Porto is a city of striking contrasts, where a rich historical legacy meets a dynamic, modern energy. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre is an atmospheric maze of grand monuments and charming streets, while the Douro River provides a stunning backdrop to the famous Port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

A five-day holiday provides the ideal amount of time to fully appreciate both the city and the diverse character of northern Portugal. This timeframe transforms the trip from a short city break into a fantastic regional tour, allowing for a relaxed pace of discovery.

This suggested itinerary is designed to be comprehensive. It balances two days exploring Porto's main sights with three memorable day trips that reveal the best of the region's culture and scenery. Using the city’s excellent transport links, you can discover historic towns and the spectacular Douro Valley, all from one convenient base

 

 

This five-day itinerary provides a structured plan for exploring Porto and the highlights of the surrounding region. The sightseeing is divided logically, with the first two days dedicated to the city and the following three exploring northern Portugal’s most significant destinations. All day trips are easily accessible using public transport.
• Day 1: Historic Porto - Discover the city's historic heart, exploring the iconic monuments and atmospheric streets of the Ribeira, Sé, and Baixa districts.
• Day 2: Vila Nova de Gaia & Foz - Cross the river for Port tasting in the famous cellars , then travel to the Foz district for dramatic ocean views where the Douro meets the Atlantic.
• Day 3: Guimarães - Journey to the birthplace of Portugal. This is a beautifully preserved medieval city with a magnificent castle and historic squares.
• Day 4: Braga - Visit Portugal’s religious centre, home to the country's oldest cathedral and the remarkable Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary just outside the city.
• Day 5: The Douro Valley - Experience one of Europe’s most beautiful wine regions , famed for its steep, terraced vineyards that flank the majestic Douro River.

Below is an interactive map for your five days in Porto. The points of interest for your trip are highlighted. (Note: zoom in or out to see all the points)

Legend: 1) Ribeira 2) Ponte Luís I 3) Sé do Porto 4) Torre dos Clérigos 5) Vila Nova de Gaia 6) Foz do Douro 7) Guimarães 8) Braga 9) Bom Jesus do Monte 10) Peso da Régua 11) Pinhão 12) Tua

The following section explains each day in more detail and includes links to relevant guides.

Your first day is an immersion into the historic heart of Porto, a UNESCO-listed centre where iconic monuments and atmospheric lanes tell the story of the city. The day is best spent exploring the interconnected districts of Sé, Baixa, and Ribeira, allowing yourself to discover their distinct characters at a relaxed pace.

A wonderful starting point is the magnificent São Bento train station. Its main hall is adorned with vast azulejo tile murals that depict key moments from Portuguese history, offering a grand introduction to the nation's heritage. From here, you can ascend the iconic Torre dos Clérigos for outstanding panoramic views over the city's terracotta rooftops and the winding river below.

The historic centre is defined by its grand religious buildings. You can explore the city’s ancient Sé Cathedral, a fortress-like structure that has watched over Porto for centuries , and admire the beautiful tile-covered exterior of the Igreja do Carmo. Nearby, the Igreja de São Francisco contains a spectacular interior famously adorned with vast quantities of extravagant gold leaf, a true spectacle of Baroque design.

The exploration naturally leads down to the Ribeira district, the city’s most charismatic neighbourhood. Here, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets opens onto a vibrant riverfront plaza, the perfect place to absorb Porto's unique atmosphere. From the waterfront, you can enjoy classic views of the iconic Dom Luís I bridge. As a perfect end to the day, consider a relaxing boat tour along the Douro River, which passes under the city's six famous bridges and offers a completely different perspective of the city.
Related articles: Sights and attractions of Porto

The Se Cathedral

The Ribeira district of Porto

Day two takes you across the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic home of Port wine. The journey itself is an event; begin by walking across the upper level of the impressive Ponte Luís I bridge, which offers some of the best panoramic views of Porto’s historic Ribeira district and the city skyline.

Once on the southern bank, you will find a scenic riverfront promenade lined with the vast cellars, known as lodges, where the world-famous fortified wine is matured. Many of the most famous producers offer guided tours and tasting sessions, providing a fantastic opportunity to sample the renowned drink and learn about its production. For an even better vantage point, take the cable car up to the terrace of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar for one of the finest panoramas of the city.

