One Day in Porto: The Perfect 24 Hours (Map & Packing List!)
What should I do if I only have one day in Porto? Is it worth visiting Porto for 24 hours?
The Douro River cuts through this picturesque town with its history in tow as it offers a true taste of Portuguese culture, authentic cuisine, hospitable locals, and Mediterranean climates. I absolutely love this stunning city and believe that even if you only have one day in Porto, it’s worth making the most of it!
As one of Europe’s most beautiful and oldest cities, Porto also happens to be the second largest city in Portugal. Known for its exceptional architecture and scenery, the city boasts a unique blend of red clay rooftops and cream-colored buildings that overlook the wide Douro River.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about heading to Porto for a day including the ultimate itinerary, how to get around efficiently, the top foods you should try while you’re there, and even a free pdf guide to 3 of Portugal’s best hidden gems right below here!
What To Do with 24 Hours in Porto
Planning your one day Porto itinerary and don’t know which sites, attractions, and things to do are the most important for the ultimate experience? We’re here to help! Our ultimate one day in Porto itinerary highlights the best attractions, places to eat, and how much time to spend in each place.
Of course, you may alter the itinerary slightly to suit your travel style (i.e. if you don’t need to see the cathedral, skip it!), but it has been arranged to ensure time and travel efficiency.
Before you make any changes, be sure to use Google Maps to check that you won’t be retracing your steps if you decide to switch things around. When you only have one day to see and do everything, time is of the essence!
We also suggest arriving the evening before you begin your itinerary or very early in the morning to Porto, if possible, to ensure you get a full 24 hours in this wonderful port city. The itinerary also begins in the center of the city, which is a great place to stay.
Morning
Head to Orpheu Porto for breakfast – it’s one of the best tapas restaurants in the city serving up traditional-style all-you-can-eat brunches, fresh fruit, bruschettas, egg entrees, and more! Make your way up Rua da Bainharia, just a 4-minute walk from the Porto Cathedral, to get there.
After breakfast, it’s time to start exploring! We’ll start with the remarkable Igreja dos Clérigos. This Catholic church is an iconic landmark in Porto, easily recognized by its tall bell tower.
You can choose to gawk at the structure from the exterior, or if you’re so inclined, head inside to climb the 225 steps of the bell tower to witness the sweeping views down the Douro River, then head over to the Clérigos Museum!
Next on our list is the Livraria Lello Bookshop. Even if you aren’t one for reading or libraries, this one deserves even just a quick stop.
As one of the oldest book stores in Portugal known for its iconic red, medieval staircase, Livraria Lello is often rated as one of the best book stores across the globe!
On your way to the first charming square in Porto, you’ll pass by the beautiful Igreja do Carmo Church. Elegantly adorned with blue and white glass, this baroque church makes for a lovely stop on your Porto itinerary.
From here, make your way down Guil. G. Fernandes where you’ll make a right onto the famous Rua da Fábrica. Enjoy your walk through dozens of shops and restaurants before finding yourself in the center of Liberdade Square!
This beautiful square is eloquently embellished with historic architecture and highly detailed facades.
Enjoy a stroll up the Avenida dos Aliados for more shopping opportunities, or continue to make your way down to the São Bento Train Station, a stunning 20th-century railway station that has become an important Porto landmark in past decades.
Our next stop is the famous Porto Cathedral! Found in the historic center of Porto, this monumental church dominates the surrounding streets and can be seen from many places in the city.
Whether or not you choose to explore the inside of this 12th-century Romanesque building, it deserves at least a few moments of your time during your 24 hours in Porto.
Afternoon
Now, it’s time to do one of two things. You can either make your way down to the riverfront and stroll over the Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte Luis) for the best views of the city, or you can turn right at the riverfront and head towards the lovely Ribeira Square (shown above) for an authentic Portuguese lunch.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably getting hungry by now, so we’re going to take you to Ribeira Square!
Wander the dozens of umbrellas and search the menus for whatever you’re appetite is seeking.
Since you’re in Portugal, I highly suggest something with local seafood. This is where you’ll find the freshest, homemade recipes for the local ingredients, so you won’t be disappointed coming here for lunch!
Once you’ve had a chance to eat lunch and explore the different shops and craft stores along the famous Cais da Ribeira waterfront, walk down the Rua da Alfândega towards the Bolsa Palace (inside the Santo Ildefonso municipality).
