If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, you MUST visit the stunning city of Porto! This former capital oozes European charm and shouldn’t be skipped. If you only have one day in Porto, we strongly recommend prioritizing these 9 activities to make the most out of your time!
In this post, we’ll cover 9 great ideas for how to spend One Day in Porto!
1. See the São Bento train station
This is the most beautiful train station in all of Europe, boasting Portuguese Azulejos tile work and a gorgeous glass canopy.
Want to make your trip even more magical? You can actually STAY in the Passenger Hostel within the train station!! The atmosphere is so charming, and the hostel itself is one of the cleanest and comfiest we’ve ever stayed at. There are tons of organized activities, and you can even lounge in the clock tower!
Plus, if you are a weary traveler and only have one day in Porto, this can save you valuable time if you’re arriving or leaving the city by train!!
2. Take a Private Douro River Cruise
If you have limited time in Porto, we strongly recommend a river tour, which will help you cover a lot of ground, learn much of the city’s history, and rest your legs all at the same time!!
We took this 2-3 hour private boat tour with our group of 6 adults and 2 children when we were in Porto for one day, and we LOVED it! The included wine and snacks didn’t hurt, either! In fact, it was the best tour we took the entire time we were in Portugal. You can read our complete, unsponsored review of this exact tour here!!
3. Get Amazing Views from Sé do Porto
Just a short walk from São Bento station, you can walk to Sé do Porto, which is the main cathedral of this incredible city. Although the cathedral itself is impressive, the main reason you need to get up here is to enjoy the most incredible views over Porto!
4. Meander through the Ribeira district
From up high at Sé do Porto, you can wind and weave your way downhill to the riverfront via the incredibly charming Ribeira neighborhood. These streets are full of restaurants, bakeries, and stores, but there are plenty of smaller alleyways and hidden passages that are still very residential. No GPS or guide needed, just follow your feet gently downhill and embrace the charm.
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5. Visit Igreja de São Francisco with Museum & Crypt tour
Towards the bottom of the Ribeira district, you’ll find the church of São Francisco. Even if you’re feeling burnt out on seeing churches and cathedrals in Portugal (it happens, we’ve been there), you really shouldn’t skip this one! It stands out for the intricate gold work throughout. Also, this church has a religious museum attached to it and some impressive crypts that are worth checking out.
6. Eat a Francesinha
Keep winding your way downhill, and you’ll eventually reach the waterfront of the Douro River. You’ll find numerous restaurants and bars all along this area. Find a comfy spot to enjoy a classic dish of this region … the Francesinha.
Think of it as a Croque Madame with red sauce poured all over it! It is a hearty meal for sure, and something you should eat once while in Northern Portugal!
7. Attend a Port tasting
Now, you’re very near the majority of the port tastings in the city. You’ll be glad to have a heavy Francesinha in your belly to soak in all that fortified wine!! There are three types of port to taste: white, tawny, and ruby. Make sure to get a sip of each!
We recommend having a tasting at Taylor’s Port Cellars or even an early dinner at their restaurant Barão Fladgate so you can soak in this stunning view over the city from their terrace.
8. Sunset from Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto has one the best sunsets I’ve EVER seen in a European city. The city becomes so golden and magical. Get a great view of sunset from parks like the Jardins do Morro, from a restaurant with a terrace in Vila Nova de Gaia, or from the Dom Luis I Bridge. You won’t want to miss this, so make sure to make any dinner reservations around the sunset!
9. Listen to Fado Music
If you still have energy after dinner on your one day in Porto, make sure to check out a Fado concert! Fado is traditional Portuguese music that evokes strong emotions. There are many music venues throughout the city, and their show dates & times change a lot. Make sure to look up some options a few weeks before you plan to travel, and book your tickets!
Overall thoughts:
Is one day in Porto enough?
One day in Porto can be enough if you pick your tours and your walking route wisely!! Save valuable time by staying at the Passenger Hostel in the São Bento station!!
