Porto is the most incredible city in Portugal. Where to go from the port for a day Travel from the port for one day

For the past few years, Porto, Portugal's second largest city, has been ranked among the top ten most popular cities in Europe. There are several reasons for this: the climate is so warm that the temperature from February to November rarely drops below +15, the historical center is included in the List World Heritage UNESCO, ocean coast and excellent beaches, which can be reached by metro, low prices and excellent wine. Porto - Small town, which can be covered on foot in a few days, so we’ll tell you about interesting places in the city and its surroundings: palaces, monasteries, wine plantations and medieval towns that are worth seeing if you decide to spend more than a couple of days in Porto.

1. Ponte Luis I

Photo: @priscilacampo / janwillem7 / Instagram.com

Old city Porto lies on the hills of the right bank of the Douro River. It is connected to the center of port wine production, the city of Vila Nova di Gaia, which lies on the other side of the river, by several beautiful bridges. The most famous of these is the elegant metal King Luis Bridge, built by Eiffel's student Théophile Seriga. From the upper level of the bridge they open best view to Porto, the river and the rabelas (antique boats) moored at the piers. And the bridge itself has long become one of the symbols of the city and its image can be found everywhere - from souvenirs to port wine labels.

2. Ribeira, the most beautiful quarter of the Old Town

Photo: @samuelzeller

Ribeira, with colorful houses, narrow cobbled streets, artisan shops, endless staircases and port wine bars, is the most colorful quarter of Porto. The facades of many houses are lined with azulejo tiles, shining in the sun. The houses on the hill are so narrow and small and overhang each other so much that they resemble bird's nests. The Ribeira embankment is the widest and most beautiful in the city; pleasure boats and ancient ships depart from here. In addition to cheap cafes and restaurants, Ribeira has many excellent shops selling ceramics and leather goods.

3. São Bento Railway Station (Estação de São Bento)

Photo: @pixelgraphy.pt / @mafaldarodrigues.fotografia / Instagram.com

Sao Bento was opened in 1916. The walls of the main hall of the station are lined with 20 thousand azulejos (traditional Portuguese blue and white painted tiles), depicting the main historical events of Portugal and the landscapes of Porto. All azulejos were hand-painted by the artist Georges Coles, who took more than three years.

4. Livraria Lello Bookstore

Photo: @molochko89 / @bmseventh / Instagram.com

Lello is the oldest bookstore in Portugal, which for many years has been included in the top 5 most beautiful bookstores in the world. The facade and interior are made in the neo-Gothic style, with an abundance of small details, intricate carvings and lush decoration. The store's curved red staircase, carved walls, shelving and stained glass ceiling inspired JK Rowling and became the inspiration for the Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter. In addition to the striking interior, the store pleasantly surprises with its selection of books in English, Portuguese and French.

Entrance to the store costs 4 euros. But if you buy the book, then the cost entrance ticket will be deducted from its price.

5. Observation platforms

Photo: @alicia_bonilla / Instagram.com

Porto is a city on the hills, and there are many observation platforms, from where during the day you can have an excellent view of the city (precisely during the day, because the colorful Old Town is dimly lit at night):

• The area near the Se Cathedral. The cathedral stands on top of the highest hill in the city. In addition to the main panoramic platform, there is also a small one near the Chafariz do Pelicano fountain.
• A platform on top of the 18th century Clérigos tower (Torre de los Clérigos) in the heart of the Old Town. This 75-meter tower was considered the tallest in Portugal for more than a hundred years. Entrance is paid and costs 4 euros.
• The area near the monastery of Serra do Pilar, from where the entire Old Town, the river and the King Luis Bridge are visible at the same time.

6. Ocean coast, beaches, lighthouses and the best fish restaurants

Photo: @monicasilva / Instagram.com

Porto lies on the banks of the Douro River, a few kilometers from where it flows into the ocean. The ocean beaches and lighthouses in the Matosinhos area can be reached in 30-50 minutes by bus or metro from anywhere in the city. There are many beaches there: wild and equipped, sandy and small-pebble.

The largest and most popular beach is the sandy Matosinhos Beach. Next to it lies R. Heróis de França street, which is home to dozens of the city's best fish restaurants. We also recommend visiting the ancient lighthouse Farol de Felgueira, at the foot of which huge waves crash in any weather.

