One Day in Porto: How to See the Best of Porto in 24 Hours

If you only have one day in Porto? While you undoubtedly won’t be able to experience everything there is to see in Porto in a single day, we think you can certainly gain a good sense of what makes the city unique and fascinating. With its exquisite tiled churches, spectacular viewpoints, indulgent local dishes, and namesake port wine, Porto is a city that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Regrettably, Porto is excessively regularly overlooked in favorability of the nation`s capital of Lisbon or the attractive beaches of the Algarve. However we would contend that omitting Porto is an error.

Porto is a fascinating city that provides something a little different from Portugal`s other most famous destinations. And it`s a place that`s definitely worth adding to any Portugal itinerary, even if it`s only for a day.

Porto offers contradictions. As the nation`s original center of government – there remains a friendly if spirited rivalry with Lisbon today – and Portugal`s second largest city, Porto holds a rich and compelling history, with many attractive architectural aspects and a distinctly older atmosphere than Lisbon. At the same time, the city possesses a youthful and dynamic setting, with a cool cafe culture and nightlife scene.

With 24 hours in Porto, you won’t be able to see and do everything in the city. But you can get a pretty good taste of what it has to offer. And if you really enjoy your day in Porto (which we’re pretty certain that you will), you can always return to dive deeper next time.

In this guide, we’re going to share our perspective on how to see the best of Porto in one day. We’ll provide you the things we think you should focus on based on our own time in Porto, and then discuss some important logistics that we think will be beneficial as you plan your trip.

a man and woman standing next to each other on a bridge

a woman sitting at a table with a glass of beer
a large building with a clock on the front of it

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Is One Day in Porto Enough?

If we want to be completely honest with you here, one day in Porto definitely isn`t enough time to fully experience everything this amazing city has to offer. We`d suggest two days, and three would be even better.

But we also know that not everyone has the gift of time, and we think that Porto is a city that’s still worth seeing. Even if you only have a day, we think you should try to visit Porto.

Unlike major European cities like Paris and Rome (or even Lisbon, really), the main city center in Porto is fairly compact which makes it very walkable. That means you can string together many of the primary attractions in Porto over the course of a day.

We recommend focusing on four primary activities during a day in Porto:

  • Go tile chasing (azulejos)
  • Seek out some spectacular views over the city
  • Eat a bifana (and other types of sandwiches that Porto is famous for, like the heart-attack-on-a–plate that is the francesina)
  • Drink local port

In the single day Porto itinerary below, we’ll assist you in doing all four of these over the course of your 24 hours in the city, along with some time spent exploring some of Porto’s other delights.

Additional information on the train and bus connections can be found here.

We think two or three days is ideal for an initial trip to Porto, because it allows for two complete days to explore Porto and its neighbor, Vila Nova de Gaia, and offers you a full day to venture out into the Douro Valley, where the grapes utilized to make port are cultivated.

Our trip out to the Douro Valley region – we participated in this guided sightseeing experience with my younger brother for his birthday celebrations, and it was superb – was the pinnacle not only of our entire itinerary for Portugal, but also of our three month European tour that took us beyond Portugal to Spain and Italy as well.”

Seriously, if you have an extra day, you should do that tour. It’s magical.

a car driving down a street next to tall buildings

One Day in Porto: How to See Porto’s Highlights in 24 HoursΒ 

The one-day itinerary for Porto outlined below will give you a terrific insight into the city`s history, beauty, cuisine, and wine.

Phenomenal perspectives of the Santorini caldera, volcano, cliffs, beaches, and nearby islands. Very cool and highly recommended (though obviously expensive).

By the way, we wanted to add a brief part here regarding the Porto Card, which we’ve seen recommended previously. The Porto Card offers access to a range of various tourist attractions at a reduced cost. So what`s not to like?

Regrettably, adhering strictly to this schedule as written does not justify the cost. Upon calculation, one is unlikely to reap €13 worth of value within a single day (which is the price).

Start With One of the Best Views in Porto at Miradouro da VitΓ³ria

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Yes, the security lines are often quite lengthy. But there are many flight options coming into SeaTac, both domestic and international, that it`s sure to be the most affordable place to fly into.