The Bolsa Palace of Portugal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. One can see for miles on end, and enjoy a view that looks over mountains and lakes as well as the city of Porto!
Evening
Head over to the Luís I Bridge and take in the views of the tremendous cityscape, riverfront, boats, and wandering people. This is the most iconic landmark in Porto, so be sure to spend a little extra time strolling this colossal viewpoint!
While these squares, cathedrals, and landmarks will probably take you the majority of the day, if you’re a quick sightseer, there’s more in store for you!
Once you’ve finished exploring for the day and you start to get hungry again, there are a few restaurants we highly suggest.
These include Porta 4 and Taberna do Largo for some of the best Portuguese food in the city, as well as Farinha for pizza, and Tapabento S.Bento and The Ribs for delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere!
After dinner, we suggest enjoying a glass of wine on the Douro riverbank at one of the dozens of streetside cafes. Felicidades!
Now, you may be thinking: “Wait – this whole day only includes 45 minutes of walking? Shouldn’t there be more?”
And the answer is, keep in mind how much time you’ll want to spend in each place, the amount of time you’ll spend getting off track and exploring different streets, how long you’ll spend shopping in stores and wandering through all of the different squares and markets, and how much time it will take you for meals if you choose to sit down at restaurants.
This itinerary brings you to the best locations in Porto, but remember just how easily something can catch your eye.
It’s likely that you’re going to get distracted and find yourself taking all day to complete this itinerary, so don’t plan for too much then find yourself disappointed if you can’t get to everything.
If you do find that you have more time, jump down to the next section where you’ll find more options for if you have more than 1 day in Porto (or are just a really fast sightseer)!
Map of 1 Day in Porto Itinerary
If you plan on spending the majority of your day walking from place to place, then this map will give you some guidance on how long it will take (on average) to get around.
You also have the option of renting bikes, taking the metro, or hiring taxis for your convenience. It makes for a great one day walking tour of Porto if you’re up for it!
How to Get to Porto
If you’re simply taking a day trip from Lisbon to Porto, then I highly suggest taking the train. It’s affordable, fast, and convenient since it will drop you off and pick you back up in the center of the city.
🚆 If you’re thinking about taking the train from São Bento station in Lisbon to Porto, read our full guide on the journey here!
If you’re coming from the Porto International Airport, then a quick 30-minute metro ride will bring you directly to the Porto city center. Trains leave every 25-30 minutes, so you’ll never have to wait very long.
You also have the option of renting a car and driving yourself to Porto from anywhere in the country. This is going to be the most expensive option, but it allows you the most freedom and flexibility with your travel plans.
Just be aware that driving through the cities of Porto and Lisbon can be quite overwhelming owing to the large number of pedestrians, a general lack of available parking, and endless one-way streets.
It’s easy to get turned around, and walking is definitely the best method of transportation when you’re in the cities. I recommend only using a car if necessary, but if the train will suffice, then that is your best option.
How to Get Around Porto
When you first arrive in Porto, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out how to get around. There are several different methods that locals and tourists use for transportation: public transit, walking/biking, taxi, or Uber (a cheaper alternative).
The tram is the most common means of transportation within the city because not only does it cover more ground than other modes of transport but also takes riders across bridges over the Douro River.
Since Porto is very walkable with the majority of major attractions, museums, landmarks, and squares being within close proximity to one another, walking will likely be your main mode of transportation during your one day in Porto.
Renting bikes is a fun and efficient way of getting around if you really want to squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a short amount of time, too!
While taxis are an option, I highly suggest you don’t use them. Taxis are very popular for scamming tourists with inflated rates and fees, and are the most expensive option on our list by far as it is.
If you really need a personal ride somewhere that the train can’t get you, use Uber instead! You’ll need to download the app in advance, but at least you’ll know what you’ll be charged before you get in the car which prevents you from getting scammed.
Another great way of seeing the city is by taking a Douro River Boat Tour as I described above.
Not only do they allow you to sit back and relax while sightseeing, but they also provide you with exceptionally unique perspectives of the city you would never see otherwise.
Many Douro River cruises also include food and if you’re interested in a port tasting or two, then check out the tour I shared above, it’s a win-win situation!
Half Day in Porto Itinerary
If you only have a half day in Porto or even just a few hours in Porto, don’t fret! The city is extremely walkable and easily navigable, so you can get a good feel for the place in just a few hours.
