Having visited Porto 3 times, we clearly love this lovely metropolis in Portugal. It really is one in every of our favourite locations in Europe. Lots of people pop into Porto for only a day, be it earlier than their Douro Valley River Cruise or on a day journey on their Portuguese journey. Because this metropolis is so compact, Porto is a really walkable metropolis, and it’s simple to see a lot of its high sights in simply at some point.
While we suggest not less than just a few days in Porto, it’s attainable to see rather a lot, as all the principle sights are situated shut to town heart. So, we’ve got created the proper one-day in Porto Itinerary to profit from your quick keep.
One Day in Porto Itinerary
Porto is Portugal’s second largest metropolis nevertheless it nonetheless feels small. The historic heart is walkable and with simple and reasonably priced public transport, Ubers and an organized strolling route, you may see rather a lot in a short while.
If you solely have at some point in Porto, we recommend utilizing Uber to get round. We discovered them to be very dependable and reasonably priced. Also, should you plan on going into a number of Porto sights and utilizing public transport you could take into account the Porto Card. We didn’t use the Porto Card for at some point, however you may try what’s included right here.
A variety of our options are simply walkable when you get to the realm that we recommend. We have a map on the backside of this submit you can observe. And we are going to recommend the place and when to take an Uber and when to stroll.
Morning
Livraria Lello
Harry Potter followers will need to head straight to Livrario Lellow to begin your one-day itinerary. Call an Uber out of your lodge and make your approach to R. das Carmelitas for the primary entry into this world’s most lovely bookstore. It is rumored that Hogwarts’ winding staircases have been modeled after Livraria Lello’s lovely baroque staircases, however JK Rowling denies that. Either approach, there’s a whole part devoted to the beloved collection, and you’ll really feel as in case you have entered a magical bookshop.
Many folks have probably the most lovely bookstore in the world on their record throughout their Porto itinerary, however many individuals additionally miss out due to an absence of planning. Make positive to guide your timed entry in advance. The bookstore opens at 9:00 am, and you will have to guide a golden ticket that permits you to skip the road and provides you a free guide of your selection. Even should you booked the golden ticket and may skip the road, present up at 8:00 to be on the entrance. We let you know precisely what to do right here.
You want to guide effectively in advance on the LIvrario Lello Website, and we’ve got a whole weblog submit telling you precisely how to guide that golden ticket and the way to be sure to are the primary one to enter the bookstore proper right here. Ultimate Guide for Visiting Livraria Lello
Igrega do Carmo
Once you’ve completed at Livraria Lello, stroll towards the close by sq. to see the enduring tiles of Igrega do Carmo. It is likely one of the hottest partitions of tiles in Portugal, and you will get an iconic {photograph} in the doorway. Yes, we’re responsible of taking that actual shot. The sq. itself is gorgeous however busy. Tours cease right here to speak concerning the church, which has a stunning fountain standing at its heart.
When you go to Porto, you’ll be in awe. The historic heart was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and for good cause. Its winding streets, historic church buildings adorned with Azuelos (Portuguese tiles), and delightful buildings are one thing you’ll always remember.
Cafe Majestic
If you didn’t have breakfast at your lodge, which we extremely suggest doing as a result of reserving a lodge that features breakfast saves you a ton of time and cash, make your approach to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Start your stroll uphill, and should you don’t need to eat at Cafe Majestic, there are some nice breakfast locations simply up from Igrega do Carmo. We loved a unbelievable breakfast, Zenith Brunch and Cocktails, and Restaurant Carlos Alberto, each situated on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a extra affordable value.
However, you might be solely going to be in Porto for at some point, so we expect you’ll need to eat at one in every of its hottest cafes. Cafe Majestic was as soon as touted as probably the most lovely cafe in the world. It, too, has Harry Potter connections, as JK Rowling frequented his cafe throughout her time in Porto, and it’s mentioned that she wrote the primary Harry Potter guide there.
Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant situated on the pedestrian-only purchasing avenue Rua de Santa Catarina. Once you could have overpaid to your Pasteis de Nata and occasional, take a brief stroll alongside the road to browse its distinctive retailers and costly boutiques. There are chocolate retailers, bookstores and naturally the common Gucci and Rolex shops.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso Church is probably the most photographed church in Porto, thanks to its location and the 11,000 Azulejos (conventional Portuguese ceramic tiles) masking the açade and sides of the church.
We by no means went inside as a result of we expect church buildings get sufficient cash and aren’t followers of paying to see inside, however we did benefit from the view from the steps. If you do go inside, you’ll see a Nineteenth-century pipe organ, oil work, and, after all, the same old spiritual statues.
São Bento Train Station
There’s a number of magnificence in Porto, and the Sao Bento practice station isn’t any exception. If you haven’t seen sufficient of these blue tiles, and even in case you have, you don’t need to miss The São Bento Train Station. It is touted as one in every of Europe’s most lovely practice stations thanks to its 20,000 azulejos. Each tile tells a narrative of Portuguese historical past.
