Porto, also known as Oporto, is a port city located in northwestern Portugal. With its rich history, impressive architecture and lively cultural scene, Porto is one of the emerging tourist destinations in Europe. If you are planning your trip and wondering what to see in Porto in just three days, here's a guide to make the most of your time and explore every corner of the city!
What to see in Porto: In 3 days
Day 1: Explore the old town and taste the famous Port wine
Start your Porto adventure by exploring the old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and medieval architecture. You can start at the Porto Cathedral, a majestic Gothic building located atop a hill in the city. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River.
Continue your tour through the cobblestone streets until you reach Ribeira Square, which is one of the most emblematic places to see in Porto. Here you can enjoy views of the Douro River and observe the old colorful buildings that line it. From Ribeira Square you can walk to the Ribeira pier and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the river.
Day 2: Architecture to see in Porto and its gardens
The second day in Porto can be spent discovering the city's impressive architecture and enjoying its charming gardens. A must-see is the São Bento train station. This is known for its impressive hand-painted ceramic tiles that adorn the station walls. Tiles that tell the story of the history of Portugal and are a true work of art.
From the São Bento train station you can head to Avenida dos Aliados, which is a wide street flanked by impressive neoclassical buildings. Here you can find the Porto City Hall, an imposing neoclassical building that is another of the emblematic places to see in Porto.
Continue your tour of Porto's architecture by visiting the Lello Bookstore, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. This bookstore has an impressive carved wooden staircase and an ornate neo-Gothic façade that make it a true architectural jewel.
After enjoying Porto's architecture, it's time to relax in one of the city's many gardens. The Crystal Garden, also known as the Cordoaria Garden, is a public park located in the upper part of the city that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River. Here you can enjoy a pleasant walk surrounded by lush vegetation and fountains.
Another garden to see in Porto is the Jardim Botânico do Porto, a green oasis in the middle of the city. This botanical garden has a wide variety of plants from the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. It also has trails and rest areas perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Day 3: Cross the bridges and visit the wineries of Vila Nova de Gaia
On your third and final day in Porto, you can cross the famous bridges that connect the city to Vila Nova de Gaia, the area on the opposite bank of the Douro River. The Dom Luís I Bridge is one of the icons of Porto, with its impressive iron structure and its two-level design that allows the passage of pedestrians and vehicles. Cross the bridge on foot and enjoy the panoramic views of the river and the city from above.
Once in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can visit some of the famous Port wine cellars in the area. Here you can learn more about the history and production of Port wine, as well as taste different varieties. Many of the wineries to see in Porto offer guided tours and wine tastings, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wine culture of the region.
After your visit to the wineries, you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade of Vila Nova de Gaia, which offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and the city of Porto. Here you can also find numerous restaurants and terraces where you can taste the delicious local gastronomy, such as grilled cod or the famous francesinhas, a typical Porto dish which is a sandwich of meat, sausages and grilled cheese.
To end your visit to Porto, you can return to the old town and explore some of its other places of interest, such as the Torre dos Clérigos, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, or the Livraria da Baixa, a beautiful bookstore located in a historic building that is a real treasure for book lovers.
If you want to travel around Porto at your own pace and enjoy the city, the best option is to rent a car or a motorcycle at OK Mobility. Even if you want to extend your vacation and visit other places in the country, you can also rent a car or a motorcycle in Faro or Lisbon and create a tailor-made trip. Oh, and don't forget that with OK Mobility you can also tour Portugal by camper.
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