10 Best Things to Do in Porto in 2 Days (Budget-Friendly Itinerary)
If you only have two days in Porto, you might wonder how much of the city you can really see. I had the same question when I visited last year, and I quickly learned that 48 hours is enough to fall in love with Portugal’s second city, as long as you plan smartly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 10 best things to do in Porto in 2 days, from strolling along the colorful Ribeira waterfront to tasting the city’s famous port wine across the river in Gaia. The best part? You don’t need a huge budget. Porto is one of those rare European cities where world-class views, food, and culture can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
This itinerary is based on my own trip, with budget tips and honest impressions woven in. Whether it’s your first time in Porto or a quick stop before heading to Lisbon or the Douro Valley, this 2-day itinerary will give you the highlights while leaving room for those small moments that make travel memorable.
Quick Facts: 2 Days in Porto at a Glance
- Location: Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, famous for port wine and the Douro River.
- Ideal Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) or fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Average Budget: €60–90 per day (accommodation, food, transport, and activities).
- Getting Around: Porto is very walkable. Use metro/bus only for longer distances.
- Must-Try Experience: Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Local Food: Francesinha sandwich, pastel de nata, and fresh seafood.
- Top Photo Spots: Dom Luís I Bridge, Ribeira waterfront, Clérigos Tower.
- Where to Stay: Central Porto (Baixa or Ribeira) for easy access to major sights.
- Perfect for: A weekend trip, first-time visitors, or a stopover before Lisbon/Douro Valley.
Quick Overview — 10 Best Things to Do in Porto
If you only have 48 hours, here are the 10 best things to do in Porto in 2 days:
- Walk along the Ribeira waterfront — Porto’s colorful riverside quarter and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge — the city’s most iconic landmark, with stunning free views.
- Admire azulejos at São Bento Station — Portugal’s most beautiful train station.
- Climb Clérigos Tower — panoramic views across the city.
- Visit Livraria Lello — the ornate bookshop said to inspire J.K. Rowling.
- Taste port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia — sample Portugal’s famous fortified wine.
- Take a Douro River cruise — see Porto’s six bridges from the water.
- Try a Francesinha sandwich — Porto’s hearty (and messy) local specialty.
- Explore hidden viewpoints — Jardim do Morro and Miradouro da Vitória.
- Wander the markets and backstreets — from Mercado do Bolhão to tucked-away cafés
Day 1 Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Porto on Foot
Morning: Ribeira District & the Douro River
Start your first morning in Ribeira, Porto’s most colorful neighborhood and a UNESCO World Heritage site. I wandered through its cobbled streets last year and instantly felt the city’s charm: tiled houses stacked along the river, washing lines above, and small cafés buzzing before noon. Walking the promenade along the Douro River is completely free, and you get some of the best postcard views in the city.
Late Morning: São Bento Station & Azulejos
From Ribeira, it’s a short uphill walk to São Bento Station, which feels more like a museum than a transport hub. Its 20,000+ blue-and-white azulejo tiles depict Portugal’s history, from battles to countryside life. I wasn’t even catching a train, just stepping inside made it worth the stop. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a cent.
Lunch: Budget Eats in Baixa
By midday, head toward Baixa, Porto’s downtown, for a quick and affordable lunch. I grabbed a prato do dia (daily menu special) for under €8, which usually includes soup, a main dish, and coffee. If you’re planning to tackle the Francesinha later, this is a smart spot to keep it simple and cheap.
Afternoon: Clérigos Tower & Church
Continue uphill to the Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s baroque icons. Climbing its 200+ steps costs around €5, but the sweeping views across the rooftops and river are 1000% worth it. I went in the afternoon when the light was softer and the city looked golden. If you’re not up for the climb, the exterior of the tower and church are still impressive, and free.
Late Afternoon: Livraria Lello (Should You Go?)
Round out your day at Livraria Lello, the ornate bookshop often listed among the most beautiful in the world. Its carved staircase and stained-glass ceiling are undeniably stunning, and locals love to say it inspired J.K. Rowling during her time in Porto. But here’s my honest take: I didn’t think it was worth the hype. Tickets cost €5, and when I visited it was packed to the point where I spent more time dodging people than appreciating the architecture. If you’re a book lover, you’ll probably still enjoy it. But if your time is limited, you can skip it without regret.
Day 2 Itinerary: Food, Wine, and the Best Views in Porto
Morning: Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge
Start your day by walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto’s most iconic landmark. It connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and offers some of the best free views in the city. I crossed early in the morning, when the sun was just hitting the Ribeira façades, and it was almost empty. If you only do one “classic Porto” thing, make it this.
Late Morning: Port Wine Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
On the Gaia side of the bridge, you’ll find dozens of historic port wine cellars. I chose a budget-friendly tasting at Caves Ferreira (tickets start around €15), where I learned about the history of port and tried a few varieties. You don’t need to splash out on a full tour, many lodges offer affordable tastings if you just want the experience. Even if you’re not a wine lover, the views back toward Porto from Gaia’s riverfront are worth the trip.
Lunch: Francesinha Sandwich
Back in Porto, it’s time for the city’s most famous dish: the Francesinha. Think of it as a Portuguese twist on a croque-monsieur, bread, ham, sausage, steak, and melted cheese, all drenched in a spicy beer sauce. I tried one at a small local spot in Baixa for about €12, and honestly, it was one of the heaviest meals I’ve ever eaten. Delicious, yes, but you’ll probably need a nap after.
