Having visited Porto thrice, 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 a lot of its high points of interest in simply someday.
Whereas we advocate no less than just a few days in Porto, it’s doable to see rather a lot, as all the primary points of interest are situated near town middle. So, we’ve created the proper one-day in Porto Itinerary to benefit from your quick keep.
One Day in Porto Itinerary
Porto is Portugal’s second largest metropolis but it surely nonetheless feels small. The historic middle is walkable and with straightforward and inexpensive public transport, Ubers and an organized strolling route, you possibly can see rather a lot in a short while.
Should you solely have someday in Porto, we recommend utilizing Uber to get round. We discovered them to be very dependable and inexpensive. Additionally, should you plan on going into a variety of Porto points of interest and utilizing public transport chances are you’ll take into account the Porto Card. We didn’t use the Porto Card for someday, however you possibly can try what’s included right here.
Lots of our options are simply walkable when you get to the realm that we recommend. Now we have a map on the backside of this submit that you may comply with. 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 wish to head straight to Livrario Lellow to begin your one-day itinerary. Name an Uber out of your lodge and make your method to R. das Carmelitas for the primary entry into this world’s most stunning bookstore. It’s rumored that Hogwarts’ winding staircases had 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 sequence, and you’ll really feel as you probably have entered a magical bookshop.
Many individuals have essentially the most stunning bookstore on the earth on their checklist throughout their Porto itinerary, however many individuals additionally miss out as a result of a scarcity of planning. Make sure that to e-book your timed entry prematurely. 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 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 could e-book properly prematurely on the LIvrario Lello Web site, and we’ve a whole weblog submit telling you precisely easy methods to e-book that golden ticket and easy methods to be sure to 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 among 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 concerning the church, which has a beautiful fountain standing at its middle.
If you go to Porto, you may be in awe. The historic middle 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
Should you didn’t have breakfast at your lodge, which we extremely advocate doing as a result of reserving a lodge that features breakfast saves you a ton of time and cash, make your method 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 situated on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a extra affordable worth.
Nevertheless, you might be solely going to be in Porto for someday, 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.Â
Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant situated on the pedestrian-only purchasing avenue Rua de Santa Catarina. After getting overpaid on 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 essentially the most photographed church in Porto, due to its location and the 11,000 Azulejos (conventional Portuguese ceramic tiles) overlaying 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. Should you do go inside, you’ll see a Nineteenth-century pipe organ, oil work, and, after all, the standard non secular statues.
São Bento Prepare Station
There’s a variety of magnificence in Porto, and the Sao Bento prepare station is not any exception. Should you haven’t seen sufficient of these blue tiles, and even you probably have, you don’t wish to miss The São Bento Prepare Station. It’s touted as one in every of Europe’s most stunning prepare stations due to its 20,000 azulejos. Every tile tells a narrative of Portuguese historical past.Â
This prepare station was opened in 1916 on the location 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 had 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 undoubtedly wish to go to one in every of its markets. For lunch, you will have just a few choices: you possibly can flip round and stroll again the hill a bit bit to go to Mercado do Bolhão, which we extremely advocate, or begin making your method to the waterfront. However let’s discuss concerning the Bolhao Market. That is one in every of our favourite markets in Europe, and Bolhão Market is among 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 awesome escape from the warmth. Inside, you possibly can pattern contemporary seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The store house owners are pleasant and captivated with their native specialties.
Wander via stalls providing quite a lot of cheeses, meats, and contemporary 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 that you may take with you to sip on it as you wander via the aisles.Â
Pastel de Nata
If you wish to attempt some Pasteis de Nata, go throughout the road to the Confeteria de Balhao. It is among the oldest bakeries in Porto, and plenty of say it has the most effective Pasteis de Nata within the metropolis. The road is large within the morning, however later within the morning, it slows down a bit.