7. Historic tram running from the city center to the coast

Photo: @thehostelgirlhk / Instagram.com

Porto has far fewer vintage trams than Lisbon, but some are still in use. Vintage yellow trams from 1872, decorated inside with wooden panels, leather seats and brass fittings, run on three lines: 1, 18 and 22. The most popular of them is 1, which runs from Infante station along the Doro coast to the ocean coast. Lines 18 and 22 are much shorter and run through the most beautiful streets of the city center. Regular travel cards on these three lines do not work, you need to buy a ticket from the driver in cash, it costs 3 euros one way.

8. Palace of the Exchange (Palácio da Bolsa)

Photo: @ananewyork / @sarasignorini_ / Instagram.com

The Palace of the Exchange is a masterpiece of neoclassical style, built in 1891. Dozens of artists worked on its interior. Each room is designed in an original style and they are all designed to show the wealth and power of Porto, a city of wealthy merchants and winemakers. The Arab Hall dazzles with gold and arabesques, in the courtyard the walls are decorated with the coats of arms of the cities with which Porto traded, and the Golden Hall and the Assembly Hall are decorated with frescoes, sculptures and gold leaf. Ticket price: 8 euros full, 4.5 euros reduced for students and pensioners.

9. Church of São Francisco (Igreja Monumento de São Francisco)

Photo: @magnum6666 / @monicabuddenhagen / Instagram.com

The Church of São Francisco, in Gothic style with Baroque elements, is beautiful both outside and inside. The interior is decorated with wooden panels, the walls and dome are covered with frescoes, and the huge altars are decorated with gilded carvings. According to legend, 370 kilograms of gold leaf were used to gild the altars of San Francisco. Also near the church there are catacombs where townspeople were buried in the 18th and 19th centuries and which are now open to the public, as well as a museum of ancient paintings and furniture. Ticket price (church+catacombs+museum) 4 euros.

10. Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art (Fundação de Serralves)

Photo: @nunocenteno / @pijama_orchestra / Instagram.com

Serralves is one of the largest and most visited museums in Portugal, built in 1999. On an area of ​​5000 m² there is an impressive collection of Portuguese and European contemporary art and several temporary exhibitions. The museum building, designed by the architect Alvar Vieira, is an interesting example modern architecture. The museum is surrounded by a large garden, which is decorated with sculptures by the minimalists Graham and Serra. The garden often hosts exhibitions of artists, sculptors and designers.

Entrance ticket price: 10 euros full, 5 euros reduced for students and pensioners.

Best places around Porto:

1. Aveira

Photo: @luisdelfim / @gracejsilla / Instagram.com

74 kilometers south of Porto is Aveiro, which is called the “Portuguese Venice” because of the dozens of canals along which painted “moliceiro” boats float. The fishermen's houses overlooking the canals are painted in all the colors of the rainbow, palm trees grow on the embankments, and in the center of the city there is the Convento de Jesus, the Senhor das Barrocas Chapel and the Church of Mercy (Igreja da Misericórdia), whose interiors are decorated with elaborate wood carvings.

2. Costa Nova do Prado

Photo: @leparisblog / @paulamagal / Instagram.com

Costa Nova - seaside resort 84 kilometers from Porto and 11 kilometers from Aveiro, which is known for its excellent beaches, sand dune, beaches for surfers and amazing fishermen's houses. All houses are painted with horizontal and vertical stripes, and local residents They claim that the color of each house is unique. Also in Costa Nova they make and sell excellent ceramic dishes at low prices.

3. Douro Valley

Photo: @brookiek84 / Instagram.com

The Douro River Valley is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It can be reached by train, car, or even by one of the boats that leave Porto in the morning and return in the evening. The valley is covered with hills on which grapes, fig and lemon trees grow. This is where wineries and cellars with the best port wine in the world are located.

4. Guimarães

Photo: @audiosoup / @mpaulino82 / Instagram.com

Guimarães is a cute medieval town 50 kilometers northwest of Porto. IN historical center the city has cheap restaurants, medieval houses and ancient fortress walls. The Ducal Palace houses an excellent collection of tapestries and furniture from the 15th century, but only ruins remain of the Guimarães Castle. And the best view of the city opens from the cable car cabin, which leads from the city to Peña Hill.

