Having visited Porto thrice, we clearly love this stunning metropolis in Portugal. It really is certainly one 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. As a result of this metropolis is so compact, Porto is a really walkable metropolis, and it’s straightforward to see a lot of its high sights in simply sooner or later.
Whereas we advocate not less than a couple of days in Porto, it’s potential to see rather a lot, as all the primary sights are positioned near the town heart. So, we’ve got created the right one-day in Porto Itinerary to benefit 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 straightforward and reasonably priced public transport, Ubers and an organized strolling route, you possibly can see rather a lot in a short while.
If you happen to solely have sooner or later in Porto, we advise utilizing Uber to get round. We discovered them to be very dependable and reasonably priced. Additionally, for those who plan on going into a variety of Porto sights and utilizing public transport it’s possible you’ll take into account the Porto Card. We didn’t use the Porto Card for sooner or later, however you possibly can try what’s included right here.
Numerous our options are simply walkable when you get to the realm that we advise. We’ve got a map on the backside of this publish which 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 start out your one-day itinerary. Name an Uber out of your resort and make your technique to R. das Carmelitas for the primary entry into this world’s most stunning bookstore. It’s rumored that Hogwarts’ winding staircases have been modeled after Livraria Lello’s stunning baroque staircases, however JK Rowling denies that. Both method, there may be a whole part devoted to the beloved collection, and you’ll really feel as when you have entered a magical bookshop.
Many individuals have probably the most stunning bookstore on this planet on their checklist throughout their Porto itinerary, however many individuals additionally miss out as a consequence of a scarcity of planning. Be certain to e-book your timed entry upfront. The bookstore opens at 9:00 am, and it would be best to e-book a golden ticket that permits you to skip the road and provides you a free e-book of your selection. Even for those who booked the golden ticket and might skip the road, present up at 8:00 to be on the entrance. We let you know precisely what to do right here.
It is advisable to e-book nicely upfront on the LIvrario Lello Web site, and we’ve got a whole weblog publish telling you precisely easy methods to e-book that golden ticket and easy methods to ensure you are the primary one to enter the bookstore proper right here. Final Information for Visiting Livraria Lello
Igrega do Carmo
When you’ve completed at Livraria Lello, stroll towards the close by sq. to see the enduring tiles of Igrega do Carmo. It is without doubt one of the hottest partitions of tiles in Portugal, and you may get an iconic {photograph} within the doorway. Sure, we’re responsible of taking that precise shot. The sq. itself is gorgeous however busy. Excursions cease right here to speak in regards to the church, which has a stunning fountain standing at its heart.
While you go to Porto, you’ll be in awe. The historic heart was named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1996, and for good cause. Its winding streets, historic church buildings adorned with Azuelos (Portuguese tiles), and exquisite buildings are one thing you’ll always remember.
Cafe Majestic
If you happen to didn’t have breakfast at your resort, which we extremely advocate doing as a result of reserving a resort that features breakfast saves you a ton of time and cash, make your technique to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Begin your stroll uphill, and for those who don’t need to eat at Cafe Majestic, there are some nice breakfast locations simply up from Igrega do Carmo. We loved a implausible breakfast, Zenith Brunch and Cocktails, and Restaurant Carlos Alberto, each positioned on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a extra affordable value.
Nevertheless, you’re solely going to be in Porto for sooner or later, so we predict you’ll need to eat at certainly one of its hottest cafes. Cafe Majestic was as soon as touted as probably the most stunning cafe on this planet. It, too, has Harry Potter connections, as JK Rowling frequented his cafe throughout her time in Porto, and it’s stated that she wrote the primary Harry Potter e-book there.
Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant positioned on the pedestrian-only purchasing road Rua de Santa Catarina. Upon getting overpaid in your Pasteis de Nata and low, take a brief stroll alongside the road to browse its distinctive outlets and costly boutiques. There are chocolate outlets, 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, due 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 predict 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 happen to do go inside, you’ll see a Nineteenth-century pipe organ, oil work, and, after all, the standard spiritual statues.
São Bento Prepare Station
There’s a variety of magnificence in Porto, and the Sao Bento practice station isn’t any exception. If you happen to haven’t seen sufficient of these blue tiles, and even when you have, you don’t need to miss The São Bento Prepare Station. It’s touted as certainly one of Europe’s most stunning practice stations due to its 20,000 azulejos. Every 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). Excursions cease at this busy station all day lengthy to marvel on the ceramic tiles that have been painted by Jorge Colaço, one of the vital 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 positively need to go to certainly one of its markets. For lunch, you may have a couple of choices: you possibly can flip round and stroll again the hill slightly bit to go to Mercado do Bolhão, which we extremely advocate, or begin making your technique to the waterfront. However let’s discuss in regards to the Bolhao Market. That is certainly one of our favourite markets in Europe, and Bolhão Market is without doubt one of the most genuine and conventional markets in Porto.
