Porto is one of those cities you instantly fall in love with. The colorful facades with azulejos, the smell of freshly baked pastéis de nata and the vibrant life along the Douro River makes it one of the nicest cities in Portuga l. Even if you only have one day, the country’s second largest city knows how to effortlessly surprise you. In this article, we take you for a day full of culture, delicious food and the most iconic sights. Quickly discover the best things to do in Porto in one day.
Porto: the cradle of … Porto
After the capital Lisbon , Porto is Portugal’s largest city and the economic and tourist heart of the north. Porto consists of two parts, separated by the Douro River: Porto in the north and Vila Nova de Gaia in the south. As the city’s name suggests, Porto has a unique historical wine heritage. Traditionally, wine was shipped by boat from the Douro Valley to Porto to be stored there, and that tradition continues to this day. Along the Gaia waterfront, you’ll find dozens of wine cellars where big names like Sandeman and Graham store their Port, and which you can also visit.
10 best things to do in Porto
Porto is not particularly large, but it is quite hilly. The highlights described below are all within walking distance, but keep in mind that you may have to go through some steep streets. We therefore recommend ending your day at Cais da Ribera which is by the river, the lowest point of the city. Find out soon what to do in Porto!
1) Livraria Lello
You’ll start your day in Porto in one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world: Livraria Lello. It is said that J.K. Rowling was inspired by this place when writing her Harry Potter books, and upon stepping inside, you immediately understand why. The iconic spiral staircase in the middle, the beautiful stained-glass windows and the bookshelves piled to the ceiling make you feel like you are about to step into a fairy tale. Rowling herself lived in Porto for a time as an English teacher, so the connection to the city is certainly more than legend. Come as early as possible because the lines at the door can quickly get long.
TRAVEL TIP: The bookstore is hugely popular, so advance online reservations are necessary. You don’t pay an actual entrance fee, but buy a voucher that you can use to purchase a book. We recommend planning your visit early in the morning (starting at 9 a.m.) or in the late afternoon. Tickets can be purchased here.
2) Igreja do Carmo
Not far from Livraria Lello you will find Igreja do Carmo, one of the most beautiful churches in Porto. Its side facade is completely covered with beautiful azulejos, hand-painted blue and white tiles depicting the life of the Carmelite monks. But also look closely at the front, because then you will discover something special: they are actually two churches side by side. In fact, between the Igreja do Carmo and the Igreja dos Carmelitas is a house so narrow that you almost overlook it. According to legend, this narrow house was deliberately built to keep the Carmelitas nuns and the Carmo monks strictly separated.
3) São Bento station
Right in the center you will find São Bento’s station hall, and this is definitely more than an ordinary train station. The hall is completely lined with more than 20,000 hand-painted blue azulejos depicting historic battles and old Portuguese crafts. Even if you don’t take a train, a visit to the São Bento station is a must. Be sure to take some time to look around and admire the details. Meanwhile, are you feeling a little hungry? Behind the station is the Time Out Market, ideal for a local snack and the beautiful view just comes with it.
4) Mercado do Bolhoã
Since the fall of 2022, the Mercado do Bolhão has reopened its doors after a thorough renovation. For locals, this is much more than just another market: it is the place where Porto’s social life takes place. Take a leisurely stroll past the market stalls full of fresh vegetables, local cheeses and artisanal products, or slide into one of the small restaurants for an authentic Portuguese snack or a glass of port. Also be sure to head upstairs for a good view of the entire market.
Opening hours Mercado do Bolhão: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.
5) Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina
Are you a fan of the blue tiles you saw earlier at Igreja do Carmo? Then stroll through the cozy shopping streets after the Mercado do Bolhão toward Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina. The austere interior of the church is more than compensated by its beautiful side facade. Clad in no less than 15,000 blue azulejos, scenes from the lives of the saints are depicted here. We found this to be one of the most beautiful photo spots in Porto.
6) Eat a pastel de nata
You can’t come to Portugal without tasting the national pride: a fresh pastel de nata. This iconic Portuguese puff pastry is filled with a creamy custard and can be found in several pastelarias. We found the one at Manteigaria to be the very best, and while tasting this delicious pastry you can watch the entire baking process through the open kitchen. Another recommended place to taste pasteis de nata is at Castro Atelier. Trust us, it’s hard to stop at just one!