5. Braga

Photo: @civilking / Instagram.com

Braga lies 50 kilometers from Porto and is considered the religious capital of Portugal. The city has an 11th century Cathedral, medieval houses, palaces, a museum with a huge collection of ancient objects, as well as a museum of the artist Enrique Medina. And 6 kilometers from the city there is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Portugal, Bom Jesus do Monte, with an amazing staircase with crossing flights that leads to the top of the hill.

Preview photo: @magicalyellowtram

about the author

I live in Marseille, studying to become an illustrator and constantly traveling. I love discovering new places and talking about how to make a trip cheaper and more enjoyable, oh unusual routes, which changed the way I look at the world and which I hope will inspire someone to hit the road.

And we also have

Perhaps the first thing you need to see in Porto is the famous Eiffel Bridge. In fact, it was not built by Eiffel himself, but by his student and named after King Luis I. The Don Luis Bridge or Casa Luis was built in 1886 according to the design of Théophile Seyrig and is still a railway, road and pedestrian bridge across the Douro River, connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Unlike Lisbon, houses in Porto look poorer. I can’t say that this is very annoying, but it still feels like the city doesn’t have enough funds for improvement.

The top level of the Eiffel Bridge offers excellent views of the city.

Sometimes it seems that Porto will be completely overgrown with greenery in 10-20 years. Unfortunately, some buildings are completely unfinished. And in the very center of the city...

You definitely need to take a walk to the other side of the Douro River. Previously, Vila Nova Di Gaia was a separate city, but now it is just a district of Porto. From here, again, there are gorgeous views of the city and the Eiffel Bridge.

And also on central part city ​​of Porto.

A walk along the Eiffel Bridge is a must on the agenda of every tourist visiting the city of Porto!

Clérigos Tower

In Porto, the best place to live is in the Ribeira district, the oldest in the city. I highly recommend it, the price-quality ratio is beyond praise!
The Clérigos Tower is located in the very center of the area and if you love observation decks, then this place is just for you! The bell tower of Torre dos Clérigos is visible from almost everywhere. Here, for example, is a classic view of the Ribeira district and the Clérigos tower.

The tower itself is located slightly behind the Clérigos Church. There is a fee to climb the bell tower, but it is very inexpensive, only 3 euros. At the top there are gorgeous views of the city, and even in cloudy weather, the city looks great from a bird's eye view!

View of Porto from the Clérigos Tower

The observation deck goes in a circle, i.e. the view opens 360 degrees. Similar Observation deck there is on, here the truth is probably even more picturesque!
Perfectly visible Cathedral Xie. By the way, there are also quite nice views of the city near it!

On the opposite bank you can see the famous wineries of Porto, where you can taste local port wine if you wish.

By the way, I forgot to mention that you can climb the Clérigos tower on foot and not by elevator. For some this may be a problem; after all, the height of the tower is just under 80 meters! If that doesn't bother you, I definitely recommend going up! The views of Porto will not disappoint you!

Ribeira area

Be sure to stroll through the streets of the old city. Most central area Porto's Freedom Square is Praça da Liberdade. In the center of the square stands a monument to King Pedro IV, and opposite it is the Porto Town Hall building.

Liberty Square is perhaps the most well-groomed place in Porto. While on it, you might even think for a moment that you are not in Porto, but in Lisbon. There are much more such areas there, but I have already talked about this. Porto is just a port town, but at the same time with its own charisma 😉 Be sure to take a walk along the Avenida dos Aliados boulevard, a very pleasant place.

In Portugal they also dry things on the street. Moreover, there are a lot of such houses and streets in Porto.

Walking through Porto's old town to the Eiffel Bridge can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to photograph everything around you.

Se Cathedral

I would like to note separately central cathedral Porto. Se do Porto was built back in the 12th century and then it was also a fortress. The cathedral has retained its stern and slightly brutal appearance to this day.

I repeat that next to the cathedral there is also an observation deck, from which, however, some of the neglect of the city of Porto can be seen even more clearly.

