How to Spend One Day in Porto : Our Perfect 24 Hour Itinerary

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Planning to visit Porto but only have one day? Well we have the post for you!

Porto, Portugal’s lively second city, is known for its stunning architecture, world-famous port wine, and glorious views of the Douro River. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the wine, the Camino, or a short city break, one day in Porto is all it takes to fall in love.

We’ve visited Porto many times over the years and spent weeks exploring, and we’ve put together what we believe to be the perfect 1-day itinerary.

With iconic landmarks, scenic river views, authentic food and the best Fado in town, we’ve included the must-see sights alongside a touch of local flavour. Best of all, our itinerary is totally achievable and relaxed enough for you to enjoy your day without feeling rushed.

Keep reading and we share our favourite places to eat, sleep and visit in Porto, but be warned; one day will leave you planning a return visit!

Our 1 Day Itinerary at a Glance

Here’s our itinerary at a glance for those short on time. But if you keep reading we’ll share with you the best tours to take, which to miss and where to enjoy Porto’s most authentic Fado!

Is One Day in Porto Enough?

Porto is a city rich in history and culture.  It’s a great city to vist at any time of year and you could fill two weeks and still come back for more; we know as we’ve done this! That said, if you’re short on time, don’t let your timescale deter you. Porto’s charm isn’t reserved just for extended stays.

On my first visit, I was walking the Camino Portuguese and, like many pilgrims, only allowed a day. While I missed a lot, it was enough to leave me wanting more and I’ve returned many times since.

With a compact old quarter, very walkable (albeit hilly) streets and excellent public transport, Porto is perfectly suited for a short visit. You can’t see it all in 24 hours, but you can absolutely experience its highlights.

Your One Day Porto Itinerary : What to See and Do

For this guide, we’re assuming you’ve already arrived in Porto and are ready to start your day with a delicious breakfast.  To help you make the most of your time, I’ve included tours that we’ve personally taken over the years; and only the best of them made the cut!

Since time is short, I do recommend that you book your tours in advance. With everything planned, your day will run as smoothly as … the custard in a freshly baked pastel de nata!

1. Breakfast at Cafe Majestic (09:00 am)

Café Majestic is a true Porto icon, and breakfast is the perfect time to visit. Even if your accommodation offers breakfast, stop by for a coffee before starting your day. The doors open at 9:00 am, and Café Majestic is best enjoyed early before the crowds arrive.

Originally intended to be Café Elite in 1921, it quickly became known as Café Majestic. In its heyday, it was the heart of bohemian Porto, attracting artists, intellectuals, and the city’s most influential figures. It hosted countless lively debates on important issues of the time and was even talked about in Parisian circles.

After decades of decline, it was beautifully restored and reopened in 1994, reclaiming its place as one of Porto’s most beloved landmarks.  There’s even a rumour that J.K. Rowling spent hours here while writing the early chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Step inside, and you’ll find an Art Nouveau interior that rivals the grandeur of Café Iruña in Pamplona, albeit on a smaller scale. With ornate woodwork, leather seats, mirrored walls, sculpted ceilings and liveried staff, the café really is a delight and we return every visit just to enjoy the opulence!

2. Historic Centre Walking Tour (10:30 am)

Anyone who knows us will know that we love a walking tour. They’re the perfect way to get an introduction to a new destination, especially when time is limited. Over the years, we’ve taken several walking tours in Porto, but for your visit, we recommend the top-rated tour on Guruwalk.

This tour covers a fantastic selection of Porto’s highlights, including:

With over 4,000 glowing reviews (ours included), this 2.5 hour tour offers an great overview of Porto’s history, culture, and architecture. The guides are always passionate about their subject and offer lots of interesting facts and gossip; which really makes a difference to the quality of the tour.

During our walk, we stopped to buy artisan chocolate (gluten free no less!) and grabbed a quick drink at a local café before continuing.

Although Guruwalk tours are marketed as free, tipping is encouraged, and we typically give €10–15 per person, which feels fair. Do book your spot in advance as group sizes are limited

A Word About Tuk Tuk Tours

If a walking tour sounds too strenuous, you might be considering taking a tuk-tuk instead. However, be warned that as of mid-2024, tuk-tuks are no longer permitted to drive into Porto’s historic centre.

We discovered this firsthand when we booked a drive-by Porto’s historic centre but instead were taken across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia.  Quite an expensive detour!

