The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary to Porto for First-Time Visitors Travelling Solo
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This is the perfect 3-day itinerary to Porto for first-time visitors. My love for Portugal started almost 20 years ago, in 2006, when I visited the Algarve for the first time on a summer trip. A lot has changed in the Algarve since then, but my love for the country, the wine, and the food has not.
Since then, I have visited the Algarve many times and later discovered Lisbon and Porto on work trips. Portugal was much more affordable than it is now, even though it’s still cheaper than other Western European countries.
I quickly knew that a road trip in Portugal was a bucket list trip I needed to do at least once in my life. In 2020, a little after the highs of the pandemic in Europe, I decided it would be a perfect time to plan a road trip to Portugal.
It was not too far away if COVID-19 spikes again, and Portugal was open only to EU members. And so I did! A part of that fantastic road trip was a 3-day trip to Porto, Portugal.
When to visit Porto?
Porto is in the northern part of Portugal and can be much colder than the south of Portugal, like the Algarve. Anywhere in Europe is the best to visit outside of the crowded and expensive summer months in July and August.
The best time would be in May, June, September and October. The weather will still be nice during the day, but chillier after the sun sets.
If you’re a wine lover and visiting Porto for the amazing wines, September is the best month due to the harvest season. The grapes will be fully grown, which will make for a beautiful sight.
How to get to Porto
Porto is the perfect starting point for a trip in the north of Portugal or a road trip that ends in the Algarve. Many airlines fly into Porto airport (OPO), including low-cost airlines, if you want to save some bucks.
You can also fly into Lisbon (LIS) and rent a car or take the train, which will take about 2,5 hours. This will also be a great option if you’re planning on combining Porto and Lisbon in one trip (which I highly recommend if you’re there anyway).
Where to stay in Porto?
Porto is divided by the Douro River, and the most convenient area to stay is north of the Douro. You’ll be in the middle of everything, like Estação de São Bento.
Neighbourhoods to consider are Ribeira, Baixa and Bonfim.
The best hotels to stay in Porto
Lost Inn Porto Hostel
I am not a hostel person, but I know a lot of female solo travellers are, so they can meet other travellers, which I fully understand. There are many hostels in Porto, but the Lost Inn Porto hostel is one I would stay in myself, since they also offer private rooms and bathrooms.
You’ll get the best of both worlds! A private room with a private bathroom in the city centre.
Fontinha Porto Hotel
This beautiful hotel has rave reviews! The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a great continental breakfast. The rooms are a decent size and less noisy than staying in an Airbnb.
Compared to other hotels, the price in Fontinha Porto for the quality is truly excellent! I always prefer staying in a hotel as a solo female traveller rather than an Airbnb due to safety.
How long should I stay in Porto?
Three full days is the perfect amount to stay in Porto if you like to take things slow, want to savour as many culinary experiences and want to take a Douro Valley Wine tour!
However, if you’re there to see the sights and are short on time, two days in Porto would be great too. You can easily catch all the highlights in two full days.
The perfect 3-day itinerary to Porto
Day 1: Classic Porto
Start your day with a classic Portuguese breakfast for tourists at Fabrica de Nata or Nata Lisboa with a pastel de nata and coffee.
In Portugal, a ‘bica’ is a shot of espresso, if you’re in the mood for a strong start. After, make a quick stop at Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina. This building is beautifully decorated with blue and white tiles.
The Ribeira District is a great way to start your first day in Porto. This neighbourhood is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colourful buildings near the river. Make a stop at Praca de Ribeira for great views of the Douro River.
My favourite little lunch shop is Voltaria. I love this place so much, but they have limited opening hours.
Next up is the Clerigos Tower and Livreria Lello. The bookstore is famous, and you will probably see a line starting around the corner. It was a little too long of a queue for me, even though I’m obsessed with bookstores and libraries.
From there, visit the São Bento Railway Station! A real in-use train station but famous for its beautiful blue tiles (azulejos), a typical Portuguese sight. Get your camera ready!
In the evening, go see a live fado show and have dinner at one of the many good restaurants or tavernas in Porto and treat yourself to authentic Portuguese cuisine. A favourite because of the location next to the river is Bacalhau.
Day 2: Day trip Douro Valley Wine Tour
Portugal is the land of wine and port, and it would be a shame if we don’t indulge in these delicious local treats!
Today we’re taking a Douro Valley Wine Tour where we get to do some wine tastings and see the production of wine and port. As a certified wine lover (I have a WSET 2 certification and I am planning on WSET 3 somewhere this year), I can highly recommend a wine tour.
You will love the sights of the vineyards and, of course, a great tasting with a paired lunch. The tour also includes a 1-hour cruise along the Douro River.
After the tour, you will be back in Porto in the early evening. If you’re still up for it, I suggest taking an evening stroll over the famous Santa Catarina and maybe a ‘francesinha’ (a local cheese sandwich with gravy) for dinner.
Other optional Day trips from Porto
If a wine or port tour isn’t your thing, there are other options for a day trip. Check out:
Day 3: Cultural and Culinary Porto
In the morning, head over to Zenith Brunch and Cocktails. This brunch place is famous for its smoothie bowls! From there, take a walk to the Bolhao Market. This is a local market for produce, flowers and other Portuguese goods.