The Sé Cathedral is located between Place de la Liberté and the Eiffel Bridge, so it can be easily visited while strolling through the old streets of the city.

Porto Sao Bento Train Station

In Europe, very often railway stations, in addition to their main duty, are also city landmarks. I already wrote about one such railway station, when we traveled from Amsterdam to Bruges and stopped to have a look along the way. The Sao Bento train station, which by the way turns 100 years old this year, is also very beautiful!

Inside the station, the walls are very picturesquely painted with azulejo tiles.

It is very convenient to visit the station upon arrival or departure from the city. For example, we did this when we arrived by train from Lisbon. Although the station itself is located just a 5-minute walk from Freedom Square and I think you can plan a visit to it purposefully.

A tour of the station will take no more than 30 minutes. So, you won’t spend a lot of time, but you will have 100% pleasure!

Teleferico de Gaia cable car on the Duro River

In fact, this is not exactly a tourist attraction, but it is quite possible to take a ride! Especially on a rainy day. The cabins depart from the Cais de Gaia station on the shores of Vila Nova de Gaia.

The final stop is not far from the Eiffel Bridge. The walk along the road takes about 5 minutes.

A one-way ticket costs 5 euros, and a round-trip ticket costs 8 euros.

Port wine tasting in Vila Nova di Gaia

Be sure to browse the boutiques and, if you wish, visit a winery in Vila Nova di Gaia. Port wine is sold right on the embankment. Just be careful with the tasting, after all, 20 degrees is no joke.

Our favorite was Graham's Port. By the way, in the photo above you can see the winery of this port. We haven’t been there, but I think it’s quite possible to visit, especially if you like this drink.

Or you can just buy a small bottle and just relax in your hotel room after walking around the city and visiting the sights of Porto.

Sights of Porto on the map

By tradition, for convenience, I am adding a map with attractions.

Have a great party and great impressions from the city of Porto.

Historic, lively and colorful city Porto can offer its guests many cultural attractions, pleasant and interesting entertainment, vibrant and exciting nightlife. Two days is enough to fully get to know the city, which makes it ideal place for a weekend visit or a longer stay in Portugal.
In this article you will find a recommended itinerary for a 2-day tour in Porto with detailed description major tourist attractions, events and entertainment.
Similar articles:Getting to know Porto – 1 week in Porto

Overview of the two-day tour program in Porto

When our friends or relatives travel to Porto, we recommend this program for them to discover this beautiful city. Since they all find it very interesting, we are sure that you will like it too:
Morning of Day 1 – Baixa District
Day 1 Afternoon – Sé and Ribeira districts and short boat ride on the Douro River
Evening 1st day – Bars and restaurants of the Ribeira area
Morning 2 days – Vila Nova di Gaia and excursions to wine lodges
Noon 2 days – Foz district or Porto museums
Evening 2 days – Night party on Galeria de Paris (the main nightlife street in Porto)

Detailed description of 2-day tour to Porto

Day 1 (morning) – Baixa District

It is recommended to start your acquaintance with Porto from the Baixa district, which contains many of the most famous and popular attractions. The area includes the grandiose Liberty Square, the lively shopping street of Santa Catarina and the noisy, cheerful and effervescent area nightlife around the university.

The neo-Gothic style of Porto City Hall, built in the 1920s, gives it an older appearance.

The Clérigos Tower, erected in 1750, is the most tall building in the historical center of Porto

Highlights of the Baixa area:
Amazing panorama that opens from the Clérigos tower (240 steps to the top!)
Neo-Gothic architecture of Porto City Hall
The amazing facade of the Church of Carmo, decorated with magnificent paintings created from the famous azulejo tiles
Traditional market Boliau
Bookstore Livraria Lello, where the author of the Harry Potter books drew inspiration
Coffee at the Majestic cafe - one of the most beautiful cafes in the world
The Sao Bento train station, which inside is decorated with amazing panels of azulejo tiles
Charming Flores street with many shops, cafes and bookstores
Painting “Fons Vitae”, which is exhibited at the Porto Mercy Museum

"Fons Vitae" - one of the most striking Portuguese paintings of the 16th century

To refresh yourself before further sightseeing in Porto, stop by a café that serves the traditional Francesinha dish. This very high-calorie and satisfying dish is a sandwich with meat, generously covered with melted cheese and generously flavored with an amazing-tasting tomato-beer sauce!

