Porto in 3 days

Travel & transfer: Arrival at Porto Airport and metro ride

Stay: Luggage drop-off at the Hotel Grande de Paris

Lunch: Sandes de Pernil at Casa Guedes

Sightseeing: The gilded Igreja de São Francisco

Inside, this Gothic church impresses with lavish Baroque gilded carving. A highlight for architecture and history.

Sightseeing: Stroll around Praça and Cais da Ribeira

Wander through the narrow lanes and along the Douro riverbank, past colourful façades and rabelo boats.

Café: Coffee break at Combustível Central

A small café near Ribeira for coffee and a pastel de nata away from the crowds. A good chance to catch your breath.

Sightseeing: Across the lower deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge

Dinner: Francesinha at Café Santiago

Come early or expect a wait; queues often form from 8 pm.

Breakfast: Breakfast at Padaria Ribeiro

A traditional bakery in the Baixa with fresh pastries, pastéis de nata and galão. An easy, local start to the day.

Sightseeing: Livraria Lello and its Art Nouveau staircase

One of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, with a neo-Gothic façade and a curved wooden staircase. Ideal for architecture fans.

Buy your ticket online in advance and arrive before 10 am, when the queues are short.

Sightseeing: Azulejo façade of the Igreja do Carmo

Sightseeing: Views from the Torre dos Clérigos

After 225 steps, Nicolau Nasoni's Baroque tower offers the best view over the rooftops of Porto.

Lunch: Lunch at Cantinho do Avillez

Modern Portuguese cuisine from star chef José Avillez, with solid lunch menus and small plates. Tasquinha do Bolhão is a good alternative.

Café: Coffee break at Café Candelabro

A former bookshop with a café atmosphere, just a few steps from Lello, cosy for a galão and a break.

Sightseeing: Explore the Mercado do Bolhão

The newly renovated 19th-century market offers fish, cheese, fruit and flowers. Try regional snacks at the stalls.

Sightseeing: Azulejo hall at São Bento station

Over 20,000 tiles by Jorge Colaço tell the story of Portugal. It is usually quieter in the late afternoon.

Sightseeing: Galleries on Rua Miguel Bombarda

The art district with independent galleries and concept stores, a lively contrast to the old town.

Dinner: Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Here you'll find petiscos such as alheira and polvo. Alternative: Taberna do Largo.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the Hotel Grande de Paris

A leisurely breakfast before check-out. Afterwards you leave your luggage at reception and set off at ease.

Break: Check-out and luggage storage

Vacate the room and leave your suitcases in the luggage room until you head to the airport.

Sightseeing: Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Café: Coffee and pastel de nata at Café Majestic

Here you can experience Belle Époque splendour over a quick coffee. Alternatively, the small Confeitaria Ribeiro nearby is a quieter option.

Activity: Teleférico de Gaia cable car

The gondola glides over the Douro and offers great views of Ribeira and the bridge. You ride down to the port wine cellars.

Lunch: Lunch at Taberna di Cais

Small, simple riverside tavern in Gaia serving Portuguese petiscos and fish. O Gaveto is a good backup option.

Activity: Port tasting at Taylor's

Visit the historic cellar with an audio guide and taste several ports. There is also a lovely garden with a view over the city.

Book the tasting online in advance, as afternoon slots are often scarce, especially in June.

Shopping: Port wine souvenirs at Mercearia das Flores

Small delicatessen with a good selection of tinned goods and port to take away. Perfect for last souvenirs.

Stay: Collect your luggage at the hotel

Pick up your suitcases at reception and walk to the metro.

Travel & transfer: Metro to Porto Airport

Metro line E runs directly from Trindade to the airport. Allow a generous buffer before your departure.