Welcome to Porto!

What better way to sneak in a trip to Portugal than a friend’s wedding? That’s exactly what we did, adding days around Porto and Lisbon.

If this UNESCO World Heritage city isn’t on your list, it’s definitely worth adding. Whether you love food, wine, or tranquility, Porto is a must-see. Known as the city “older than Rome,” it offers a unique blend of history and charm. Where else can you drink wine in the same region referenced by Seneca the Younger and Pliny the Elder? And, of course, there’s Port wine.

Often overlooked in favor of Lisbon, Porto is a hidden gem brimming with history, delicious food, and world-renowned port wine. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Porto has something to offer everyone. 

Worth noting, Portugal’s second-city, and the biggest cork producer in the world, responsible for over 60% of the global cork exports, according to Visit Portugal.

This 48-hour itinerary will guide you through the city’s must-see attractions and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable Portuguese adventure.

Getting There & Settling In

Porto’s conveniently sized airport is easily accessible from major European cities via airlines like Delta and KLM. Once you arrive, a quick Uber ride will take you to the city center. 

While Airbnbs are plentiful, I prefer hotels. For a luxurious stay with extra perks, consider the Hospes Infante Sagres Porto, an Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts property offering early check-in, late check-out, a $100 food and beverage credit, and a room upgrade.

Once settled in, it’s time to explore. Choose activities based on your energy and interests.

Gear Used

Essential gear that kept me going on my travels (disclaimer: contains affiliate links).

Itinerary

Friday

4:00 PM: Check-In and Freshen Up

Check in to the  Hospes Infante Sagres Porto and freshen up

5:00 PM: Scenic Walk to Cais Da Estiva (Douro River)

 

Walk to Cais Da Estiva. Stroll along the Douro River, starting from Rue das Flores, a picturesque street filled with shops and cafes. 

If you want to purchase gifts, keep an eye out for Toranja when you’re on your way back toto the hotel. Avoid buying Lisbon-tram-themed items if you’re heading there afterward.

As you make your way to the river, enjoy a walk along the banks, sit down, and take some photos, especially if you haven’t made any restaurant reservations. 

8:00 PM: Grab a delicious seafood dinner at Bacalhau, a popular restaurant right on the Douro River.

We visited Porto in early April, which was the perfect time. The weather was a bit chilly, but that meant fewer crowds and made it comfortable to sit and eat outside at this restaurant next to the Douro River.

 

Take my tip and make reservations before you arrive in Porto, either before your flight or train departs or during your layover. We were initially told there would be a 45-minute wait, but fortunately, since some people didn’t want to wait, our wait time dropped to 20 minutes.

There was an option to sit inside, but I recommend sitting outside. After all, you’re in Porto and should take in the fresh air after being on a plane for so many hours.

I definitely recommend getting the fresh cod, codfish skin crackers, and “Alentejana” soup with cod. Basically, cod, cod, and more cod! Then add some local Vinho Branco wine. There’s no better way to enjoy the experience.

9:30 PM: Indulge in Pastéis de Nata

Indulge in Pastéis de Nata, traditional Portuguese custard tarts, from Fábrica da Nata (Praça Almeida Garrett) on your way back to the hotel.

I thought these were some of the best I’ve had in the city and still rate them favorably compared to others I’ve tried.

Don’t forget that you also have a $100 FHR credit at your hotel.

Saturday

10:00 AM: Breakfast at Protest Kitchen. 

After getting some rest, head to Protest kitchen for breakfast. This spot is a nice way to knock out two things. Getting great tasting coffee and getting a light breakfast to get your day started. 

Located in the Cedofeita neighborhood, this spot is known for its specialty coffee and a variety of homemade comfort dishes and artisanal pastries. The bonus was the fact the owners were amazing.

The vibes at Protest Kitchen reminded me a lot of The Coffee Movement in San Francisco (where they run Manhattan Coffee), a roaster with a similarly creative atmosphere that I visited during my mileage run for extra Delta miles.

11:30 AM: Uber to Matosinhos for a tour of the Pinhais Cannery & Co.

Take an Uber to the nearby city of  Matosinhos to visit the Pinhais Cannery & Co. for a factory tour. This experience offers insight into traditional sardine canning, a significant part of Portuguese culture. Check out the link here for more details about the tour.

1:00 PM: Wine tasting at Garage Wine. Try the recommended Vinho Verde.

Across the street from Pinhais, you’ll find Garage Wine, a perfect place to sample some Vinho Verde. Many visitors stop here after the cannery tour to enjoy the local wine. 

