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 traditional districts and grand baroque monuments, while the contemporary city thrives with a bold culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.

A one-week holiday provides the ideal amount of time to fully appreciate both the city and the diverse character of northern Portugal. Porto’s excellent transport links and strategic location make it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding region. Within a short journey, you can discover the history of Guimarães, the magnificent religious buildings of Braga, the golden beaches of the Costa Verde, or the spectacular terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley.

This timeframe allows for a balanced itinerary: several days exploring Porto's main sights at a relaxed pace, combined with a series of memorable day trips that reveal the best of the region's culture and scenery.
This guide provides a suggested plan to help you discover the highlights of both Porto and northern Portugal in seven days.

 

 

The following itinerary provides a plan for a one-week holiday based in Porto. The structure allows for in-depth exploration of the city, combined with day trips to the surrounding region using public transport.
• Day 1: Historic Porto - Discover the heart of the city, exploring iconic monuments and the atmospheric lanes of the Ribeira district.
• Day 2: Vila Nova de Gaia - Cross the river for port tasting in the famous cellars, then travel to the Foz district for dramatic ocean views.
• Day 3: Guimarães - Journey to the birthplace of Portugal, a beautifully preserved medieval city with a magnificent castle.
• Day 4: Braga - Visit Portugal’s religious centre, home to an ancient cathedral and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.
• Day 4 alternative: A Relaxing Beach Day - Unwind on the golden sands of the Costa Verde by visiting a charming local coastal town.
• Day 5: The Douro Valley - Experience one of Europe’s most beautiful wine regions, with its steep, vine-covered hillsides flanking the majestic Douro River.
• Day 6: Aveiro & Costa Nova - Explore the charming canals of Aveiro before visiting Costa Nova to see its famous striped beach houses.
• Day 7: Lamego - Discover a historic town famed for its incredible baroque stairway on the edge of the Douro region.
• Day 7 alternative: Vila do Conde - A delightful fishing town that combines a historic centre with beautiful, expansive beaches.

Below is an interactive map for your week in Porto. (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) Matosinhos 11) Espinho (beach) 12) Miramar (beach) 13) Povoa de Varzim (beach) 14) Peso da Régua 15) Pinhão 16) Tua 17) Aveiro 18) Costa Nova 19) Lamego 20) Vila do Conde

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

The first two days of this itinerary are dedicated to discovering the city of Porto itself. The sightseeing is logically divided to give you a comprehensive experience. Day one focuses on the historic heart of Porto, and day two crosses the river to the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and out to the Atlantic coastline at the Foz district.

Day 1: The Historic Heart of Porto
Your first day is an immersion into Porto's historic centre, home to some of its most famous sights. You can ascend the iconic Clérigos Tower for outstanding panoramic views of the city, and admire the magnificent azulejo tile murals that depict Portuguese history inside São Bento Station.

Nearby, you can explore the city’s ancient Sé Cathedral, a fortress-like structure that has watched over Porto for centuries. The district is also known for its stunning churches, including one with an 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. It is the perfect place to absorb the city's unique atmosphere, with classic views of the iconic Dom Luís I bridge.
Related articles: Sights and attractions of Porto

The Ribeira district of Porto

The Se Cathedral

Day two takes you across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic home of port wine. The riverfront is 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 to sample this renowned drink.

Beyond the lodges, Gaia’s riverfront provides a scenic promenade with wonderful views back across to Porto’s Ribeira district. For an even better vantage point, you can take the cable car up to the terrace of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar for one of the finest panoramas of the city.

In the afternoon, ride the historic number 1 tram to the affluent Foz district, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This area offers a different feel, with its wide promenades, small sandy beaches and rugged coastline, providing a refreshing contrast to the city centre.
Related articles: Port tours - The Foz district

The Sandeman Port cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia

The Pérgola da Foz, overlooking the Praia do Molhe beach

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For your first day trip, journey to Guimarães, a city proudly known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’. As the nation's first capital and the home of its first king, its immaculately preserved medieval centre is a delight to explore, with charming plazas and historic streets at every turn.

The city's rich history is visible in its key monuments, which include the formidable Guimarães Castle and the opulent Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. The historic heart is found around the picturesque Largo da Oliveira (Olive Square), surrounded by traditional houses and bustling cafes.