Porto Metropolis Corridor
Should you love getting these images of metropolis indicators, Porto Metropolis Corridor is only a quick stroll from the Bolhaor
Cais da Ribeira
If you wish to make your method to the river as an alternative of going to the market, you possibly can have lunch within the Ribeira district. A number of eating places and outside cafes line the waterfront with avenue 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 undoubtedly wish to spend a while exploring this neighborhood.Â
Take pleasure in winding your stroll down via the slender streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station should you take the primary highway), or you possibly can take an Uber to get there sooner.
When you get to the waterfront, it would be best to benefit from the power of this energetic a part of town. There are outside markets, eating places, boat excursions, and exquisite views of colourful buildings lining the Douro River. This can be a good spot to tug up a chair and luxuriate in some lunch (should you skipped the fort and market) or to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz.Â
Porto Cathedral
Should you 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 chances are you’ll wish to rent a automotive to avoid wasting time. It’s value visiting for the views of town and river. The Porto Cathedral is among the metropolis’s oldest monuments, and it has been a spiritual website for the reason that twelfth century.
That is one cathedral chances are you’ll wish to go to. Its cloisters are stunning, and inside, the cathedral is adorned with azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles) that narrate non secular tales.
 Afternoon
Stroll Throughout the Ponte Luis I Bridge
It’s time to move to town of Novo de Gaia throughout the river. We liked 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. Word that you simply’ll be sharing the highway with automobiles.
Should you 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 advocate as a result of you possibly can eat dinner on the Ribeira), you possibly can stroll alongside the higher portion. We liked 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 forwards and backwards, so maintain 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 town to the opposite. The 50-minute cruise gives 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 facet as properly, however they’re fairly busy. We booked on Gaia as an alternative. You may e-book your cruise prematurely as properly which can assure your time slot. It’s value seeing your complete facet from a bot.
Port Wine Tasting at Vila Nova De Gaia
The waterfront of Gaia is known 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. Now we have 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 situated 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 situated only a quick stroll up. They’re each much less busy, however the wines are finer. We liked our port tasting expertise Taylor’s is the official provider of the Royal Household, and it was the primary port of wine in area! 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 you probably have stepped again in time and loved a wine tour via these historic cellars.
Portuguese wine is as scrumptious as it’s distinctive, with varieties similar 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 you probably 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 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 situated on the waterfront of Gaia.
Great World of Portuguese Sardines
You could cease by to see the great 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 buy a sardine from a yr that’s particular to you. Why not carry dwelling 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 attempt the nation’s well-known Cod Desserts 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 on 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 improbable restaurant providing improbable views of Porto from its outside terrace.Â
Calm down with a refreshing drink and take within the breathtaking skyline because the solar units over town.
Jardim Do Morro
Should you don’t wish 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 recommend laying 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 lovely reside efficiency of singers accompanied by guitars. We booked this tour via Get Your Information and liked it. The hour lengthy efficiency additionally features a glass of Port Wine.
Fado is a real cultural expertise that’s so vital 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, usually conveying themes of longing, unhappiness, 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.
Evening time
Dinner
Relying on the place your lodge is situated (or in case you are keen to take a taxi or uber that are very inexpensive) 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 decisions.
There are such a lot of scrumptious and genuine eating places in Porto that it’s straightforward to be overwhelmed, however simply chill out, 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 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 absorb the alcohol. So what’s it? This can be a hearty sandwich made from sausage, cheese, ham, extra meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.
Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Avenue
For nightlife, make your method 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.
Tips on how to Get to Porto
By Air: The first gateway by air is thru Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (often known as Porto Airport), situated roughly 11 kilometers from town middle. 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 middle by way of the metro (the Violet E line immediately connects the airport to the Trindade metro station within the metropolis middle), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing companies.
By Prepare: For vacationers coming from different elements of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a handy choice. Porto’s predominant prepare station, Sao Bento Station, is situated 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 facet of town and serves as the primary hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and worldwide locations similar to Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take a neighborhood prepare or the metro to succeed in 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.
