Porto in a Day: A Comprehensive Guide

Planning to spend just one day in Porto?

This vibrant ‘city of bridges’ in northern Portugal is a treasure trove of experiences neatly packed into a day’s adventure. As a seasoned explorer who’s walked these charming streets, I’m excited to guide you through a day filled with Porto’s best sights and hidden gems.

We travelled all through Portugal in our motorhome, and Porto was our favourite city.

From the historic splendour of its ancient buildings to the modern pulse of its lively streets, Porto offers a captivating blend of old and new.

In this guide, I’ll share the must-visit spots, local secrets, and personal tips to help you immerse yourself in the essence of Porto, even if time is short.

Join me on this journey through Porto, where every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Great Tours to Include for One Day in Porto

We’ve included a self-guided walking tour and suggested itinerary for one day in Porto below, but to make the most of your time and to maximise your knowledge about the city, you might like to include a tour.

One Day in Porto – Suggested Itinerary

We caught a bus into Porto that dropped us near the Sao Bento Train station, so we thought this was as good as any point at which to start our day in Porto.

Use this list as a guide to plan your own itinerary based on your interests. We managed to walk to all of these places in around 8 hours, stopping at each stop to spend time and take photos.

A lot of walking is involved, and some parts of Porto are quite hilly, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes.

To jump to any of these suggested places, click the blue links where you’ll find more details about each place.

One Day in Porto Map

All of the above places are listed on this interactive map, making it easy for you to follow this itinerary for a day in Porto.

To use this map, expand it using the square symbol on the top right-hand side, and you will find the key on the left-hand side.

One Day in Porto (Oporto in Portuguese) – A Brief Step Back in Time

Although human settlement in the Porto area dates way back to the 8th century BC, it wasn’t until the 13th century that the production of its largest export, port wine, began to take root. By the early 18th century, the Douro wine region was formally recognised.

In 1996, UNESCO declared Porto a World Heritage Site, reinforcing the city’s unique and distinctive charm. Present-day Porto (or Oporto in Portuguese) has not stopped to catch its breath and is now Portugal’s second-largest city.

One Day in Porto: Best Places to See and Things to Do

The list of places we visited below was perfect for our one-day Porto itinerary without having to cram too much into the day.

As with most popular attractions, arriving early is the best approach to avoid being overwhelmed by the flood of tourists that Porto attracts.

1. Sao Bento Railway Station

Sao Bento railway station is Porto’s main station, but it is more than a train station. Its walls, adorned with azulejo tiles, portray moments in Portugal’s history, making it one of Porto’s tourist attractions.

It didn’t quite match the incredible train station designs we encountered in the Tashkent metro system in Uzbekistan, but was impressive nonetheless.

2. Porto Street Art

Porto, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, also boasts a vibrant street art scene that adds a contemporary flair to its ancient streets.

As you wander through Porto, prepare to be captivated by the myriad murals and installations adorn its walls.

We stumbled upon a couple as we wandered through Porto’s streets, but if you are interested in the many pieces spread throughout the city, take a Porto Street Art Tour.

Porto’s Blue Cat

In the smallest street in Porto, you’ll find this enormous mural of a blue cat with the weight of the city on its back. Created by the artist Liquen, the Blue Cat art, named Perspentico, demonstrates how “Nature is much stronger than everything we build.”

The mural’s blue hues echo the iconic Azulejo tiles of Porto, creating a visual connection to the city’s artistic heritage.

On Av. Vimara Peres, near Luís I Bridge, you’ll find this large art piece by Frederico Draw. AN.FI.TRI.ÃO, created in 2015, depicts a friendly old man welcoming visitors to the city. I felt it tells a story of age, wisdom, and the passage of time in Porto.

Jóia da Coroa on Rua Das Flores

We came across this pretty facade a little further along Rua das Flores. We stopped to take a photo but didn’t go in.

The Jóia da Coroa is a small multi-floor shopping gallery that houses a hundred-year-old jewellery store as well as a tea room on the first floor. It’s worth having a peep inside as it’s decorated with painted ceilings and chandeliers and retains the opulence of years gone by.

You might want to skip having a cuppa here, though, as customers have commented that it is very overpriced. So maybe pop your head in for a quick look and then find a nice cafe further along the street that’s perfect for shopping and strolling.

Exploring Porto’s street art brought back vivid memories of another unique art journey we embarked on – the intriguing island of Utsira in Norway.

