

This church is also among Porto top attractions for its lavish interior decor. The ornate and intricate design of this church’s interiors makes it stand out from other Porto sights. You would need an hour for this church.

8. Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Also known as Se Do Porto, this cathedral is one of the most historically significant Porto attractions. This cathedral is designed like a fortress and has held several important historical events such as baptism of Prince Henry the Navigator. You will need an hour or two for this historic church when you visit Porto.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket of Porto Cathedral with Tower Access in advance.

If you plan for Porto travel for more than 3 days, check out the section below. It has an exhaustive list of numerous places to visit and top things to do in Porto.

Things to do in Porto

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Porto

1. Livraria Lello
2. Clergies Church
3. Bolsa Palace
4. Monument Church of St. Francis
5. Porto Cathedral
6. Cada da Musica
7. Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
8. Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Serralves
9. Igreja do Carmo
10. National Museum Soares dos Reis
11. Church Santo Ildefonso
12. Tram Museum
13. Casa do Infante
14. Chapel of Souls
15. FC Porto Museum
16. Clergies Tower
17. Camara Municipal do Porto
18. Portuguese Center of Photography
19. Fort of Saint Francis Xavier
20. World of Discoveries
21. Port Wine Museum
22. Quinta da Macierinha Romantic Museum
23. Casa de Serralves
24. Palacio do Freixo
25. Muralha Fernandina
26. Igreja de Santa Clara
27. MMIPO – Museu da Misericordia do Porto
28. Lapa Church
29. Estacionamento Palacio de Cristal
30. Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
31. Casa Museu Guerra Junqueiro
32. Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços
33. Mercado Ferreira Borges
34. Felgueiras Lighthouse
35. Episcopal Palace
36. Rotunda da Anemona
37. Museu Militar do Porto
38. Dom Pedro IV statue
39. Galeria da Biodiversidade Center Museum
40. Museu de Historia Natural e da Ciencia Porto
41. Igreja da Misericordia
42. Press Museum
43. Sinagoga Kadoorie
44. Museum of Transport & Communication
45. Forte de Sao Joao Baptista
46. Igreja dos Congregados
47. Igreja de Sao Bento da Vitoria
48. Igreja da Trindade
49. Gallery Fernando Santos
50. Serra do Pillar
51. Casa Arquitectura
52. Casa Museu Teixeira Lopes
53. Leca do Balio Monastery
54. Casa de Santiago

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Porto

1. Sea Life Center Porto
2. Porto City Park
3. Jardim de Joao Chagas
4. Jardim Botanico do Porto
5. Porto Calem Wine Tasting
6. Graham’s Port Lodge Wine Tasting
7. WOW – Porto the World of Wine
8. Ferreira Wine Cellars tour
9. Adriano Ramos Pinto Winery
10. Real Compahia Velha Winery
11. Zoo Santo Inacio
12. Maia Zoo

Shopping in Porto

1. Mercado do Bolhao
2. Centro Commercial Via Caterina
3. Mercado bom Sucesso
4. Avenida da Boavista
5. Rua das Flores
6. Vandoma Flea Market
7. Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos
8. The Urban Market
9. Rua de Santa Catarina
10. Mercado Beira Rio
11. Rua Nova da Alfandega
12. Mercado Porto Bello
13. Rua Candido dos Reis
14. Mercadinho do Clérigos
15. Rua Praca das Cardosas

Beaches in Porto

1. Foz Beachfront
2. Praia do Carneiro
3. Matosinhos Beach
4. Praia Castelo do Quijo
5. Praia do Homem do Leme Beach
6. Miramar Beach
7. Praia dos Ingleses
8. Praia de Fuzelhas
9. Praia do Molhe
10. Praia de Granja
11. Praia de Leca da Palmeira
12. Espinho Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Porto

1. Funicular dos Guindais
2. Water Sports

Sightseeing in Porto

1. Luis I Bridge
2. Parque de Serralves
3. Avenida dos Aliados
4. Liberdade Square
5. Cais da Ribeira
6. Ribeira Square
7. Ponte da Arrabida
8. Jardim do Passeio Alegre
9. Jardim do Morro
10. Maria Pia Bridge
11. Miguel Bombarda Street
12. Galeria de Paris Street
13. Virtudes Garden
14. Porto Bridge Climb
15. Parque de Sao Roque
16. Jardim de Sao Lazaro
17. Infante Dom Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Porto

