How to Spend The Perfect 2 Days in Porto
I fell in love with Porto the moment I arrived.
The cobbled streets, the sound of live music drifting through the city, the layers of history in every building, and, of course, the food and wine. It’s one of those places that stays with you. Since getting back, I haven’t been able to stop talking about it.
And honestly, I loved it so much that I’m going back. This October, I’m taking a small group of women to experience the very best of Northern Portugal. It’s designed to be a mix of history, culture, relaxation, and a little bit of luxury. More than anything, it’s about slowing down and creating meaningful memories together.
If that sounds like the perfect way to spend the last week of October, you can join the waitlist.
Already on your way to Porto? Here’s exactly how I would spend 2 perfect days in Porto, based on everything I loved most.
Where to Stay
If there’s one thing I’d do again without question, it’s basing myself on Rua das Flores.
This street is the heartbeat of Porto. It’s pedestrian-only, so it feels intimate and alive at all hours. Street musicians, small wine bars, artisan shops, and cafés spill out into the street. You’re surrounded by centuries-old buildings, yet everything feels vibrant and current.
Why this location matters:
- You can walk everywhere. No taxis, no planning logistics
- Just a 5-minute walk to Ribeira and the Douro River’s edge, plus easy access to major landmarks and viewpoints
- Early mornings and late evenings feel especially magical in this part of the city
My hotel recommendations:
Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel (4-star)
This is where Porto’s history really comes to life, in a way that feels warm, personal, and lived-in.
Located on Rua das Flores, this charming and cozy boutique hotel places you right in the centre of everything. Step outside and you’re surrounded by beautiful historic architecture, cafés, shops, and restaurants, with the energy of the city all around you.
What makes this stay especially unique is the building’s story. The hotel is set in the former home of Araújo & Sobrinho, one of Europe’s oldest stationery shops and the oldest in Porto, founded in 1829. The space has been thoughtfully transformed into a stylish boutique hotel while preserving its heritage, with thematic floors showcasing original stationery pieces and subtle nods to its past.
What makes it special:
- A charming, cozy boutique hotel feel that feels intimate and welcoming
- A stay that’s steeped in history, with meaningful details throughout
- Located directly on Rua das Flores, making the city incredibly walkable
- Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and Porto’s most beautiful streets
It’s the kind of place where you can truly live and breathe Porto’s history, while still having all the comforts you need.
If you want something authentic, central, and full of character, this is the one.
Casa da Companhia (5-star)
If you want to elevate your stay, this is where exploration meets relaxation.
Also located on Rua das Flores, it gives you that same unbeatable walkability, but with a more refined, luxurious feel. After a full day of walking Porto’s hills, this place feels like a retreat.
What makes it special:
- A full spa experience with a Turkish bath, sauna, and indoor pool
- Beautiful design that blends historic architecture with modern finishes
- A calm, quiet atmosphere that contrasts perfectly with the energy outside
It’s ideal if you want to balance city exploring with intentional downtime.
PortoBay Flores (5-star)
This one is all about history with a polished edge.
Housed in a 16th-century building, PortoBay Flores gives you that sense of stepping back in time, while still offering everything you’d expect from a luxury stay.
What makes it special:
- Deep historical character paired with modern comfort
- A full spa with an indoor pool, steam bath, and sauna
- A slightly more refined, hotel-style experience while still being right in the centre
Like the others, you’re still on Rua das Flores, which means everything is right outside your door.
Day 1: Porto highlights
Morning: Coffee, River Views, and First Impressions
Start with breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café (make sure to try a pastel de nata!), then walk down to the Ribeira waterfront along the Douro River. In the morning, it’s quieter. You’ll see locals setting up for the day, boats gently moving across the water, and the iconic colourful buildings reflecting in the river.
If it’s your first time in Porto, I can’t recommend a guided tour enough. It gives you context, history, and stories you’d completely miss on your own. And with only two days, it helps you see more without feeling rushed.
Porto Day Tour Recommendations
Option 1: Private Half-Day Tour (Easy + Efficient)
This is the most seamless option. You’re picked up from your hotel and driven between Porto’s top sights with a private guide.
What makes this one really special is the pace. It’s not rushed. You actually have time to step inside places, wander, and take it in instead of just passing by.
