Porto has the charm of cities that don't try to please: its azulejo-tiled façades crumble prettily, its lanes tumble down to the river, and on the other side of the Douro, century-old cellars age the wine that made its worldwide fame. More intimate than Lisbon, Portugal's second city is savoured slowly, a glass of port in hand.
Two days are enough to fall in love with it. Here's our itinerary — find the visits on our what to do in Porto page.
Day 1 — The Ribeira, the Dom Luís Bridge & the cellars
Start in the Ribeira, the UNESCO-listed old town, whose colourful houses pile up along the Douro. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, a two-tier iron structure designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel: the view from the upper deck, over the city and the river, is unforgettable.
On the other side, in Vila Nova de Gaia, the port wine cellars line up. A visit is a must: you learn the secrets of this fortified wine, descend into the fragrant cellars, and of course, taste. Tawny, ruby or vintage: it's up to you to find your favourite.
Port wine cellars & tastings
Cellar visits with tasting and Douro cruises to book.
Day 2 — Azulejos, Lello & a Douro cruise
Go hunting for azulejos: São Bento station and its walls entirely lined with painted tiles tell Portugal's history, and the Carmo church offers a spectacular façade of them. Push open the door of the Lello bookshop, with its winding red staircase said to have inspired the world of Harry Potter — one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.
End with a cruise on the Douro, under the city's six bridges, or push further into the UNESCO-listed wine valley, one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. A gentle finale.
Cruises & tours in Porto
Douro cruises, guided tours of Porto and trips into the wine valley.