Start your day with an early breakfast on one of the many terraces along the Cais da Ribeira. You can then take a stroll around the famous Livraria Lello bookshop and soak up some culture at one of the nearby museums.
For a mid-day picnic, I’d recommend heading to the Palácio de Cristal. It’s known for its amazing gardens that are perfect for some afternoon relaxation time.
From there you can take in fantastic views of the Douro River and also see some of Porto’s best architectural works, including Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves).
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, take the iconic Teleférico de Gaia cable car over to Vila Nova de Gaia and tuck into a Port wine tasting at any one of the many cellars.
You can find everything from special tours of the cellars to personalized tastings, and I can practically guarantee you’ll find the perfect bottle of port to bring home with you!
Porto Itinerary 2 Days (or More)
If you’re able to spare a little extra time in Porto, then a 2 days in Porto itinerary is just for you!
As one of the best regions in Portugal for wine and seafood, you could actually spend weeks here without getting bored.
Here are a few extra options in case you follow the above itinerary and find that you have more time to explore, or if you decide to stay in Porto for more than one day. Enjoy!
✔️ Take a Douro Valley Wine Tour
✔️ Get on a Douro River Boat and Wine Tour
✔️ Take an hour train ride to the Foz do Douro
✔️ Soak up some sun on Matosinhos Beach
✔️ Explore what’s left of the original city of Porto at the Muralha Fernandina
✔️ Have a picnic in the Parque de Cidade
✔️ Dive deep into history in Porto’s numerous museums
If you have time for a 3 days Porto itinerary, don’t skip the Douro River cruise and a day trip to the Douro Valley… even if you don’t love wine, you’ll appreciate the unique culture and stunning scenery that you won’t get if you skip these activities.
Where to Stay in Porto
With several different neighborhoods and a lot of factors to consider, choosing where to stay in Porto can be hard. But, I’m here to give you a little insight into each place to take the stress out of deciding where to stay!
✔️ Ribeira
First, the riverfront neighborhood of Ribeira is one of the most popular in Porto. It has everything you’ll need for a great stay: river views, plenty of authentic eateries, hospitable locals, charming, windy streets, bars that stay open late, and more!
This is one of the liveliest areas of the city, however, you’ll be a little bit further from the majority of the city’s attractions.
One of the best hotels in the heart of Ribeira is the Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection By Hilton. This 4-star hotel is known for its hip and trendy rooms, modern amenities, and incredible location.
Not to mention their wonderful onsite restaurant and bar where they serve up fresh, local cuisine each and every morning at breakfast!
✔️ City Center – Baixa
If you know you’ll be spending a lot of your time in museums or bouncing between churches and cathedrals, possibly consider staying closer to the city center where you’ll find the Sao Bento Train Station and Avenida dos Aliados.
This area puts you in the prime location for public transportation if you don’t want to do a lot of walking, and is in the center of many churches, cathedrals, museums, bars, restaurants, and shops!
Since this is such a central place to stay, there’s no wonder why tourists choose to stay here most of all. If you find yourself in this category, check out the BessaHotel Baixa! Located in the heart of Porto, you’ll be in the middle of all of the major landmarks and tourist attractions while also only being a short walk to the iconic promenade along the Douro River.
Known for their beautifully designed contemporary rooms and suites, you and your entire family can relax here knowing you’ll be well taken care of.
While you’re there, enjoy their indoor swimming pool, their amazing onsite restaurant and bar, and even consider getting a message at their lovely spa. No matter what you came to Porto to see, BessaHotel Baixa is perfect for the whole family!
✔️ The Arts District – Cedofeita
Looking for some quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the bars and restaurants? Check out Porto’s Art District near Rua do Rosário and the Rua Miguel Bombarda.
Around this neighborhood, you’ll find endless museums, art exhibits, and popup art galleries created by local designers and artists! You’ll also be surrounded by quaint streetside cafes and some trendy bars and restaurants.
This will help limit the amount of late-night noise that makes its way into your bedroom if you’re looking to spend your one night in Porto cozied up indoors! But don’t worry, thanks to Cedofeita’s good location within walking distance of many of the city’s famous sites, you’ll still be able to get around easily during your one day in Porto.
