Porto might not be as big as Lisbon, but it’s got plenty of charm packed into its hilly streets and riverside neighborhoods. Even if you only have one day, this city knows how to leave an impression, with its mix of colorful buildings, historic landmarks, and, of course, port wine.
This itinerary skips the fluff and gets straight to the good stuff – must-see sights, hidden gems, and the best ways to soak in Porto’s unique vibe.
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Plan Your Trip
Why Visit Porto?
While Lisbon, the bigger and more bustling capital, is known for its bright, sunny streets and lively plazas, Porto – Portugal’s second-largest city – has a more laid-back vibe, with its charming old neighborhoods, darker buildings, cozy riverside spots, and rich cultural scene. Known for its iconic port wine, buildings covered in azulejo (tiles), and scenic Douro River views, Porto is perfect for a quick trip. Even if you only have one day, you can experience the essence of this historicall city. For those interested in a UNESCO World Heritage experience, Porto offers plenty of beautiful landmarks that are recognized globally, including the Porto Cathedral.
Where to Stay
For a one day Porto visit, stay close to the city centre to maximize your time. Consider options near Ribeira or São Bento for easy access to major attractions. Vila Nova de Gaia is also fairly close and with metro connection to the city centre.
- Luxury: The Yeatman – Renowned for its views and wine-focused charm.
- Mid-range: Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira – A stylish boutique option near the river.
- Budget: The House of Sandeman Hostel & Suites – Unique and perfectly located in Vila Nova de Gaia, with proximity to the famous wine cellars.
How to Get There
- By Air: Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is well-connected to many international destinations. From the airport, take the metro to the city centre in about 30 minutes.
- By Train: Campanhã and São Bento Stations connect Porto to other Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Coimbra. The São Bento train station is also an architectural gem worth exploring.
- By Bus: Companies like Rede Expressos and FlixBus offer affordable routes to Porto from nearby Portuguese cities or other European locations.
How to Get Around
- On Foot: Porto’s compact layout makes it easy to explore by walking. You might have heard of Portugal’s famous steep hills, so be prepared for hilly streets.
- Public Transport: Metro and trams are your best options for longer distances.
- Ride-sharing: Apps like Uber are widely available and affordable.
Is the Porto Card Worth It?
The Porto Card offers unlimited access to public transport and discounts on various attractions, including guided tours of the Palácio da Bolsa and museum entries. If you plan to use public transport often or visit multiple attractions, the card could help you save money. However, for a one-day trip, it’s worth checking your itinerary carefully. While most of the major attractions aren’t included or heavily discounted, the card does offer deals on lesser-known spots, dining options, and other experiences that might catch your interest.
Plan Your Trip
Capela das Almas
Begin your day at Capela das Almas, a striking chapel covered in blue-and-white azulejo tiles that depict scenes of saints and religious life. Located on Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s most famous shopping street, this chapel is a perfect introduction to Porto’s iconic tilework.
Mercado do Bolhão
Next, visit Mercado do Bolhão, a vibrant market that has been a cornerstone of Porto’s daily life for over a century. Explore its stalls filled with fresh produce, local cheeses, and baked goods. This is also a great spot to grab a quick coffee or snack.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
A short walk away is Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, another azulejo-adorned gem. Its façade is decorated with over 11,000 tiles depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso. Take a moment to admire its beauty before heading toward the city centre.
Avenida dos Aliados
Stroll down Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s grand boulevard, lined with stunning architecture and historical monuments. At the heart of the avenue is the beautiful Porto City Hall, a landmark worth pausing to photograph.
Igreja do Carmo
Head to the Igreja do Carmo, a baroque masterpiece famous for its intricate azulejo-covered side wall. This church is right next to the smaller Igreja dos Carmelitas, making for a fascinating juxtaposition of architectural styles. Pay attention to the narrow house between the two churches – it’s said to be the narrowest building in Porto.