Situated at the top of a hill in the heart of Old Town, Miradouro da VitΓ³ria is one of our consistently favorite viewpoints in Porto.

The viewing platform offers unrivaled panoramic views over the city’s rooftops. From it, you can spot many of the landmarks you’ll be visiting throughout the day, such as the Cathedral, Douro River, and Dom Luis I Bridge.

a large building with a clock on it
a man and a woman standing next to each other

The best part is that, aside from the sweat you’ll accumulate climbing the hill, Miradouro da VitΓ³ria is completely free to visit.

By visiting in the morning, you’ll avoid the large crowds that gather to watch the sunset from the viewpoint each evening (which we should note can also be quite spectacular).

Coffee at SO Coffee Roasters or FΓ‘brica

By this point in the day, you`ll likely be wanting a robust cup of coffee to boost your energy for the activities ahead. It`s time to get your caffeine fix in preparation for the busy schedule.

If you’re searching for some of Porto`s top coffee offerings, I would highly suggest stopping by FΓ‘brica or SO Coffee Roasters. Both coffee shops are located within walking distance of your next destination on this itinerary, approximately a 10 minute stroll from Miradouro da VitΓ³ria.

FΓ‘brica was one of our favorite coffee retailers in Lisbon, and we were delighted to find that they now have two venues in downtown Porto.

A specialty coffee roaster sources beans globally and roasts them onsite in Portugal, yielding some of the country`s finest brews. They operate a cafe and on-premises shop where purchasers can acquire bags of their superb coffee to bring back home.

Situated just off Monastiraki Square, the closest metro station is Monastiraki, less than a 30-meter walk from the shops.

SO Coffee Roasters, which can be found at their website, is situated a few blocks from FΓ‘brica and provides another excellent choice for grabbing coffee and breakfast in Porto.

a cup of coffee sitting on top of a table
a cup of coffee sitting on top of a white plate

With a coffee shop on the ground floor and a roasting facility above, SO serves excellent specialty coffee that has been roasted freshly on-site. The cafe also offers a variety of tasty cakes, pastries, sourdough sandwiches, and smoothies to fuel you for the day ahead.

Climb Torre dos ClΓ©rigos

They also offer more midday and evening options to select from, like duck pancake with fried plantain, burgers, and chicken schnitzel.

a clock tower in the middle of a city

Torre dos ClΓ©rigos is the iconic bell tower of the stunning 18th-century Baroque church of the same name. Standing at 249 feet (76 meters), the structure towers high above the surrounding rooftops and represents one of the most emblematic monuments in the city.

Climbing the steep, narrow winding stairs to reach the tower’s peak is surely no simple undertaking. But the breathtaking 360 views over the city provided from the top are undoubtedly worth the effort.

You can also take a brief look around the church’s small museum (entry is included in the tower ticket price), which exhibits religious artifacts and artwork from the Brotherhood of the Clergymen. In the 1700s, the Brotherhood of the Clergymen was created to help poor and sick associates of the clergy of Porto.

Entrance to the ClΓ©rigos Church is free. However, climbing the tower and visiting the ClΓ©rigos Museum costs €6. The tower is popular and there is a limit on the number of people who can climb it each hour. Therefore, it is advisable to book tickets in advance

Marvel at the Tilework at Igreja do Carmo

people walking down a street next to tall buildings

Just a few minutes from the ClΓ©rigos Tower, past the lush greenery of Jardim da Cordoaria, you’ll come across the impressive Igreja do Carmo church.

Igreja do Carmo is one half of a set of twin churches built in the 1600s and 1700s. The striking Baroque church is connected to the neighbouring Igreja dos Carmelitas by a tiny house (the narrowest house in Porto) that was built to keep the resident monks and nuns separated.

In 1912, thousands of traditional ceramic tiles in shades of blue and white were added to the exterior of the church. Designed by the Italian artist Silvestro Silvestri, the tiled facade depicts scenes depicting the founding of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel. The remarkable exterior is one of the finest examples of azulejo tiles found throughout Porto.

a large building with a clock on the side of it

If inspecting Portugal’s famed tiles up close is on your must-do list, Igreja do Carmo is the place to do so. Despite how intricate its facade is, the church tends to receive fewer visitors than some other locations where you can admire azulejo tiles in the city.