So, if this sounds more like your style, be sure to check out the Rosa Et Al Townhouse! Surrounded by stunning art galleries and eclectic studios, this hotel was made for the art enthusiast in your group.
The hotel’s chic rooms are accompanied by views of its charming outdoor garden and its onsite restaurant caters to those seeking fresh, organic dishes created to order. Equipped with a private library and freestanding bathtubs, this is one luxurious hotel you should consider visiting on your next trip to Porto.
While these are the most popular neighborhoods to stay in Porto, there are plenty of smaller districts that are worth giving a look if you have more time.
If you’re really sticking to just one day in Porto, I highly suggest choosing one of the above districts for your accommodation.
↪️ Seeking an Instagram-worthy hotel in Lisbon for this summer?? We’ve got 19 Lisbon hotels with rooftop pools that should be on your radar!
What to Eat in Porto
This riverside port city serves up the freshest seafood imaginable! Head over to one of the many seafood restaurants and enjoy fresh fish dishes like Bacalhau à Brás or Cataplana made with shrimp, clams, squid rings, and saffron rice for an authentic Portuguese experience.
Portugal’s food is a balance of flavors that are uniquely rich, salty, delicate, and light at the same time.
One dish, in particular – Francesinha (a sandwich made with ham and cheese) has become Portugal’s most popular snack to serve visitors!
Portugal, the country of tripe and bacalhau, is a land brimming with culinary diversity. For those who are new to Portuguese cuisine, there’s plenty for exploration from Alheira sausage wrapped in bacon to Bolinhos de Bacalhau deep-fried codfish cakes.
Those looking for something different can try Tripe soup or the creamy and melty Queijo da Serra da Estrela cheese.
Also known as a staple lunch across Portugal, the Bifana Sandwich is a soft bread stuffed with thinly sliced pork that’s been marinated.
The marinade depends on where you are but typically it includes a zesty sauce or mustard to cut the richness of the fatty pork. Simply delicious!
Have a sweet tooth? Try the delicious Tarte de Amêndoa (almond tart) which never fails as an excellent sweet treat on Portugal’s coastlines during summertime days or the ever-so-popular custard tart, the Pastéis de Nata!
These desserts are perfectly sweet with a silky smooth custard center and are surrounded by a pristinely made crunchy, flaky, buttery pastry.
Nearly bite-size (depending on the size of your mouth), these pastries make the perfect on-the-go snack or dessert!
Best Restaurants in Porto
Depending on the type of food you’re looking for, Porto has something for everyone. Owing to its unbeatable location perched over the Douro River and its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, seafood is award-winning in this region of the world.
However, if you’re after a tender and juicy steak, then you can’t do better than Muu Steakhouse on Rua do Almada. They’re also known for their exciting vegan options and decadent seafood menu!
As for traditional Portuguese fare, look no further than Taberna Dos Mercadores and Bota&Bira! These restaurants know what it means to be authentic, and they’re serving up mouthwatering flavor in every dish that comes out of the kitchen.
But, if finding unparalleled seafood is your primary concern, then any one of the aforementioned restaurants will do the trick.
You can practically find amazing seafood no matter where you go in Portugal, so don’t get too caught up in finding a specific restaurant for this.
Best Porto Day Tours
If you only have 1 day in Porto, Portugal to see the best of everything, that can get overwhelming.
We get it! If you would rather let someone else be responsible for getting you around to all of the best sights and activities in a timely manner, check out some of the top-rated tours below!
Best Day Trips from Porto
Aveiro
If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip from the city, Aveiro is the perfect destination. The city can be found on Portugal’s west coast and offers many scenic attractions such as gondola rides along the river and plenty of unique museums.
If foodie culture sounds like your thing, then don’t miss out on all of the amazing cuisine that Aveiro has to offer!
Aveiro provides an idyllic escape from reality with its beautiful scenery. Take in some sights by exploring this region via boats that float lazily through town before enjoying a beautiful, riverside dinner and walking along the oceanfront to look at the vibrant houses of Costa Nova!
This city features old buildings, markets with fresh produce and baked goods, and beautiful riverside vistas – all of which make it worth an exploratory trip to see for yourself!
The Douro Valley
Looking for a sensational one day trip from Porto? Well, the Douro Valley is a must-see on any multi-day trip to Portugal and the best way to do this is through a Douro Valley tour.