Day 1 (afternoon) – Se and Ribeira districts (historical part of Porto)

After lunch, you can head to the two oldest districts of Porto - Se and Ribeira.
The Xie district, centered around the ancient Xie Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, was once the religious center of the city. It stands on one of the highest hills, offering a magnificent view of the whole of Porto. The most interesting places in the Se region:
Se Cathedral in Gothic style
Luxurious interior of the Church of Santa Clara
Remains of the fortress walls
View of the majestic Luis I Bridge

Once the dock area and shopping mall Porto, Ribeira today is the most colorful and tourist-attracting quarter of the city. It stretches along the banks of the Douro River and is an intricate labyrinth of medieval streets and alleys. The main attractions of the Ribeira area:
Ribeira Square with many restaurants and bars
A labyrinth of streets and alleys dating back to the Middle Ages
Church of São Francisco with its magnificent interior
Bolsa Palace, built in the 19th century in neoclassical style (as a stock exchange)

Many of the colorful, multi-colored houses of the Ribeira area were built in the 15th century

Excellent view of the Luis I Bridge from the Ribeira area, where there once was a port.

What else to do on day 1 – Walk along the Douro River

After a long and slightly tiring exploration of the sights of Porto, you will certainly be pleased to take a short walk boat ride on the Douro River, during which you will pass under six of Porto's bridges and admire the views from the river. The duration of this walk is about an hour.

In the evening, we recommend that you enjoy a fine meal in one of the many restaurants in the Ribeira area, followed by a night out in one of its bars. If you want to listen to live music or go wild, head to the Hard Club, which is located in the former Ferreira Borges market.

Day 2 in Porto (morning) – Vila Nova de Gaia and port wine lodges

The town of Vila Nova di Gaia is located on southern shores The Douro River is the real birthplace of port wine. It is here that the world famous Portuguese port wine is matured and stored in huge wine cellars called lodges.

The lodges of all the major port producers (Graham's, Sandeman, Taylor, Warre and Ferreira) are within walking distance of each other and are open for tours and tastings. The cost of tours, which are offered throughout the day in several languages, and tastings is surprisingly low ( places on popular excursions must be booked in advance).

On the promenade of Vila Nova di Gaia, which is great place To spend time on a hot summer day, there is always a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

The original work of street art “Half-Rabbit” is the most unique attraction of Vila Nova de Gaia

While in Vila Nova di Gaia, be sure to visit the unique creation of street art "Rabbit" (called Half-Rabbit and located on the façade of a building located near the Church of Santa Marinha), and also visit the shipyard where traditional Portuguese Rabelos boats.

Stretched from the river bank cable car, through which you can get to the round Monastery of Serra do Pilar and the same round church, from where an amazing panorama of the Douro River opens.

Day 2 in Porto (afternoon) – Foz District or Palácio de Cristal

The region of Foch is located at the mouth of the Douro River near where it flows into Atlantic Ocean. This attractive area, which has a calm and pleasant atmosphere, is surprisingly little visited by visitors to Porto. Two characteristic places in the Foch region - the coastal zone of the river and the area along the coast - are of undoubted interest to tourists.

The coastal area of ​​the river is home to traditional fishing harbors, quiet and cozy parks, and luxurious villas. Here you can do interesting and exciting walking along the picturesque banks of the Douro River. The Foz area along the coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and is a string of small beaches and rocky headlands that extend to the town of Matusinhos.
The Foz district can be reached by tram number 1, which departs from the Church of São Francisco, or by bus number 500.

Pergola da Foz is the most romantic place in Porto to watch the sunset

For lovers of extreme entertainment: The organizers of the attraction “Porto Bridge Climb” (Climb the Bridge) invite everyone to climb the arch of the Arrábida Bridge, which is located at an altitude of 65 m from the surface of the river.

If you are more interested cultural heritage Portugal, visit the Palácio de Cristal park, as well as the museums of Soares dos Reix and Quinta da Macieirinha. In the Soares dos Reix Museum, which is located in beautiful palace Carrancas, exhibits part of the national collection of paintings and sculptures.

