Whether you’re road tripping Portugal, or flying in for a quick stop, this guide to 1 day in Porto will help you make the most of your day in our favourite city in Portugal. Packed with culture, history, delicious food, stunning views and of course, the iconic port wine cellars, there’s a lot to explore in 24 hours in Porto so plan your time wisely.
With this one-day itinerary for Porto, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Porto in a day, including must-see sights, viewpoints, historic buildings, accommodation options, and ideal photo spots in Porto!
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Is One Day In Porto Enough?
Despite being the second largest city in Portugal, Porto is very walkable. So much so, we could have called this itinerary a one day walking tour of Porto – don’t let that put you off though, there’s heaps of transport options in Porto too!
Is one day in Porto enough though? Even after two years and many trips to Porto, we still feel like there’s a lot left to see and do. However, I think if this is your first time in Porto, you can certainly see most of the main things to do in Porto in a day – if you plan it right!
Could you spend two days in Porto? Absolutely, but to make things easy, I’ll focus on the best things to see in Porto in one day and at the end, include a few extras if you decide to extend your stay.
How To Get To Porto
We spent 2 years living in Portugal and I can honestly say the most convenient way to get around this beautiful country if you’re here for a week or more, is via car. Whether that means driving your own or hiring a car in Portugal, you won’t regret the freedom having your own car gives you.
With your own car, you’ll be able to take a road trip from Lisbon to Porto over the course of a few days and experience even more of Portugal in one trip.
Fear not though. If you’re landing in Lisbon and not able to hire a car, you can get to Porto via train, coach or taxi – although that last option will be crazy expensive. Coaches and trains run frequently from Lisbon to Porto so it’s a viable option. You can check out the times and get tickets here.
One thing to note, however, is public transport can take upwards of three hours. Making it quite tricky to do a day trip to Porto from Lisbon.
Best Way To See Porto
I find most European cities are extremely easy to get around on foot and Porto is no exception.
Much like we’re avid supporters of road trips, we think the best way to see Porto is via your own two feet! Especially if it’s your first time in Porto!
Whether that’s adapting this one day in Porto itinerary to suit you, or joining a more structured free walking tour in Porto, being able to wander around the little narrow streets, take detours and maybe get a little lost is all part of the charm when you’re visiting an old city like Porto.
That said though, Porto is a city on a hill. So a full day wandering around it can be tiresome and we understand not everyone wants to, or has the ability to, do that. So here are some other ways to get around Porto:
Is The Porto Card Worth It?
If you didn’t know, many cities now offer city cards that provide discounts, free access and other bonuses around the city.
Porto is no different and if you think you’ll make use of the public transport in Porto, as well as a few of the paid attractions that we’ll discuss later, you might want to consider purchasing a Porto Card which gets you unlimited use of the public transport and discounts at attractions, restaurants and shops.
Full disclosure; because we tend to visit Porto as a day trip, always get around on foot, and only occasionally do a paid attraction, we haven’t actually tried the Porto card for ourselves. However, if we were in Porto for two days or wanted to pack in a lot of the paid tours and museums, we think it would absolutely be worth the money.
Things To Do In Porto In One Day: The Itinerary
Let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this guide to 24 hours in Porto, shall we.
This 1 day in Porto itinerary can be switched about, added too or cut short if there are things on this list that don’t appeal to you – that’s totally ok. We don’t all like the same things and all have different priorities when it comes to travel.
I’d also like to note I haven’t set aside times or set places to eat/drink in this section of things to do in Porto. Dec and I aren’t huge foodies and tend to pack snacks when we’re in cities, then choose whichever restaurant is closest when we’re ready to eat a proper meal. There are plenty of food tours in Porto though if you did want to squeeze in some Portuguese food while you’re here!
Since this is essentially a one day walking tour of Porto, I’ve planned the route to minimise hills and stairs.
Below is a map of the walking route for this one day in Porto itinerary. If you click it, you’ll be able to make adjustments, send it to your phone or email it to yourself. You can save the Google map by clicking this link and saving it to your phone.
How To Spend A Day In Porto:
Sao Bento Station
We’ll start our day in Porto in a location that makes sense: Sao Bento Station.