Though the unique construction has undergone renovations, the neoclassical facade stays. The lined market is cool and a fantastic escape from the warmth. Inside, you possibly can pattern recent seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The store homeowners are pleasant and captivated with their native specialties.
Wander by way of stalls providing a wide range of cheeses, meats, and recent produce, and savor some genuine Portuguese delicacies that pair completely with wine! You may order a glass of wine, Gin and Tonic, or a Porto and Tonic which you can take with you to sip on it as you wander by way of the aisles.
Pastel de Nata
If you wish to strive some Pasteis de Nata, go throughout the road to the Confeteria de Balhao. It is without doubt one of the oldest bakeries in Porto, and plenty of say it has one of the best Pasteis de Nata within the metropolis. The road is big within the morning, however later within the morning, it slows down a bit.
Porto Metropolis Corridor
If you happen to love getting these pictures of metropolis indicators, Porto Metropolis Corridor is only a quick stroll from the Bolhaor
Cais da Ribeira
If you wish to make your technique to the river as a substitute of going to the market, you possibly can have lunch within the Ribeira district. A number of eating places and out of doors cafes line the waterfront with road performers entertaining company as they pattern Portuguese meals. Cais da Ribeira is Porto’s most picturesque district, with colourful buildings lining the Douro River, and you’ll positively need to spend a while exploring this neighborhood.
Take pleasure in winding your stroll down by way of the slim streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station for those who take the primary street), or you possibly can take an Uber to get there quicker.
When you get to the waterfront, it would be best to benefit from the power of this energetic a part of the town. There are out of doors markets, eating places, boat excursions, and exquisite views of colourful buildings lining the Douro River. This can be a excellent spot to drag up a chair and revel in some lunch (for those who skipped the citadel and market) or to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz.
Porto Cathedral
If you happen to 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’s an uphill stroll to the cathedral, so it’s possible you’ll need to rent a automotive to save lots of time. It’s price visiting for the views of the town and river. The Porto Cathedral is without doubt one of the metropolis’s oldest monuments, and it has been a spiritual website for the reason that twelfth century.
That is one cathedral it’s possible you’ll need to go to. Its cloisters are stunning, and inside, the cathedral is adorned with azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles) that narrate spiritual tales.
Afternoon
Stroll Throughout the Ponte Luis I Bridge
It’s time to go to the town of Novo de Gaia throughout the river. We cherished this district, and it’s the excellent place to spend the remainder of the afternoon. To get to Novo de Gaia from Porto, you possibly can stroll throughout the well-known Ponte Luis I Bridge. You may stroll on the decrease or higher portion of the bridge. Observe that you simply’ll be sharing the street with automobiles.
If you happen to had lunch down by the water, you might stroll throughout the decrease portion to get to Gaia, or for those who went to the Porto Cathedral (which we extremely advocate as a result of you possibly can eat dinner on the Ribeira), you might stroll alongside the higher portion. We cherished the views from the higher portion. The Ponte Luis I Bridge is 45 meters excessive, and the views of each cities are stunning from up right here. There are not any automobiles driving on the higher bridge, however there are trams going backwards and forwards, so hold a watch out.
River Cruise on the Douro River
When you get to Gaia, you possibly can embark on a river cruise on the Douro River to see Porto’s gorgeous riverside surroundings. We took the 6 Bridges Cruise, which takes you from one finish of the town to the opposite. The 50-minute cruise offers you 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 may e-book river cruises on the Ribeira aspect as nicely, however they’re fairly busy. We booked on Gaia as a substitute. You may e-book your cruise upfront as nicely which can assure your time slot. It’s price seeing all the aspect from a bot.
Port Wine Tasting at Vila Nova De Gaia
The waterfront of Gaia is legendary for its port wine cellars, and now could be 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 must take a tour, however it’s enjoyable to go to one of many cellars. We’ve got toured and acquired wines from Taylor’s, Calem, and Foncesco, and the port wines are divine.