Why choose it:
- A slower, more intentional pace that lets you actually experience each place like Livraria Lello, and Mercado do Bolhão
- More accessible with the air-conditioned transport
- No planning or navigating needed
Highlights include:
Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello, São Bento Station, Porto Cathedral, Mercado do Bolhão, Ribeira, and a scenic viewpoint over the city.
This is the one I recommend. You can book it on Viator.
Option 2: 3-Hour Walking Tour (Immersive + Local)
If you prefer to explore on foot, this gives you a real feel for Porto’s streets and history.
Why choose it:
- Great story-driven overview of the historic centre with a knowledgeable guide
- Exploring on foot offers an immersive experience
Highlights include:
Porto Cathedral, São Bento Station, Mercado do Bolhão, Clérigos Tower, Ribeira District, and views of the Dom Luís I Bridge, with a pass by Livraria Lello.
I love this one specifically since it checks all of my boxes. You can book it on Viator.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit a traditional Port cellar. This is one of the essential Porto experiences, and a tasting is the perfect way to understand the city’s deep connection to Port wine.
Dinner: Try traditional Portuguese cuisine
I’ve dined at many Porto restaurants, but these are my favourites. My advice? Don’t rush dinner. This is your time to really sit, order a few things, share plates, and take it all in. Try one of these, and make sure to get reservations in advance because they get busy!
Taberna dos Mercadores
Tiny, intimate, and deeply traditional. It feels like you’ve stumbled into a local secret.
Cantinho do Avillez
A bit more polished, but still warm and inviting. Classic Portuguese flavours with a modern touch.
Order wine, ask for recommendations, and stay longer than you planned.
Day 2: Explore Beyond Porto
On your second day, leave the city behind and see another side of northern Portugal.
Option 1: Douro Valley
If you want a full, unforgettable wine country experience, choose a small-group Douro Valley day tour with pickup and drop-off from Porto. This is the one I send my clients to. It has it all with:
- Visits to two premium wineries with tastings
- A scenic boat cruise through the Douro Valley
- A traditional 3-course Portuguese lunch paired with Douro DOC wines
This is a beautiful way to experience the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Douro Valley while learning about the region’s rich winemaking traditions. I love this tour for offering a beautifully authentic experience. You can book it on Viator.
Option 2: Aveiro
If you want something more relaxed and less wine-focused, Aveiro is such a fun option. Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” it’s known for its canals and colourful boats. The perfect tour includes the best of Aveiro, so I send my clients on this one with:
- Riding in a moliceiro boat through the canals
- Visiting Costa Nova, with its iconic striped houses
- Trying ovos moles, a sweet made from egg yolks and sugar that’s uniquely local
It’s charming and a nice contrast to Porto. This tour is a fantastic choice and takes care of pickup and drop off from your Porto accommodations, so you can relax and enjoy. You can book it on Viator.
Evening: Golden Hour on the Douro
Book a 6 Bridges Cruise in the evening. As the sun lowers, the city turns golden, the water reflects everything, and the atmosphere becomes calm and romantic.
With a glass of bubbly in hand, you’ll pass under each bridge and see Porto from a completely different angle. I love this one on Viator.
This isn’t just a tourist activity. It’s genuinely one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have here.
Final Thoughts
Porto is one of those cities you could spend days in and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. There’s always another street to wander, another café to sit in, another view you didn’t expect.
But if you only have two days, this is exactly what I would prioritize. It gives you a mix of everything that makes Porto special: the history, the food, the wine, the river, and the feeling of the city.
That said, if you can stay longer, do it.
On our group trip, we’re spending four nights in Porto to really allow time to breathe and take it all in, without rushing from one thing to the next.
During that time, we’ve curated experiences that go deeper:
- A full-day Porto tour to fully take in and explore the city
- A full-day Aveiro & Vista Alegre tour for something lighter, coastal, and unique
- A full-day Braga & Guimarães tour to experience medieval history and charm
And then we continue on to the Douro Valley and Vila Nova de Gaia, layering in even more of what makes this region so special.
If you’re someone who loves travel but doesn’t want to plan every detail, and you’re looking for a luxurious, small-group experience with people who truly value meaningful travel, this is exactly what this trip is designed for.
You can join the waitlist, and once it fills up, you’ll be invited to book your spot.