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this small region sits along the border with Spain and has something that appeals to every traveler’s fancy.
From flower-dotted hiking trails through vast vineyards to stunning wine estates and port wine cellars where visitors can learn the top tips on how port wines are produced, this truly is one of the best day trips from Porto!
And for those not looking to explore what the area is best known for (its wine, of course!), the area also offers stunning scenery and plenty of things to do outside of wine tasting.
Although, if you get a taste of one of Portugal’s famous port wines, I have a feeling you’ll be persuaded into bringing a bottle (or two) home.
Braga
Braga, Portugal is a beautiful destination for history and romance seekers alike. It is home to many interesting and beautiful sites for tourists including the old town center that has been beautifully preserved since the 15th century, as well as the impressive Guimarães Castle.
For those looking to explore its historical roots, the Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte offers some insight into Portuguese culture through its architecture alone.
This town is also full of ancient buildings that date back to the 12th-14th centuries which have been well-preserved over time with their unique architecture still intact.
Braga also offers visitors many other attractions such as museums, parks for picnicking or playing sports, as well as cafes to enjoy some pastries and coffee on the go while exploring its cobblestone streets!
FAQ
Can You Do Porto in 1 Day?
Absolutely, you can definitely explore Porto in just one day! Although Porto has plenty to offer and could keep you entertained for days on end, it’s possible to hit some of the key sights and get a real feel for the city in a day. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
Kickstart your day bright and early at Ribeira Square, the historic heart of the city. Take your time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery. Next, head to the iconic Clérigos Church, and if you’re up for it, climb the 200 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of Porto.
From there, I’d suggest a visit to the nearby São Bento Railway Station, which is a work of art in itself. It’s renowned for its beautiful tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history.
After a quick lunch at one of the local restaurants on the popular Rua de Santa Catarina, make your way to the Porto Cathedral, a magnificent monument that’s an integral part of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.
To wrap up the day, meander along the Douro River to the Dom Luís I Bridge. Seeing the sun set over the city from this spot is a truly unforgettable experience.
Remember to pace yourself and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of this incredible city. Even though it’s a whirlwind visit, you’ll be amazed at how much you can experience and enjoy in just one day!
Is It Worth Going to Porto for One Day?
Porto is absolutely worth visiting even if you only have one day!
From the vibrant city’s old town squares, historic architecture, and beautiful overlooking perfect for snapping some great landscape photos to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there is no shortage of amazing things to do here.
There’s also its stunning location and impressive backdrop over the Douro River which makes the city worth visiting in and of itself. Plus, it’s one of the best cities in not just Portugal, but also in Europe to treat yourself to fresh seafood galore.
Whether you’re looking to add culture, nature, panoramic vistas, or impeccable cuisine to your vacation, Portugal certainly will not disappoint with the port city of Porto offering everything you could hope for in a European vacation.
Is One Day in Porto Portugal Enough?
Technically, yes, 1 day in Porto is enough, but don’t be fooled into thinking you wouldn’t benefit from more time here.
This historic city is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, with its cobblestone streets lined by brightly colored buildings that tell stories from a time when this was an important trading center between the east and west of Europe.
With so much to do, see, and learn about, it can be overwhelming to wonder if one day in Porto will be enough.
However, due to Porto’s compact size and highly walkable setup, even if you have just 24 hours in Porto, you’ll be able to knock many of the major attractions and sites off of your Porto bucket list! Porto is an incredible place to visit that keeps visitors returning year after year, and it’s easy to see why.
So, how many days in Porto should you spend? Well, most visitors typically spend at least 2 days in Porto to thoroughly explore its lovely streets, try the Bacalhau, and enjoy a glass of wine over the Douro River, the city can be seen in a single day.
Just be sure to pack some good walking shoes if you’re hoping to get to everything in one day! Anything with a heel or shoes with an open-toe, are simply nada bom (not good in Portuguese) on the city’s hills and jagged cobblestone streets.
How Much Time is Enough in Porto?
In our opinion, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Porto. This gives you enough time to explore the city at a reasonable pace, enjoy the views from a Douro Valley river cruise, and even have the option to take an award-winning wine tour from Porto!
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, sitting just behind Lisbon, so there is a lot to do and see.
It also has some of the freshest seafood and is home to the best wine in not only the country, but also in Europe as many would argue.
