8 Days in Porto: A Journey of Beauty and History

Alines Rivera

15 Nov 2023

Experience the charm of Porto with this 8-day itinerary. Explore stunning gardens, iconic bridges, and historical landmarks that will leave you in awe.

Trip to Porto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

Small, historic urban park with a serene vibe featuring a variety of trees, plants & sculptures.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

9:15 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

Day 2

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 3

$ 4

Two notable oceanfront tidal swimming pools designed in the 1960s by Álvaro Siza Vieira, with a bar.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Tree-shaded paths & play areas, plus a popular bistro terrace & occasional concerts for children.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 5

$25

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

•

15 - 22 min

Directions

Tour-led ascents of the landmark Arrábida Bridge with vast views of Porto & the Douro River estuary.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$19

Day 6

$ 2

House museum displaying period art & furnishings, along with gardens offering scenic river views.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

11 - 14 min

Directions

Paço Episcopal do Porto - Episcopal Palace

Imposing hilltop former bishops' residence, featuring rococo architectural details.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

Steep cable railway between the city & Douro River banks, with views of the arched Luís I Bridge.

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

•

3 - 4 min

Directions

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

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Free

Day 7

$ 4

Neoclassical 1900s building featuring a black-marble entrance hall & a clocktower with city views.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

A cable car leads to this hilltop green space with benches & a grove of palm trees at the summit.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

Elevated road bridge with a contemporary slim profile, offering views across the Douro River.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Public park featuring a playground, gardens & grassy areas along with a popular hedge maze.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8

$ 2

Late 20th-century bridge distinguished by its sleek, modern white supports & deck, used by trains.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

Free

31 - 46 min

Directions

Striking arched railway bridge completed in 1877 & designed by famed architect Gustave Eiffel.

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

This 15th-century Catholic place of worship features elaborate, gold-plated design work.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Scenic overlook offering picturesque views of city buildings, bridges & the river below.

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $47 In total

Activities & Food:$34

Transport:$14