The Quinta da Macieirinha mansion was where the exiled King of Italy, Carlo Alberto, spent the last months of his life before he died in 1849. The Quinta da Macieirinha Museum has been restored as it was during the king's lifetime. Both museums are located near the tranquil and beautiful gardens of the Palácio de Cristal Park.

The Soares dos Reis Museum is located in one of the most impressive buildings in Porto

Only the bravest will dare to climb to the top of the Arrábida Bridge

Day 2 in Porto – (evening and night)

We recommend spending your final evening in Porto at the nightlife bars and clubs located on Galeria de Paris, affectionately known as the “street of bars”, which is located close to the university.

It is no coincidence that the city has already twice received the title of Best European tourist destination and awarded the European Consumers Choice award in 2012 and 2014.

Near Porto rich story, majestic monuments and more than 30 museums, a cosmopolitan city center, vibrant nightlife attracting thousands of people, amazing cultural dynamics, pleasant green spaces, cuisine, high quality wines and a thriving fashion scene.

And the people here are as warm as the weather. The people of Porto are happy to welcome visitors to the Invincible City, and this hospitality remains forever in memory.

These arguments were noted by the most prestigious publications in the world talking about the choice of a tourist destination. As the Wall Street Journal wrote, the Invincible City "has it all" and is "easy to love and easy to leave." Over the course of two days you can feel the whole spirit of Porto.

On the first day of your visit, head into the city center and business district, wander the narrow streets of the historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and raise a glass of port in one of the many wine cellars and bars or in a cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the left bank of the Douro River.

City center, Avenida dos Aliados ("living room of the city") and Liberty Square, Bolhão market, Rua de Santa Catarina (here you can shop in traditional shops and drink coffee in the famous Majestic -) and Batalha Square, Train Station São Bento, Lellu Bookshop and Clérigos Tower are must-see spots. In the historical center of the city, do not miss the churches of São Francisco and São Nicolau, the House of the Infante and the Exchange Palace. Take a break on one of Ribeira's terraces, with magnificent views of the Luis I Bridge and Porto's wine cellars.

End the day next to the Clérigos Tower. This area is a nightlife zone or "Parisian Galleries", so named because of the Geleria de Paris street - where model houses, design studios and vintage furniture stores, consignment shops, gourmet shops, restaurants with signature cuisine, and also with traditional Portuguese dishes and bars, lots of bars.

Culture and sea

On the second day of your visit, stop by the House of Music, get lost in Serralves, have lunch by the sea and relax in the City Park.

On Sunday mornings, entry to Serralves is free. Visit the Alvaro Siza Vieira-designed Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Deco House, then stroll through the park and romantic gardens of the Foundation. Sip tea in the cozy Tea House before heading to the Music House.

On Sundays you can listen to classical music in the emblematic concert hall, opened in 2005 - the first building built in Portugal dedicated exclusively to music - for a very reasonable fee. Always at noon. Then have lunch at the restaurant located at the top of the building designed by Rem Koolhaas and/or take a tour of the site that raised the new level urban culture of Porto.

Take a stroll through the City Park, which, with an area of ​​83 hectares, starts at the end of Avenida da Boavista and extends all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The beach here offers idyllic scenery, so if you have time before heading to Francisco Carneiro airport, watch the sun set on one of the many seaside terraces.

Situated on two banks of the Douro River, the city of Porto is one of the cities that perfectly combines magnificent sights with natural beauty.

High hills wide river and the nearby ocean doomed Porto to the status of one of the most beautiful cities Europe.

Discover the best attractions and places to visit in Porto, get local tips and a map with a 1-day itinerary for Portugal's second largest city in this guide.

So, let's begin!

This city in northern Portugal has a relatively small population within its city limits, while the population of the entire agglomeration around Porto is almost 2.5 million people.

Good news for tourists: Most of Porto's attractions are located in the old town, within walking distance of each other. This way, if you find a hotel/hostel in the old town, you won't even have to spend money on transportation.

To find accommodation in a central location, enter the following addresses in the form below: “Santo Ildefonso, Porto” (one of the central areas of the city) or “Torre dos Clérigos, Porto” (to find accommodation near this popular Porto attraction).