Additionally, do not miss seeing the bell tower of Igreja dos Carmelitas on the left side, which is also covered in a somewhat simpler set of azulejos tiles.

Should You go Inside Igreja do Carmo?

If you’re exploring all of Porto in one day, you won’t have time to stop and look inside every church you pass by.

You don’t particularly need to either, as most of Porto’s churches have fairly similar interior layouts. And they were predominantly built during the Baroque time period, which means you aren’t going to get the highly detailed, lavish interiors frequently seen throughout places like Italy.

However, if wanting to go inside a church, Igreja do Carmo is a fine choice.

The Baroque and Rococo style interior of Igreja do Carmo contains richly decorated sculptures embellished with gold and an array of religious paintings by Portuguese artists that make it one of the most impressive spaces in the city.

The €3.50 entrance fee for visiting the church also includes a small museum in the former monastery and the chance to visit the β€˜hidden house’ between the churches.

Stroll through Praça do Município

people standing in front of a large clock tower

After departing Igreja do Carmo, take a leisurely stroll northwards through Praça do Município.

PraΓ§a do MunicΓ­pio is a large square in downtown Porto that’s home to the city’s grand Neoclassical City Hall, several historic statues, and many other impressive buildings.

This square serves as an important meeting location in the city where many political and social gatherings are held throughout the year. It also functions as the starting point for most walking tours.

PraΓ§a do MunicΓ­pio is connected to the equally impressive PraΓ§a da Liberdade to its south via Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s main street. The lengthy avenue has cafes, bars, and restaurants with ample outdoor seating where guests can sit for a time and watch the world pass by.

At the southern extremity of the plaza, you’ll find SΓ£o Bento Train Station ( here on Google Maps), which may arguably be the most aesthetically pleasing train station globally (although Milan’s Stazione Centrale is definitely in the dialogue). It’s also a good place to see azulejos, those iconic cerulean tiles.

Try a Bifana at Conga

Following a busy morning exploring downtown Porto, sample your first Portuguese specialty for lunch – the bifana.

A bifana is a traditional Portuguese sandwich made up of a soft bread roll filled with thin slices of marinated pork and plenty of mustard and piri-piri sauce. The tasty dish is one of the most popular fast foods in Porto.

There are many variations of bifana throughout Portugal based on location. However, the style of bifana found in Porto includes beer and Port wine added to the marinade, giving it a more tangy flavor.

So Where Should You Try Bifana in Porto?

Our walking tour guide recommended we check out Conga for the finest bifana in Porto. And he certainly wasn’t wrong!

The casual family-focused eating place has been open since 1976 when the owner claims to have initiated the dish. No one quite knows whether this is correct or not. But what we can tell you is that they serve up one delicious pork sandwich.

When you initially arrive at Conga, you’ll see the huge pots of pork stewing in the window. It’s enough to get anyone’s taste sensations tingling. You may have to stand in line for some time, but the tasty dish is definitely worthwhile.

a sandwich sitting on top of a paper towel
a man eating a piece of pizza

If you’re traveling with a couple people, you could also split a bifana and a franchesina to sample two of Porto’s must-try dishes in one meal.

A franchesina is another indulgent Portuguese sandwich made with layers of sausage, ham, and/or roasted beef between lightly toasted bread, covered in cheese, and soaked in a rich tomato and beer-based sauce.

Yes, it is quite filling and caloric as described. Yet, it is definitely worth it!

Grab a Pastel de Nata for Dessert

Round off your lunch with a sweet Portuguese pastry, another tasty local specialty.

The pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese custard treat usually dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, which was allegedly first invented in a monastery on the outskirts of Lisbon in the late 1700s. But over the centuries, they have become equally prevalent in Porto and other areas of the nation too.

The pastΓ©is de nata (that’s the plural manifestation) at Manteigaria are our absolute favorite snacks in Portugal.

We initially found them in Lisbon but were pleased to discover they also have a shop in Porto, conveniently situated just a few minutes from Conga.