Calem is the best to go to as it’s positioned instantly on the waterfront, and so they provide port-tasting flights. If you wish to see the WoW District (World of Wine) Fonseco and Taylor’s are positioned only a quick stroll up. They’re each much less busy, however the wines are finer. We cherished our port tasting expertise Taylor’s is the official provider of the Royal Household, and it was the primary port of wine in house! Check out a tasting session to find the depth and richness of those world-class wines.
Going right into a port wine lodge is an excellent expertise; you’re feeling as when you have stepped again in time and loved a wine tour by way of these historic cellars.
Portuguese wine is as scrumptious as it’s distinctive, with varieties equivalent to Vino Verde and Port Wine. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s well-known wine area, and you may e-book a tour of Porto within the Douro Valley when you have a couple of days.
Stroll the Gaia Waterfront
We loved the Gaia waterfront greater than the Ribeira as a result of, for one, it has one of the best views of Porto (together with the attractive Riviera). You may 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 positioned on the waterfront of Gaia.
Great World of Portuguese Sardines
You need to cease by to see the fantastic world of Portuguese Sardines. This circus-like retailer is a vacation spot unto itself. Comparable in fashion to Livraria Lello, this retailer has baroque staircases and partitions filled with hundreds of colourful cans of sardines. There’s a multimedia show showcasing the historical past of Portuguese Sardines, and it’s merely a spectacle. Plus, you should purchase a sardine from a yr that’s particular to you. Why not carry residence a Portuguese can along with your birthdate or anniversary on it?
The Bacalau Home
The Balacau Home is one other must-stop. That is the place you possibly can strive the nation’s well-known Cod Muffins whereas having fun with one other stunning store. The shop is a component store, museum arcade, and gallery. This store has two winding staircases, and the Bacalau home even has reside 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.
Night
Sundown Apperitivo
From the waterfront, you possibly can hop on the Teleferico (cable automotive), which can take you again as much as the highest of Gaia in your sundown views. If in case you have the price range, we advocate having appetizers and a cocktail on the Esplanada do Teleferico. It’s a implausible restaurant providing implausible views of Porto from its out of doors terrace.
Chill out with a refreshing drink and take within the breathtaking skyline because the solar units over the town.
Jardim Do Morro
If you happen to don’t need to pay €15 to €20 for a cocktail, you possibly can 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
Because you’ve had Bacalau, appetizers, and port wine, we advise pushing aside dinner till later. Apart from, why not embrace the Portuguese tradition and eat late? So earlier than dinner, e-book a Fado Present in a wine cellar. Fado is a fantastic reside efficiency of singers accompanied by guitars. We booked this tour by way of Get Your Information and cherished 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’s recognized for its expressive and profoundly melancholic character, sometimes conveying themes of longing, unhappiness, and nostalgia. The music is extremely 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 time
Dinner
Relying on the place your resort is positioned (or if you’re keen to take a taxi or uber that are very reasonably priced) it would be best to select the place to have dinner and night drinks. The Ribeira, Gaia Waterfront, or Rua de Santa Catarina are all nice eating selections.
There are such a lot of scrumptious and genuine eating places in Porto that it’s straightforward to be overwhelmed, however simply loosen up, take pleasure in, and do what we do… search for eating places that appear to be filled with locals.
Francesinha – A Porto Staple
One meals it would be best to strive at dinner is francesinha. This sandwich sounds disgusting, however it’s scrumptious. Most eating places serve it and in any case that port wine and cocktails, it’ll assist to absorb the alcohol. So what’s it? This can be a hearty sandwich fabricated from sausage, cheese, ham, extra meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.
Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Avenue
For nightlife, make your technique to Galleria Paris close to the Livraria Lello Bookstore for bar hopping. You end your day the place you started. That is the place the locals hang around into the wee hours of the morning.
Learn how to Get to Porto
By Air: The first gateway by air is thru Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (also referred to as Porto Airport), positioned roughly 11 kilometers from the town heart. The airport hosts a wide range of worldwide and home flights, connecting Porto with main cities throughout Europe and past. From the airport, vacationers can attain the town heart through the metro (the Violet E line instantly connects the airport to the Trindade metro station within the metropolis heart), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing companies.
By Prepare: For vacationers coming from different components of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a handy possibility. Porto’s important practice station, Sao Bento Station, is positioned within the coronary heart of the town and is well-connected to the Portuguese rail community. One other key station is Campanhã, which is on the east aspect of the town and serves as the primary hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and worldwide locations equivalent to Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take an area practice or the metro to achieve 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 easy methods to benefit from your day on this stunning metropolis.