3-day Porto getaway: treasure hunt, good deals, addresses
Discover Porto in 3 days: my good tips and local addresses
We left from Bordeaux airport, to go to Porto in less than 2 hours thanks to the affordable flights of Low Cost companies. This Portuguese city is full of treasures to explore. I really loved the size of this city, which is very easy to visit if you only have a weekend to get away.
In this article, I reveal the best tips for organizing your 3-day stay in Porto . I tell you where to stay, which places to visit, the must-see restaurants, and the shopping spots. Are you ready?
How to visit Porto?
Also, if you are wondering how to spend 3 days in Porto or what you can do in 3 days in this charming city, I also have local addresses to help you make the most of your long weekend.
I left at the beginning of July 2020, to discover Porto with my mother. It was also the opportunity to meet the factory that has been manufacturing the seats for our swings for 5 years.
We stayed at Oporto City Flats - Casa de Cedofeita a haven of peace right in the city center.
The address is great. This townhouse has several super spacious rooms. The common areas have the charm of the old, while the rooms offer great comfort with new bathrooms and neat decoration. It is really an excellent option.
The cherry on the cake is the swimming pool in the backyard.
Budget 45euros per night with breakfast. (price in 2020)
I liked Porto for two reasons:
- The city is on a human scale. The charm of the small streets that climb and the azulejos that you come across on every street corner are truly typical of the country.
- The city is built around the Douro River . A breath of fresh air when you walk along the quays.
A Fun Weekend in Porto: Our Treasure Hunt Adventure.
A first that amused us and kept us busy for almost 3 hours.
Tourist scavenger hunt offers you to walk around the city thanks to a self-guided tour on your smartphone. You will have to solve riddles at almost every site, learn history and see the important places of the city.
What I liked is that we are completely autonomous and we can do the course at our own pace. We had a lunch break in the middle.
We solve captivating puzzles at each site, we learn the history of the city while having fun. And above all we discover the important places of Porto by following the route, an enriching experience.
Whether you are a traveler or a local, Tourist Scavenger Hunt promises you a memorable adventure . Get your smartphone ready, put your skills to the test and discover Porto in a unique way with this captivating treasure hunt .
My must-sees in Porto:
- Porto-São Bento Station
- Stroll through the Ribeira district on the banks of the Douro
- Wander around the Mercado do Bolhão
- The azulejos of the Igreja do Carmo and the Capela das Almas
When planning my 3-day stay in Porto, I had made a list of places to visit. During the guided tour, we stopped at the places of interest that I had noted.
Lello Bookstore
One of the city's must-see addresses is a magnificent bookstore that is said to have inspired JK Rowling (the author of Harry Potter, who lived in Porto). How do you get your ticket to the Lello bookstore in Porto? First, you buy your ticket in a shop located a few steps away (5€), then you queue. Inside, the charm works thanks to the central staircase and the many rows of books.
Cruise on the Douro
On the banks of the Douro, you can easily find small cabins that offer a boat trip on the Douro. We chose to take the 1-hour trip, a traditional cruise of the "six bridges" along the river. Certainly very touristy, but what a pleasure to observe the city from the water, we really liked it and I recommend it. On one side you can see the colorful old Porto and on the other side of the bank, you can find the port cellars.
Nice walk that allows you to discover Porto, its close surroundings and its 6 points.
Price: €15 per person
The Azulejos
Many churches and buildings are decorated with beautiful, colourful tiles, called azulejos, which feature a variety of designs, such as flowers and scenes from everyday life. It's truly a wonder to behold!
You can't miss the Capela da Almas and the Igreja do Carmo , both of which are clad in blue and white tiles.
Shopping:
- Sardinha Portuguesa Boutique specializing in canned goods (tuna, cod, sardines, etc.) We love the decor of the boutique and the designs on the cans.
- Almada Baixa district, rua do Almada 13, Porto
- Coração Alecrim , fashion and decoration exclusively made in Portugal! Travessa de Cedofeita 28, Porto cedofeita district
- Armazem Eclectic flea market, café, bar, it’s a bit of all of that at the same time.
Restaurant :
-
Restaurante 1858 bbGourmet a delicious address on the street of our hotel.
- Miss Pavlova a girly tea room in the central district of Porto
- Armazem, in addition to being a great flea market, we had a great lunch there.
FAQ - Porto with family
Which is the most beautiful city to visit in Portugal Porto or Lisbon?
Where to eat with children in Porto as a family?
- Pizzeria Bella Mia!
- Beer of the Lovers
- Subenshi Porto
- Don Forno
- Del wrap
- The port salmuria
What is the typical dish of Porto?
The typical dish of Portugal is Cod. Without a doubt the most popular dish in Portugal. The great culinary specialty of Porto is the Francesinha. This dish is, in fact, a sandwich made of two slices of toasted bread between which is inserted a beef steak, smoked sausage and fresh sausage and slices of cheese. It is absolutely necessary to try it even if the taste is not incredible.
What is the most typical alcohol of Porto?
The typical alcohol of Porto is the cherry liqueur, Ginjinha.
What clothes to wear to visit Porto?
In Porto, you walk a lot and the streets are steep, so plan to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. Depending on the season, take a k-way or waterproof jacket.
What are the meal times in Portugal?
A bit like in Spain we eat lunch a little later than in France, I would say around 1pm. For dinner expect to sit down at the table around 8pm. Be careful some places close at 9pm.
When is the best time to go to Porto?
The best time to visit Porto with your family is spring and autumn. The temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
What breakfast in Portugal?
The start of the day is always a delicious one with a Portuguese morning ritual that is a must. A choice between a "Galão," similar to a cappuccino, or a robust espresso marks the beginning of the day, providing a much-needed dose of caffeine. The generously buttered toast can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments such as fragrant jam or a tasty serving of cheese. However, the real treat of the Portuguese breakfast is the famous "pastéis de nata." These pastry delights, Portuguese custards, add a sweet and exquisite touch to the first meal of the day.