The owner was more than happy to recommend popular or recommended wines that you’ll definitely want to take home​ I wanted “Green Wine” or Vinho Verde and she recommended Falua Barao do Hospital Vinho Verde, which was really good!

For context. Miguel (from Pinhais who recommended Garage Wines) gave me a brief primer on wines. He mentioned the following when it comes to pairing wine with food in Portugal. Regional differences play a role.

• While Vinho Verde (“green wine”) from the north is known for its crisp acidity and pairs well with seafood, especially sardines, white wines from the south offer a wider range of pairing options.
• Alvarinho, a popular white grape variety grown in both regions, produces wines with a fuller body and richer flavors in the south due to warmer climates. These Alvarinhos can complement a wider array of dishes, from grilled fish and seafood to poultry and even some pork dishes.
• He recommended, “Santiago ” is a well-known brand of Vinho Verde that offers a refreshing and zesty wine, perfect for a light meal or aperitif. Unfortunately, Garage Wine was out of this brand. However, if you’re looking for a white wine that can stand up to heartier flavors, a southern Alvarinho might be a better choice.

2:00 PM: Walk along Praia de Matosinhos beach. Visit the Monumento Tragédia no Mar to understand its historical significance.

After the wine tasting, take a stroll along Praia de Matosinhos beach. This area often hosts mini-surf competitions and has the Onda Pura surf school if you’re interested in some lessons. 

The walk will also help work up your appreciation a little more, even though you had some sardines at the Pinhais factory tour.

Continue your walk to the Monumento Tragédia no Mar, which commemorates the tragic loss of 152 fishermen in 1947. This poignant monument underscores the importance and dangers of fishing in Portuguese culture

This is even more impactful after visiting the Pinhais tour, where you can see the importance, impact, and danger of fishing, as well as its significance in Portuguese culture.

4:00 PM: Lunch at Restaurante O Lusitano.

Now that you’ve built up an appetite, head to Restaurante O Lusitano for a hearty Portuguese meal. Known for its large portions and traditional fare, it’s an excellent spot to enjoy authentic local cuisine. 

Again, instead of taking an Uber, walk from Garage Wine to build up your appetite.

5:00 PM: Visit the largest brewery in Portugal–Super Bock Brewery. Ensure to book tours in advance.

End your afternoon with a visit to the Super Bock Brewery, the largest in Portugal. Make sure to book a tour in advance, as they can fill up quickly. If you meet Micaela, be sure to say hi! 

If you prefer not to drink, or if the tour is unavailable, head to Antunes to try their famous pork leg or Lado B Cafe for a francesinha, a famous Portuguese sandwich. Alternatively, check out the brew pub Letraria for another great experience.

Sunday

Morning: Late Check-Out and Last-Minute Exploration

Take full advantage of your Amex FHR benefit by checking out as late as possible. For some last-minute sightseeing, visit the Porto City Hall or the Mercado do Bolhão for great photo opportunities.

Lunch at O Comercial

Before leaving, have lunch at O Comercial, located in the Palácio da Bolsa,a historic stock exchange building with ornate interiors.

Afternoon: Coffee & Train to Lisbon

After lunch, take an Uber to Porto’s Train Station Estación de Porto-Campanhã. To avoid lugging around your luggage around the train station make sure to put your luggage in the lockers. However, this is first come first serve and they do fill up quickly.

Spend some time exploring the nearby area and grab a coffee at von&vonnie microroasters, which is just a seven-minute walk from the station. The coffee is excellent, and the bakery goods are all made in-house​. If you want to read more about the founders, see here. 

That’s it! I would treat this short trip as a dry-run for a much larger trip as you get a taste of what you like and what you’d want to explore more. 

Don’t let your Porto journey stop here! 

Porto

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Majestic Café, a historic Belle Epoque cafe with a stunning interior.
• Visit the Livraria Lello, a beautiful bookstore that is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s depiction of Hogwarts. Be prepared for crowds and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket.
• Explore the São Bento Railway Station, known for its stunning azulejo tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history.
• If time allows, take a ride on the historic tram line 22, which winds through the city’s charming neighborhoods.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Fernando Daniel - início, meio e fim

Conclusion

Porto’s unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights makes it a great destination to add to your Portugal itinerary. .

Whether you follow this guide to the letter or use it as inspiration for your own adventure, I’m sure to fall in love with Porto’s charm and character. Don’t hesitate to revisit this amazing city for a longer stay in the future.