What dishes to try in Porto

You should definitely try a few local dishes . The best of them are Francesinha, a calorie bomb of cheese, ham and meat, topped with hot tomato-beer sauce (sounds weird, but it's delicious); potato pancakes with cod ( bolinhos de bacalhau); alethria, which is a bit like rice pudding, pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese egg cream cake and some other delicacies.

So, if you already have a hotel reservation in the old town, know where and what you need to try and how to use the tram, it's time to move on to the best attractions in Porto that are definitely worth visiting, even if you only have 1 day.

Top 10 Porto Attractions

Torre Dos Clérigos

Since I've already mentioned this popular attraction, why not tell me more about it?!

Torre Dos Clérigos is a baroque church and tower in the old town of Porto. The 75-meter tower was completed in 1750 and is now one of the characteristic symbols of the city. Not only is it tall, but it also sits on a hill, so for many years it served as a landmark for sailors on the Duero River.

Today you can visit the Clérigos Museum and climb to the top of the tower during the day or even at night (7-11 pm) for just 5 euros. If you prefer the second option, please note that the museum will not be open at this time. I highly recommend climbing the tower for the most beautiful view!

Lello Bookstore

The quaint narrow house, located on the other side of Lisbon Square from the tower, is one of Porto's most popular attractions, where you will often see long lines of tourists eagerly waiting to stop by and take photos in this beautiful bookshop.

What's special about it?

It's beautiful... and old... and the place inspired J.K. Rowling to write the Harry Potter series. Moreover, Lonely Planet And Guardian added Lello to the list of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Therefore, now, Harry Potter fans and ordinary tourists feel the need to visit it during their trip to Porto.

Entry costs 3 euros (in March 2018) and you can use this amount as part of the price of the book you want to buy.

Dom Luis I Bridge

A city on a river should have beautiful bridges. And Porto has several. The famous architect Gustave Eiffel, whose Eiffel Tower is famous throughout the world, designed the original version of the bridge Dom Luis I. The project was rejected because it could not meet the needs of the growing city.

His student later created a very similar version of the bridge, which already had two levels, doubling its size throughput. Gustav Eiffel later founded an architecture company in Belgium that finally created the plan Eiffel Tower. Therefore, we can say that the bridge in Porto helped Gustav Eiffel create his famous tower.

Double Church

There's another one in Porto unique place, which you definitely need to visit. This is a double church or two Catholic churches in one building, Igreja do Carmo And Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalços built at different times and in different styles.

As I said, most of the attractions in Porto are located close to each other. Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas are located just 1 minute walk from Lello Bookshop and 2 minutes from Torre dos Clérigos Hotel, surrounded by other city attractions.

Sao Bento Station

Throughout the city you can find the famous blue and white azulejo tiles: on the same Igreja do Carmo And Torre dos Clérigos, which I mentioned earlier, at the Porto Cathedral, which I will talk about later, and in many other places.

Some of the most beautiful tiles you will find at Sao Bento train station. They represent some of the most important historical events in Porto. It's also located near some other attractions so you can show up on your way.

Wine Cellars Porto

On the other side of the Douro River you won't find many attractions, but there is a large number of wine cellars with port wine museums, organizing wine tastings.

I've been to Porto several times and tried local wine in three different places, and I liked all three, so it's hard for me to recommend just one. If you cross the river, you will find several close together.

Before the tasting, the guide will tell you the history, production process and types of port wine.

Ferry on the Duero River

The Duero River is a landmark in Porto in itself, but ferry excursions are also organized here. This is probably best entertainment in the city if you are unlucky with the weather.

Ferries depart from long embankment Vila Nova de Gaia (south side of the river where many wine cellars are located). This type of activity is more for mass tourism, not for independent travelers, but that's what everyone should do here.

While relaxing on the ferry, you can listen to a lot of interesting stories about the sights on both sides of the river in one of more than ten audio guide languages.

The most elite McDonald's in the world

McDonald's on Avenida dos aliases is considered the most elite restaurant of this chain in the world. Monumental building, imperial design and... Big Macs. Visiting this place will be a great and very unusual experience that you will remember for a long time.

Many local residents are outraged by what this beautiful building used for restaurant fast food, but tourists like it.