At Manteigaria do Porto, you can observe the sweet pastries being crafted right before your eyes and then sample one or more of the warm custard tarts.

Verona is a fairly compact city, and it’s reasonably straightforward to see the highlights of Verona in a day. That being said, we spent two days there, and left wishing we had more allocated time.

Unable to choose between the above locations? If you have room, we strongly recommend visiting both and comparing their pastΓ©is de nata side-by-side. Then you can form your own opinion on which is superior.

That was our experience while in Lisbon – Manteigaria stood out from other options we sampled. But your mileage may vary!

Admire SΓ© do Porto

a building with a clock tower on top of it

FΓ‘brica de Nata is another great choice for a scrumptious pastel de nata in Porto. Their award-winning custard tarts are served piping hot straight from the oven and can be enjoyed in the cozy cafe or outdoors on the sunny terrace.

  • La Casalinga is one of the best restaurants in the area for traditional Florentine fare.

SΓ© do Porto is Porto’s hilltop Romanesque cathedral and the most important religious building in the city. Constructed in the 12th century, the sturdy church has undergone numerous renovations over the years, making it one of the oldest structures in Porto.

Should You Go Inside the Porto Cathedral?Β 

In our opinion, you don`t need to go inside. While seeing the outside is somewhat intriguing, the interior isn`t the most exciting cathedral we`ve seen.

The interior is an unusual assortment of different styles, like Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic, due to the start-stop nature of its construction.

With more time, it could be worthwhile going inside. However, if you only have one day in Porto, we`d continue our journey.

Cross the Ponte LuΓ­s I Bridge For Spectacular Views

a large body of water with boats docked

From Porto Cathedral, walk just a few minutes to join the higher walkway of the Ponte Luis I Bridge.

Ponte Luis I crosses the Douro River and stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, connecting Porto in the north and Vila Nova de Gaia in the south.

When completed in 1886, Ponte Luis I was considered the world`s longest spanning metal bridge at the time. The impressive structure is still viewed as an architectural marvel today.

The upper part of the bridge has a metro line and pedestrian walkway, while the lower level is for cars and pedestrians. Walk across the upper walkway toward Vila Nova de Gaia for amazing 360 views across the river and over both cities.

Once you reach Vila Nova de Gaia, head straight up to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, the large terrace of the 15th-century hilltop monastery by the same name. From here, you’ll be allowed to even more phenomenal perspectives back over the famous bridge and the Porto skyline.

a train crossing a bridge over a rivera man and a woman standing next to each other

Take a Walk Through Vila Nova de Gaia

Next, make your way down from the hilltop monastery to the Gaia waterfront. On the descent, you’ll pass some additional spectacular viewpoints, like Miradouro da Ribeira and Miradouro do TelefΓ©rico.

If the downhill walk is too much, you can also hop on the Gaia Cable Car for €6 per person. The cable car is somewhat overcosted in our view (it’s only a 5 moment ride), but it does offer a brief respite from walking and some additional breathtaking vistas over the river and city.

a boat that is sitting in the water

The waterfront in Vila Nova de Gaia is where travelers will find numerous historic port cellars and port houses that have existed for many years. If one has ample time, it`s worthwhile to stop at one location to participate in a port tasting, which was among our favorite components of our visit to Porto.

Careful, though, every local we interacted with warned us about the severe hangovers that too much port brings.

Even without time for a full tasting of port varieties at a port lodge, taking a brief stroll through the neighborhood and sipping a glass of port at one of the riverside pubs is worthwhile.

Lastly, return over the lower level of the Dom Luis I Bridge to arrive at Ribeira.

Dinner in Ribeira

a city street filled with lots of cars and buildings

End your day with dinner and drinks in the Ribeira district. Spanning the Porto riverfront, Ribeira is a popular evening spot renowned for its colorful facades and numerous restaurants and bars with magnificent views over the Douro River and Dom Luis I Bridge.

We have three recommendations for locations to eat in Ribeira.

Taberna Dos Mercadores is a small, traditional locale in Ribeira that serves an assortment of tasty, authentic regional dishes from the Porto region.