Torre dos Clérigos
Climb the Torre dos Clérigos, Porto’s iconic bell tower, or simply admire it from the outside. Though, the 240 steps to the top are well worth the effort for panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and the Douro River. It’s a highlight of any Porto itinerary.
São Bento Station
Stop by São Bento Station, often considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Its grand hall is adorned with over 20,000 azulejos that depict historical events and traditional Portuguese scenes. This Instagrammable train station is for sure a must-see.
Porto Cathedral
Visit the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), a Romanesque cathedral that offers stunning views from its terrace. Its Gothic cloisters and azulejo tilework add to the charm of this historic site, making it a prime example of Porto’s beautiful church architecture.
Largo da Pena Ventosa
From the cathedral, wander to Largo da Pena Ventosa, a charming square with pastel-colored houses and a quieter, less touristy vibe. This spot offers a glimpse into Porto’s authentic side and it’s ideal to capture that Instagram-worthy photo.
Palácio da Bolsa
Discover the Palácio da Bolsa, Porto’s former stock exchange palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight is the Arab Room, an opulent space inspired by Islamic architecture. Guided tours are available to explore this historic landmark.
Ribeira
Make your way down to Ribeira, Porto’s colorful riverside district. Enjoy the atmosphere, colorful buildings, and the plethora of riverside dining options. This is an ideal spot to relax and soak in the city’s charm.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, stopping for spectacular views of Porto’s skyline. The bridge itself is an architectural marvel and offers some of the best photo opportunities in the city.
Miradouro do Teleférico
A short walk from the bridge, Miradouro do Teleférico provides an elevated viewpoint to admire the Douro River and Porto’s colorful streets. It’s a perfect stop for photos.
Jardim do Morro
End your day at Jardim do Morro, a tranquil park perfect for watching the sunset. Spread out on the grass and enjoy the golden hues as the sun sets over Porto’s picturesque cityscape. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your one day Porto adventure.
Extra Activities
Wine Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
If you have extra time, consider visiting a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. Learn about the history and production of port wine with a guided port wine tasting at famous wine cellars like Sandeman, Graham’s, or Taylor’s. The wine tasting experience is a must-do for wine lovers visiting the region.
Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is often called one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, drawing in book lovers and architecture fans alike. With its stunning woodwork, stained glass, and iconic grand staircase, it’s undeniably impressive. That said, some people feel the long queues and ticket price (which can be used toward a book purchase) make it less appealing. Keep that in mind when planning your visit!
With this itinerary, you’ll experience the very best of Porto in a single day, from its azulejo-covered landmarks to its iconic riverfront views. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick return, Porto’s charm will leave you inspired and longing for more.
I hope this article “1-Day Porto Itinerary: What To Do In 24 Hours” helped you plan your trip to Porto, Portugal! Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Usa #travelplannerholic para partilhares as tuas fotos comigo.
Um beijinho,
Catarina Vieira
I’m dying to go back to Portugal after visiting Lisbon and The Algarve so Porto is definitely on my list now!
I hope you get the chance to visit soon! If you enjoyed Lisbon and Algarve, you will love Porto as well!
We loved our visit to Porto. And found it so very different from Lisbon too. You had a very busy one day in Porto and sure saw a lot. The Portuguese tile art was so stunning in this city and well worth several stops.
Glad you loved it! It is a packed itinerary but fortunately the city center is quite small. I am already planning to go back to visit a few other places.
I absolutely love to visit indie book stores when I travel. Livraria Lello deserves being called one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. I would absolutely wait in line. The store just needs a resident (sales) cat!
Lello is definitely unique! Some people even associate it with Hogwarts, and I can see why. I totally agree with you, a cat would be the perfect resident!
I loved reading this post. Squeezing maximum things in 1 day is sometimes the best way to feel the city.
Thank you so much! Porto is one of those cities where all the places are close to each other, so it is easily visited in one day. And even if you cannot see everything, you will definitely feel the charm of the city.