Cathedral with observation point

Another place to visit in Porto is its Cathedral ( Se do Porto). Don't miss this attraction, which is one of Porto's oldest surviving monuments, completed in 1737.

The cathedral is located on a hill, so in addition to the beauty of the building, you can enjoy beautiful view to the colorful roofs of Porto and the Duero river with a bridge Dom Luis I .

House of Music

The modern Casa da Musica building is located in the new part of Porto, relatively far from most other attractions in the city, so you may need to use public transport to get there.

The House of Music is concert hall, which was completed in 2005. Its construction was associated with the title cultural capital Europe, which Porto received in 2001.

1 Day in Porto: Itinerary

To help you plan 1 day in Porto, I have created an itinerary for the above mentioned attractions and some other interesting places.

Most of Porto's main attractions are located in the north of the city, while South part will be interesting in the evening (river tour and port wine tasting). Below is a 1-day Porto itinerary:

You can also open this to art with route in Google Maps, change it, add a point for your hotel or remove points that are less interesting to you.

So, here is your route around Porto in 1 day with the recommended duration of visit:

1. IgrejadoCarmo, a double church in the northern part of the city. Nearby is beautiful fountain Lviv ( FontedosLeões) and one of the buildings of the University of Porto.

• : 30 minutes
• Price: for free

1. In the next square there is the famous Lello Bookstore. If you start this route in the morning, you can avoid long lines and get inside in 15-20 minutes, maybe less.

• Recommended visiting time: 20 minutes (queue can take from 5 minutes to an hour)
• Price: 3 euros

1. You only have to cross the square to find yourself near Torre Dos Clérigos. It is both a church and a tower. As I already said, I recommend going up to enjoy a magnificent view of the whole of Porto. It's very close ConfeitariadosClerigos. Even if you are not hungry yet, I advise you to go there for coffee with pastel de nata.

• Recommended visiting time: 30 minutes (+up to 30 minutes in a cafe)
• Price: 5 euros (a snack in a cafe will cost about the same, and coffee with dessert will cost no more than 2 euros)

1. On your way to Sao Bento Station you will pass by a huge Freedom Square (PraçadaLiberdade), where the 'elite' McDonald's I was talking about is located (I only advise you to go in and out there as a tourist attraction). I recommend visiting the station for the pictures made of azulejo tiles telling about historical events in Portugal.

• Recommended visiting time: 15 minutes
• Price: for free

1. The next point I marked was another church, Igreja da Misericórdia, but in fact, what is interesting is not so much the church itself as the street on which it is located, as well as the one parallel to it.

These two streets leading from the station were divided into one where only women walked and one where men walked. Accordingly, the shops located on them were also different. The street on which the above-mentioned church is located is called Street of Flowers.

• Recommended visiting time: 15 minutes
• Price: for free

1. The next must-see point is Porto Cathedral. Located on a square located on a hill, it offers excellent views of the city.

• Recommended visiting time: 15 minutes
• Price: for free

1. Go through bridge Dom Luis I , and, if desired, either go down to the embankment using funicular, or on foot. In any case, I advise you to stop at panoramic point upstairs. By this point, it should be dark enough for you to see Porto in the evening.
2. Being on the embankment, I advise you to go to river ferry excursion, And, port wine tasting(the sequence depends on the schedule and the time at which you arrived there).

• Recommended time to visit the last 2 points: 2 hours
• Price: about 25 euros

This is the basic 1 day Porto itinerary I suggest, but if you have time you can add the attractions I'll mention below.

• So, in total your the route will take near: 6 hours
• A cost 1 day in Porto(without accommodation) will be around: 40 euros

Sights of Porto optional

You can also add earlier or later to your route House of Music (CasaDoMusica), which I already mentioned, and a park Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, interesting in itself, for its variety of birds roaming freely in the park and the view of the place where the Duero River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, as well as Dragao Stadium (EstadiodoDragao), home arena football club Porto.

If you don't want to visit the most typical tourist attractions, but feel the spirit of Porto, I advise you to take a walk north of the double church, the first point of my route.

This was my list of the top 10 Porto attractions you can visit in 1 day with an itinerary around the city.

I hope this helped you plan your trip and have a great time in Porto. Read also my or. Have a good trip!