The cuisine at Taberna is superb and reasonably priced given the high quality. However, the intimate restaurant is extremely popular, so you may have to wait in line for a period of time to obtain a table.

If you want to indulge yourself at a special spot, take a look at Restaurante Casario, the on-site eatery of Gran Cruz House, (one of the coolest places to rest in the area).

The luxury restaurant has a fantastic menu of Portuguese specialties, made using local and seasonal ingredients. It also has a large port and wine collection and a beautiful terrace overlooking the Douro River.

On the way, stop at Igreja de Santo Ildefonso ( here on Google Maps) for another example of a beautifully tiled church.

Casa Guedas has been serving delicious roasted pork leg sandwiches in Porto since 1987 when the Correia brothers opened a small snack bar. Today, the casual restaurant has three locations in the city and is a particular favorite among both locals and visitors.

Try Some Portuguese Wine at Prova

If you still have some time and energy left after exploring so much of Porto in a day, you can round off your evening with a glass or two of Portuguese wine at Prova.

a person holding a glass of wine
a glass of wine sitting on top of a table

Prova is a cozy and elegant wine bar in the heart of Ribeira, with a fantastic selection of local wine and port, and nightly live music by a local jazz band. All of the wines at Prova are personally selected by owner and experienced sommelier Diogo Amado.

The employees at this location in Porto have extensive knowledge about Portuguese wines and will gladly assist visitors in selecting an option they are sure to enjoy. Nowhere else in the city provides a better informal introduction to local varieties.

What to Do with More Than a Day in Porto

With more time available in Porto, there are countless other worthwhile sights and activities to expand your itinerary. Spending additional days exploring Porto itself or including a day trip to surrounding areas are options to consider.

Additionally, we have a full guide focused on spending 3 days in Porto, which is the ideal destination if you have 2-3 days to spend in the second largest city in Portugal.

Take a Day Trip out to the Douro Valley

a large body of water with mountains

The Douro Valley is our favored day expedition from Porto and is worthwhile if you have additional time available.

Situated 100 km east of Porto, the Douro Valley is where you’ll find the many vineyards and wineries that manufacture the region’s famous port wine.

The valley dotted with vineyards is considered the oldest classified (DOC) wine making region globally. Due to its breathtaking natural scenery and historical importance, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

When visiting the valley, you can investigate the region’s stunning countryside on one of its numerous hiking trails, find the picturesque towns and villages nestled on the banks of the Douro River, and – certainly – go to some of its historic wineries and vineyards.

Most wineries in the region offer tours where you can learn about the port production process and sample plenty of local wines where they originate.

So What’s the Best Way to Visit the Douro Valley on a Day Trip from Porto?

The best approach to investigate the Douro Valley is on an composed visit. The valley isn`t particularly accessible by open transportation. And on the off chance that you drive independently, somebody will need to be the designated driver along these lines won`t get the opportunity to drink the wine.

Additionally, on a tour, you’ll have access to a knowledgeable guide who can answer all of your questions and give some fantastic insider tips. You’ll also get to visit the more off-the-beaten-path vineyards and scenic viewpoints only locals know about.

We participated in this tour, and it marked a highlight of our entire Portugal trip (and our entire three months across Europe, honestly).

a small village on a hillside

three wine glasses sitting on top of a table
a woman posing for a picture in front of a mountain

The tour incorporated viewpoints, two winery visits, a delectable lunch at an old estate, and a hour-long cruise along the Douro River with plenty of Porto Tonico (port and tonic) beverages.

Go Port Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

a large warehouse filled with lots of barrels filled with barrels

If you made the most of your day in Porto, you may have briefly sampled ports in Gaia. But if not, it`s a good way to fill extra time in the city.

Vila Nova de Gaia is the territory lining the south bank of the Douro River and is home to various old port cellars and port lodges. Most of the lodges offer visits and tastings for visitors to realize all the more about Porto`s well known port wine.

It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring Gaia and sipping on port at charming hilltop lodges and cozy wine bars.

