Having visited Porto 3 times, we clearly love this stunning metropolis in Portugal. It actually 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. As a result of this metropolis is so compact, Porto is a really walkable metropolis, and it’s straightforward to see lots of its prime points of interest in simply sooner or later.
Whereas we suggest not less than a couple of days in Porto, it’s doable to see loads, as all the primary points of interest are positioned near town heart. So, we’ve got created the right one-day in Porto Itinerary to take advantage of your brief 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’ll be able to see loads in a short while.
For those who 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, should you plan on going into numerous Porto points of interest and utilizing public transport you might contemplate the Porto Card. We didn’t use the Porto Card for sooner or later, however you’ll be able to take a look at what’s included right here.
Loads of our options are simply walkable when you get to the world that we advise. We now have a map on the backside of this put up that you would be able to observe. And we’ll counsel the place and when to take an Uber and when to stroll.
Morning
Livraria Lello
Harry Potter followers will wish to head straight to Livrario Lellow to begin your one-day itinerary. Name an Uber out of your resort and make your solution 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 manner, there’s a whole part devoted to the beloved sequence, and you’ll really feel as when you have entered a magical bookshop.
Many individuals have essentially the most stunning bookstore on the earth on their record throughout their Porto itinerary, however many individuals additionally miss out as a consequence of a scarcity of planning. Be sure to e-book your timed entry upfront. The bookstore opens at 9:00 am, and you’ll want to e-book a golden ticket that allows you to skip the road and provides you a free e-book 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 should e-book properly upfront on the LIvrario Lello Web site, and we’ve got a whole weblog put up telling you precisely the best way to e-book that golden ticket and the best way 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 long-lasting tiles of Igrega do Carmo. It is likely one of the hottest partitions of tiles in Portugal, and you will 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.
Once 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
For those who didn’t have breakfast at your resort, which we extremely suggest doing as a result of reserving a resort that features breakfast saves you a ton of time and cash, make your solution to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Begin your stroll uphill, and should you don’t wish to eat at Cafe Majestic, there are some nice breakfast locations simply up from Igrega do Carmo. We loved a improbable breakfast, Zenith Brunch and Cocktails, and Restaurant Carlos Alberto, each positioned on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a extra affordable worth.
Nonetheless, you’re solely going to be in Porto for sooner or later, so we predict you’ll wish to eat at one in every of its hottest cafes. Cafe Majestic was as soon as touted as essentially the most stunning cafe on the earth. 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 e-book there.
Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant positioned on the pedestrian-only procuring road Rua de Santa Catarina. Upon getting overpaid on 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 essentially the most photographed church in Porto, due to its location and the 11,000 Azulejos (conventional Portuguese ceramic tiles) protecting 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. For those who do go inside, you’ll see a Nineteenth-century pipe organ, oil work, and, in fact, the standard spiritual statues.
São Bento Practice Station
There’s numerous magnificence in Porto, and the Sao Bento practice station isn’t any exception. For those who haven’t seen sufficient of these blue tiles, and even when you have, you don’t wish to miss The São Bento Practice Station. It’s touted as one in every 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 famend azulejos artists of his time. The panels depict varied 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 wish to go to one in every of its markets. For lunch, you will have a couple of choices: you’ll be able to flip round and stroll again the hill a bit bit to go to Mercado do Bolhão, which we extremely suggest, or begin making your solution to the waterfront. However let’s speak in regards to the Bolhao Market. That 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.
Though the unique construction has undergone renovations, the neoclassical facade stays. The coated market is cool and an ideal escape from the warmth. Inside, you’ll be able to pattern contemporary seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The store homeowners are pleasant and captivated with their native specialties.
Wander by way of stalls providing quite a lot of cheeses, meats, and contemporary produce, and savor some genuine Portuguese delicacies that pair completely with wine! You’ll be able to order a glass of wine, Gin and Tonic, or a Porto and Tonic that you would be able to take with you to sip on it as you wander by way of the aisles.