If there’s one thing that Porto isn’t short of, it’s beautiful buildings and Porto train station is a warm welcome to this for those who choose to travel from Lisbon to Porto on the train.
Often described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, it opened to the public in 1916 and is decorated in over 20 thousand tiles which detail Portugal’s history in its imagery.
Even if you don’t plan to get a train, pop your head through the doors and admire the artwork – you’ll be glad you did!
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
10 minutes from the train station is Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, or Church of Saint Ildefonso, another one of Porto’s beautiful old buildings.
The Church of Saint Ildefonso dates back to the 18th century and is decorated in the same iconic blue and white tiles that you saw in the train station, and that will become familiar to you as you follow this itinerary for Porto in a day.
Capela das Almas
Next on our things to do in Porto in a day is the Capela das Almas, or church of souls.
Just another 10 minutes from Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, the church of souls is a hot spot for insta-worth photos due to the famous blue and white tiles (you really will see a lot of stunning tiling in Porto!)
Much like the tiles at the train station, the ones decorating the Church of Souls tell the lives of S. Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. They were completed in 1929, and almost 16 thousand tiles were used!
Fun Fact: The Church of Saint Ildefonso, Sao Bento Station and The Church of Souls were decorated by the same person.
Photo by Dominik Kuhn
Ingreja dos Clerigos
Heading 15 minutes back into the city the next stop on your list of things to do in Porto in a day is the Ingreja dos Clerigos, or Clerigos Church and Tower.
Another fine example of European architecture standing the test of time, the Ingreja dos Clerigos was built in the mid-18th Century and the impressive granite tower stands at 75 metres, making it a standout landmark. In fact, during your 24 hours in Porto, you’ll later be able to see this clock tower from various viewpoints as you walk around the city.
If you want to explore the church further, tickets are available to climb the tower and see the city from an alternative perspective.
Livraria Lello
If you’ve been here a while, you know I have a knack for finding Harry Potter inspiration in Sydney and other unlikely places. Well, Porto is home to many real life inspirations for J.K Rowling’s famous books, and Livararia Lello is one of them!
Coined the most beautiful bookstore in the world, Livraria Lello was built in 1906 and is said to be where the idea for Harry Potter first started.
Join a free walking tour to see more Harry Potter inspiration!
From its gothic exterior, to the art-nouveau interior, if you’re a keen book reader you could probably get lost for a full afternoon here. Every corner is covered in little detailing that is easy to miss because there’s so much to look at.
Due to its worldwide fame, you do have to buy a ticket to view inside now. Or go as part of a guided tour, but if you purchase a book while you’re there they’ll discount the entrance fee.
Photo by Ivo Rainha
Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelita
Close to the famous book store are Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelita, twin churches that are separated by the thinnest houses in the world. Casa Escondido is only 1.5 metres wide and is a sight in itself when spending 24 hours in Porto! There’s a rumour that this house was built to prevent the Nuns (who lived inIgreja dos Carmelita) and Monks (living in Igreja do Carmo) getting up to funny business.
These days the hidden house in Porto is open to the public as a museum and can be accessed via Igreja do Carmo and also gain you access to the Catacombs of Porto: something that, I’ll admit, I didn’t know existed and is now priority on my list of things to do in Porto next time we’re there!
If you love the idea of catacombs in Portugal. Check out Evora too! Home to the weird and wonderful chapel of bones!
Jardim da Cordoria
No city trip would be complete without visiting their gardens! From Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelita, our one day in Porto itinerary takes us back towards the Douro River for just 5 short minutes before we get to Jardim da Cordoria.
Like any city garden, Jardim da Cordoria is home to many exotic and rare plants. I love a botanical garden so this is a really nice place to escape to if you’re spending longer than 24 hours in Porto. If you’re just there for the day, it’s a nice cut-through as you make your way from Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelita to perhaps the most famous lookout point in Porto.
What I really like about Jardim da Cordoria is that it was designed by the same landscape architect that did the Crystal Palace gardens in London. If you’ve never been, they’re also a must when you’re in the UK!