While Utsira may not have streets in the traditional sense, its tracks and open spaces are adorned with a myriad of art, echoing a similar creative spirit to that of Porto.

Though different in their landscapes, both places share a common thread of transforming their environments into open-air galleries.

3. Jardim Da Cordoaria

This park, close to the Clerigos Church, is located on Rua Doutor Antonio Sousa Macedo.

It gives you the opportunity to get amongst some greenery and is within a short walk of all the Porto sights you can see in a day. It’s the ideal spot to stop with a takeaway coffee and absorb some quiet ambience in Porto.

You can watch the vintage trams slowly rattle by from here and grab some unrushed photos. It’s a great place to watch the world go by, surrounded by the local birdlife, a small lake and interesting statues.

4. Igreja do Carmo and Igreja do Carmelite

Igreja do Carmo, a Baroque-themed church built in the mid-18th century for the Carmelite order, displays a fantastic side façade of a typical azulejo (blue and white tiles).

Beside the Igreja do Carmo, separated by a one-metre-wide house, is another church, Igreja dos Carmelitas. It is said that the house was built to prevent the churches from sharing a common wall, thus preventing any naughty business between the Igreja do Carmo monks and the Igreja dos Carmelitas nuns. 

2024 Cost: Free

5. Livraria Lello & Irmao Historic Bookstore

The exquisitely designed and decorated bookstore, Livraria Lello, is one of the oldest bookshops in Portugal and has been internationally recognised as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.

Rumours abound that JK Rowling, who lived in Porto from 1991 to 93, was inspired by this bookstore while drafting the Harry Potter series. 

But, in 2020, the rumours were refuted by Rowling on her Twitter account. She said she had no idea the bookshop existed when she lived in Porto.

She did, however, confess to writing while she visited the Majestic Cafe. On her Twitter X account, she wrote:

If it cheers up the people who’re disappointed about the bookshop in Oporto, I wrote in here sometimes. This was probably the most beautiful café I ever wrote in, actually. The Majestic Cafe on Rua Santa Catarina.

J K Rowling

So, although not actually an inspiration in the creation of Harry Potter, the library still brings to mind Flourish and Botts, the bookshop on Diagon Alley where Harry Potter buys his school books for Hogwarts.

Kitsch mini plaster heads adorn some of the bookshelves, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to the bookshop.

Two local brothers bought Livraria Lello as an existing bookstore and, by 1906, had transformed the interior into what we see today.

The interior is complemented with an eight-metre long ornate stained-glass ceiling with the Latin script, ‘vecus in labore’ meaning ‘dignity in work’.

2024 Tickets: Timed entrance tickets are available online at €8 per person for a half-hour time slot. However, if you buy a book in the shop, your entrance fee is deducted from the price.

Or you could include a skip-the-line visit here with a highly reviewed guided walking tour of Porto, which includes Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Church, the São Bento railway station, Aliados Avenue, the Bolhão Market, the Carmo and Carmelitas church, and others.

👉 Find out more, check reviews or book this Lello bookshop and Porto walking tour here.

6. Clerigos Church and Tower

The baroque-style Clerigos church is a distinctive landmark visible from many areas of Porto city. Finished in 1750, it wasn’t until 1763 that the accompanying ‘Clerics Tower’ was rendered complete at a height of 75m.

You can climb the 200 steps past the 49 tower bells for 360-degree views from above.

Our Visitors Tip: 💶 2024 Tickets: Church entry is free; Clerigos Tower entry is €8 on their website. But it’s cheaper to order your ticket online with Get Your Guide here. We could save almost half by booking through GYG.

7. Liberty Square

Liberty Square (Praça da Liberdade), bounded by old 18th-century buildings, was once the economic, political and social centre of Porto.

It is a popular boulevard for tourists and those workers spilling out from their offices at lunchtime.

Here, you can admire the statue of King Pedro IV riding a horse and holding the constitution he fought to protect.

The attractive Porto City Hall (Câmara Municipal do Porto) and its 70m high clock tower is an impressive bookend to Liberty Square and the popular architectural Avenida dos Aliados (or the Avenue of the Allies).

As you stroll along Avenida dos Aliados, you’ll also come across the fountain and statue dedicated to the youth of the city. The Fountain of Youth and Menina Nua statue (means “Naked girl” in Portuguese) was installed in 1929.

8. McDonald’s… Did I Read That Right?

Yes, we’re suggesting you pop your head into McDonald’s in Porto.

