Get Ready to Love Porto!

Welcome to this Porto Itinerary, 4 day tour, of everything that is worth seeing! We’ll show you the best parts of this cool Portuguese town on a river. From famous UNESCO sites to great beaches, and of course port wine tastings, we’ve got it all packed in.

Over just 96 short hours, you’ll see lovely old Baroque churches, walk pretty cobblestone lanes, and visit local wineries making sweet port wine for centuries. And the food here is so good – from spicy curries to fresh seafood, this town has it all.

To stay, Ribeira by the Douro River is best. The top sights and trendy cafes are right nearby.

Get set to fall for Porto! Our tour fits the best bits of this charming city into four awesome days.

The Best Times to Visit Porto

When’s the perfect time for this 4-day Porto tour? We suggest late spring or early fall – May-June or September-October. Compared to hot summers with lots of tourists, these months have nice weather – sunny 68°F spring days and comfy 75°F fall temperatures. Less rain but the prices stay low.

Since we included surfing and winery visits, go during the warmer and drier months. Vineyards are prettier under blue skies than gray clouds! And who wants to be cold at the beach? Trips in winter are cheaper but many wineries close.

Visiting in spring or fall lets you miss the July/August tourist crowds too. See Porto’s charming streets and UNESCO sites with fewer people and less noise. The beaches open up!

So for good weather, smaller crowds, and more to do – late spring and early fall are the best times for our 4-day Porto tour. Sound good? Let’s start planning!

Great Places to Stay in Porto

Good news! Our 4-day Porto tour is based right downtown so you can enjoy this lively city. That means lots of awesome places to stay – cool hostels, modern studio apartments, nice hotels, charming B&Bs…Porto has it all!

When booking, think about your budget since lodging is usually the biggest cost. But don’t worry – there are nice options at every price.

Here are some of our favourite downtown places to stay:

Selina Porto ($-$$)

Need an affordable and fun hostel option? Selina has a chill surf hangout lounge and friendly common spaces, close to the top nightlife spots.

Mouzinho 160 ($$-$$$)

This 19th century mansion was redone into very cool, high-design apartments, mixing historic character and modern features.

Torel Avant-garde ($$$)

Want luxury? This fancy 5-star hotel overlooks the Douro River, with an infinity pool, nice restaurant, and swanky spa. Also high-end living!

Memoria Porto FLH ($$-$$$)

Looking for sleek and modern? These cool Scandinavian style rooms blend into the historic centre with a minimalist-vibe. You can’t go wrong with your lodging choice in Porto! From luxury to budget friendly your perfect place for a great nights sleep awaits!

Porto Itinerary 4 day: Day 1

Porto’s Old City and Ribeira District

Your first day focuses on discovering Porto’s crown jewel: the iconic Ribeira district. Additionally, Porto is located in the beautiful and atmospheric heart of the glittering Douro – its cobbled streets have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Start with a stroll down the busy Cais-da-Ribeira promenade by the river. Colourful street performers try to get your attention against the ever-changing views of the river. Gaze up at the intricately carved 900-year-old Porto Cathedral with its Romanesque portals! As you meander through the narrowest of streets, you can enjoy the rooftop view above ground that blends with the endless blue sky.

Before ending your day, don’t miss the iconic blue-and-white tile work of São Bento Train Station. Later, browse high-end boutiques or chat with local artists selling wares along lively R. das Flores. Finish up in hip Vitória, with ancient narrow streets now home to sleek cocktail bars, cool galleries, and tasty global restaurants – the perfect spot for a memorable farewell dinner!

As sunlight fades behind Porto’s skyline, soak in the sights, sounds, and tastes found only in Portugal’s riverfront fairy tale city. You’ll surely fall asleep dreaming of the incredible discoveries still ahead in your next three days here!

Porto Tours:

Porto Itinerary 4 day: Day 2

The Breathtaking Douro Valley

Simply put, no complete Porto trip skips the magical Douro Valley. In addition its rolling hills blanketed with vine-striped farms elicit awe around every turn. A UNESCO region, this scenery steals the spotlight even among Portugal’s many natural beauties.

While most visitors take a full day for port tastings and soaking in stunning scenery, you may start planning your return visit long before sunset! Small river side hamlets as well as time forgotten wineries offer a glimpse of a traditional way of life within their ancient terraced vineyards.

Driving yourself allows the most freedom to explore deep into wine country. Scenic boat rides from Porto mean easier sightseeing but less range. Whenever leaving, head out early – over an hour’s drive awaits before the most gorgeous overlooks. From dramatic cliffs to charming wineries, authentic Portuguese culture comes through at every stop.

Here are a few highlights that are sure to whet your appetite:

Quinta da Pacheca:

Taste the valley’s terroir with proven wines dating back to 1738 at this historic heritage winery

Miradouro-de-Mosteiro:

Peer down 500-foot cliffs plunging dramatically into the emerald Douro River.