It’s great to walk around, and if you’re up for it, maybe try some small things to taste. The Palacio de Bolsa is great for some iconic photos.
Take the Ponto Luis Bridge and walk across the bridge to the other side of the Douro River. You can get some amazing shots from the bridge!
The other side of the river is called Vila Nova de Gaia. This neighbourhood is famous for the port wine cellars like Sandeman and Graham’s. If you’re into port, a tour and a tasting in one of these cellars is a must!
How about a visit to the World of Wine? This is a museum with bars and restaurants where you can learn more about the history of Porto’s port wine industry.
Jardim do Morro is a beautiful garden where you can relax and watch the sunset over Porto, and if you’re up for a steep climb, check out Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, which is a scenic viewpoint.
To get back to the other side, you can take the Gaia cable car up to the bridge and walk the last part down back to Cais Ribeira. For dinner, check out Pregar or Taberna Folias de Baco.
Things to do in Porto
Tile painting and cocktails
I always love being creative (I once did a mosaic lamp workshop in Istanbul and it was amazing) and this tile painting workshop is perfect for that!
Who doesn’t love painting a beautiful Portuguese-style tile to bring home as a souvenir and have a cocktail? Count me in!
Graham’s Port Lodge Tour
If you love port, a port lodge tour is a must and where else to go than the world-famous port house Graham’s?
The Graham’s Port Lodge Tour teaches about the history of the 1890 Graham’s Port Lodge, and the production process of port wine, and you’ll enjoy a premium wine tasting with chocolate, cheese, and Pastel de Nata pairings.
What’s not to love about that?
Pastel de nata making workshop
After you’ve had one bite of your first pastel de nata, you’ll want one more. You’ll want to buy more and you want to bring some home.
Why not learn how to make pastel de nata yourself and show your friends at home what a fabulous pastel de nata chef you are?
The pastel de nata making workshop takes about 2 hours, and you will take a few pastries along with you. This is Portugal, so a glass of port is complementary while crafting your pastries.
3-hour Food Tour Porto
If you’re a foodie like me, sometimes it’s better to book a food tour where a local can show you all the true local dishes and the hole-in-the-walls you would never find on your own.
This 3-hour food tour lets you take breakfast the way the locals do!
Surf class not far from Porto
Lisbon is famous for its beaches and surfing possibilities. Why not look into awesome surf lessons not far from Porto? I’m more of a stand-up paddle kind of girl, but I can tell you that the beaches in Portugal are amazing!
Is Porto safe for solo female travellers?
Porto is incredibly safe for solo female travellers and there is a big solo travel community, if that’s what you’re looking for.
The city is easy to navigate, walkable and the locals are friendly. Just practise the same safety precautions as you would in any other city.
A 3-day itinerary to Porto would be perfect as a weekend getaway for women travelling alone.
How to get around in Porto?
If you’re staying in the city centre, you can do everything on foot. But the city is paved with these cute cobblestones, which are terrible to walk on in heels. So bring your walking shoes.
A good pair of sneakers is a must in Porto.
If you’re tired of walking, you can grab an Uber or take the bus, tram (those cute little yellow trams) or meter,o depending on where you’re going. Public transport is very well arranged and cheap!
If you’re road-tripping, you do not need a car within the city. I advise you to check if it’s cheaper to bring back your rental or keep it and look for accommodation with free parking.
Is Porto expensive?
Portugal used to be cheap compared to its neighbouring countries, especially outside the tourist areas. Just like everything else, prices have gone up immensely.
However, I feel prices are still cheaper than in other Western European countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands.
Accommodation is not as affordable as it used to be, so be prepared to spend at least $150 on average outside the high season for a simple double room in the city centre.
FAQ about Porto
What is the currency in Porto?
Porto is in Portugal, which is in Europe. The currency is the euro (€)
What language do they speak in Porto?
The official language in Porto is Portuguese. In my experience, English is widely spoken in Portugal (even more than in Spain), and I never had any problems communicating in English.
As always, a few words in Portuguese are appreciated and something you must always do. Here are a few!
thank you = obrigado/ obrigada
hello = ola
good morning = bom dia
good afternoon = boa trade
good evening = boa noite
please = se faz favor
Do I need to tip in Porto?
Yes, however, tipping culture is not as toxic as in the US! For good service, you can tip around 10% in restaurants or other places where you sit down.
If you take a taxi or grab a quick espresso, you can round up the amount.
Does Uber work in Porto?
Yes, there is Uber in Porto.
Plan your trip
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I’m sure this perfect 3-day itinerary for Porto has you even more excited for your trip! I feel you. Even though my road trip was back in 2020, writing this now has made me crave Portugal.
Porto is the perfect weekend trip if you’re looking for good food, a walkable city, English-friendly, great wines and a colourful European city.
Hopefully, I can go back and explore more of this beautiful country soon. As always, please let me know if this post was helpful.
Questions? I’m here. The fastest way to reach out to me is by replying to my latest Instagram post, and if you’re there, don’t forget to follow along!🤗
