How to Spend 3 Days in Porto
From strolling coastal towns and Douro Valley vineyards, to exploring museums and hilltop castles, here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Portugal’s 2nd-largest city.
Church of São Francisco (Igreja de São Francisco)
Rua do Infante D. Henrique, Porto, Portugal, 4050-297
The Basics
The Church of São Francisco(Igreja de São Francisco) is a staple of Porto sightseeing tours, so options for visiting are plentiful. A walking tour of Porto reveals the finer details of the historical center, while exploring by coach or car allows you to tick off more top attractions—which include Liberdade Square and Avenida dos Aliados—in less time. Most of the routes covered by hop-on hop-off bus tours include the Church of São Francisco(Igreja de São Francisco).
Things to Know Before You Go
The interior of the church is a must-see for first-time Porto visitors.
There is a small admission fee to enter the church.
Porto Card holders receive discounted admission.
Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to visit this active place of worship.
How to Get There
To reach the Church of São Francisco(Igreja de São Francisco) by public transport, take bus 1, 23, 49, 57, or 91. In order to avoid having to navigate the winding streets of central Porto, most travelers opt to visit the church as part of a walking or coach tour.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Church of São Francisco (Igreja de São Francisco)is open daily between 9am and 6pm. During the summer months of July and August, the church stays open until 8pm.
The Dazzling Details of the Church of São Francisco
Once you’ve recovered from the dazzling first impression the interior of the church makes, focus your attention on the small details of the church’s nave. It is interwoven with vines and smothered with carvings of solemn monks and golden cherubs—the church’s walls are covered with 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of gold. In the catacombs, you’ll find work by the Italian sculptor Nicolau Nasoni.
- Palace of the Stock Exchange (Palácio da Bolsa)
- Museum of Our Lady of Mercy of Porto (Museu da Misericórdia do Porto)
- Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto)
- Ribeira
- Dom Luis Bridge (Ponte de Dom Luis I)
- Porto Calem Wine Cellars
- Clérigos Church and Tower (Torre & Igreja dos Clérigos)
- Liberdade Square (Praça da Liberdade)
- Avenida dos Aliados
- Rua Santa Catarina
- Porto Bridge Climb
- Casa da Música
- Serralves Museum (Fundação de Serralves)
- SEA LIFE® Porto
- Matosinhos Beach