Visitors have touted that Porto has the most beautiful McDonalds in the world. Now that’s pretty high acclaim indeed. Well, of course, we had to check it out.

And what did we think?

Well, it’s definitely the most attractive McDonald’s we’ve ever stepped into, that’s for sure.

Is it the world’s best, though?

You’ll need to make your own mind up on that one, but it’s worth poking your head in to have a look. 

9. Trinidad Church – Igreja da Santíssima Trindade

Behind the Porto City Hall, you’ll find this church. Not quite as impressive as many of Porto’s churches, it’s worth a walk by and has a pretty square in front of it.

I heard that the Garden Porto Cafe on the street corner opposite the church is worth stopping in if you are ready for some refreshments.

10. Chapel of Souls (Capaela Das Almas)

The Chapel of Souls is worth a quick visit. The tiles on the outside are amazing, and the inside, although much plainer, is worth a quick look – it’s free, too!

With an area of 360 square metres, this amazing azulejo facade depicts scenes of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. Re-tiled in 1929, approximately 16,000 tiles were used to bring this mosaic back to life.

Also of interest is the captivating stained glass window at the front of the building, which represents ‘das almas’ or ‘the souls’.

2024 Cost: Free

11. Majestic Cafe

As I mentioned, Majestic Cafe, in the main shopping street of Porto, Rua Santa Catarina, is where JK Rowling used to write.

This renowned coffee shop is decorated in the art nouveau style. With mixed reviews on Tripadvisor, if you love this kind of decor and want the experience, then it’s probably worth stopping in for a cuppa.

Otherwise, if you are on a budget, some visitors say a visit here is pretty pricey, so you might like to take a peek inside and keep walking.

12. Igereja Do Santo Ildefonso Church

This 18th-century Baroque-style granite twin-towered church shows off its typical azulejo facades on the building and bell towers. The 11,000 tiles used in the mosaic depict the life of Saint Ildefonso.

The church is just off the Praca da Batalha.

2024 Cost: Free

13. The Medieval Fernandine City Walls

Although there are sections of the ruined medieval Fernandine walls (Muralhas Fernandinas) throughout the city, those next to the Santa Clara Church are some of the most impressive – with great views too.

We found these next to the bronze statue of Arnaldo do Gama, a famous Portuguese writer.

If you haven’t had enough of visiting churches, the Santa Clara church, although not that impressive from the outside, was renovated in 2021 and boasts an incredible interior of gilded woodwork.

Although we didn’t see it, other visitors have raved about the intricate beauty of the woodwork gilded with gold.

2024 Tickets: Cost €4

14. Se do Porto – Porto Cathedral

The cathedral sits on the highest part if the city so if you visit here you have great views over the city. The cathedral is in the Batalha district, next to the ruins that were once the walls that protected the city. 

This Porto cathedral dates back to the early 12^th century and was built in Romanesque style. It is now classified as a National monument.

The cloister is decorated in a Gothic style and is decorated with azulejo tiles depicting stories from the bible.

On the church’s grounds stands a statue of Count Vimara Peres, the first Count of Portugal. The edge of the church grounds gives great views overlooking the Duoro River and over the surrounding city dwellings.

The square in front of the church has a tall column, and this is where the criminals of Porto were once hanged.

15. The Dom Luis Bridge

If this bridge brings to mind the Eiffel Tower in Paris, then it won’t be a surprise that a colleague of Gustave Eiffel, Théophile Seyrig, designed this iron wrought bridge, which opened in 1886.

The bridge has two levels, one for traffic and the other for trains, with both having access for pedestrians.

Dom Luis Bridge connects the Ribeira area of Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank of the Duoro River.

16. Visit a Port Wine Cellar

You’ll find a trove of port wine cellars along the southern side of the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, a short 10-minute walk across the Dom Luis I bridge. Choosing one won’t be easy.

An example is Caves Ferreira. This traditional cellar dates back to 1751, and is proud to proclaim that it has remained a Portuguese brand in all its 250 years. The cellar offers wine tasting and a talk on the history of wine and cheese platters.

17. Stroll the Ribeira

Ribeira means riverside, and this part of old Porto, overlooking the Duoro River is full of restaurants, bars and charming terraced houses worth wandering around.

Because Porto is so popular with tourists, many restaurants can be quite expensive. However, the Ribeira District in Porto old town offers many eating choices, including traditional Portuguese food. Afterwards, you can slip away to one of the many small bars in the area.

