Having visited Porto thrice, we clearly love this stunning metropolis in Portugal. It really is one in all 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 simple to see lots of its high points of interest in simply sooner or later.
Whereas we advocate not less than a number of days in Porto, it’s potential to see loads, as all the principle points of interest are positioned near the town middle. So, we’ve 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 but it surely nonetheless feels small. The historic middle is walkable and with simple and inexpensive 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 inexpensive. Additionally, in the event you plan on going into loads of Porto points of interest and utilizing public transport you could take into account 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.
A number of our strategies are simply walkable when you get to the world that we advise. We’ve got a map on the backside of this put up you can 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 need to head straight to Livrario Lellow to begin your one-day itinerary. Name an Uber out of your resort and make your option 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 may be a whole part devoted to the beloved collection, and you’ll really feel as if in case you have entered a magical bookshop.
Many individuals have probably the most stunning bookstore on this planet on their record throughout their Porto itinerary, however many individuals additionally miss out resulting from a scarcity of planning. Be sure 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 in the event 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.
It’s essential e-book nicely upfront on the LIvrario Lello Web site, and we’ve a whole weblog put up telling you precisely easy methods to e-book that golden ticket and easy methods to be sure 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 may get an iconic {photograph} within the doorway. Sure, we’re responsible of taking that actual shot. The sq. itself is gorgeous however busy. Excursions cease right here to speak in regards to the church, which has a beautiful fountain standing at its middle.
Whenever you go to Porto, you can be in awe. The historic middle was named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1996, and for good purpose. Its winding streets, historic church buildings adorned with Azuelos (Portuguese tiles), and delightful buildings are one thing you’ll always remember.
Cafe Majestic
For those who 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 money, make your option to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Begin your stroll uphill, and in the event you don’t need 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 positioned on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a extra cheap worth.
Nonetheless, you’re solely going to be in Porto for sooner or later, so we expect you’ll need to eat at one in all 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 buying road Rua de Santa Catarina. After you have 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. For those who do go inside, you’ll see a Nineteenth-century pipe organ, oil work, and, after all, the same old spiritual statues.
São Bento Practice Station
There’s loads of magnificence in Porto, and the Sao Bento prepare station is not any exception. For those who haven’t seen sufficient of these blue tiles, and even if in case you have, you don’t need to miss The São Bento Practice Station. It’s touted as one in all Europe’s most stunning prepare stations because of its 20,000 azulejos. Every tile tells a narrative of Portuguese historical past.
This prepare 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 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 need to go to one in all its markets. For lunch, you could have a number 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 option to the waterfront. However let’s discuss in regards to the Bolhao Market. That is one in all 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 important escape from the warmth. Inside, you’ll be able to pattern contemporary seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The store house owners are pleasant and obsessed with their native specialties.
Wander via stalls providing a wide range 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 you can take with you to sip on it as you wander via 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 likely one of the oldest bakeries in Porto, and lots 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
For those who love getting these images of metropolis indicators, Porto Metropolis Corridor is only a brief stroll from the Bolhaor
Cais da Ribeira
If you wish to make your option 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 outside 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 need to spend a while exploring this neighborhood.
Get pleasure from winding your stroll down via the slim streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station in the event you take the principle street), or you’ll be able to take an Uber to get there sooner.
When you get to the waterfront, it would be best to benefit from the vitality of this full of life a part of the town. There are outside markets, eating places, boat excursions, and delightful views of colourful buildings lining the Douro River. This can be a excellent place to drag up a chair and luxuriate in some lunch (in the event 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 too 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 could 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 likely one of the metropolis’s oldest monuments, and it has been a spiritual web site for the reason that twelfth century.
That is one cathedral you could 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 move to the town of Novo de Gaia throughout the river. We liked this district, and it’s the good 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. Word that you simply’ll be sharing the street with automobiles.
For those who had lunch down by the water, you may 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 may 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 aren’t any automobiles driving on the higher bridge, however there are trams going backwards and forwards, so preserve 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 the 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’ll be able to e-book river cruises on the Ribeira aspect as nicely, however they’re fairly busy. We booked on Gaia as a substitute. You’ll be able to e-book your cruise upfront as nicely 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’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’ve got toured and purchased wines from Taylor’s, Calem, and Foncesco, and the port wines are divine.
Calem is the simplest to go to as it’s positioned instantly on the waterfront, they usually 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 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 if in case you 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 akin 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 if in case you have a number of 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’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 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 have 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 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 carry house 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 Desserts 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 stay 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 automotive), which is able to take you again as much as the highest of Gaia on your sundown views. You probably have the finances, we advocate having appetizers and a cocktail on the Esplanada do Teleferico. It’s a incredible restaurant providing incredible views of Porto from its outside terrace.
Calm down with a refreshing drink and take within the breathtaking skyline because the solar units over the town.
Jardim Do Morro
For those who don’t need 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 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 an exquisite stay 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 identified 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 resort is positioned (or in case you are prepared 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 simple to be overwhelmed, however simply calm down, take pleasure in, and do what we do… search for eating places that appear to be stuffed 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 would assist to absorb the alcohol. So what’s it? This can be a hearty sandwich manufactured from sausage, cheese, ham, extra meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.
Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Avenue
For nightlife, make your option 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.
Methods to Get to Porto
By Air: The first gateway by air is thru Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (often known as Porto Airport), positioned roughly 11 kilometers from the town middle. 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 middle through the metro (the Violet E line instantly connects the airport to the Trindade metro station within the metropolis middle), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing providers.
By Practice: For vacationers coming from different components of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a handy choice. Porto’s important prepare 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 principle hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and worldwide locations akin to Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take a neighborhood prepare 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 take advantage of your day on this stunning metropolis.