While a tuk-tuk tour can be a fun way to explore and enjoy views of Porto from the other side of the Douro, it’s not a replacement for exploring Porto’s historic centre. If your heart is set on the old town, a walking tour remains the best option.

3. Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

We travel a lot and to stay healthy, we often skip two full restaurant meals a day. Instead, we look for lighter bites, and Mercado do Bolhão is the perfect choice for lunch.

Established in 1839, the market takes the name Bolhão, from a natural spring that once bubbled on the site. The current neoclassical building opened in 1914, and after a major restoration in 2022, it has become a really popular choice with tourists and locals alike.  

We love markets, and this one is brimming with local goodness. You can meander through over 70 stalls offering everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to baked bread, sausages, sauces, and sweet treats like cakes and ice creams. There’s even wine!

Alongside the food stalls, you’ll find little cafés, restaurants, and specialty shops, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.  And if you’re looking for a light wine to go with your meal, try a glass of Vinho Verde (green wine). It’s light, refreshing, and absolutely one of my favourites

Top Tip : If you don’t fancy walking to or from the Market then use UBER to move you around.  It’s inexpensive, easy to use and and an efficient way to move around.

4. Douro River Six Bridges Cruise (3:30 pm)

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll down to the Ribeira district to prepare for your river cruise. If you don’t want to walk remember you can use UBER. And if you arrive early, grab a coffee at one of the many waterfront bars and enjoy the atmosphere and the views.

Many of the groups I’ve walked with on the Camino Portuguese have raved about this tour, so on our last visit, we decided to experience it for ourselves.

Top Tip : Remember that this tour starts on the Gaia side of the river, so you’ll need to cross the Dom Luís I Bridge before boarding.

There are plenty of cruises but I’d still recommend booking ahead. In November, the first boat of the day was fully booked, and we had to wait.  Private tours are an option, but the views are the same, so save your euros and opt for the classic tourist boat.

The cruise lasts just 50 minutes, and you’ll glide along the Douro River, passing under Porto’s six iconic bridges all the while enjoy stunning views of the Ribeira district. It really is a great way to see the city and we understand now why it’s so popular with our groups.

And when your tour ends, you’ll conveniently find yourself on the Gaia side of the river, ready for the next adventure: a Port tasting tour!

Top Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, sitting inside the boat is a warmer choice as we discovered on a chilly November day. In summer, sitting outside might seem tempting, but remember to pack a hat and sunscreen

5. Port Tasting (5:00 pm)

In the name of research, we’ve sampled our way through several port wine tours and cellars and some are better than others!

Just across the river from Porto’s historic Ribeira district lies Vila Nova de Gaia, a town famous for two things. First, it offers some of the most stunning views of Porto and second, it’s the home of Porto’s world-renowned port wine cellars.

We have taken several tours over the years and while the experiences are similar, each cellar has its own charm. We loved the wine at Cockburn’s, the cellar tour at Taylor’s, and the group-friendly tasting at Ferreira.  

There is little to choose from but for this itinerary, Cockburn’s Port Lodge is ideal, as they offer a 5 pm tour that fits perfectly into your schedule. This allows for a leisurely walk from your 6 Bridges Boat Cruise, and honestly, ending the day with a port tasting is perfect. 

Whichever cellar you choose, you’ll enjoy learning about port’s rich history and tasting some of the finest wines Portugal has to offer; click the links below for each tour.

6. Dinner at Pedro de Frango

Porto is gaining a reputation as a gastronomic destination, with many fabulous restaurants showcasing modern Portuguese cuisine. But for your quick visit, we’re recommending something authentically local and one of our favourite eateries; Pedro de Frangos.

Rick Stein first introduced us to this style of dining in Lisbon, so on our first visit to Porto, we sought out something similar; and found it at Pedro’s. This isn’t fine dining, but it’s as authentic as it gets, very popular with locals and offers fantastic value for money.

The menu is simple; chicken. You may need to queue up the stairs before being seated, but you can book ahead through their website. Once seated, your drinks order will be taken, and very soon after, a plate of fresh salad will arrive. This is quickly followed by perfectly seasoned chicken served with rice and fries.

If you want an authentic taste of Porto in a casual, friendly atmosphere, this is the place to go.

Top Tip: Pedro’s is near your final stop of the day; Fado at Ideal. For vegetarians, we’ve also eaten at Kind Kitchen (they do gluten free too). Alternatively, stay in Gaia’s waterfront; we had a fabulous lunch at Tempero D’Maria

7. Evening Fado Show (9 pm)

Wherever you choose to have dinner, make sure you allow time to head to IDEAL for an evening of Fado. If you’re dining in Gaia, consider grabbing an Uber to save the walk.

