One Day in Porto Itinerary: How to See the Best of Porto in 24 Hours

Is One Day in Porto Enough?

Let me be honest with you. Porto is not very big, yet it has a lot of heft. In 24 hours you can cover the highlights provided that you plan. But speeding up this city gives it the death-stroke. Porto treats mornings at a snail pace with espresso. It is friendly to travellers who stop on bridges.

Even the most impressive moments come between the landmarks rather than at them. Moreover, this guide provides you with a practical day which is well-timed. As a result, you will not miss the necessary attractions. You’ll walk medieval streets. In the end, you’ll leave wanting more.

Short Introduction to Porto and How to Spend This Itinerary

This tour is based on a route that is primarily on foot. I designed this plan to first-time visitors who preferred substantive and non-exhaustive travel. The path runs intuitively through historical center to the shore of the river to wine cellars and vice versa.

Arriving early? Start at 8:00 instead of 8:30. Landing at noon? Go directly to Ribeira and make adjustments.

Morning (8:30-11:30)

Breakfast & First Coffee (08:30-09:00)

Firstly, traditional pastelaria. Get order of a pastel de nata and a galão (Portuguese latte). Keep it light and fast. Then you will have a proper lunch afterwards. Coffee in the morning is very good in the local shops around Sao Bento station. Hotel breakfast should also be avoided. The city wakes up in its cafes.

Sao Bento Railway Station (09:00-09:30)

Walk to Sao Bento station. The exterior looks ordinary. The interior stuns you. The entrance hall is covered with tiles (azulejo) more than 20,000. These panels of hand painting relate the history of Portugal. Battles, royal processions, country life everything in blue and white ceramic. Spend 15 minutes here. Take photos. Then move on.

Porto Cathedral (Se do Porto) (09:30-10:15)

Head uphill to the cathedral. From there, the walk takes 8–10 minutes. Indeed, the skyline of Porto is dominated by the exterior. The fortification occurred in the 12th century. You may come in. Even so, all is to be found out there. The cathedral terrace has a panoramic view of Ribeira and the Douro River. So, stay here. And simply, breathe.

Medieval Streets Walk (10:15-11:30)

Down the middle of the medieval Porto. Use this neighborhood Rua da Bainharia. These small streets run through tiled facades and laundry lines. Get a halt when anything attracts your attention. (Alternative Escadas do Barredo)

Late Morning (11:30-13:30)

Ribeira Waterfront (11:30-12:15)

It is the postcard scene of Porto that you are in. To begin with, the hillside is made of colorful stacked buildings. Consequently, they are perfectly reflected in the Douro River. Unsurprisingly, it is the most photographed place in Porto. In particular, the morning light has a good effect here. The crowds haven’t peaked yet. Stroll the proliferation of riverside. Observe the rabelo (boats of the traditional port wine). Take a cafe in one of the terraces in case you need a diversion.

Dom Luis I Bridge Walk (12:15-13:00)

Go through the famous Dom Luis I Bridge. Two levels exist. The upper deck is superior to watch but it involves stair climbing. The lower deck is a continuation of Ribeira. I suggest the high level. The walk takes 15 minutes. The scenery covers the whole river valley. You will pass over to Vila Nova de Gaia, the wine cellar district of Porto.

Lunch Break (13:00-13:30)

Dine upon the Gaia side, or go back to Porto. There are simple grilled fish restaurants, francesinha sandwiches and seafood rice on the riverside. Don’t overthink this meal.

Afternoon (13:30-17:00)

Vila Nova de Gaia (13:30-15:00)

Time for port wine. There are dozens of cellars running along the river. Choose one of them. Tours last 45-60 minutes. They include tastings. Book ahead if possible. You will find out the way port wine matures. You will have a taste of ruby, tawny and vintage styles. One cellar gives you enough. There are a number of tours that consumed your afternoon.

Return to Porto (15:00-15:45)

Cross back to Porto. Along the way, the river views are provided with ease through the cable car. Soon after, it would put you close to the Ribeira district. From that point, you will go back up into the city.

Livraria Lello (15:45-16:30)

The bookstore in Porto is an infamous bookstore. Lines form daily. By going indoors you will save 30 minutes. The photos of the red facade are made in the street. When you go in the Art Nouveau staircase and the stained glass make it worth the ticket. Peak times (14:00-17:00) mean crowds. Early morning would be better.

Clerigos Tower Area (16:30-17:00)

Walk to Torre dos Clérigos. This bell tower is a 18 th century structure that characterizes the skyline of Porto. Adjacent to it, there is a free entrance to the baroque church (Igreja dos Clérigos) next door. Beyond that, its environs offer some of the finest stores and cafés in Porto.

Evening (17:00-21:00)

Jardim do Morro or Miradouro (17:00-18:30)

Jardim do Morro (in Gaia, close to the cable car) is a viewpoint that provides the city with sunset vistas. Here, wine and snacks are eaten by locals. Alternatively, it is possible to go to Miradouro da Vitória on the side of Porto. Bring a drink. Then, sit on the grass or the wall. All the while, gaze at the alteration of the light on the river.

Dinner (18:30-20:00)

Choose your dinner location. Such neighborhoods as Miragaia or Virtudes can be better valued. Order bacalhao or marisco arroz.

The 24 Hours in Porto: Making the most of it

You are not going to see all in a day. That’s okay. Porto is not about having a tick box. This plan will offer you organization but not oppression. Follow it loosely. Linger where Porto pulls you. Rush nothing. One intelligent day trip is better than a desperate three days run. You will go away of Porto contented, yet perplexed.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions