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Before we started our first-ever Camino de Santiago (we chose the Camino Portuguese), we spent a few days in and around Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, followed by a few days in Porto (Portus Cale in Roman times), the city that lent the country its name.
If you are in Porto for a conference or, like us, plan to start your Camino from here, you may only have a day to get to know this beautiful city. We have therefore created a one-day itinerary of experiences that packs as much in as possible while giving you an insider’s view of the city that will make you want to come back for more.
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Porto is an easy-to-love city. We liked Lisbon, but with its deeper and narrower Douro river valley, striking bridges, and historic (sometimes a bit scruffy) architecture, Porto is even more picturesque than Lisbon (in our opinion, anyway).
If you love churches, you’re in heaven here (pun intended). The number of churches, especially those with blue azulejo tiles (inside, outside or both), is only topped by the number of places to enjoy a drink and/or meal. People from Porto are not called Tripeiros (Tripe-Eaters) for no reason: they love their food (and Tripe is just one, albeit unusual, delicacy you can taste here).
Porto is a very walkable city. We had initially planned to obtain the Andante card (which functions similarly to the one in Lisbon). Still, we ended up walking pretty much everywhere… another valuable training opportunity if you’re starting your Camino from here.
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
Porto's narrow cobble-stoned streets just wait to be explored
So, let’s get right into it…
Breakfast
For a day of exploring, you need a good base. We recommend choosing one of the Hungry Biker cafes around the corner from the stunning São Bento Railway Station – Do Norte Café [Google Maps location] or Floresta Café [Google Maps location]. Both open at 8:30, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the food before the next activity on this itinerary.
Mid-Morning
After breakfast, head to the Portuguese Centre of Photography [Google Maps location] to start exploring with a free walking tour. Tours start next to the statue of Camilo Castelo Branco, a few meters from the Clérigos Tower, at 10:30 (look for a guide with a yellow umbrella) and take around 2.5 hours.
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic, your morning tour guide will provide an excellent overview of the city’s history as you walk past some of its main sights. No wonder Porto’s historic centre was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Don’t forget to tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour.
The morning walking tour includes historic landmarks such as the Clérigos Tower
Early Afternoon
Big breakfast or not, by the time the tour is finished, you’ll surely have worked up an appetite. Why not try some local specialities? Tripe may not be on everyone’s culinary bucket list, but if it is, by all means, try Tripas à Moda do Porto.
Other local delicacies include
- Bifana: a pork sandwich. Try it at Conga [Google Maps location] or Sol e Sombra Bifanas [Google Maps location].
- Francesinha (the Frenchy): a layered roast beef/ham/sausage sandwich covered in cheese, bathed in tomato sauce and (often) accompanied by fries. You may want to share one because it is as filling as it sounds. Our recommendations are Churrasqueira Lameiras [Google Maps location] or Dona Francesinha Porto [Google Maps location].
Best time to visit Porto
While Porto is an all-year-round destination, we recommend visiting Porto in late Spring (May/June) or early Autumn (September), when the weather is at its most pleasant. That said, if you are planning to walk the Camino, you may also want to consider March or April. Best avoided are the busy Summer months (July and August). Most rain falls between October and January.
To learn more about the weather in Porto all year round, check out Weatherspark.
After Lunch
Why not explore the area you’ve walked through in the morning more?
Pop inside Livraria Lello [Google Maps location] for a bit of old-world charm with a Harry Potter touch. We’re still unsure whether charging to access a bookshop is the biggest scam or just a clever income and crowd management strategy (to be fair, your entry fee is deducted if you buy a book). We let you decide. If you include this experience, please book your time slot online to avoid missing out. 14:00 would work best if you head here straight after lunch.
Alternatively, climb up the Torre dos Clérigos / Clerics’ Tower [Google Maps location] for (yet more) gorgeous views over the city or stroll a bit more around the Sé / Barredo / Ribeira neighbourhoods for your Instagram fix. If you find yourself at the Ribeira waterfront and are too lazy to walk back up, take the Funicular dos Guindais just east of the Dom Luís I Bridge [Google Maps location].
Visit Livraria Lello, one of Porto's oldest bookshops, for a bit of old world charm with a Harry Potter touch
Mid-Afternoon
Given that you only have a day (and the tours are suitable), we recommend joining the Free Tour of the Old Town (Ribeira neighbourhood). Giving you an insight into Porto’s cultural side (or soul), it covers a different area (and a distinct, though no less enthusiastic, guide will provide their twist to the tour). The meeting point is the same as in the morning. The tour begins at 15:00 and lasts approximately two hours.
St Ildefonso - One of many churches in Porto that are covered in Azulejo tiles
Early Evening
Your tour will conclude just before you arrive at Casa da Guitarra for another cultural experience: Fado. As 6 hours, Introducing you to this beautiful, melancholic, and uniquely Portuguese style of music, the show takes 60 minutes (including a 15-minute break during which some port wine is served).
You may want to reserve your spot online in advance to avoid missing out. While the show is called Fado at 6, due to popular demand, additional shows may be held later in the evening (except in the Winter).
Discover the beauty of Fado music with a performance at Casa da Guitarra
Evening
After the show, you may want to head across the Dom Luís I Bridge to watch the sunset from the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar outside the monastery (where you finished your cultural tour). It is one of the best spots (if not THE best spot) to watch the sunset in Porto.
Enjoy an incredible sunset from the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar | Image courtesy of Everaldo Coelho on Unsplash
Your tour guide will share some recommendations for dinner with you (if you don’t ask). So, before or after sunset, indulge in more authentic Porto cuisine.
Finish the day with a stroll along the Vila Nova de Gaia waterfront and maybe some more port wine for dessert.
Stroll along the Vila Nova de Gaia Waterfront after dinner
Where to stay in Porto
To follow this itinerary, we recommend booking (at least) 2 nights (for a full day of exploration). Our recommendations are close to the major sights and won’t break the bank:
| Name | Property Features | Type | Price Indicator | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoon Almada | 700m from Sao Bento Train Station | One bedroom apartment | $$ | Book Now |
| Fervenca Suites | 250m from Jardim do Morro Train Station | Apartments | $$$ | Book Now |
| Get Cozy | Shared lounge Non-smoking rooms | Bed and Breakfast | $$ | Book Now |
What else to do in/around Porto
If you have more than just a day in Porto, why not head out of town and explore the Douro Valley on one of these tours?
Have you explored Porto? What stood out for you?
I’d love to hear about your favourite experiences in Porto! Whether you add or change something in this one-day itinerary, your insights can help others make the most of their visit to this beautiful city.
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