The Invincible City: The Ultimate 2 Days in Porto Itinerary

When civil war broke out in Portugal in the 19th century, Royalist troops were quick to abandon Porto. In July 1832, the Liberal army simply marched into the city and claimed it as their own. The very next week, the Royalists returned, expecting nothing more than a minor skirmish to recapture Porto. Yet, depsite being outnumbered five to one, the Liberals never caved. For the next 13 months, they stood their ground in one of the most impressive sieges in history. Porto, it seemed, was invincible.

Known forevermore as Invicta, or the Invincible City, Porto is now Portugal’s second city. Rising majestically from the Douro River, Porto is a living history book. Once a trading post for Phoenician merchants, it was the Romans who developed Porto into a major city.

Today, Porto is a firm favorite with visitors to Portugal. It may be smaller and quieter than lively Lisbon, but once you embark on our 2 days in Porto itinerary, you’ll soon see just how it draws almost six million travelers to its shores every year. From the quaint streets of the Ribeira, its medieval old town, to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, Porto will leave you stunned.

Getting to Porto

Most visitors undertaking a 2 days in Porto itinerary will arrive at Porto Airport (OPO). At just 11km from the city center, with frequent Metro trains taking under half-an-hour between the two, Porto is ideal for a quick European weekend break.

Better still, as a base for two of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, Porto has an impressive route network. If you’re visiting from the Americas, Porto is surprisingly easy to reach. Year-round services operate from Toronto and Newark along with Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

If you have a little more time to spare, combining this 2 days in Porto itinerary with a visit to Lisbon is a great idea. Portugal’s capital is a cosmopolitan blend of classic Portuguese heritage and Latin American charm. Whilst you’re there, don’t pass up the chance to indulge in Lisbon’s diverse street food scene.

Once you’ve seen Porto, there’s no need to stop there. Extend your Portugal adventure with a 2 day tour through the Douro’s best vineyards. Alternatively, hop on a surprisingly affordable flight to Funchal to experience the magic of Madeira.

Where to Stay in Porto

The key to getting as much out of your 2 days in Porto itinerary as possible is to pick a centrally located hotel. Whilst Porto isn’t massive, our itinerary is jam packed and you won’t want to waste time commuting. I have two favorite areas to stay: Ribeira and Bolhao.

Ribeira

Porto’s picture-perfect old town is the ultimate place to stay if this is your first time in the Invincible City. Nestled on the riverbank, you’ll awake to the murmuring of boat engines to watch sunrise over Porto’s iconic bridges.

Our top pick here is Pestana Vintage Porto. Comprising of 18 historic buildings, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s well worth splashing out on a river view room. If you’re searching for somewhere a little more casual, Guest House Douro is welcoming, relaxed and offers exceptional value.

Bolhao

A ten minute walk uphill from the Ribeiro, Bolhao is right in the bustling center of Porto. Perfect for shopping, dining and nightlife, staying in Bolhao is often more affordable whilst still being close to all the sights on our 2 days in Porto itinerary.

B The Guest Downtown is the place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action. This upscale bed and breakfast is right opposite Bolhao Market. If you prefer a full service hotel, look no further than chic The Social Hub. Its laid back vibe and stunning rooftop terrace makes it a firm favorite. Offering a little extra space, one of the best bargains in Porto is Uma Formosa aparthotel.

2 Days in Porto Itinerary

Day 1: The Riberia – Old Town Porto

Morning

Just as every morning in a new city should, our 2 days in Porto itinerary begins with a breakfast to remember. Head to Floresta Cafe on Rua das Flores. Porto’s hottest brunch spot is a place of beauty. Tuck in to pancakes, waffles, grilled cheese or smoked salmon all whilst surrounded by an indoor forest.

Suitably fed and watered, it’s time to get your bearings. I always recommend hopping aboard an open top bus tour to help you decide exactly what you want to see. Even if you think you have your 2 days in Porto itinerary finalized, the chances are you’ll see something unexpected which piques your interest. If you’re all open top bus toured out, Porto has a quirky alternative: an electric tuk-tuk tour.

Once you’ve done a loop, hop back off where you started close to Rua das Flores. Wander through the grounds of Se do Porto (the cathedral), then take a slow amble along Rua das Flores to admire the street art and colorful buildings. If you love to shop when you travel, this will be a very slow walk.

