If you’re looking for a European city break that combines beautiful architecture, incredible food and a relaxed atmosphere, Porto might just be the perfect choice. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly charming. This city is cool and stylish and fun without even trying.
Colourful houses tumble down towards the river, tiled churches appear around every corner, crowds sip wine on the banks of the river and the scent of fresh pastries drifts out of tiny bakeries.
Better still, it’s a brilliant destination for a long weekend. The city is compact enough to explore mostly on foot, flights from the UK are quick and affordable and you can pack a surprising amount into just a few days.
And let’s not forget they have great weather over there, especially in comparison to the UK!
I recently spent a long weekend in Porto in early March and it completely won me over. From painting traditional Portuguese tiles to tasting port wine by the river, Porto was a dream of a weekend break. If you’re planning a weekend escape with friends, a partner or even a solo adventure, here what to do in Porto for 3 days…
Day 1: Arriving in Porto
One of the best things about Porto for a 3 day trip is how quickly you can get there. A morning flight means you can arrive before lunchtime and still enjoy almost a full first day of exploring.
We took flights to Porto with Jet2 from Manchester. The flight takes about 2.5 hours and we departed at 7.15am. There’s no time difference in Porto so we arrived at 9.40.
Travel Hack Tip: There was a bit of a queue at airport security so I recommend getting off the plane and into that queue as quickly as you can!
Where to stay: Pousada do Porto – Rua das Flores
After landing, we took a private taxi transfer (I recommend using Uber if you don’t have transfers included) and headed straight into the city centre.
We were staying at Pousada do Porto – Rua das Flores with Jet2 holidays, a gorgeous boutique hotel set in one of the most atmospheric streets in Porto. Rua das Flores is right in the historic centre, which means you can walk to most of the city’s main sights within minutes.
@thetravelhack ? ? Pousada do Porto – Rua das Flores This was such a perfect hotel on one of the best streets in Porto. You can walk everywhere from here and the hotel was a lovely, welcoming, friendly base for a weekend away. There’s a nice gym, pool and sauna and the breakfast was great too.
? In The World – Escape Deep
If you want to make the most of a short break, staying somewhere central like this makes a huge difference.
Our rooms weren’t quite ready so we dropped our bags and headed straight out for lunch. When you only have a few days in a city, it’s worth resisting the temptation to sit down and relax straight away. Get out there and start soaking up the atmosphere!
Lunch at Time Out Market
@thetravelhack ? Time Out Market in Porto This is a great place to head for lunch! #porto #timeoutmarket ? original sound – Eyeconic Printz
Our first stop was Porto’s Time Out Market, which opened in 2024 inside the south wing of São Bento train station. If you’ve visited the Time Out Markets in Lisbon or other cities, you’ll know the concept. It brings together some of the best chefs and food vendors in the city under one roof.
It’s a great option for a group because everyone can choose something different. There are Michelin starred chefs, traditional Portuguese dishes and modern interpretations of local classics.
Food markets like this are also brilliant when you arrive in a new city because you can sample lots of different flavours straight away. Expect everything from seafood dishes to pastries and local wines.
A Walking Tour with On The Road With Elena
After lunch, we joined a private walking tour through Porto’s historic centre. I always recommend doing a walking tour on your first day in a city. It helps you understand the layout, learn a bit of history and discover places you might want to return to later.
@thetravelhack ? On the Road with Elena Walking Tour ???? #porto ? Pieces of Memory – Carlos Carty
Porto is packed with beautiful landmarks and we passed many of the most famous ones along the way.
We explored the bustling Mercado do Bolhão, one of Porto’s most traditional markets, admired the Chapel of Souls and went to some of the best viewing spots in the city.
Travel Hack Tip: The city is famously hilly so comfortable shoes are essential!
Easy Dinner at Ramen Me!
After a bit of free time to settle into the hotel and freshen up, we headed out for dinner at Ramen Me!, a lively little restaurant that specialises in, you guessed it, ramen.
@thetravelhack ? Ramen Me! Porto A great spot for a casual ramen dinner.
