Having visited Porto 3 times, we clearly love this lovely metropolis in Portugal. It actually is considered 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 points of interest in simply someday.
Whereas we advocate at the very least a couple of days in Porto, it’s doable to see quite a bit, as all the primary points of interest are situated near town middle. So, we now have 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 nevertheless it nonetheless feels small. The historic middle is walkable and with straightforward and reasonably priced public transport, Ubers and an organized strolling route, you’ll be able to see quite a bit in a short while.
In case you solely have someday in Porto, we advise utilizing Uber to get round. We discovered them to be very dependable and reasonably priced. Additionally, in the event you plan on going into lots 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’ll be able to try what’s included right here.
Plenty of our ideas are simply walkable when you get to the realm that we advise. We now have a map on the backside of this submit that you may 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 lodge and make your solution to R. das Carmelitas for the primary entry into this world’s most lovely bookstore. It’s rumored that Hogwarts’ winding staircases had been modeled after Livraria Lello’s lovely baroque staircases, however JK Rowling denies that. Both means, there’s a complete part devoted to the beloved sequence, and you’ll really feel as in case you have entered a magical bookshop.
Many individuals have probably the most lovely bookstore on this planet on their record throughout their Porto itinerary, however many individuals additionally miss out resulting from a scarcity of planning. Make sure that to guide your timed entry prematurely. The bookstore opens at 9:00 am, and you’ll want to guide a golden ticket that permits you to skip the road and offers you a free guide of your alternative. Even in the event you 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.
You’ll want to guide effectively prematurely on the LIvrario Lello Web site, and we now have a complete weblog submit telling you precisely the way to guide that golden ticket and the 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 enduring tiles of Igrega do Carmo. It is likely 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 concerning the church, which has a stunning fountain standing at its middle.
If you go to Porto, you’ll be in awe. The historic middle was named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1996, and for good motive. Its winding streets, historic church buildings adorned with Azuelos (Portuguese tiles), and delightful buildings are one thing you’ll always remember.
Cafe Majestic
In case 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 solution to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Begin your stroll uphill, and in the event you don’t wish to eat at Cafe Majestic, there are some nice breakfast locations simply up from Igrega do Carmo. We loved a incredible breakfast, Zenith Brunch and Cocktails, and Restaurant Carlos Alberto, each situated on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a extra cheap worth.
Nevertheless, you might be solely going to be in Porto for someday, so we expect you’ll wish to eat at considered one of its hottest cafes. Cafe Majestic was as soon as touted as probably the most lovely 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 guide there.Â
Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant situated on the pedestrian-only purchasing road 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 probably the most photographed church in Porto, because of 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 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. In case you do go inside, you’ll see a Nineteenth-century pipe organ, oil work, and, after all, the same old non secular statues.
São Bento Practice Station
There’s lots of magnificence in Porto, and the Sao Bento practice station is not any exception. In case you haven’t seen sufficient of these blue tiles, and even in case you have, you don’t wish to miss The São Bento Practice Station. It’s touted as considered one of Europe’s most lovely practice stations because of its 20,000 azulejos. Every tile tells a narrative of Portuguese historical past.Â
This practice 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, probably the most 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 considered one of its markets. For lunch, you may 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 advocate, or begin making your solution to the waterfront. However let’s discuss concerning the Bolhao Market. That is considered one 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 lined market is cool and an amazing escape from the warmth. Inside, you’ll be able to pattern recent seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The store house owners are pleasant and enthusiastic about 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 possibly can 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 by the aisles.Â
Pastel de Nata
If you wish 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 very 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
In case 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 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 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
Get pleasure from winding your stroll down by the slim streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station in the event you take the primary highway), or you’ll be able to take an Uber to get there quicker.
When you get to the waterfront, you’ll want to benefit from the vitality of this full of life a part of town. There are out of doors markets, eating places, boat excursions, and delightful views of colourful buildings lining the Douro River. It is a good spot to drag up a chair and revel in some lunch (in the event you skipped the fort and market) or to get pleasure from an Aperol Spritz.Â
Porto Cathedral
In case 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 automobile to save lots of time. It’s price 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 website for the reason that twelfth century.
That is one cathedral chances are you’ll wish to go to. Its cloisters are lovely, 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 go 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’ll be able to stroll throughout the well-known Ponte Luis I Bridge. You possibly can stroll on the decrease or higher portion of the bridge. Be aware that you just’ll be sharing the highway with automobiles.
In case you had lunch down by the water, you could possibly stroll throughout the decrease portion to get to Gaia, or in the event you went to the Porto Cathedral (which we extremely advocate as a result of you’ll be able to eat dinner on the Ribeira), you could possibly 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 lovely from up right here. There are not any automobiles driving on the higher bridge, however there are trams going forwards and backwards, 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 provides you with a novel 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 possibly can guide river cruises on the Ribeira aspect as effectively, however they’re fairly busy. We booked on Gaia as a substitute. You possibly can guide your cruise prematurely as effectively which is able to assure your time slot. It’s price seeing the whole 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 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 have to take a tour, however it’s enjoyable to go to one of many cellars. We now 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 straight on the waterfront, they usually provide 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 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 a superb 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 resembling Vino Verde and Port Wine. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s well-known wine area, and you may guide a tour of Porto within the Douro Valley in case 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 very best views of Porto (together with the gorgeous Riviera). You possibly 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.
Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines
It’s essential to cease by to see the great world of Portuguese Sardines. This circus-like retailer is a vacation spot unto itself. Related in fashion to Livraria Lello, this retailer has baroque staircases and partitions stuffed 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 deliver 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’ll be able to strive the nation’s well-known Cod Truffles whereas having fun with one other lovely 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 advocate having appetizers and a cocktail on the Esplanada do Teleferico. It’s a incredible restaurant providing incredible views of Porto from its out of doors terrace.Â
Chill out with a refreshing drink and take within the breathtaking skyline because the solar units over town.
Jardim Do Morro
In case you 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. Apart from, why not embrace the Portuguese tradition and eat late? So earlier than dinner, guide a Fado Present in a wine cellar. Fado is a gorgeous dwell efficiency of singers accompanied by guitars. We booked this tour by 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, disappointment, 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 lodge is situated (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 selections.
There are such a lot of scrumptious and genuine eating places in Porto that it’s straightforward 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’ll want 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 can assist to take in the alcohol. So what’s it? It is a hearty sandwich product of sausage, cheese, ham, extra meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.
Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Avenue
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.
The right way 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 through the metro (the Violet E line straight connects the airport to the Trindade metro station within the metropolis middle), 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 essential practice 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 aspect of town and serves as the primary hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and worldwide locations resembling Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take a neighborhood practice 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 the way to benefit from your day on this lovely metropolis.