No visit to Porto is complete without experiencing Fado, it’s the soulful traditional heart of Portuguese music and was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Cultural Heritage in 2011.

There are many places to enjoy Fado in Porto, ranging from tourist-focused experiences to more authentic performances. If you’re after pure Fado without the frills, Ideal is the place to go.

8. Night Cap Before Bed

If you’re not quite ready to end your day, Porto offers plenty of little bars where you can enjoy a final drink before bed.

We really enjoy wandering through the old town at night and one of our favourite places to go is Prova, a lovely little wine bar with an good selection of Portuguese wines. The perfect place to end your Porto adventure.

Alternative Ideas and Swaps for Your 1 Day in Porto

These are our choices for what we feel is a fabulous day in Porto.  But if our itinerary doesn’t quite match your preferences, here are few excellent alternatives.

Skip the Walking Tour?

If the idea of a walking tour feels too much then opt for the hop-on hop-off bus.  It’s a great way to see the city while saving your legs from Porto’s hills. You can hop off at key landmarks and explore at your own pace.

Top Tip : Do check in advance that your bus or vehicle has the appropriate tourist license to travel into the Historic centre. 

Not Keen on Port Wine?

Wine tasting isn’t for everyone; if this is something you’d rather skip here are two fabulous alternative activities that are still offer a fabulous taste of Porto :

A Note About Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is a stunning bookstore often linked to Harry Potter, but it’s incredibly popular and gets very busy. If you want to visit, book your ticket ahead of time. The current system on the website seems a bit unclear, with messages suggesting in-person purchases. But try online first, or you’ll be waiting an hour to get in the door!

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto offers something for every traveller, from luxurious five-star hotels to comfortable mid-range stays and budget-friendly rooms. But for me, location is key when choosing where to stay. I prefer to stay within walking distance of the Cathedral to make exploring the city easier and to be in the heart of everything.

Here are some places I’ve stayed, loved, and would happily recommend to friends, family, and walking groups alike:

Budget Friendly Rooms

Comfort Hotel

Luxury Stay

How to Get Around Porto

Porto is a walkable city with most major sights within easy reach. While the hills can be challenging, you can take your time, lap up the views but make sure you wear comfortable shoes!

If you need to get around quickly:

Top Tip: Traffic restrictions in the historic centre mean walking is often the best way to explore. As Tuk-tuks are no longer allowed, walking tours offer a fantastic alternative.

The Porto Card : Is It Worth It for a Day?

The Porto Card includes free public transport and discounts on attractions, but for a one or two day visit, it may not be worth it.

Many highlights, like walking the along the Ribeira water front or crossing the Luís I Bridge are free, and the funicular railway and cable car only offer discounts, so you still need to pay. If museums aren’t part of your itinerary and you don’t plan to use public transport extensively, a simple Andante Card is more cost-effective.

The Andante Card is a rechargeable transport card that works on Porto’s metro, buses, and suburban trains. It’s easy to use; just top it up for single journeys or purchase a 24-hour pass for unlimited travel within your chosen zones.

Is It Still Worth Visiting Porto for One Day?

Absolutely! Porto is a compact, walkable city with the must-see sights close together, making it ideal for a short visit. Many of the people who walk with me spend just one day here, and my itinerary offers the perfect insight into the heart of Portugal’s second city.

Whether you’re starting your Camino from Porto or making a quick stop as part of a wider tour of Portugal, one day is enough to experience the city’s charm and leave with no regrets. From the Holy Sé to the people watching on the historic Ribeira waterfront, the views from the Luís I Bridge, and fado, and frango and port tasting in Gaia, all capture the essence of Porto in just 24 hours.

We love Porto.  We keep returning and each time, to the same bars, cafés, restaurants, and enjoy the same views and walks. Porto feels like a village wrapped up in a city’s clothing. If you only have a day, plan your itinerary, book your tours in advance, and get ready to fall in love with Porto too.

Are You Planning A Trip To Porto?

I’ve been visiting Porto for almost a decade and have learned so much over the years.  Whether you’re planning a visit, looking for the best day trips, or starting your Camino from Porto, I’m creating detailed guides packed full of tips and insights about this ancient and incredible city.

Check out these posts and start planning your own perfect Porto adventure: