Porto is built on a slope, so plan your days downhill: start high, finish by the river.
Day 1 — from São Bento to the river
Start at São Bento station for the blue-and-white azulejo tile panels in the main hall. Walk to the Clérigos Tower, then down through the old streets to the Ribeira waterfront.
Cross the upper deck of the Dom Luís I bridge on foot — the metro runs along it — to the Serra do Pilar viewpoint, the classic view of the city. Walk down to Vila Nova de Gaia for the port-wine lodges and a tasting.
Day 2 — markets and the Atlantic
The Bolhão market reopened in 2022 after a long renovation; go in the morning. Then ride the historic tram line 1 along the river to Foz do Douro, where the Douro meets the Atlantic. Walk the seafront promenade north towards Matosinhos for grilled fish.
Day 3 — the Douro line
Take a morning train from São Bento or Campanhã up the Douro line to Pinhão. From Mosteirô the track runs right beside the river, and after Régua it passes through terraced vineyards that are a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. In Pinhão, look at the tiled station, walk to a quinta for a tasting, and take an afternoon train back. Sit on the right-hand side going upriver.
Day 4 — slow morning, a francesinha
Keep the last day loose. Eat a francesinha — a meat sandwich under melted cheese and beer sauce — at least once. Livraria Lello, the famous bookshop, now requires a paid ticket (from €10, which counts towards a book) and has long queues.
Getting around
The metro (line E) connects the airport to the centre. Everything central is walkable, though steep.
What we would skip
Douro day-tour buses if you can manage the train; the train is the view.