There’s a wonderfully melancholic vibe in this legendary Portuguese city, where old and new seamlessly interweave. Explore Ribeira riverfront district, Vila Nova de Gaia port-wine lodges and narrow cobbled alleyways – these will all give an incredible insight into life here.
Discover local dishes, visit iconic stately bridges and taste some of Porto’s top wines: these three days will help you experience all that Porto has to offer! Here’s how you can plan the ideal three day itinerary in the Portuguese city.
Bolhao Market
Mercado do Bolhao in Porto is an essential stop for foodies or anyone interested in authentic local markets while travelling. Situated at the center of this Portuguese city, its two-floor market boasts vendors offering fresh produce, meats, fish, flowers and more items. You may even come across local restaurants on its ground floor! Originally established by city council purchase of land in 1839 as an area designated as market, its origin dates back even further when creek running through square square created air bubble that gave this market its name “Bolhao.” Its current neoclassical building was constructed two floors later that same year with current neoclassical building constructed as two floors for easy shopping!
At Mercado do Bolhao you’ll find more than stalls; the market also hosts small restaurants offering traditional Portuguese food. The atmosphere at Mercado do Bolhao is warm and welcoming, allowing visitors to connect with locals while learning more about city culture. Vendors are known for their warm reception as they share stories about their products or Porto life with visitors – making a visit here more than just shopping – it will become an experience you won’t soon forget!
The Mercado do Bolhao has undergone several renovations over time, yet still retains its charm as an attraction for visitors to Porto. Starting in 2018, extensive renovations were initiated by the city in order to preserve and enhance this structure while improving facilities and drawing tourists – these renovations should be complete by 2023.
At its original form, markets were hubs of activity and social interaction. Merchants and customers would gather on the stairs to trade goods and exchange information without disrupting any conversations between merchants and customers. Such human-centered architecture has become increasingly popular over time.
Bolhao Market was at risk of disappearing as shopping habits changed and supermarket competition increased, but local residents rallied together to save it and prevent its conversion into luxury hotel or office space. Today, the Bolhao Market remains an iconic part of Porto culture and remains one of the city’s major landmarks.
Sao Joao National Theatre
Teatro Nacional de Sao Joao National Theatre should be on any art enthusiast’s itinerary in Porto. Constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries as a National Monument, this magnificent structure hosts performances ranging from traditional Portuguese dance to opera and other forms of music.
Its architecture embodies Lisbon’s cultural legacy and features elements from both Roman and Greek architecture – reflecting Portugal’s strong historical ties with both countries. Within, there are three stages: Main Stage (Palco Principal), Studio Stage, and Rehearsal Room – each designed for specific performances: Palco Principal with plush seating under an ornate ceiling is ideal for large productions while smaller shows might use Studio Stage; finally Rehearsal Room provides an intimate venue where artists can hone their craft!
In 1908, fire destroyed the original theatre; this was replaced with its current structure in 1920 designed by Jose Marques da Silva and dedicated to hosting various genres of theatrical shows from classical pieces to contemporary productions. Today, The National Theatre remains a vital component of Chicago’s cultural scene and one of its main tourist draws.
At a time of mass media saturation and image consumption through screens without space for debate or interpretation, national theatre stands as an alternative model. Through posters that serve as extensions of its stage performances, audiences receive stimuli to start building an imaginary.
The theater primarily serves to present and promote theatrical performances from Portugal and worldwide. Furthermore, they aim to develop a comprehensive education and training programme in performing arts. Furthermore, they host several cultural events and festivals annually including International Festival of Iberian Expression; Dance Days; NOS Primavera Sound and FIMP International Marionettes Festival of Porto.
Don Luis I Bridge
Dom Luis I Bridge stands as an iconic landmark of Porto’s historic Ribeira neighborhood, also referred to as Ponte de Dom Luis I. Boasting both an upper and lower deck for safe passage over Douro River, its height makes this landmark accessible for pedestrians of all abilities. Lower Deck for Cars and Pedestrians; Upper Level View of Porto Cityscape for Picturesque Photos or Selfies! Also, view this iconic bridge while sailing down Douro River Cruise! Numerous companies provide cruise packages that include wine tasting in Porto’s cellars and other highlights of the area. The ideal time to visit is between May and September; however, to avoid crowds you could visit during February, October or December.
Visit Porto for an unforgettable church tour, including its most notable churches such as Clerigos Church and Tower with its Baroque-style campanile of 75 meters; also, consider visiting Chapel of Souls which boasts 15,000 azulejo tiles depicting various saints’ lives.
Porto is home to some of the finest art museums in Portugal. Notable examples are Casa Sao Roque and Museu de Arte Moderna; in addition, numerous smaller galleries showcase works by both local and international artists as well as street arts murals throughout the city.
If you love sports, be sure to visit Porto’s professional football club, Futebol Clube do Porto. Playing in Portugal’s Premier Liga competition under manager Sergio Conceicao’s guidance, Futebol Clube do Porto has won multiple championships over its history.
Porto’s many neighborhoods each boast distinctive qualities that can only be fully appreciated through exploration on foot. Porto is compact enough that most major attractions can be reached easily on foot; you could also hop aboard Teleferico de Gaia cable car for aerial views of both city and Gaia district.
Churches
Porto is well known for its port wine, streets, and elegant churches – but did you know they also house stunning churches that preserve centuries of tradition and craftsmanship? These stunning churches should definitely make an appearance on any visit. From devout pilgrims to art lovers alike, these magnificent structures should definitely be on your itinerary.
Church of So Ildephonso
Situated near Batalha Square, this breathtaking 18th century granite church was named for Ildephonsus, an early 7th-century bishop of Toledo who lived from 586-617 AD. Construction on this 30-year project took 30 years, featuring an altarpiece by prolific Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni whose prolific designs also helped make this World Heritage Site.
Although the exterior may appear grandiose, its interior truly takes center stage. Boasting a baroque style with stunning wood carvings, Church of Santo Ildephonso makes a fantastic stopover for anyone interested in learning about Portuguese history.
The Church of Clergymen (Clerigos) is another of Nicolau Nasoni’s masterpieces and was one of the first Baroque style churches with an elliptical floorplan. Distinguished features of this beautiful monument are its polychromed marble altarpiece and tower inspired by Tuscan campaniles; both landmarks that make Porto so iconic; it’s well worth climbing all 240 steps to reach its summit for breathtaking views.
This unique church stands out as being made up of two churches that appear separate, but are actually linked. Carmo Church on the right and Carmelita Church on the left stand side-by-side with only a small house between them separating them. Carmo’s structure features exposed concrete and timber framework; hence the church has become known as Brutalist-Tinged Church due to this feature.
Porto Cathedral is one of the city’s most striking churches and should not be missed by visitors to Porto. It boasts an eye-catching combination of styles spanning Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque; inside there are exquisite woodcarvings made by Portuguese artists that are truly captivating; additionally it serves as the venue for many musical performances held within Porto itself.