5 day itinerary for Porto

Itinerary

Porto is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Porto:

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Try the famous Portuguese pastries, such as pastel de nata or bola de berlim.
• Take a walking tour of the city to get a feel for the layout and see some of the main sights. Visit the iconic Clérigos Tower, the beautiful Livraria Lello bookstore, and the historic São Bento train station.
• Stop for lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant and try some of the local specialties, such as bacalhau (salt cod) or francesinha (a hearty sandwich).
• In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the views of the Douro River.
• End your day with a glass of port wine at one of the many wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto.

Day 2: Day Trip to Guimarães

• Take a day trip to Guimarães, a charming medieval town and the birthplace of Portugal.
• Visit the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, two of the town's main attractions.
• Wander through the narrow streets of the historic center and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, visit the Santa Maria da Oliveira Church and the São Francisco Church, both beautiful examples of Portuguese architecture.
• Return to Porto in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Beach Day

• Take a day trip to one of the nearby beaches, such as Matosinhos or Espinho.
• Spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and trying some of the local seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
• Return to Porto in the evening and enjoy a sunset walk along the river.

Day 4: Port Wine Tasting

• Start your day with a visit to the Palácio da Bolsa, a beautiful neoclassical building that houses the Porto Stock Exchange.
• Take a tour of one of the many port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and learn about the history and production of this famous wine.
• Enjoy a tasting of different types of port wine and learn about the different flavors and aging processes.
• In the evening, head to the Foz do Douro district and enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean.

Day 5: Art and Culture

• Visit the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, a beautiful museum with a stunning garden and a collection of modern and contemporary art.
• Take a stroll through the Crystal Palace Gardens, a beautiful park with stunning views of the city.
• Visit the Casa da Música, a modern concert hall with a unique design and a varied program of concerts and events.
• End your day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying some of the delicious Portuguese cuisine and wine.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Porto and enjoy all the city has to offer!