If you are careful with your money, as we are, then this article by Timeout lists the Best Cheap Restaurants in Porto, which may help you find somewhere reasonably priced if you want to eat out in Porto.

Local delicacies in Porto include Tripe – Porto style (not sure I’d be trying that one),  Francesinha, a meat sandwich covered in a cheese and beer sauce, and plenty of bacalhau, salted codfish.

Porto’s Trams

There are three tram routes around Porto. We walked everywhere, but they would be a fun way to get around the city if you didn’t want to walk everywhere.

Tram 1: Runs along the northern bank of the Duoro with good views – It’s the longest route

Tram 18: Runs in a loop from the Porto Tram Museum

Tram 22: Passes by Cormo Church and the Clerigos Tower

(❗️NOTE: Tram 22 route is closed until November 2024 due to a new Pink Line Metro Station)

For more info with prices and routes, go to the Porto Tram site here

The Porto City Card

Is it worth getting the Porto City Card?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do. But if you follow our itinerary, then there’s not much point.

You can buy a 1, 2, 3 or 4-day card. If you are in Porto for one day only and don’t intend on using any buses or the metro then I wouldn’t recommend buying it.

You get discounts, but these are mainly for the more obscure particular interest museums. You do get 25% off a Clerigos Tower ticket and 50% off at Real Companhia Velha Port Wine Cellars.

Tram costs are not included in the card. To see a list of what’s included and the price, click here.

Where to Stay in Porto

When considering where to stay in Porto, the choice truly caters to every preference, whether you’re rolling into town with a motorhome or looking for a charming guesthouse within the city’s pulsing heart.

Motorhome Parking at Gaia Biologico Park

On our travels through Europe in the campervan, we always tried to park the van outside of the cities, as driving a 7.5-metre motorhome in the city centres is not something we would even begin to call fun! 

The motorhome site we chose before visiting Porto was on the grounds of the Parque Biologico de Gaia.

We then caught a bus to Porto City Centre.

Beyond One Day: Quick Escapes Around Porto

If you find yourself charmed enough by Porto to extend your stay, the region teems with delightful day trips that promise equally enriching experiences.

Biological Park of Gaia

• Distance: A short 15-minute drive from Porto’s centre.
• Highlights: Over 35 hectares of diverse wildlife and botanical gardens.
• Visitor Info: Open year-round with a minimal entry fee. Check the latest prices.
• Why Visit: Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local flora and fauna without venturing too far from the city. We loved wandering through and also parked our motorhome for two nights here.

Douro Valley

• Suggestion: A trip to the Douro Valley is ideal for wine enthusiasts and those looking to soak in the scenic vistas of one of Portugal’s most famous wine regions.
• Experience: Offers a chance to explore picturesque vineyards, enjoy tastings of the region’s renowned port wine, and indulge in local cuisine.
• Planning: Consider a guided tour for an informative and hassle-free experience.

Arouca Geopark

• Travel Time: Just over an hour southeast of Porto.
• Attractions: Home to the 516 Arouca – the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
• Activities: Enjoy the Paiva Walkways, an 8-kilometre trail along the River Paiva in this UNESCO-listed Arouca Geopark
• More Information: Tickets and tour details.

Getting to Porto

Porto is easily accessible from Lisbon.

Here’s how to get there:

By Car

• Journey Time: Approximately 4 hours on well-maintained and signposted roads.
• Car Hire: For convenience, DiscoverCars offers competitive rates and excellent customer service. Considering a camper? Motorhome Republic has you covered.

By Bus

• Book Online: Easily book your bus tickets online for a hassle-free experience.

By Train

• Booking: Check train schedules and book via Portugal’s official train booking site.
• Departure: Lisbon’s ‘Estação do Oriente’ is your starting point.
• Arrival: Disembark at São Bento Train Station in Porto and begin your city adventure amidst the historic murals.

Remember, the São Bento Station is not just a travel hub; it’s a cultural landmark adorned with murals that illustrate Portugal’s rich history—a perfect segue into the heart of Porto.

Porto in One Day … That’s a Wrap

And there you have it, a day spent in the embrace of Porto’s charm. From the azulejo-tiled wonders to the soul-stirring street art, every corner turned is a story unfolding, a memory etched.

As you walk the paths we’ve tread, I hope you’ll find your own hidden gems and leave a piece of your heart in this city, as we did.

Fancy a visit to Porto or have tales to tell from your journey? We’d love to hear them. Share your own Porto encounters in the comments below, and let’s keep the travel spirit thriving!

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