Porto in 1 Day - Itinerary & Things to Do

🤩 My reflection

When we first arrived in Porto at the train station, I didn’t like the city much. It felt very hilly and there was construction in the main square. However, as we moved uphill and started seeing the sea from afar, and then made our way down to the riverside, I completely changed my mind. It really gives the full Portuguese vibe, and let’s face it, having water nearby makes every city more charming. One thing to note: just like Lisbon, Porto is also quite a hilly city, so expect a lot of ups and downs if you’re planning to explore on foot.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete 1-day Porto itinerary, including must-see sights and practical travel tips. The route starts from the train station and ends by the seaside, based on the proximity of each location so you can see as much as possible in a short time.

✍🏻 Itinerary

Day 1

• São Bento Station - Historic train station famous for its blue azulejo tile panels depicting history

• Batalha Square - Busy historic square connecting central Porto with shopping and old neighborhoods

• McDonald’s Imperial - One of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world, located inside a historic building

• Praça da Liberdade - Main central square of Porto connecting the old town with Avenida dos Aliados

• Torre dos Clérigos - Baroque bell tower offering one of the best panoramic views over Porto

• Livraria Lello - Iconic neo-Gothic bookstore often considered one of the most beautiful in the world

• Igreja do Carmo - Baroque church known for its striking blue tile façade on the side wall

• Rua de Santa Catarina - Main shopping street filled with shops, cafés, and street life

• Avenida dos Aliados - Grand boulevard and the civic heart of Porto lined with monumental architecture

Break at Café Santiago - Famous local restaurant known for serving one of the best francesinha sandwiches

• Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) - Oldest cathedral in the city with fortress-like Romanesque architecture

• Miradouro da Vitória - Scenic viewpoint overlooking the Ribeira district and Douro River

• Palácio da Bolsa - 19th-century neoclassical stock exchange building famous for its ornate Arab Room

• Igreja de São Francisco - Gothic church with an incredibly rich Baroque interior covered in gold leaf

• Ribeira do Porto - Colorful riverside area full of restaurants, cafés, and lively atmosphere

• Dom Luís I Bridge (view from seaside) - Iconic double-deck iron bridge offering views over the Douro River

If you have more time (we couldn't see)

• Gaia (Sandeman Wine Cellars) - Famous traditional Port wine cellars on the Gaia riverside

• Historic Wine Cellars (Port Wine Caves) - Traditional ageing cellars along Gaia’s riverfront where Port wine is stored and matured in barrels

• Douro River Cruise - Scenic boat tour along the Douro River

• Boavista District - Modern business and cultural area of Porto

• Casa da Música (Boavista) - Iconic modern concert hall

• Foz do Douro - Elegant coastal neighborhood where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, known for promenades and beaches

• Bairro do Avillez - A popular food complex by chef José Avillez featuring multiple restaurants and Portuguese dishes in a modern setting

What to Eat

• Francesinha - Porto’s iconic sandwich made with layers of meat, melted cheese, and a rich beer-based tomato sauce, usually served with fries

• Green Wine (Vinho Verde) - A light, slightly sparkling Portuguese wine from northern Portugal, known for its fresh, crisp, and fruity taste

• Bacalhau à Brás - A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded salted cod, eggs, thin fried potatoes, onions, and parsley

• Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco) - A rich Portuguese rice dish cooked with a mix of seafood like shrimp, clams, and crab in a flavorful tomato-based broth

📢 Essential tips

Best time to visit Porto

As winter can be a bit chilly and summer can get quite hot for walking around, I’d say April to June and September to October are the best times to visit.

How to go from Lisbon to Porto

There is a frequent train between two cities and it takes 3 hours. We took 8am train and arrived to Porto at 11am, visited the city whole day and had a return flight in the late evening.

How to enter Livraria Lello

You need to buy tickets online in advance (link below), and entries are timed; so make sure to select a slot that fits your plan. The bookstore is often linked to Harry Potter because of its interior, although J. K. Rowling never actually confirmed it as a direct inspiration. Still, it’s one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and definitely worth a visit.

🔗 All travel links

Iconic Portuguese dishes and where to try them - Click here to check

Livraria Lello tickets - Click here to buy

Train from Lisbon to Porto - Click here to buy