Douro Museum:

Explore centuries of port-making history as well as wine culture.

With vibrant fall colours reflecting across the tranquil Douro, you’ll no doubt be plotting your next visit to uncover more of this delightfully untouched region!

Porto Tours:

Porto Itinerary 4 day: Day 3

Uncovering Porto’s Vibrant City Center

Eager to explore more of Porto’s captivating blend of culture, history, and tempting tastes after yesterday’s scenic river walk. Day three further dives right into the lively modern downtown neighborhoods that never cease to charm visitors.

We’ll commence the day in Bolhão – Porto’s lived-in hub where locals have shopped the bountiful offerings of the Bolhão Market for over a century.

Also the nearby Rua Santa Catarina allows you to meet the locals as you buzz around the charming cafes and name-brand boutiques on this crowded shopping street

Subsequently, wander back toward the alluring waterfront, but ascend instead to the towering Luís I Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning the river. Furthermore, gaze out from the world’s longest iron arch bridge to soak in the stellar vistas before traversing over to Vila Nova de Gaia’s aged cobblestone alleyways on the opposite bank.

Here, time-honored port houses have refined the city’s namesake fortified wine for generations – be sure to partake in a cellar tasting or two! Then as the afternoon light begins to fade, head up to Jardim do Morro’s hilltop park to join musicians, students, and families taking in the golden sunset views spreading clear across the Atlantic estuary.

Iced Super Bock in hand, revel in the fading sunset hues that cast pastel pink shades over the terracotta rooftops!

While three days still leaves much to uncover, wandering heritage neighborhoods like these guarantee alluring invites to return again soon. Porto’s timeless beauty remarkably blends with pockets of present-day vibrancy that visitors just can’t get enough of.

Porto Tours:

Porto Itinerary 4 day: Day 4

Unwinding On Porto’s Sandy Shores

What better finale after three days uncovering Porto’s allure than breezy, sun-dappled days along the glistening coast? Beach gems beckon just beyond the city, perfect to soak up surf culture or relax on golden sands.

First, you could head off to easy-to-reach Matosinhos’ neighborhood beaches, backed by Porto suburbs with relaxed coastal vibes.

However, just a quick southbound train ride unlocks even more glorious shores.

Such As:

Espinho – Try riding breaks where locals surf at this popular summertime hub.
Praia da Granja – Meander wooden boardwalks and lunch at low-key restaurants beside these sandy shores and rocky reefs.
Esmoriz – Escape crowds further south in Esmoriz, home to more remote surf spots.

Alternatively, with wheels, trace the coast north to the Portuguese “Green Coast” near Spain for open space. Here, Praia da Azurara’s peaceful sands also attract those seeking room to roam crowd-free.

Wherever you go, picturesque vistas and the Atlantic’s soothing rhythm promise a fitting coastal farewell. Depart with sand between your toes, eager to return and discover more of Porto’s seaside secrets!

While four quick days only graze the surface of this captivating city, sights like these ensure you’ll be plotting your next visit before even boarding your homeward train!

Exploring Spellbinding Destinations Near Porto

While four quick days have just started uncovering Porto’s captivating allure, you can additionally stretch your stay by also venturing through Portugal’s wealth of cultural and natural wonders! Additionally, spellbinding sites lie just hours away – from surf havens to vine-striped valleys and beyond.

Here are just a few tempting suggestions within easy reach:

Aveiro (50 minutes)

Cruise pastel canals offering Venice-esque reflections of Aveiro’s medieval monasteries and elegant Art Nouveau facades.

Coimbra (1.5 hrs)

Subsequently, roam the ancient streets of Portugal’s one-time capital, glimpsing the famed architecture of the historic University of Coimbra set amid rolling vineyard hills.

Galicia, Spain (2.5 hours)

Alternatively, cross the border northward and discover the emerald Galician coast, where each turn reveals breathtaking seaside cliffs, magical beaches, and surfers’ havens.

The Silver Coast (1.2+ hrs)

Moreover, nearly 150 miles of endless beaches dotted with epic breaks beckon surfers and ocean aficionados alike. Be sure not to miss wave-battered Nazaré and charming Ericeira.

Lisbon (3-4 hrs)

Finally, hop aboard quick, scenic trains to Portugal’s colourful capital to wander hilltop neighborhoods, revel in sunset vistas, and soak up vibrant culture.

While these gems have merely scratched Portugal’s surface, they offer the perfect excuse to start plotting your next captivating return! Ancient sites and storybook towns continue to capture imaginations and reward further exploration along every picturesque mile.

Our Guides to Portugal

Travel Guide for Your Porto Itinerary 4 Day Trip

Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Porto

Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your Porto itinerary stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.

Renting a Car in Porto

Indeed, renting a car in Porto is easy and is a great way to explore the island freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

The best way to book your accommodation in Porto is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Booking Flights to Porto

Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Porto.