Foodie travelers should definitely be prepared to stick around a bit longer than one day, because you simply won’t have enough time to see everything and indulge in the city’s cafes and restaurants.
If you have the ability to spend upwards of 1 week in Porto, then don’t be afraid to stick around!
Porto, or Oporto according to the locals, is a wonderful destination that’s covered in charming cobblestone streets and makes for the perfect starting point for endless day trips to wine country and other nearby cities (seriously, just check out these 11 BEST Porto boat tours!)
We don’t recommend spending only one day in Porto if you have the option of spending more time, but if you don’t, then you can still squeeze a lot into your one day of sightseeing!
How Do I Spend a Day in Porto?
There are plenty of ways to spend a day in Porto.
You could visit one of the many museums, go for a walk or a bike ride along the Douro River, have a picnic in one of the city’s parks (Parque de São Roque is particularly good), or enjoy some of the local cuisine in one of the dozens of restaurants and cafes lining the Cais da Ribeira.
If it’s your first time in Porto, I highly recommend picking up one of the most recent Portugal travel guides to help you decide which activities may be the best for you and the amount of time you have.
What To Do in Porto in 4 Hours?
Even with just 4 hours in Porto, you can still experience the essence of the city. Start by visiting the iconic Ribeira Square, followed by a quick tour of the Clérigos Church tower – it gives you an unparalleled view of the city.
Next, head to the São Bento Railway Station to marvel at the beautiful tilework. Grab a quick snack from a local bakery, then proceed to the Porto Cathedral.
Finish off your quick tour with a walk along the Douro River and take a moment to admire the view from the Dom Luís I Bridge. Despite the tight schedule, this itinerary should give you a taste of the vibrant culture and rich history that Porto has to offer.
I’d suggest not getting overwhelmed by the amount there is to do there, and focusing on a few priority sites during your visit.
Is Porto Cheap to Visit?
Porto, Portugal is a beautiful city, and it’s also surprisingly affordable to visit. In fact, it’s actually one of the cheapest places to visit not only in Portugal, but in Europe, as well!
Porto offers travelers not only affordable accommodations but also unbeatable deals for restaurants serving world-class cuisine at local prices, and extremely manageable flight costs.
If you plan on spending more than one day in Porto, you’ll also notice that the cost of living here is extremely affordable.
The supermarkets in Lisbon and Porto provide fresh, local ingredients at market prices, long-term apartment rentals are far cheaper than most other countries in Europe, and a pint of beer will only set you back about 2€.
As well as being inexpensive to live there, Porto also offers fantastic tours that won’t put your wallet in jeopardy either!
For example, that full-day (9 hours) Douro River Boat Tour that includes hotel pick up and drop off, roundtrip Douro transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a specialized guide, a guided tour of 2 high-quality wineries and tastings, a regional lunch including alcoholic beverages, a total of 6 wine tastings, a one-hour scenic tour through Pinhão, as well as local olive oil and jam tastings, all only costs around 110€ ($130) per person!
A tour like this in other wine regions of Europe would cost nearly double that price, but not in Porto! This city is very affordable to visit, and in some cases, the word “cheap” fits perfectly.
Similar to most European cities, try to avoid the main tourist squares for your food and accommodation, and you’ll find that your trip to Porto didn’t even come close to breaking the bank!
Should I Do a Day Trip to Porto from Lisbon?
Unfortunately, no, a one day trip to Porto from Lisbon is not worth it. Unfortunately, the reality of the matter is that this would be way too much to try and squeeze into one day.
While Porto is a magical port city filled with everything most travelers dream about experiencing, if you only have one day to explore Porto, then it simply isn’t worth your time to take the train there and back in one day.
The average train from Lisbon to Porto takes between 3 1/2 hours to 4 hours and 15 minutes one way! That means you’ll be spending a minimum of 7 hours on a train getting to Porto and back which leaves very little time to actually explore and sightsee.
“But, what about the high-speed train? That’s probably a lot faster, right?” Well, yes and no.
↪️ If you do decide to head to Lisbon on a day trip from Porto, you can get acquainted with what there is to do there with my 1 Day in Lisbon itinerary and these 11 Incredible Lisbon Boat Tours!
The high-speed train will take you about 2 hours and 40 minutes to get from Lisbon to Porto. So, if you needed to make that trip twice in one day, that’s about 5 1/2 hours of traveling in one day.