For the afternoon, a complete change of scenery awaits at the affluent Foz district, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This area is best reached by a ride on the historic number 1 tram, an experience in itself. Foz offers a refreshing contrast to the dense city centre, with its wide promenades, small sandy beaches, and a rugged coastline perfect for a seaside walk. It provides a completely different feel and is a great way to conclude the day's sightseeing
Related articles: Port tours - The Foz district

The port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia

The Praia do Molhe beach

For your first day trip, journey to Guimarães, a city proudly known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’. It was here that Portugal’s first king was born and the country's identity was forged, giving the city a unique historical significance. A visit to Guimarães feels like stepping back in time, offering a memorable experience of historic Portugal.

The city’s exceptionally well-preserved historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a delightful area to explore, with a wonderful maze of medieval streets, charming plazas, and traditional houses at every turn. The historic heart is found around the picturesque Largo da Oliveira (Olive Square), which is surrounded by traditional buildings and bustling cafes.

Guimarães’s rich history is visible in its key monuments. At the highest point of the town is the formidable 10th-century Guimarães Castle. Nearby is the grand Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a magnificent 15th-century noble residence that is also open to visitors.

For a different perspective of the city and the surrounding region, a cable car ride to the top of Penha Hill offers superb views. Guimarães is easily reached via a direct train from Porto’s São Bento station, making it a straightforward and highly rewarding day trip
Related articles: Guimarães guide

The gothic Paço dos Duques de Bragança and the statue of Afonso Henriques the first king of Portugal

The historic centre of Guimarães and the Old City Hall

Day four’s destination is Braga, a city long regarded as the religious heart of Portugal. It is a vibrant place that offers a fantastic combination of urban energy, ancient history, and monumental religious heritage. Home to the country's oldest cathedral, Braga presents a different character to Guimarães, with grand plazas and elegant shopping streets that buzz with activity.

The city’s delightful, pedestrianised centre is a pleasure to explore, with manicured gardens like the beautiful Jardim de Santa Bárbara providing colourful interludes. At its historic core stands the magnificent Sé Cathedral, one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the country, which has been the centre of Portuguese faith for centuries.

While the city itself is rewarding, Braga’s most iconic landmark is the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, set on a forested hill just outside the city. This remarkable pilgrimage site is famed for its monumental Baroque staircase, a spectacular 116-metre-high structure that zigzags up the hillside representing the path to salvation.

You can choose to climb the ornate steps, admiring the fountains and statues along the way, or take a unique 19th-century water-powered funicular to the top. From the church at the summit, the views over the region are outstanding, providing a rewarding conclusion to the ascent. Braga is conveniently connected to Porto by a regular train from São Bento station, making for an easy and memorable day trip.
Related articles: Braga guide

The pretty Jardim de Santa Bárbara at the centre of Braga

The Bom Jesus do Monte

For a more relaxed day, Porto provides easy access to the Costa Verde, a stunning coastline of vast sandy beaches and dramatic Atlantic scenery. This is the perfect setting for sunbathing and seaside walks, but be aware that the powerful Atlantic waters remain refreshingly chilly, even at the height of summer.

The city’s main beach, Matosinhos, is just a short metro ride away and is renowned for its excellent seafood restaurants right by the shore. Further afield, a train ride can take you to the lively resort town of Espinho or to Miramar, which offers a quieter experience with its famous seaside chapel.
Related articles: Porto beach guide

The coastline south of Porto comprises golden sandy beaches and cold Atlantic seawaters; this beach is the Praia de Brito, near Espinho

The final day of this itinerary is dedicated to the Douro Valley, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and a highlight of any visit to northern Portugal. This is an unforgettable excursion into the world-famous wine region where the grapes for Port wine are grown, a landscape so significant it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The scenery here is stunning. For centuries, generations have carved steep, terraced vineyards into the hillsides that plunge dramatically down to the winding Douro River below. The valley is dotted with traditional wine-producing estates, known as quintas, and charming riverside towns that add to the region's unique character.

There are two excellent ways to experience the valley on a day trip from Porto. For an independent journey, the Linha do Douro railway offers one of Europe’s most scenic train rides. The line follows the river's path, offering incredible views of the terraced landscape right from your window. A popular choice is to travel to the small town of Pinhão, which sits in the heart of the most scenic area and is known for its beautiful, tile-adorned station. From here, you can visit a local quinta for a tour and tasting.

For a more relaxed and structured experience, a full-day river cruise is a fantastic option. These organised tours depart from Porto and glide you up the river, providing a unique perspective of the magnificent scenery from the water. A cruise is a hassle-free way to explore, as it typically includes lunch on board, along with a guided tour and wine tasting at a riverside estate

Pinhão is the prettiest town on the Douro River, and is surrounded by hills and terraced vineyards

Luxurious cruise ships sail along the Douro