For those of you who are photography enthusiasts, opposite the Jardim da Cordoria is the Portuguese Center of Photography which is housed in an old prison! Free entrance but of course takes up more of your time and if you only have 24 hours in Porto, I can’t say it’s a must.
Hidden alley near Porto Cathedral
Miradouro da Vitória
I couldn’t write a guide to one day in Porto without including one of the most famous view points in the city, could I?
Just like the rest of our list of things to do in Porto in a day, Miradouro da Vitória is only a short walk from the Jardim da Cordoria. It’s easy to understand now why walking is the best way to see Porto, isn’t it?
Being one of the best free viewpoints in Porto, it’s no surprise that there’s usually quite a few people up here. Located above the historic Ribeira quarter, from Miradouro da Vitória you’ll be able to look out over old roof tops, across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and Dom Luís I Bridge.
If you follow the route of this one day itinerary for Porto, accessing Miradouro da Vitória will be downhill. However, if you’re tackling it from the historic Ribeira part of the city, the walk can be quite steep with many steps.
View From Miradouro da Vitória
Porto Cathedral
Heading back towards the train station and main road of Porto, just 10 minutes from Miradouro da Vitória you’ll arrive in front of Porto Cathedral. There are some really good views from here too, but not at the same angle and if memory serves me right, not quite as high up either.
This is our last church on the list of things to do in Porto in a day, but it’s the most important one in the city and has been declared a national monument. Construction started in the 12th Century but, as with most old buildings so well preserved, it’s had lots of work done to it over the centuries.
You’d be forgiven for thinking Porto Cathedral was a fortress or a castle, rather than an old Catholic church. The nearby city walls that once protected the old city, and the battlements that decorate the top of the castle give it that fortress look.
You can tour inside but if you’ve visited Batalha Monastery, you may find it lacks the same intricate detailing and awe. Although the entrance is cheap at only €3, we preferred to admire from outside and enjoy the views
If you enjoy quaint little streets, follow the steps down the side of the viewpoint, and on the right, you’ll find a charming narrow laneway filled with plants and trinkets
View From Porto Cathedral
Ribeira
The Ribeira part of Porto is perhaps the most popular, the oldest but also the most lively – especially at night. Here you’ll find Port boutiques, restaurants, street performers and of course, beautifully tiled old buildings. Even the Mcdonald’s here blends in seamlessly (don’t worry, we’re not foodies but we’re also not going to suggest a Mcy’s for lunch either!)
From Porto Cathedral, there are a few different ways to access the riverfront. My favourite? Backtrack a little towards Miradouro da Vitória and walk down R. da Alfândega. The walk between the Cathedral and here will take you past a few more beautiful buildings, shops, cafes etc. and brings you out at the top end of the main stretch of Ribeira. From here you can walk towards the bridge, have some tapas and maybe a drink or too.
We’ve had drinks and food at several places along here and I can say, they’re all pretty good. Of course, being in the most touristy area of Porto prices are hiked somewhat – plus the view is beautiful from here.
Old Buildings In The Ribeira District
Dom Luís I Bridge
You’ve likely seen thousands of photos of this famous Porto bridge, and rightly so! It’s a true icon of Porto because it links the main hustle and bustle to the popular port cellar district, Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s a must see if you’re looking for things to do in Porto in a day!
Built on two levels, the Dom Luís I Bridge gives tourists an option to cross the river to the lower or upper part of Vila Nova de Gaia, Every time we visited through 2023, there was construction on the lower part of the bridge that made it look impassible, but it was. You just have to look past the tenting and you’ll find a narrow path has been left. It’s not as scenic due to the construction tents, so when you cross back from Vila Nova de Gaia, I recommend doing so from the top section – it’ll also save you walking up lots of steps through the city,
View Of Dom Luís I Bridge
Vila Nova de Gaia
Assuming you’ve crossed Dom Luís I Bridge on the lower deck from the Ribeira, from here you can walk along the scenic Vila Nova de Gaia riverfront.
Home to some of Porto’s oldest port cellars, it should be no surprise that on this side of the river is where you’ll find port tours, port tasting, port cruises and fine restaurants offering port pairings with your food. If you want to discover Portugal’s famous beverage, this is where you need to come!
