Porto is one of Portugal’s most captivating cities, known for its charming streets, historic architecture, and riverside views. While it’s often recommended to spend a few days here to fully appreciate everything Porto has to offer, I only had a day to spare on my trip. Despite the limited time, I managed to hit some highlights and soak in the city’s unique character.
Let me start by saying: if you can, spend at least two days in Porto. I wish I had the time to do so, as Porto has so much to offer beyond what I managed to see in a single day. For anyone with limited time in Portugal, this itinerary will let you experience the city's charm in just one day.
I was initially torn between visiting Sintra, which is an easier day trip from Lisbon, and making the longer journey to Porto. However, I’m thrilled I chose Porto – it was simply beautiful. Now, on to the itinerary.
How to Get to Porto from Lisbon
If you’re starting from Lisbon, you have two main options for getting to Porto: train or bus. I opted for the bus because the travel time is only about 30 minutes longer than the train, clocking in at roughly three hours. I caught a 6am. FlixBus from Lisboa Oriente, which allowed me to sleep on the ride and arrive in Porto feeling refreshed. Booking a roundtrip with FlixBus was straightforward and affordable.
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One-Day Itinerary in Porto
All of the spots I visited are within walking distance, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Here’s how I spent my day in Porto.
São Bento Station
Since the FlixBus stops at Campanhã station, I had to transfer to a train to reach São Bento, which is right in the city center. São Bento itself is a must-see. Known for its stunning blue-and-white tile murals depicting scenes from Portugal’s history, the station feels more like an art gallery than a transport hub.
Rua das Flores
From São Bento, I strolled down Rua das Flores, a popular pedestrian street lined with charming shops, cafes, and boutiques. This area is just across the station and is perfect for a little window shopping or grabbing a souvenir or snack.
Clérigos Church
Just a short walk from Rua das Flores is the iconic Clérigos Church. It is a baroque masterpiece with an impressive bell tower that defines the city skyline. If you have extra time and energy, climbing the tower gives you stunning views of Porto. The street leading up to the church is picturesque, making this stop a highlight of the trip.
Miradouro da Vitória
Next is Mirdouro da Vitória. This scenic viewpoint offers a beautiful panorama of Porto’s rooftops, the Douro River, and the Dom Luís Bridge.
After soaking in the view, I took a break at a nearby cafe for coffee and a quick snack while waiting for my timed entry at Livraria Lello.
Livraria Lello
Often cited as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is a must-visit. The intricate woodwork and stained-glass ceiling make it feel like stepping into a storybook. Be sure to book your time slot in advance, as it’s a popular spot.
I booked my 11:30am slot at around 5am that same day, as visiting Livraria Lello wasn’t initially part of my itinerary. I’m so glad I made the last-minute decision to go because it was absolutely worth it, even with the crowds.
Tickets cost €8, which you can use as a discount on a book purchase. I ended up buying a copy of The Little Prince as a souvenir, featuring one of Livraria Lello’s beautifully crafted cover designs. The bookstore creates its own unique editions with stunning, intricate covers, adding a special touch to any book you take home.
Ribeira do Porto and Cais da Ribeira
From Livraria Lello, I walked for about 12 minutes to get to the Ribeira. It is the heart of Porto’s riverside area, filled with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and a lively atmosphere. Cais da Ribeira, a waterfront promenade, is great for a leisurely walk, offering postcard views of the river and the bridge.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Next is the Dom Luís Bridge, which is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. I crossed on the lower deck, which is closer to the water and offers stunning views of both sides of the river. The upper deck, which I’d revisit later, has an equally beautiful view but from a higher vantage point.
Cais de Gaia
Across the bridge, Cais de Gaia offers fantastic views back toward Porto’s old town and Ribeira. I actually preferred this viewpoint for its sweeping perspective of the city’s colorful riverside buildings.
1-Hour Boat Tour
To cap off my riverside exploration, I took a 1-hour boat tour along the Douro River. The boat tour was a last-minute addition to my itinerary because I wasn’t sure I’d have enough time to make it back for my bus to Lisbon. But with the tour lasting only an hour—and including a complimentary taste of port wine at a nearby wine bar—I couldn’t pass up the chance to experience Porto from the water. At €15, it was absolutely worth it and ended up being the highlight of my day.
As a fan of boat rides, I loved how this one offered a fresh perspective on the city. Drifting down the Douro River, I got to see Porto’s colorful riverside buildings, impressive bridges, and historic landmarks from a different angle, each view more stunning than the last. It was an unforgettable experience.
Funicular dos Guindais
After crossing the Dom Luís Bridge again on the lower deck, I hopped on the Funicular dos Guindais for a quick ride up the hill. This short yet scenic ride took me back up to the city, where I could then cross the Dom Luís Bridge once more – this time on the upper deck. A one-way ride costs €4, which isn't bad considering the alternative: a 10-minute climb on a steep walkway with lots of stairs.
Dom Luís I Bridge - Upper Deck
The next and final stop was, of course, the upper deck of the Dom Luís Bridge. This spot offers a stunning overlook of Porto and the Douro River. It’s a fitting last stop before heading back to the station for my return journey to Lisbon.
After soaking in the final views from the bridge, I made my way back to São Bento station, where I caught a train to Campanhã and then boarded the bus back to Lisbon. The day was a whirlwind, but I left Porto feeling incredibly fulfilled by what I’d managed to experience in just a few hours.
Porto in a day is definitely doable, but if you can, spend more time here – the city’s rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and scenic views deserve it!
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