Porto in 3 days: What to see and how to move at your own pace

Portugal

While many travellers head straight for Lisbon when visiting Portugal, Porto is a destination that surprises you from the very first moment and truly deserves its own spot on any itinerary. Did you know that Porto has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996? Its historic centre is a real gem, packed with perfectly preserved historical treasures.

If you’re planning a trip to Porto, we’re here to help. At CarJet, we’ve put together a guide to help you prep your trip, organise your daily itinerary, and make the most of your stay, whether you want to explore the old town on foot or hire a car to discover the surrounding areas at your own speed.

Visiting Porto in 3 days: The perfect guide for your trip

Day 1: Discovering Porto’s historic centre

The first day is all about exploring the old town on foot. It’s one of the most authentic and charming parts of the city. Start at the Sé Cathedral, one of Porto’s oldest buildings. From here, you’ll get some stunning views of the river and the city’s rooftops. Just a stone’s throw away is São Bento Station, famous for its incredible tile panels that tell the story of Portuguese history.

Head towards Avenida dos Aliados, the heart of the modern city, and make a stop at Livraria Lello, often called one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Top tip: book your ticket in advance to skip the long queues.

In the afternoon, wander down to the Ribeira district, one of Porto’s most iconic spots. Take a stroll along the Douro river, soak up the atmosphere at the waterside terraces, and walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for some of the best views in town.

To wrap up the day, nothing beats a traditional dinner. A francesinha : Porto’s most famous sandwich, is the perfect way to refuel. You’ve got to try it!

Day 2: Vila Nova de Gaia, wine cellars, and viewpoints

The second day is dedicated to Vila Nova de Gaia, located just across the river and world-famous for its historic Port wine cellars. Start your morning with a cellar tour to learn how the wine is made and, of course, enjoy a tasting. Names like Sandeman, Cálem, or Graham’s are some of the big hitters, but there’s something for everyone.

Afterwards, take a walk along the Gaia riverside or hop on the cable car for a comfortable way to reach the upper part of the city with a view. From there, head to Jardim do Morro or the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, two of the best lookout points to see Porto from above.

In the afternoon, you can head back to the historic centre or take a cruise down the Douro. It’s a lovely, relaxing way to see the bridges and the city from the water. As night falls, the riverside atmosphere is perfect for a quiet dinner as the sun sets.

Day 3: Day trips from Porto by car

The third day is the perfect time to head out of the city. Hiring a car in Porto gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding region without being tied to a schedule.

The Douro Valley

Just over an hour from Porto, you’ll find the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most beautiful wine regions. Its terraced vineyards, scenic roads, and sleepy villages make it a brilliant full-day trip.

Aveiro

Known as the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is about an hour’s drive away. It’s famous for its canals, colourful moliceiro boats, and traditional houses. Some of the best beaches in the area are also just a short drive from the town centre.

Foz do Douro and the coast

If you fancy something a bit more laid-back, drive over to Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic. It’s a great spot to enjoy the sea air, walk along the coast, and say goodbye to Porto in a more relaxed setting.

Hire a car with CarJet for a unique experience

With CarJet, hiring a car in Porto is quick and easy from the word go. CarJet is a car hire comparison site that helps you find the best deal for your trip without the faff. We work with both big international brands and local companies, ensuring you get a wide choice of vehicles and competitive prices.

You can pick up your car directly from Porto Airport, which is a great idea if you’re flying in and want to get moving straight away, or choose from various city-centre offices if you’d rather see the sights first and pick up the car later.

How to book your car with CarJet and pick the best option

Booking a car with CarJet is quick and easy, designed so you can get organised without any stress and focus on enjoying your holiday.

Step-by-step guide to booking with CarJet

1. Enter your destination and dates: On the CarJet website, type in Porto as your pick-up location and select your dates. You can choose to pick up the car at the airport or at various city offices.
2. Choose your pick-up and drop-off points: Decide where it’s most convenient for you to collect and return the vehicle. CarJet offers flexible options to fit your itinerary.
3. Compare the options: In a matter of seconds, CarJet will show you a list of cars from different companies, with clear prices and terms so you can compare them easily.
4. Pick the car that fits your trip: Choose a model based on your route, the number of passengers, or how much luggage space you need.
5. Add any extras: You can include things like Sat Nav, child seats, or an additional driver if needed.
6. Confirm your booking securely: Finish your booking online quickly and safely, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.

Visiting Porto in 3 days is the perfect way to discover the essence of the city at your own pace. And if you hire a car with CarJet in Portugal, you’ll have the freedom to explore the surrounding hidden gems without any complications. It’s a destination that makes you want to come back... and keep driving.