7) Cathedral of Porto (Sé do Porto)
Located on the highest hill in the Old Town, Porto’s cathedral is one of the city’s oldest monuments. The imposing Romanesque building dates back to the 12th century and has stood the test of time over the centuries. Be sure to take a look inside at the Gothic courtyard where you will once again see the famous blue and white azulejos surrounding you. From the square in front of the cathedral, Terreiro da Sé, you have an insane view of Porto’s rooftops and the Douro River winding its way through the city.
8) Cais da Ribeira
The Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly one of Porto’s most lively neighborhoods. Located on the Douro River, you will find colorful houses, narrow streets, cozy restaurants and the traditional rabelo boats that add character to the streetscape. Especially Cais da Ribeira (literally translated: “the quay of Ribeira”) is the beating heart of the neighborhood. One of the best things to do in Porto is to sit down on one of the many terraces here with a view of the Douro River and the impressive Dom Luís I Bridge. Especially in the late afternoon and evening it gets extra cozy here, when the sun slowly sets and all kinds of street performers give the best of themselves.
9) Ponte Dom Luís I
The most famous symbol of Porto is the world-famous Ponte Dom Luís I that has graced the cityscape since 1886. It was built by the team of Gustave Eiffel and in its graceful design you can clearly recognize the hand of the master. The bridge connects the districts of Porto and Gaia and consists of two levels. The lower level is where the cars drive, the upper level is for pedestrians and streetcars. Walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge is definitely one of the best things to do in Porto, but preferably you are not afraid of heights. After all, you’ll be walking some 60 meters above the Douro River with impressive views of the entire city in the meantime.
10) Sunset in Porto
Across the Dom Luís I bridge, the Gaia neighborhood awaits with on the right the bank with famous port wine houses such as Sandeman and Graham. You can visit these wineries with a guided tour and accompanying tasting. Turn left after the bridge and continue walking towards the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. This 16th-century monastery is located high on the hill and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River. Want to catch the sunset over Porto? Then this is the place. Be sure to arrive half an hour before sunset to get a good spot because you won’t be the only one!
Best restaurants in Porto
Portuguese cuisine is a delicious mix of fresh fish, seafood and meat dishes. But if you really want to eat like a local in Porto, you must try the francesinha . This is the ultimate Porto dish: a richly filled sandwich with various meats, often ham and steak, topped with melted cheese and finished with a spicy beer-tomato sauce. You often get a fried egg on top, too. A hearty meal that you walk right off in the hilly Porto.
Wondering where to eat in Porto? These are already some of the best restaurants:
- Do Norte Café: this brunch bar’s cozy interior will make you feel like you’re in Canada for a moment. The menu features delicious pancakes, advocado toast and tasty coffees.
- Mercado Bolhão: This is the place to be for a quick bite accompanied by a good glass of port.
- Time Out Market: not as grand as the one in Lisbon but always a must. You’ll find both local and international dishes.
- Muro do Bacalhau: You will find a lot of restaurants on Cais da Ribeira but only a few that are really good. Muro do Bacalhau is one of them and you eat right by the water.
- tascö: This fine-dining restaurant offers Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. Reservations in advance are recommended.
- Taberna dos Carris: do you want simple and local Portuguese cuisine? Then you have come to the right place at Taberna dos Carris.
Where to stay in Porto
The best neighborhoods to stay in Porto are Ribeira and Bolhaõ. Since Porto is not very big, you can easily explore all the sights on foot. In high season, prices can be quite high, so booking in time is recommended. In the Gaia district across the water it is often cheaper to sleep.
- Budget (€): Nice Way Porto Hostel
- Comfort (€€): Moov Hotel Porto Centro
- Luxurious (€€€): Eurostars Porto Douro
How to visit Porto in Portugal
Porto is easily accessible both by plane and train. The international airport is about 20 minutes from the city center and is easily connected by metro. Here you can see what the cheapest flights are. For many, Porto is also the start of a round trip through Portugal, where you travel south from Porto to Lisbon and the Algarve. Are you planning a road trip? Then we advise you to rent a car in time.
Within the city, it is easy to get around on foot, although you must take into account the sometimes steep streets. For longer distances, there are subways, buses and streetcars, but often you will pass the most beautiful places on foot. Using Uber is also accessible and affordable.
Best Travel Time Porto, Portugal
The best travel time for Porto is from April to June (spring) and September to October (fall).Temperatures are pleasant then, the city is lively and it is less crowded than in the summer months. In July and August it can get quite warm and more tourists flock to the city. Winter is also mild compared to many other European destinations, but it can rain heavily during this period.
Still have questions about what to do in Porto, Portugal? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or feel free to email info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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