? Good Food – Noctum47
After the early flight and a busy day, we were all really tired so this was a nice, casual option for dinner that wasn’t too heavy or formal.
Porto’s food scene is incredibly diverse. While traditional Portuguese cuisine is everywhere, there’s also a growing number of modern restaurants and international options.
Day 2: Tiles, Food and Port!
Our second day in Porto was all about culture and food. Two things the city does very well.
Learning the Art of Portuguese Tiles
If you’ve seen photos of Porto, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful tiles decorating many buildings. These ceramic tiles are called azulejos and they’re a huge part of Portuguese culture.
@thetravelhack ? BOA Arts Tile Painting Workshop Loved this class! Gave me a whole new appreciation for Porto’s gorgeous tiles. #porto #portotiles ? Following The Sun (Whistle Version) – SUPER-Hi & NEEKA
We did a little more than just admire them and spent the morning learning how to paint them ourselves during a tile workshop!
This was such a gorgeous way to spend the morning and I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re on a girls trip or a family trip. It was so therapeutic and calming to sit down and do something so crafty and hands-on. It also gave me a whole new appreciation for the tiles around the city and when we walked out to the workshop we all noticed all the gorgeous tiles in so much more detail.
We created our own tile designs inspired by the classic patterns and everyone’s creations came out looking so different. It’s also lovely to have a unique souvenir to take home!
Workshops like this are brilliant on a city break. They give you a deeper connection to the culture and break up the usual sightseeing.
A Food Tour
If you love food, Porto is heaven and you’re going to love this tour with Do Eat Better.
Travel Hack Tip: If two tours in one city break feels like too much for you then I’d recommend doing this one as it’s a city tour with the added bonus of food!
Portuguese cuisine is delicious! It’s comforting, generous and full of flavour and one of the best ways to experience it is on a guided food tour.
We spent the late morning and early afternoon exploring the historic centre and stopping at various food spots to try local dishes with our guide from Do Eat Better.
We started with the classic pastel de nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart. Crispy pastry, creamy filling and a dusting of cinnamon. They are dangerously addictive.
We also tried bifana, a simple but delicious pork sandwich, along with various petiscos, which are Portugal’s version of tapas.
The tour took us through Mercado do Bolhão, where local traders sell everything from fresh fish to cheeses and cured meats. Markets like this are the heart of a city and it’s always fascinating to see how locals shop and eat.
By the end of the tour we were completely full and had discovered several places we wanted to revisit!
Afternoon Exploring
One of the best things about Porto is how easy it is to explore without a strict plan.
I spent the early afternoon just wandering, shopping and letting my camera guide me. I climbed Clérigos Tower for panoramic views over the city.
@thetravelhack ? Clerigos Tower, Porto #porto #clerigoschurchporto ? Golden Hour: Piano Version (Cover) – Andy Morris
After the tower I then visited Porto Cathedral too, which we’d seen the day before during our walking tour but hadn’t stepped inside.
If you’re in Porto for 3 days then I’d say visiting Porto Cathedral should be at the top of your to-do list. The Cathedral and the tower were both incredible but if you’re going to choose only one, I’d go for the cathedral as this has incredible views too.
@thetravelhack ? Porto Cathedral Definitely one of my favourite attractions and well worth a visit! It’s only €4 to enter and it’s so beautiful inside and has incredible views over the city. #porto #portocathedral ? Majestic – Audiodeity
Afternoon drinks and/or Port Tasting
Head down to the riverside for sunset drinks next to the Douro River. This area is lively and beautiful with lots of bars and restaurants. There are market stalls and street performers and lots of lovely little places for a drink in the sunshine.
@thetravelhack ? Porto in early March ??? #porto ? Coastline – Hollow Coves
Another great option is crossing the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the famous port wine cellars are located. From here you get some of the best views of Porto’s colourful houses while traditional rabelo boats float on the river.
We visited Cálem Cellar for a guided tour and tasting. During the tour we learned how port wine is produced in the Douro Valley before being transported to the cellars in Gaia.
At the end of the tour we tasted three different varieties paired with cheese and chocolate.