Afternoon: Douro River Cruise (Optional)
If you want a different perspective, consider a six-bridge cruise on the Douro. Boats leave from the Ribeira quay and cost around €15 for 50 minutes. I didn’t do it on my trip (choosing to save the money), but friends I met in Porto loved it for the views and the breeze on a hot afternoon. If you’re sticking to a tighter budget, you can skip it and just enjoy the riverfront from land.
Late Afternoon: Jardim do Morro & Sunset Views
For one of the best free viewpoints, head back over to Gaia and climb to Jardim do Morro. I ended my trip here, sitting on the grass with locals, guitar players, and travelers all waiting for sunset. Watching the city glow orange across the river was easily my favorite Porto memory — and it didn’t cost a cent. If you want something quieter, try Miradouro da Vitória, another viewpoint tucked away near the cathedral.
And that’s the best things to do in Porto in 2 days. From the tiled walls of São Bento to port wine in Gaia and sunsets at Jardim do Morro, the city packs a lot into a weekend. What I loved most was how easy it was to experience Porto without spending much — most of the highlights are either free or affordable. If you only have 48 hours, this itinerary will give you the best of Porto while leaving room for a few spontaneous discoveries along the way.
Budget Tips: Cost of 2 Days in Porto on a Budget
How Much Does 2 Days in Porto Cost?
On my trip last year, I spent just €104.76 in total for 2 full days in Porto. Here’s how it broke down:
| Category | Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 47.50 | 2 nights in a hostel |
| Restaurants | 20.41 | Casual local meals + snacks |
| Entertainment | 22.00 | Free walking tour, Clérigos Tower, wine tour |
| Transportation | 4.85 | Local metro/bus rides |
| Groceries | 10.00 | Breakfast items + snacks |
| Total | 104.76 | For 2 days (≈ €52/day) |
Tips for Keeping Costs Low:
- Stay central: My hostel was under €25 a night, which saved both money and time on transport.
- Mix groceries with restaurants: I picked up fruit and breakfast basics at a local supermarket, then ate one meal out per day.
- Free walking tours are worth it: I tipped €10 for mine, and it was one of the best ways to get to know Porto quickly.
- Pick and choose attractions: Porto has tons of free viewpoints and landmarks, so you can save money by being selective about paid entries.
- Skip unnecessary transport: The city is walkable. I only spent €4.85 on buses/metro across two days.
In short, you can easily enjoy Porto for €50–60 per day if you’re smart with accommodation and food. That’s cheaper than Lisbon or many other Western European cities, another reason Porto makes such a great budget city break.
Where to Stay in Porto for 2 Days (Budget-Friendly Areas)
With only 2 days in Porto, location matters more than luxury. Staying central means you can walk almost everywhere, saving both time and money on transport.
Baixa (Downtown Porto)
This is where I stayed, and I’d recommend it for anyone on a budget. I booked a bed at So Cool Hostel Porto, which offered clean dorms, a social vibe, and a great location near the metro. It cost me under €25 per night, and because I was based in Baixa, I could walk to Ribeira, São Bento, and most of the city’s main attractions in under 15 minutes. If you want the best balance between price and convenience, Baixa is the sweet spot.
Ribeira (Riverside)
If it’s your first time in Porto and you don’t mind paying a bit more, Ribeira puts you right on the riverfront. It’s the most atmospheric part of the city, colorful buildings, boat tours, and restaurants right outside your door. That said, accommodation here tends to be more expensive and noisy at night.
Cedofeita (Hip & Artsy)
For something more local, Cedofeita is a cool neighborhood full of street art, boutique cafés, and cheaper guesthouses. It’s not quite as central as Baixa, but still walkable. This is a good option if you want to experience Porto beyond the tourist core.
Tip: Porto has a good public transportation, but for a 2-day stay you’ll save time (and money) by choosing a place within walking distance of the city center.
FAQ: Visiting Porto in 2 Days
Is 2 days enough in Porto?
Yes, 2 days is enough to see Porto’s highlights, especially if you stay central. You can cover Ribeira, São Bento, Clérigos Tower, Vila Nova de Gaia, and even fit in a port wine tasting without feeling rushed.
What to do in Porto for free?
Some of the best things to do in Porto are free: walking Ribeira’s waterfront, crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, admiring the tiles at São Bento Station, and watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro.
How much money do you need for 2 days in Porto?
I spent about €105 over 2 days, including accommodation, food, and attractions. A budget traveler can expect to spend €50–60 per day, while mid-range travelers should budget closer to €80–100.
Is Porto walkable?
Yes, Porto is very walkable, though be prepared for hills. Most attractions are within 15–20 minutes on foot. You’ll only need public transport if you’re going farther out or staying away from the center.
Porto or Lisbon: which is better for a weekend trip?
Porto is smaller, more relaxed, and easier to explore in 2 days. Lisbon is larger and more spread out, so you’ll cover less in the same amount of time. If you want a quick weekend break, Porto is the better choice.
Final Thoughts: The 10 Best Things to Do in Porto in 2 Days
That’s my guide to the 10 best things to do in Porto in 2 days. From Ribeira’s colorful riverfront to São Bento’s azulejos, port wine in Gaia, and sunset views from Jardim do Morro, this itinerary shows you how much you can experience in just a weekend. Two days felt like the perfect amount of time — enough to see Porto’s highlights without rushing, and without spending a fortune. Whether you’re planning a quick stop before Lisbon or looking for a budget-friendly city break, Porto delivers big experiences in a small package.