For a different perspective, a cable car ride to the top of Penha Hill offers superb views over Guimarães and the surrounding region. Guimarães is easily reached via a direct train from Porto’s São Bento station, making it an ideal and straightforward 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, long regarded as the religious heart of Portugal. The city boasts a delightful, pedestrianised centre filled with grand plazas, elegant shopping streets, and manicured gardens. At its historic core stands the magnificent Sé Cathedral, one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the country.

The city's rich history extends beyond the cathedral. You can discover remnants of its Roman past, explore the beautiful Jardim de Santa Bárbara, and admire the decorative facade of the Raio Palace. Braga’s grand squares, such as the Praça da República, are lively hubs of activity with numerous cafes and traditional shops.

Braga’s most iconic landmark is the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, set on a forested hill just outside the city. It is famed for its monumental Baroque staircase, though a 19th-century water-powered funicular also provides a unique ascent. Braga is conveniently connected to Porto by a regular train from São Bento station.
Related articles: Braga guide

The pretty Jardim de Santa Bárbara at the centre of Braga

The Bom Jesus do Monte, and the stairway to heaven

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

A day trip to the Douro Valley is a highlight of any visit to northern Portugal. This is a region of breathtaking beauty, where steep terraced vineyards have been carved into the hillsides along the winding Douro River. The landscape is dotted with traditional wine-producing estates (quintas) and charming riverside towns.

There are several fantastic ways to explore the valley independently. The Linha do Douro railway offers one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys as it follows the river's edge. Alternatively, driving provides greater flexibility, and the journey itself becomes an experience on roads like the N-222, which is renowned for its spectacular scenery.

The two main towns to focus on for a day trip are Peso da Régua and Pinhão. Régua is the larger town and the region's main hub, where many river cruises begin. Pinhão, however, sits in the heart of the most scenic area, surrounded by famous wine estates and known for its tile-adorned station.

For a more structured experience, numerous organised tours depart daily from Porto. Many of these include a relaxing river cruise, which offers a unique perspective of the vineyards from the water.
Related articles: The Douro Valley

Luxurious cruise ships sail along the Douro

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

The city of Aveiro is set on the edge of a vast coastal lagoon and is defined by the canals that criss-cross its centre. The main attraction is a trip on a Moliceiro, a traditional boat ornately painted with colourful scenes. The city is also known for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture.

Just a short bus ride from Aveiro is the delightful seaside town of Costa Nova. It is instantly recognisable for its charming palheiros: brightly painted, candy-striped houses that once served as fishermen's shelters. The town is flanked by the lagoon on one side and a beautiful, expansive sandy beach on the other.

Together, Aveiro and Costa Nova create a wonderful day trip with a mix of city charm and coastal scenery. Aveiro is a major stop on the main railway line from Porto, making it very easy to reach. From the city, a regular local bus service provides the short connection to Costa Nova's beachfront.
Related articles: Aveiro guide

The Moliceiros boats were historically used to harvest seaweed from the lagoon, which was then dried to form an iodine-rich fertiliser

The pretty beach houses of Costa Nova

For the final day of your trip, you can choose between a historic inland town with a spectacular sanctuary or a charming coastal town that perfectly combines sightseeing with time on the beach.

Option 1: Lamego
Lamego’s defining feature is the magnificent Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a church perched high above the town. The approach is via a spectacular 18th-century baroque staircase, composed of 686 steps and decorated with ornate fountains, statues and azulejo tile panels. The view from the top is superb.

Below the sanctuary lies Lamego’s charming historic centre. Here you can explore an ancient castle, a Gothic cathedral, and wander along the tree-lined central avenue. With its traditional character and rich history, Lamego makes for a wonderful final day trip, best reached by bus or rental car from Porto.
Related articles: Lamego guide

The historic centre of Lamego as seen from the Castelo de Lamego

Option 2: Vila do Conde
For a final day combining history with the coast, Vila do Conde is an excellent choice. This charming fishing town is watched over by the enormous Santa Clara Monastery. After exploring the historic centre, you can relax on the beautiful sandy beaches south of the river, all easily reached via the Porto metro.
Related articles: Vila do Conde Guide

The Mosteiro de Santa Clara dominates the skyline of Vila do Conde.