But we should provide a warning – while port is easy to consume, its 20% alcohol content and sugar levels mean hangovers can be quite harsh. If sampling port in Gaia, be sure to stay hydrated with water and possibly start the next day later.

three wine glasses sitting on top of a wooden table

Some of the top lodging options worth visiting in Gaia are:

  • Graham’s (the one we visited) – Positions a small way off the chief tourist route, Graham’s dates back to the 1800s and is one of the most renowned names in the industry. Tasting and visits are by booking only.
  • Sandeman – A 200-year-old cellar of port wine with one of the most outstanding collections of wine bottles in Europe.
  • Taylor’s – Taylor’s historic cellar home to a contemporary museum about the history of port and the house of Taylor’s, which can be explored on an extensive audio-guided visit.
  • Caves CΓ‘lem– CalΓ©m port lodge provides not only tours of their aging rooms and displays, but the innovative brand additionally presents a 5D film regarding port wine production, fado performances, and exceptional port and food blending sessions.

a clock tower on the side of a road

a row of wooden barrels filled with barrels
three wine glasses sitting on top of a wooden table

Take a Guided Tour of PalΓ‘cio da Bolsa

PalÑcio da Bolsa, also known as The Stock Exchange Palace, is a Neoclassical building constructed in the 19th century as the headquarters of Associação Comercial do Porto (Portuguese Chamber of Commerce).

The majestic palace is classified as a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The grand palace is mainly used to host official state receptions and visiting representatives, so is often closed to the public. But when it’s not being used for official business, you can sometimes visit the architectural jewel of Porto on a 30 minute guided tour.

Visit Livraria LelloΒ 

a large group of people walking down a street

Livraria Lello Bookshop is one of Porto’s attractions that some appreciate more than others. So we’ll leave whether you visit up to your preferences.

Livraria Lello is praised by many as one of the most gorgeous bookstores globally. Dating back to 1881, it has gained fame for its lavish neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau interior decoration.

It’s difficult not to be impressed by the grand staircases, elaborately carved furnishings, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and elegant stained-glass skylight.

It was even rumored that the author J.K. Rowling found inspiration for the Hogwarts library during her time in Porto. However, the writer herself has since dismissed this notion.

So Why Wouldn’t You Want to Visit this Beautiful Bookshop?

We’re huge fans of independent booksellers, and make a point of seeking them out while we’re traveling. However, we decided not to go inside Livraria Lello.

Livraria Lello`s increased popularity has resulted in long lines and crowds that can dampen the experience. Based on our visit, waits to enter were consistently lengthy regardless of the time.

We literally walked past three times – when they opened (and we were considering going), midday, and in the evening right before they closed – and there was a long line every single time.

Then once inside, rather than the charming and peaceful bookshop imagined, what you’ll discover is one huge tourist attraction with groups of tourists vying for photos on every staircase and balcony.

You also now need to pay an admission charge to visit the shop. You can purchase your ticket in advance online for €5 (you’ll need to pick a date and time slot) or at the entrance on the day for €6. The ticket fee is deducted from the price of any books that you buy.

If somebody happens to pass by when the line is small, and they actually plan to make a purchase, it’s certainly worth stopping in. But if time is limited, they probably won’t want to waste a couple hours waiting in line. Especially if exploring all of Porto in a single day is the goal.

Take a Food TourΒ 

For food enthusiasts, a local culinary tour is an excellent method to sample as much of Porto’s superb cuisine as time allows during your stay.

Two highly recommended food tour options in Porto are:

  • This Eat With the Locals Tour brings you to visit some of the city`s most authentic family-owned restaurants and small producers to sample various “petiscos” (shared appetizers and small plates), paired with wine, beer, and port.
  • The Vintage Food Tour will inform you about the revival of Porto’s cuisine by taking you to visit both small local spots and newer restaurants serving fresh variations on traditional Portuguese dishes.

Visit Mercado do BolhΓ£o

Another must-visit location for food enthusiasts in Porto is the city`s sizable central marketplace, Mercado do BolhΓ£o. The original marketplace dates back to 1914, but it has recently undergone extensive renovations and reopened in September 2022.

The lively farmers market is set over several floors and hosts a variety of local traders, selling meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables, dairy, bread, cakes, flowers, and more.