1. Fabrica da Nata
2. Casa de Cha da Boa Nova
3. Manteigaria
4. Esquina do Avesso
5. ODE Porto Winehouse
6. Nata Lisboa
7. O Gaveto
8. Natas D’Ouro
9. Pizzeria Antonio Mezzero
10. Pedro Lemos
11. O Paparico
12. Casa de Horta
13. Cufra
14. Bacalhau
15. Apego
16. Bufete Fase
17. Namban Oporto
18. Grelhador da Boavista
19. Esporao No Porto
20. O Buraco
21. Catraio
22. Almeja

Where to Stay in Porto?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Porto. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Porto.

Luxurious Hotels

1. Pestana Vintage Porto
2. NH Collection Porto Batalha
3. Legendary Porto Hotel
4. HF Ipanema Park
5. InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel
6. PortoBay Teatro
7. Grande Hotel do Porto
8. Pestana Palacio do Freixo
9. Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
10. Carris Porto Ribeira
11. Crowne Plaza Porto, an IHG Hotel
12. Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

Mid-Range Hotels

1. Moov Hotel Porto Centro
2. Moov Hotel Porto Norte
3. Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel
4. Porto Palacio Congress Hotel & Spa
5. BessaHotel Boavista
6. Hotel Boa Vista
7. Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina
8. Porto Royal Bridges
9. Vila Gale Porto
10. HF Tuela Porto
11. HF Ipanema Porto
12. HF Fenix Porto

Budget Hotels

1. Ibis Porto Sao Joao
2. Star inn Porto
3. The Passenger Hostel
4. Best Guest Porto Hostel
5. Oporto House
6. Supernova Hostel
7. Hotel Sao Jose
8. Lounge Inn Guest House & Apartments
9. Hotel Vice-Rei
10. Porto Domus Hotel
11. Rivoli Cinema Hostel
12. Hotel Peninsular

Custom Tours Package in Porto

How to Reach Porto?

By Air

The easiest option for Porto travel is Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Porto from several cities like London, Liverpool, Dublin, Frankfurt, Brussels, Paris, Marseille, Rome, Bologna, Malta, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Geneva, Milan and so on. You can use busses, metro line or cabs to reach various places to visit in Porto from the airport.

By Road

You can get trains and buses from several cities in Portugal to visit Porto. You can also get connecting trains from Spain via Guillarei.

If you are planning for Porto travel by road, you should pick between routes A1, A29, A3, A4, A41, A20, A33, and A29. You will come across several top things to do in Porto along these routes as you approach the city.

By Water

Porto has a recreational Cruise Terminal, so if your cruise includes Porto itinerary, you will be touching shore at this terminal.

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Image Reference

• Church of Saint Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) – Anita Gould / Flickr
• House of the Prince (Casa do Infante) – NunoCaldeira / Wikimedia Commons
• Bolsa Palace (Palácio da Bolsa) – Hans Birger Nilsen / Flickr
• Church of Mercy and Museum (MMIPO – Museu da Misericórdia do Porto) – Halley Oliveira / Flickr
• Portuguese Center of Photography – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
• Clerigos Chuch and Tower (Igreja e torre dos Clérigos) – Ronnie Macdonald / Flickr
• São Bento Railway Station (estação ferroviária de São Bento) – josé mendes / PixaBay
• Avenida dos Aliados – HombreDHojalata / Wikimedia Commons
• Chapel of Souls – Vitor Oliveira / Flickr
• Porto City Park (Parque da Cidade do Porto) – Manuel Rego Casasnovas / Flickr
• Serralves Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves) – Mark & Andrea Busse / Flickr
• Jardim do Palácio de Cristal – Concierge.2C / Wikimedia Commons
• Soares dos Reis National Museum (Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis) – Joseolgon / Wikimedia Commons
• Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo) – Aleksandr Zykov / Flickr
• Livraria Lello Bookstore – Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau / Flickr
• Vila Nova de Gaia – prilfish / Flickr
• Caves Cálem – Bogdan Tapu / Flickr
• Monastery of Serra do Pilar (Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar) – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
• Dom Luis Bridge – 2427999 / PixaBay
• Cais da Ribeira – nathsegato / PixaBay
• Funicular dos Guindais – Brian Scott / Flickr
• Church of Santa Clara (Igreja de Santa Clara) – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
• Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) – SofieLayla Thal / PixaBay