Pastel de Nata
If you wish to attempt some Pasteis de Nata, go throughout the road to the Confeteria de Balhao. It is likely one of the oldest bakeries in Porto, and lots of say it has the perfect 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
For those who love getting these pictures of metropolis indicators, Porto Metropolis Corridor is only a brief stroll from the Bolhaor
Cais da Ribeira
If you wish to make your solution to the river as a substitute of going to the market, you’ll be able to have lunch within the Ribeira district. A number of eating places and out of doors cafes line the waterfront with road performers entertaining visitors 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 wish 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 should you take the primary highway), or you’ll be able to take an Uber to get there sooner.
When you get to the waterfront, you’ll want to benefit from the power of this vigorous a part of 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 tug up a chair and revel in some lunch (should you skipped the fort and market) or to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz.
Porto Cathedral
For those who select to go to the market, you can even 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 you might wish to rent a automobile to save lots of time. It’s 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 spiritual web site because the twelfth century.
That is one cathedral you might wish 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 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’ll be able to stroll throughout the well-known Ponte Luis I Bridge. You’ll be able to stroll on the decrease or higher portion of the bridge. Observe that you simply’ll be sharing the highway with vehicles.
For those who had lunch down by the water, you possibly can 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’ll be able to eat dinner on the Ribeira), you possibly can 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 vehicles driving on the higher bridge, however there are trams going backwards and forwards, so maintain an eye fixed out.
River Cruise on the Douro River
When you get to Gaia, you’ll be able to 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 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’ll be able to e-book river cruises on the Ribeira aspect as properly, however they’re fairly busy. We booked on Gaia as a substitute. You’ll be able to e-book your cruise upfront as properly which is able to assure your time slot. It’s value seeing your complete 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’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 have to take a tour, however it’s enjoyable to go to one of many cellars. We now 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 positioned immediately on the waterfront, and so they supply port-tasting flights. If you wish to see the WoW District (World of Wine) Fonseco and Taylor’s are positioned only a brief 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 comparable to Vino Verde and Port Wine. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s well-known wine area, and you’ll 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 the perfect views of Porto (together with the attractive Riviera). You’ll be able to 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 way much less busy than Porto and two of our favourite shops are positioned on the waterfront of Gaia.
Great World of Portuguese Sardines
You could cease by to see the fantastic world of Portuguese Sardines. This circus-like retailer is a vacation spot unto itself. Related in type to Livraria Lello, this retailer has baroque staircases and partitions filled with 1000’s 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 convey 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’ll be able to attempt the nation’s well-known Cod Truffles whereas having fun with one other stunning store. The shop 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.
Night
Sundown Apperitivo
From the waterfront, you’ll be able to hop on the Teleferico (cable automobile), which is able to take you again as much as the highest of Gaia on your sundown views. You probably have the price range, we suggest having appetizers and a cocktail on the Esplanada do Teleferico. It’s a improbable restaurant providing improbable views of Porto from its out of doors terrace.
Loosen up with a refreshing drink and take within the breathtaking skyline because the solar units over town.
Jardim Do Morro
For those who don’t wish to pay €15 to €20 for a cocktail, you’ll be able to 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. In addition to, 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 wonderful dwell 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.
Evening time
Dinner
Relying on the place your resort is positioned (or if you’re prepared to take a taxi or uber that are very reasonably priced) you’ll want 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 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 you’ll want to attempt 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’s going to assist to take in the alcohol. So what’s it? This can be a hearty sandwich product of sausage, cheese, ham, extra meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.
Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Road
For nightlife, make your solution 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.
Find out 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 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 by way of the metro (the Violet E line immediately connects the airport to the Trindade metro station within the metropolis heart), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing companies.
By Practice: For vacationers coming from different components of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a handy possibility. Porto’s major practice station, Sao Bento Station, is positioned within the coronary heart of town and is well-connected to the Portuguese rail community. One other key station is Campanhã, which is on the east aspect of town and serves as the primary hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and worldwide locations comparable to Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take a neighborhood 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 the best way to take advantage of your day on this stunning metropolis.
