Whenever someone mentions Portugal around me, there’s an instant sparkle in my eyes – and for good reason. It was my very first vacation after moving to Europe. What started as a low-cost student getaway turned into one of my favorite European trips. And now years later, I’m finally sharing this itinerary with you – along with practical tips – so you can experience Portugal without overspending. Although it was a 6-day trip, I have divided this itinerary into 3 sections (Porto-Lisbon-Algarve), allowing you to pick and choose the destinations that best fit your travel plans.
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Day 1-2 in Porto
Portugal’s second largest city, often referred to as it’s real soul, will leave you with stunning views of the Duoro valley, an immaculate taste of port wine, fairy-tale themed churches and stations, and memories of a lifetime. The official currency is Euro (€). So no need for conversion. Use my map below to see all the points of interest mentioned in this itinerary and refer to it when you’re in the city!
How to reach: Flights from any European city to Porto cost between 20-100€ one way. The return flight will be taken from the last stop (Faro, Algarve) of this 6 day trip, or can be taken directly from Porto if you’re planning a short city escape.
Where to stay: There are all kinds of hostels which makes the city more affordable. You can expect to find dorm rooms for as low as 12 Euros per person via Hostelworld and Booking.com. We stayed in a hostel called Pilot Design Hostel & Bar which costed around 20 euros per night.
I will share a list of must-see spots of Porto. My aim is not to make you run around the city, but enjoy every spot for the incomparable beauty, breath-taking views and chill vibes. Of course, you’ll still manage to get in 10-20k steps as you discover some hidden gems on the streets of Porto. If you’re in a rush, here’s an overview of minimum budget for 2 days in Porto.
| Public transport | Not required since it’s a walkable city. Optional: 27€ (Porto Card for 2 days includes discounts to tourist attractions and activities, excluding trams) |
| Accommodation | 30€ (15€ per night) |
| Food / daily expense | 30€ (less if you can cook a meal at your hostel like I did) |
| Sightseeing / Activities | 40€ (variable) Optional: Check your Porto Card benefits for free/disounted entries |
| Miscellaneous | Variable (if you choose to do other activities or shopping) |
| Total (minimum) | Approx. 100€ for 2 days |
Capela das Almas
FREE
This iconic church is one of Porto’s most photogenic gems – and yes, those dreamy blue walls are real. Covered in 15,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles, it will make you pause and spend 20 minutes trying to capture the perfect shot.
Livraria Lello
Entry: 12 euros (deductible on the purchase of a book)
It doesn’t matter if you like books or not, stepping into Livralia Lello feels like walking straight into a real-life fairytale. The dramatic crimson spiral staircase, intricate wooden cravings and the stained-glass ceiling that floods the space with golden light. The ‘Gemma’ space is dedicated to the most precious jewels – rarest books, manuscripts, first editions and more. Fun fact: it is literally one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Google it!
And yes, you will not be able to avoid buying a souvenir -one of their in-house printed versions of famous books with gold-sprayed edges, colorful endpapers and the famous Lello stamp.
Mercado do Bolhao
This historic market is where tradition meets everyday life – a beautifully restored building with balconies overlooking the buzzing central floor. Go hungry and try local bites like pastel de nata or fresh seafood.
Sunset at Ponte Dom Luis I
FREE
The moment you step onto Ponte Dom Luis I, you realize this isn’t just a bridge – it’s the Porto moment. Stretching across the Duoro river, the iconic double-deck iron bridge delivers the most cinematic skyline view in the city. From the upper deck, you get sweeping panoramas of Ribeira’s colorful rooftops, the river boats below and sunsets that paint the sky in pinks, oranges and golds. Start with the upper level at sunset, then head down to the riverside for two two different but equally magical vibes of Porto.
Walk Along Cais Da Ribeira
A charming pier offering views of the Ponte Dom Luis I bridge, colorful narrow houses, terrace cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy a riverside dinner at
Apart from the sightseeing and views, there are many activities that you can do like a 6-bridges cruise tour to witness the beauty of Porto from another POV or see the innovative light show on the walls of Torre dos Clerigos church. I’ve included few more recommendations below:
Palácio da Bolsa
Entry: 14 Euros (adults), 9.50 Euros (students/senior) with mandatory guided tour
Porto’s most elegant secret – this neoclassical masterpiece is all about grandeur. Grand staircases (like one of the rich people bungalows they show in movies, but grander), marble details, and glittering chandeliers. Generally, as Indians, we are rarely impressed by palaces and forts since we are familiar with royalty in our own country. That’s why you have to believe me when I add this palace as a must-see spot. It is truly one of the most beautiful palaces I’ve seen in Europe so far.
Coffee and Sunset at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
FREE (priceless sunsets)
If Porto had a peaceful escape button, it would be here. These romantic, 19th century gardens are all about sweeping viewpoints, surprise peacock sightings, and effortlessly beautiful terraces. Get a coffee an hour before sunset and find yourself reminiscing the soft golden glow. As this is the end of your 48 hours in this calm, slow yet gorgeous city, don’t forget to take in all of Porto at this extremely picturesque, dreamy spot.
How to get there: A slightly uphill but scenic 20-25 minute walk from the Palacia da Bolsa. You can also catch a local STCP bus towards Palacio de Cristal area and walk a few minutes.
Sao Bento Station
One last pitstop: Take advantage of your free transfer! (included in your ticket to Lisbon) to São Bento station and visit one of the most gorgeous train stations. Alternatively, you can just walk to the station. Trust me you’ll not regret it.
Don’t forget to buy a postcard from one of the streets! Here’s mine 🙂
And that’s your perfect 48 hours in Porto- sunset views, postcard streets and a piece of Portugal in your heart. If you have only two days, this itinerary covers the best of the city. But if Portugal is calling you for longer… Lisbon is up next!!