Even if you’re not usually a port drinker, it’s fun to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind it. If you’re in Porto for 3 days and have time to squeeze this in then I’d 100% do it, but if you’re short on time and the sun is shining then it might be nicer just to relax in the sunshine.
Sitting by the river afterwards with a glass of wine and that incredible view felt like the perfect Porto moment!
Dinner and a Hidden Cocktail Bar
In the evening we headed out for dinner at Encaixados, a cosy restaurant serving beautifully presented Portuguese dishes.
@thetravelhack ? Encaixados, Porto #portorestaurants ? Chai and Sunshine – Anjulie & Yanchan Produced
Porto is a great city for dining out because it feels sophisticated but still affordable compared to many European capitals.
After dinner we visited Apotecário Speakeasy, a hidden cocktail bar with a vintage pharmacy theme. Dim lighting, creative drinks and a slightly secretive atmosphere made it a fun spot to end the evening. We chose our surprise cocktails based on our vibe that evening and it was fun to be presented with mystery drinks!
@thetravelhack ? Apotecario Speakeasy #porto #portobar #speakeasy ? Show Me the Good Stuff – Becca Lynn
Day 3: Bookshops, Lunch and Home Time
Our final full day in Porto was packed with some of the city’s most iconic experiences.
A Magical Morning at Livraria Lello
We started the day early at Livraria Lello, one of the most famous bookshops in the world.
The interior is spectacular. A sweeping red staircase, stained glass ceiling and intricate wooden details make it feel almost like stepping into a fantasy film set.
@thetravelhack ?Livraria Lello Porto Yes, it’s busy but it’s 100% worth booking a ticket and going. Pre-book tickets online! #porto #portobookstore #livrarialello ? suara asli – Rismawanda99
It’s often linked to the Harry Potter books and whether or not that connection is true, it certainly feels magical.
Book online but you can still expect a queue. This place gets busy! If you don’t like crowds then you’ll probably want to avoid it but as a book lover, I loved it!
Lunch at Catina 32
After a little more exploring we stopped for lunch at Cantina 32, a stylish restaurant known for creative Portuguese dishes.
@thetravelhack ? Catina 32 This was definitely the best place we ate in Porto! Definitely recommend this for lunch time sharing plates. #porto #catina32 ? champagne – G Sounds
The restaurant sits on Rua das Flores, so it’s next to the hotel. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch before collecting your luggage ready for your flight home.
Is Porto a Good Weekend Break?
Absolutely.
Porto is one of those rare cities that manages to feel exciting and relaxed at the same time. There’s plenty to see and do but it never feels overwhelming.
For a weekend break it ticks all the boxes:
- Short flights from the UK
- A compact and walkable city centre
- Incredible food and wine
- Beautiful historic architecture
- Unique cultural experiences
- Affordable food and drink
- Much better weather than the UK so it’s lovely for a winter or spring break
It’s also a city that feels welcoming and easy to navigate, which makes it perfect for solo travellers or trips with friends.
If you enjoy cities like Lisbon, Florence or Barcelona but want somewhere a little less hectic, Porto might become your new favourite.
Tips for Planning a Porto Weekend Break
- We took flights from Manchester Airport with Jet2.
- Stay in the historic centre – Areas around Rua das Flores and Ribeira are ideal for exploring on foot. There are lots of gorgeous Porto hotels in this area.
- Wear comfortable shoes – Porto is very hilly and many streets are cobbled.
- Book popular attractions early – Places like Livraria Lello can get extremely busy. I always think that if you can book it then you might as well. Having a few things booked gives your day some structure and avoids too much queuing!
- Take a food tour – It’s one of the best ways to discover local dishes and hidden spots.
- Visit the port cellars – Even if you don’t usually drink port, the history and views make it worthwhile.
A long weekend in Porto feels indulgent in the best possible way. You spend your days wandering beautiful streets, tasting incredible food and soaking up centuries of culture.
By the time you leave, you’ll probably be planning your return.
Whether you’re looking for Jet2CityBreaks with friends, a romantic getaway or a solo city break, Porto is the kind of destination that delivers far more than you expect.
And sometimes that’s exactly what the perfect weekend trip should do.