Personally, I would much rather explore one city to the fullest and really have a good grasp on the food, the culture, the people, and the sites, than explore two cities in a very short amount of time and barely see what each has to offer.
Don’t get me wrong! It’s an easy train ride, and the views are nothing short of breathtaking as you pass through lush Portuguese landscapes before arriving in modern-day Port wine country.
But, unless you have at least a couple of days to spend in Porto, the train ride won’t make the day trip worth it.
How Walkable is Porto?
Yes, Porto is a very walkable city! Luckily for travelers, the city center is relatively small and most of the main attractions are within walking distance.
In addition, Porto has an extensive network of pedestrian pathways, making it easy to get around without a car. The narrow streets, cobblestone alleys, and colorful buildings provide plenty of charm for those who choose to explore by foot.
Moreover, many locals travel around the city on foot or by bike, giving a great opportunity to interact and get to know the locals better.
Overall, Porto is a great choice for travelers who wish to explore a destination on foot!
Should You Get the Porto Card for One Day?
The Porto Card is an affordable city pass that provides you with many great offers and discounts and starts at 13€ for one day. Now, how are you supposed to know if the Porto Card is right for you? Don’t worry, we’re about to tell you all about it!
↪️ What It Includes:
➡ Free entry to 6 museums (Casa do Infante, Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro, Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio, Museu Romântico, Museu do Papel Moeda, Museu do Vinho do Porto)
➡ 50% off on entry to 14 other museums and monuments
➡ 50% off on 1 Porto wine cellar
➡ Up to 15% off on vehicle rentals
➡ Up to 50% off on concert halls/theatres
➡ Up to 20% off on road trip tours in Porto, Douro, and Minho
➡ Up to 25% off on sightseeing buses
➡ Up to 20% off in restaurants
➡ Up to 25% off on shops
➡ Up to 48% off in car parks
➡ Free transportation (subway, STCP buses, CP trains) for the entire day
** All of the above information in the bulleted list comes directly from CityPasses.EU (linked above)**
Now that you know what the Porto Card includes, do some research and decide if the included attractions are high on your priority list.
In my opinion, even if you plan on just visiting one or two of the above attractions, plan on booking one of the available tours, or think you’ll be using public transportation throughout the day, you should buy the Porto Card!
The pass will save you a considerable amount of money than if you were to pay for each of the above attractions and offerings separately.
If you end up using the public metro even just a couple of times, you’ll spend 2,40€. If you plan to enter the Casa do Infante or the other museums, they will cost you around 2.20€ per one that you visit.
As you can see, the Porto Card is a great deal if you plan on using the available discounts and free passes.
However, if you don’t have a need to explore the available museums, will be mainly walking around the city, and don’t find any of the above tours interesting, then you won’t need to purchase a Porto Card.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for One Day in Porto?
While it may seem unlikely that anything may go wrong, I always recommend purchasing travel insurance. Some popular options include World Nomads which is great for more adventure itineraries like high-altitude trekking and SafetyWing (my personal favorite).
This will keep you covered in the event that you become sick or injured and can’t continue your travels. To get a full description of coverage, click the links and fill out the information.
I personally can’t tell you how many times I’ve had my flights delayed or canceled, gotten my bags lost or damaged, had to cancel my travel plans for last-minute reasons, and the like.
SafetyWing is so incredibly inexpensive and worth the peace of mind that it would be silly not to buy it. Seriously, I paid a total of $83 for 3 full weeks of traveling across the Middle East and Central Asia for TWO people!
We also were taking part in adventure activities that most insurance companies don’t cover (SafetyWing covered them all!) like horseback riding, archery, hiking, and others.
Before you leave, be sure to pick up some of these amazing souvenirs from Portugal!
Thinking about traveling to Portugal and need help making an itinerary? Here’s our ultimate 8 day Portugal itinerary that’s sure to suit every type of traveler.
Only have enough time for one day in Lisbon? We’ve got you covered! Here’s our ultimate Portugal packing list to get you ready for the airport.
Portugal has a lot of things to offer including stunning natural landscapes and scenic coastlines, wonderful food, beautiful architecture, and great wines. Plus, their national symbols, snowy mountain ranges, and Lagos beaches and kayak tours are pretty cool too.
One day is not enough time to explore the country, but if you have one day in Porto, make sure you hit these spots during your stay so that you can enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer!
