3 Days in Porto: How I Fell in Love With Portugal’s Most Romantic City and You Can Too

Porto, Portugal had me at bom dia. Y’all already know I’m a sucker for cities with character, and Porto? Baby, she’s got layers. In just three days, I found magic tucked between crumbling azulejo-tiled buildings, riverside cafés, and glasses of port wine that tasted like a kiss on the forehead.

Whether you’re planning your own trip or just daydreaming about a European escape, here’s how I spent 3 days in Porto living my best soft life.

Day 1: Love at First Tile

I started the morning at São Bento Station, and listen. If you’ve never been moved to tears by a train station, you haven’t been to this one. The walls are covered in over 20,000 blue and white tiles, each telling a story from Portugal’s past. I stood there for a good ten minutes just soaking it in.

From there, I wandered up to the Sé Cathedral, where the view of the city stretched out like a postcard. I was catching my breath not from the hill, but from the beauty. You know when a place just feels sacred? That was this spot for me.

For brunch, I slipped into Café Majestic. Think Belle Époque realness with chandeliers and gilded mirrors! Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s pricey. And yes, I loved every bite of my buttery toast and every sip of coffee like I was the main character in a 1920s novel.

In the afternoon, I strolled Rua Santa Catarina, peeked into the Chapel of Souls (those tiles!), and window-shopped at all the boutiques I couldn’t afford. 😅

I ended my day in Ribeira, down by the Douro River. Golden hour here is something else. Locals playing music, tourists sipping wine, and me? Just journaling with a vinho verde and smiling like someone who knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

Day 2: Wine, Views, and Unexpected Joy

I woke up early and crossed the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. Walking over that bridge with the river below and the rooftops glowing in morning light? Whew. I had to pause mid-bridge just to whisper a thank-you prayer.

My first stop was the Gaia cable car. If you’re afraid of heights, just breathe. It’s worth it. The views over Porto are unreal. After floating back down, I made my way to the WOW – World of Wine complex. Y’all. I thought it would be gimmicky, but it was so good. They have museums, wine tastings, chocolate pairings, even a rosé room!

But my favorite part? The tasting at Caves Calém. Our guide was hilarious, and I finally learned the difference between tawny and ruby port without Googling it mid-sip. 😂

Later that evening, I found a quiet bench in Jardim do Morro and watched the sun melt into the river. It was just me, a pastel de nata, and my journal. I wrote: “Porto doesn’t ask for your attention. It earns it.”

And that’s how I felt the whole day, like I was falling for someone who didn’t even know they were charming.

Day 3: The Douro Dream

For my final day, I booked a Douro Valley wine tour (pro tip: book early and go with a small group). The drive alone was worth it. It’s straight out of a fairytale with it’s winding roads, misty hills, terraced vineyards.

We stopped at two quintas (wineries), sampled more port than I probably should have, and took a peaceful boat ride along the river. Somewhere between sips, I thought, This is the kind of place you come back to with someone you love.

But honestly? I was already loving being there with me. I felt relaxed, fulfilled, and fully present. That’s the kind of joy solo travel brings, space to feel, notice, and be.

What I Learned in Porto

Three days in Porto taught me that softness is powerful. That beauty lives in old buildings and quiet moments. That wine should be savored, not rushed. And that when you travel with intention, even a short trip can fill you up in ways you didn’t expect.

Mercedes’ Porto Tips

• 💡 Where to stay: I booked a cozy apartment in the Bolhão district—affordable, central, and walkable to everything.
• 🍽️ Where to eat: Don’t miss Taberna dos Mercadores for traditional Portuguese food. It’s tiny, but the grilled octopus was divine.
• 🍷 Budget tip: Many wine tastings in Gaia include a free tour. Just ask!
• 🧭 Solo traveler vibe: Safe, friendly, and easy to navigate. I never felt out of place.

Want to Plan Your Own Trip?

You can totally recreate my itinerary, or make it your own. And if you need help, I’m always happy to connect. Just DM me on Instagram @dgspeaks or check out my other Portugal travel tips here.

Ready to fall for Porto?

Because I did. 💗