Afternoon

Dive in to MMIPO, one of Porto’s finest classic art galleries to kick start your first afternoon in Porto. This small gallery come museum is home to an amazing collection of 16th century portraits and silverware.

At the southern end of Rua das Flores, there’s one last stop you have to make. Let your nose guide you in the direction of Castro and their sublime pasteis de nata. Savoring these flaky, egg-custard tarts is guaranteed to be a highlight of your 2 days in Porto itinerary.

Our next stop is the stunning Palacio da Bolsa. Built in 1842, though not fully finished until 1910, this beautiful neoclassical palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The only way to see inside the palace, and believe me, you’ll want to, is to take a guided tour. These run whenever the palace is open; during busy periods, it’s best to book in advance.

Before leaving the palace, spend a few minutes exploring the Order of St. Francis Museum. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan movement in 1209 after purportedly experiencing a spiritual transformation after a spell in prison. His influence quickly spread across Europe, far beyond his native Italy and lives on today through the Nativity scene which is replicated all around the world every Christmas.

Next, stop by the Museu do Porto, housed in a medieval custom house to get to grips with the city’s long and varied history. The displays are fascinating, but the house itself- Caso do Infante- is worth seeing in itself.

Evening

As evening falls, the first day of our 2 days in Porto itinerary is anything but over. Porto’s colorful promenade is its most photographed street. A hive of activity whenever you visit, evenings are my favorite time to stroll along Cais da Riberia. It’s always beautiful, but as the sun disappears over the Douro, it’s more magical than ever.

Grab a table at waterside Bacalhau for a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine with the best view in Porto. Bacalhau is the Portuguese word for cod, so it’s little surprise that cod is their speciality, and it’s as fresh as it gets.

When in Portugal, there’s only one fitting way to end the day. Wine Quay Bar is the perfect spot for a glass or two of the Douro Valley’s finest.

Day 2: The River & The Wine

Morning

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, or just as important as the other two if you ask me, but going against everything you’ve heard from Travel Insighter before, I recommend skipping it this morning. Instead, start the second day of your 2 days in Porto itinerary with a velvety espresso from My Coffee at the side of the cathedral.

Once you’ve seen their pastries and ignored the above advice, head for Bolhao Market, where the reason for skipping breakfast will become apparent. Bolhao is a foodie paradise, and the best way to experience it is on a guided food tour.

As you navigate the sights, sounds and smells hearing tales from Bolhao’s near 200-year history, you’ll get to sample cheese, cured meats and sardines. If that wasn’t enough, the tour ends with a two-course lunch accompanied by local wine.

Afternoon

Assuming you haven’t entered a food coma, roll back downhill to the river to join a cruise. Jump aboard a Rabelo, a traditional wooden boat designed to carry port barrels along the Douro, to cruise under Porto’s iconic six bridges.

The six bridges across the Douro start with Ponte da Arrabida. As the boat turns, take a look out into the estuary where the calm waters of the Douro join the Atlantic. If you kept going, the next land you’d hit would be Rhode Island in the U.S.

Working your way inland, you’ll sail under iconic Luis I Bridge and Ponte Maria Pia, designed by Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the Eiffel Tower. Next comes Ponte de Sao Joao which carries intercity trains between Porto and Lisbon before you eventually reach modern Freixo Bridge.

Evening

Back on dry land, there’s one last must-do before this 2 days in Porto itinerary draws to a close. And that is to sample Porto’s most famous export.

Named after the city itself, port has been produced here for centuries, although it wasn’t until 1678 that it was named by two British wine merchants from Liverpool who visited Porto to learn the tricks of the trade.

Today, there are 18 port wineries in Porto, many of which invite visitors for tours and tastings. One of the most famous, Taylor’s, has been producing port since 1692. Head to their cellar on the south bank of the Douro for a port tasting. If you’d rather sample several different ports, taking a port wine class is a great alternative.

For a delicious end to your 2 days in Porto itinerary, head to Restaurant Real for a final taste of Portugal. Owned by the highly regarded Casa da Calcada culinary group, Real is home to Portuguese cuisine at its finest. If you fancy a break from seafood, their charcoal grill cooks up some of the best steaks in town.

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