Even if you’re not planning to purchase fresh produce, the market is still an exciting place to visit and observe the flow of local life in the city. You’ll find a handful of cafes and bars offering prepared food, so you can grab a bite to eat there too.

While visiting Mercado do BolhΓ£o, don`t miss the opportunity to check out the nearby Capela das Almas. This small place of worship in the BolhΓ£o district is renowned for its vibrant blue and white tiles decorated with depictions from the lives of saints. The chapel has become one of Porto’s most photographed landmarks.

Where to Stay in Porto

Visiting Plaquemines Parish also allows visitors to explore surrounding areas of the Greater New Orleans metro like Metairie.

We have an entire detailed guide to selecting lodging options in Porto

For more details, head over there and read that, which has an in-depth guide to each neighborhood we would recommend including pros and cons, highlights of the neighborhood, and more.

Here are the highlights if you’re short on time!

Ribeira: Romantic & Close to the River

a crowd of people standing on a dock near a body of water

Ribeira is the area of Porto’s old town made up of the Medieval harbor and riverfront. The neighbourhood is known for its colourfully painted faΓ§ades and numerous restaurants and bars overlooking the Douro River.

The area is particularly crowded during evenings as people from all over the city come to dine on the spacious decks while admiring magnificent views of Dom LuΓ­s I Bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia.

These are a few of our picks for the best places to stay in Ribeira:

  • Exmo. Hotel – A fashionable and cutting-edge boutique hotel containing generous rooms and amazing perspectives over the city and river. Some rooms have their own balcony or terrace. The hotel also has a trendsetting on-site bar offering food and beverages throughout the day.
  • β€’ How to Get There: The villas are situated on the pedestrian path in Finikia, just south of the village of Oia. It is roughly 18km from the Athinios ferry port and the Santorini Airport to the hotel, though they are in different directions.

  • Mouzinho 160 – Modern apartments with one or two bedrooms within a 19th century building situated on the northern edge of Ribeira. Each accommodation has generous living space, a well-equipped small kitchen, and private bathroom.
  • Porto River Serviced Apartments – A selection of spacious studios, one bed, and two bed apartments located directly on the riverfront. The largest apartments sleep as many as four adults and two children. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a cozy living area.
  • Rio da Vila – A stylish 8 room lodging with elegant and tasteful decorations that has won the property an worldwide design award.

Baixa: Central and Packed with Great Food & Drinks

a large building with a clock on it`s side

Baixa is Porto’s bustling downtown area. Centered around the Avenida dos Aliados (Porto’s main street), the neighborhood is full of important landmarks, restaurants, and hotels.

Baixa is also known for its cool and trendy atmosphere. It’s where you’ll find Porto’s young, hip crowd sipping coffee in cozy cafes by day, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife scene once the sun descends.

With a wealth of attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops right on your doorstep, it’s no surprise that the neighborhood is one of the most popular places to stay in Porto.

Provided below are some destinations to stay in Baixa that stood out to us:

  • Chic & Basic Gravity – A hotel that’s just as cool as the neighborhood surrounding it. It’s difficult to explain this place in my own words, so I`ll use theirs instead… “A place where sneakers dangle from the ceilings, lifts head down but you head up, fish fly, letters are falling, and ceilings become floors.”
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  • The Poets Inn – A cost-effective and cozy lodging themed after literature close to the ClΓ©rigos Tower. Some rooms have personal bathrooms, while others share one (the better alternative if you’re watching your budget). There’s also a fully equipped kitchen and dining area for guests to utilize.
  • Selina Porto – An stimulating and social hostel directly in the heart of Porto with private rooms or dormitories depending on your budget. The hostel has a communal kitchen, movie room, coworking space, lively bar and nightclub, and large garden courtyard. They also run a packed schedule of events, tours, and parties for guests.

Planning a visit to Portugal?

Here are our other Portugal travel guides to help plan an incredible trip (even if gluten must be avoided!).

If there isn’t a connection noted below, it signifies we’re still working diligently on compiling it – thorough, in-depth guides require time and care. However, rest assured we are dedicating effort to the task.

Portugal:

Lisbon

Porto:

The Algarve:

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about me

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

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