Having visited Porto thrice, we clearly love this lovely 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 simple to see lots of its prime points of interest in simply sooner or later.

Whereas we advocate at the very least a couple of days in Porto, it’s attainable to see rather a lot, as all the principle points of interest are positioned near town middle. So, now we have created the proper one-day in Porto Itinerary to profit 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 simple and inexpensive public transport, Ubers and an organized strolling route, you’ll be able to see rather a lot in a short while.

Should you solely have sooner or later in Porto, we recommend utilizing Uber to get round. We discovered them to be very dependable and inexpensive. Additionally, in case you plan on going into quite a lot of Porto points of interest and utilizing public transport you might take into account the Porto Card. We didn’t use the Porto Card for sooner or later, however you’ll be able to try what’s included right here.

Lots of our options are simply walkable when you get to the realm that we recommend. We now have a map on the backside of this submit you can 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 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 method, there’s a complete part devoted to the beloved sequence, and you’ll really feel as when you’ve got entered a magical bookshop.

Many individuals have probably the most lovely bookstore on this planet on their checklist throughout their Porto itinerary, however many individuals additionally miss out on account of an absence of planning. Be certain that to guide your timed entry upfront. The bookstore opens at 9:00 am, and it would be best to guide a golden ticket that allows you to skip the road and offers you a free guide of your alternative. Even in case you booked the golden ticket and might skip the road, present up at 8:00 to be on the entrance. We inform you precisely what to do right here.

You must guide effectively upfront on the LIvrario Lello Web site, and now we have a complete weblog submit telling you precisely the right way to guide that golden ticket and the right way 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 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 beautiful fountain standing at its middle.

Once you go to Porto, you can be in awe. The historic middle was named a UNESCO World Heritage Website 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

Should you 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 solution to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Begin your stroll uphill, and in case 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.

Nevertheless, you might be solely going to be in Porto for sooner or later, so we expect you’ll wish to eat at one in every 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. 

Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant positioned on the pedestrian-only purchasing avenue Rua de Santa Catarina. After getting overpaid to your Pasteis de Nata and low, 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, 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 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. Should you do go inside, you’ll see a Nineteenth-century pipe organ, oil work, and, in fact, the standard non secular statues.

São Bento Prepare Station

There’s quite a lot 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 when you’ve got, you don’t wish to miss The São Bento Prepare Station. It’s touted as one in every of Europe’s most lovely prepare stations due to 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 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 could have a couple of choices: you’ll be able to flip round and stroll again the hill somewhat 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 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 a terrific escape from the warmth. Inside, you’ll be able to pattern contemporary seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The store house owners are pleasant and keen about 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 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 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

Should you 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 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 outside cafes line the waterfront with avenue performers entertaining friends 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. 

Get pleasure from winding your stroll down via the slender streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station in case you take the principle street), or you’ll be able to take an Uber to get there quicker.

When you get to the waterfront, it would be best to benefit from the power of this vigorous a part of 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 tug up a chair and revel in some lunch (in case you skipped the citadel and market) or to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz. 

Porto Cathedral

Should you select to go to the market, you too can 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 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 web site because the twelfth century.

That is one cathedral you might 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 move to town of Novo de Gaia throughout the river. We beloved 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. Be aware that you simply’ll be sharing the street with vehicles.

Should you had lunch down by the water, you would stroll throughout the decrease portion to get to Gaia, or in case 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 would stroll alongside the higher portion. We beloved 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 vehicles driving on the higher bridge, however there are trams going forwards and backwards, so hold a watch 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’ll be able to guide river cruises on the Ribeira facet as effectively, however they’re fairly busy. We booked on Gaia as a substitute. You’ll be able to guide your cruise upfront as effectively which is able to assure your time slot. It’s value seeing all the facet 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 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 simplest to go to as it’s positioned immediately 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 quick stroll up. They’re each much less busy, however the wines are finer. We beloved 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 a superb expertise; you’re feeling as when you’ve got stepped again in time and loved a wine tour via 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 guide a tour of Porto within the Douro Valley when you’ve got 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 gorgeous 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.

Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines

You will need to cease by to see the great 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 stuffed 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 deliver 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 attempt the nation’s well-known Cod Muffins whereas having fun with one other lovely store. The shop is a component 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 automobile), which is able to take you again as much as the highest of Gaia to your sundown views. 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. 

Chill out 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’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 recommend pushing aside dinner till later. In addition to, why not embrace the Portuguese tradition and eat late? So earlier than dinner, guide a Fado Present in a wine cellar. Fado is an attractive stay efficiency of singers accompanied by guitars. We booked this tour via Get Your Information and beloved it. The hour lengthy efficiency additionally features a glass of Port Wine.

Fado is a real cultural expertise that’s so essential 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, disappointment, 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.

Night time time

Dinner

Relying on the place your resort is positioned (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 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 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 can 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 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 (often known as Porto Airport), positioned roughly 11 kilometers from 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 town middle through the metro (the Violet E line immediately connects the airport to the Trindade metro station within the metropolis middle), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing providers.

By Prepare: For vacationers coming from different components of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a handy possibility. Porto’s fundamental prepare 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 facet of town and serves as the principle hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and worldwide locations equivalent to Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take an area 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 the right way to profit from your day on this lovely metropolis.