Did you know? Vila Nova de Gaia is actually a city in its own right, but because it’s so close to Porto, many consider it one in the same.
While wandering up and down Vila Nova de Gaia is an activity in itself, here are some of the other things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia that are perfect if you still have time during your 24 hours in Porto:
Calem Port Wine Tour
Whenever we visit Porto with family, a Calem port wine tour is a must! Taking only 30-45 minutes, the day time tours are a great way to learn more about how Port is made and why Porto Port is world famous.
Here’s our full post on what to expect from a Calem port wine tour to help you decide if it’s something you want to do (spoiler: it’s totally worth it)
Try A Pastel de Baclhau
Pastel de Baclhau, or, salted cod fritters, are a Portuguese delicacy that can be tried all over the country. However, if you want a beautiful setting to try one in, you’ll want to head to Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau on the Vila Nova de Gaia main street.
Here you’ll find a vintage-style store selling fresh made, traditional Pastel de Baclhau. While the first Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau only opened in 2015, they claim their roots go back generations and that their recipe remains traditional. Whether that’s true or not, who knows, but what I do know is their Porto store is beautiful and reminds me of beauty and the beast for some reason?
Inside Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau
Porto Gondola
If you’re wanting to cross the Dom Luís I Bridge and head back into the centre of Porto, save your legs and take the gondola/cable car. The que for this was huge when we did it, you can buy your ticket ahead of time from the office under the stairs to save you some time.
The views from the top are really pretty. Nothing different to what you get from the street side of Dom Luís I Bridge but at least you didn’t have to walk up loads of stairs, right?
Want To Spend 2 Days In Porto?
If you’ve set aside plenty of time, and are looking for things to do in Porto in 2 days, here are a few things I’d add to the list:
Douro Valley Tour & Cruise
A bucket list thing to do in Porto is definitely a Tour Of The Douro Valley. These are often a full day tour, hence why you really need that extra day in Porto to be able to fit it in, but they’re worth every penny.
This one includes a traditional Portuguese lunch, wine tasting and a one hour tour on the river as well as 2 vineyard tours and photo stops along the way, a truly unforgettable day trip from Porto if you ask me!
Image By Allison @ Renovating Life
Calem Port Wine Tour With Fado Show
If you didn’t manage to squeeze in a port cellar tour during your first 24 hours in Porto, consider adding an evening tour with a traditional fado show to your day 2 itinerary. We really enjoyed our evening sampling port and listening to traditional Portuguese music, so you should definitely check it out!
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
Can’t get enough of the old buildings in Porto? To extend your one day in Porto itinerary to two days, add Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar to the list!
The views from the top are beautiful (as are all views in Porto!) and I consider it one of the lesser-known things to do in Porto because it always feels quiet around it.
Jardim do Morro
If on your second day in Porto you’re looking for a scenic park to enjoy a picnic from, head to Jardim do Morro. Again, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can access the garden by crossing the bridge on the top level, or using the cable car from the lower street. A beautiful place to watch the sunset!
I’ll be writing a complete 2 day itinerary for Porto soon. To be notified when that happens, follow us on Facebook!
Where To Stay In Porto
You’re not short of great hotels in Porto, and while we’ve done an overnight there a few times – we always stay at the Porto Centro Eurostar Hotel. Why? Because we’ve never had a bad stay at Eurostar hotels anywhere in Europe. Check in is always easy, the staff are always friendly and the breakfast is always lovely (although skip hotel breakfast if you want something more traditional)
Are there good smaller operated hotels and B&Bs in Porto? For sure! Use the map below to have a look at different accommodation options in Porto.
Is Porto Worth Visiting?
As you can see from this extensive list of things to do in Porto in a day, Porto is absolutely worth visiting. In fact, I recommend at least an overnight stop if you really want to experience Porto.
24 Hours In Porto Roundup
So there’s your complete one day Porto itinerary, covering all the best sights in Porto, the best way to see Porto, places to stay and our favourite historical buildings. I’m sure you can appreciate there was a lot we’ve left off – there’s only so much you can fit into 24 hours but if you’re looking for an extended Porto itinerary, or inspiration for day trips from Porto, stay tuned because those posts are coming up soon!
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