This practice station was opened in 1916 on the positioning of a former Benedictine monastery of Saint Benedict (São Bento). Tours cease at this busy station all day lengthy to marvel on the ceramic tiles that have been painted by Jorge Colaço, one of the crucial famend azulejos artists of his time. The panels depict numerous historic scenes from Portugal’s historical past, together with battles, royal occasions, and conventional life.
Mid-Day
Snack and Sprits at Mercado Do Bolhão
When visiting Porto, you’ll undoubtedly need to go to one in every of its markets. For lunch, you could have just a few choices: you may flip round and stroll again the hill slightly bit to go to Mercado do Bolhão, which we extremely suggest, or begin making your approach to the waterfront. But let’s speak concerning the Bolhao Market. This is one in every of our favourite markets in Europe, and Bolhão Market is likely one of the most genuine and conventional markets in Porto.
Although the unique construction has undergone renovations, the neoclassical facade stays. The lined market is cool and a fantastic escape from the warmth. Inside, you may pattern recent seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The store homeowners are pleasant and captivated with their native specialties.
Wander by stalls providing quite a lot of cheeses, meats, and recent produce, and savor some genuine Portuguese delicacies that pair completely with wine! You can order a glass of wine, Gin and Tonic, or a Porto and Tonic you can take with you to sip on it as you wander by the aisles.
Pastel de Nata
If you need to strive some Pasteis de Nata, go throughout the road to the Confeteria de Balhao. It is likely one of the oldest bakeries in Porto, and plenty of say it has the most effective Pasteis de Nata in town. The line is big in the morning, however later in the morning, it slows down a bit.
Porto City Hall
If you’re keen on getting these images of metropolis indicators, Porto City Hall is only a quick stroll from the Bolhaor
Cais da Ribeira
If you need to make your approach to the river as an alternative of going to the market, you may have lunch in the Ribeira district. Several eating places and out of doors cafes line the waterfront with avenue performers entertaining friends as they pattern Portuguese meals. Cais da Ribeira is Porto’s most picturesque district, with colourful buildings lining the Douro River, and you’ll undoubtedly need to spend a while exploring this neighborhood.
Enjoy winding your stroll down by the slender streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station should you take the principle highway), or you may take an Uber to get there quicker.
Once you get to the waterfront, you will have to benefit from the vitality of this energetic a part of town. There are out of doors markets, eating places, boat excursions, and delightful views of colourful buildings lining the Douro River. This is a superb place to pull up a chair and luxuriate in some lunch (should you skipped the citadel and market) or to get pleasure from an Aperol Spritz.
Porto Cathedral
If you select to go to the market, it’s also possible to have your driver drop you off on the Porto Cathedral for breathtaking views of the Douro River. It is an uphill stroll to the cathedral, so you might have considered trying to rent a automotive to save time. It is value visiting for the views of town and river. The Porto Cathedral is likely one of the metropolis’s oldest monuments, and it has been a non secular website for the reason that twelfth century.
This is one cathedral you might have considered trying to go to. Its cloisters are lovely, and inside, the cathedral is adorned with azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles) that narrate spiritual tales.
Afternoon
Walk Across the Ponte Luis I Bridge
It’s time to head to town of Novo de Gaia throughout the river. We beloved this district, and it’s the good place to spend the remainder of the afternoon. To get to Novo de Gaia from Porto, you may stroll throughout the well-known Ponte Luis I Bridge. You can stroll on the decrease or higher portion of the bridge. Note that you just’ll be sharing the highway with vehicles.
If you had lunch down by the water, you may stroll throughout the decrease portion to get to Gaia, or should you went to the Porto Cathedral (which we extremely suggest as a result of you may eat dinner on the Ribeira), you may stroll alongside the higher portion. We beloved the views from the higher portion. The Ponte Luis I Bridge is 45 meters excessive, and the views of each cities are lovely from up right here. There are not any vehicles driving on the higher bridge, however there are trams going forwards and backwards, so preserve an eye fixed out.
River Cruise on the Douro River
Once you get to Gaia, you may embark on a river cruise on the Douro River to see Porto’s beautiful riverside surroundings. We took the 6 Bridges Cruise, which takes you from one finish of town to the opposite. The 50-minute cruise will provide you with a singular perspective of Porto’s iconic bridges and landmarks, from the colourful streets of Cais da Ribeira to the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
You can guide river cruises on the Ribeira aspect as effectively, however they’re fairly busy. We booked on Gaia as an alternative. You can guide your cruise in advance as effectively which is able to assure your time slot. It is value seeing your complete aspect from a bot.
Port Wine Tasting at Vila Nova De Gaia
The waterfront of Gaia is known for its port wine cellars, and now’s the time to go to them and do a port tasting. A visit to Porto isn’t a visit with out tasting its well-known port wine! You don’t want to take a tour, however it’s enjoyable to go to one of many cellars. We have toured and purchased wines from Taylor’s, Calem, and Foncesco, and the port wines are divine.
Calem is the best to go to as it’s situated immediately on the waterfront, they usually provide port-tasting flights. If you need to see the WoW District (World of Wine) Fonseco and Taylor’s are situated only a quick stroll up. They are each much less busy, however the wines are finer. We beloved our port tasting expertise Taylor’s is the official provider of the Royal Family, and it was the primary port of wine in house! Try out a tasting session to uncover the depth and richness of those world-class wines.
