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8 Days in Porto: Exploring the Hidden Gems

Kathy Viceconte

4 Feb 2024

0

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Porto's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover ancient palaces, stunning bridges, and captivating museums. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Porto's parks and gardens. Indulge in the local cuisine and experience the city's unique charm. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Trip to Porto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Majestic Palaces and Breathtaking Views

+

$13

Bolsa Palace

Huge, 19th-century landmark building with rooms for private events, a restaurant & guided tours.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$13

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Porto Cathedral

Hilltop Romanesque cathedral, with a fortress-like interior, a rose window & Gothic cloisters.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Luís I Bridge

Arched bridge carrying low-level road & a high-level metro line between Porto & Vila Nove de Gaia.

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

Former monastery dating to the 1500s, set on a hilltop & notable for its round church & cloister.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Unveiling the Secrets of Porto's Wine Culture

+

$30

Caves Cálem

The history of port wine production is told on guided tours of these wine cellars offering tastings.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$30

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

WOW Porto - The Best Cultural District

Cluster of museums, restaurants & bars in cellars, telling the story of Porto's port wine industry.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Art, Nature, and Tranquility

+

$8

National Museum Soares dos Reis

Art museum in an 18th-century palace with Flemish paintings, Portuguese sculpture & applied artwork.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$8

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Landscaped gardens designed in the 19th century offering fountains, paths & Douro River views.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Contemporary Art and Marine Wonders

+

$50

·

$ 7

Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves

Major modern art collection in minimalist white galleries, plus performances of music & dance.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$20

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Jardim do Passeio Alegre

Landscaped 1800s garden, home to a Franciscan convent, lavish fountain & Art Nouveau-tiled restroom.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

SEA LIFE Centre Porto

Family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures (most offer play areas & group packages).

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$30

Day 5Serene Parks and Natural Beauty

+

$0

·

$ 4

Parque da Cidade do Porto

City park with sports fields, sand volleyball courts, dining options & cycling & walking paths.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Parque de Serralves

18-hectare park, part of the Serralves Foundation, with formal gardens, wooded areas & sculptures.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Exploring Porto's Architectural Marvels

+

$13

·

$ 10

Castelo do Queijo

Turreted 17th-century fort with cannons, sitting on a prominent rock overlooking the beach.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Ponte da Arrábida

Landmark arch bridge over the Douro River, with guided climbs to the top offered by a local company.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Museum of Transport and Communication

Portuguese transport & communication history is the focus at this modest site with a range of cars.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Church of Saint Ildefonso

Elegant 18th-century church whose facade is covered in blue & white tiles added in the 1930s.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Botanical Gardens, Literary Treasures, and Architectural Delights

+

$43

·

$ 4

Jardim Botânico do Porto | Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da U.Porto

Botanical & formal gardens with an elegant, 19th-century mansion, pond & paths through an arboretum.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Livraria Lello

Lavishly designed historic book store with an art nouveau exterior & a winding wooden staircase.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$18

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Clerigos Church and Tower

Baroque church with a marble altarpiece & a 75-m bell tower that is a symbol of Porto.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$13

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Chapel of Souls

Chapel famous for its exterior of blue & white tiles painted with scenes from the lives of saints.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Immersive History and Adventurous Discoveries

+

$62

·

$ 4

FC Porto Museum

High-tech soccer museum with multimedia displays, FC Porto memorabilia & stadium tours.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$24

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

World of Discoveries

Museum with an eatery, a theme ride & exhibits exploring the history of early Portuguese navigators.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$38

Budget breakdown: $244 In total

Activities & Food:$217

Transport:$27