Going right into a port wine lodge is an excellent expertise; you are feeling as in case you have stepped again in time and loved a wine tour by these historic cellars.
Portuguese wine is as scrumptious as it’s distinctive, with varieties corresponding to Vino Verde and Port Wine. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s well-known wine area, and you’ll guide a tour of Porto in the Douro Valley in case you have just a few days.
Stroll the Gaia Waterfront
We loved the Gaia waterfront greater than the Ribeira as a result of, for one, it has the most effective views of Porto (together with the attractive Riviera). You can see the colourful terraced homes rising up from the Douro River, with the cathedral and fort standing proudly overhead.
Port homes line the waterfront, showcasing the well-known Portuguese wine. Gaia is far much less busy than Porto and two of our favourite shops are situated on the waterfront of Gaia.
Wonderful World of Portuguese Sardines
You should cease by to see the great world of Portuguese Sardines. This circus-like retailer is a vacation spot unto itself. Similar in model to Livraria Lello, this retailer has baroque staircases and partitions stuffed with hundreds of colourful cans of sardines. There is a multimedia show showcasing the historical past of Portuguese Sardines, and it’s merely a spectacle. Plus, you should purchase a sardine from a 12 months that’s particular to you. Why not carry residence a Portuguese can together with your birthdate or anniversary on it?
The Bacalau House
The Balacau House is one other must-stop. This is the place you may strive the nation’s well-known Cod Cakes whereas having fun with one other lovely store. The retailer is part store, museum arcade, and gallery. This store has two winding staircases, and the Bacalau home even has dwell leisure. Pull up a chair on the higher balcony, seize a serving of Bacalau accompanied by port wine, and also you’ll have a real Portuguese expertise.
Evening
Sunset Apperitivo
From the waterfront, you may hop on the Teleferico (cable automotive), which is able to take you again up to the highest of Gaia to your sundown views. If you could have the price range, we suggest having appetizers and a cocktail on the Esplanada do Teleferico. It’s a unbelievable restaurant providing unbelievable views of Porto from its out of doors terrace.
Relax with a refreshing drink and take in the breathtaking skyline because the solar units over town.
Jardim Do Morro
If you don’t need to pay €15 to €20 for a cocktail, you may have the identical view simply behind the restaurant at Jardim Do Morro. Pull up a blanket and benefit from the view because the solar goes down and the lights go on over Porto.
Fado
Since you’ve had Bacalau, appetizers, and port wine, we recommend pushing aside dinner till later. Besides, why not embrace the Portuguese tradition and eat late? So earlier than dinner, guide a Fado Show in a wine cellar. Fado is a stupendous dwell efficiency of singers accompanied by guitars. We booked this tour by Get Your Guide and beloved it. The hour lengthy efficiency additionally features a glass of Port Wine.
Fado is a real cultural expertise that’s so necessary to Portugal that it’s acknowledged by UNESCO as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
It is understood for its expressive and profoundly melancholic character, usually conveying themes of longing, disappointment, and nostalgia. The music is very emotional, aiming to evoke a sense of ‘saudade’ a Portuguese time period that describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic eager for one thing or somebody that one loves.
Night time
Dinner
Depending on the place your lodge is situated (or in case you are prepared to take a taxi or uber that are very reasonably priced) you will have to select the place to have dinner and night drinks. The Ribeira, Gaia Waterfront, or Rua de Santa Catarina are all nice eating decisions.
There are so many scrumptious and genuine eating places in Porto that it’s simple to be overwhelmed, however simply chill out, get pleasure from, and do what we do… search for eating places that appear to be stuffed with locals.
Francesinha – A Porto Staple
One meals you will have to strive at dinner is francesinha. This sandwich sounds disgusting, however it’s scrumptious. Most eating places serve it and in spite of everything that port wine and cocktails, it can assist to absorb the alcohol. So what’s it? This is a hearty sandwich fabricated from sausage, cheese, ham, extra meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.
Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Street
For nightlife, make your approach to Galleria Paris close to the Livraria Lello Bookstore for bar hopping. You end your day the place you started. This is the place the locals hang around into the wee hours of the morning.
How to Get to Porto
By Air: The main gateway by air is thru Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (also called Porto Airport), situated roughly 11 kilometers from town heart. The airport hosts quite a lot of worldwide and home flights, connecting Porto with main cities throughout Europe and past. From the airport, vacationers can attain town heart through the metro (the Violet E line immediately connects the airport to the Trindade metro station in town heart), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing providers.
By Train: For vacationers coming from different elements of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a handy possibility. Porto’s most important practice station, Sao Bento Station, is situated in the center of town and is well-connected to the Portuguese rail community. Another key station is Campanhã, which is on the east aspect of town and serves as the principle hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and worldwide locations corresponding to Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take a neighborhood practice or the metro to attain the central areas of Porto and Sao Bento Station.
And that’s our one-day in Porto itinerary. From the Ribeira district on the waterfront to the winding cobblestone streets, we’ve proven you the way to profit from your day in this lovely metropolis.