Travel Guide: 24 Hours in Porto

Porto or Lisbon? This is the most common question people ask when traveling to Portugal. Although the capital is magnificent and draws the attention of all Portuguese cities, there is something about Porto, the second-largest city, that makes most visitors choose it over Lisbon. Calm down, you don't need to choose, this will be the first article in a series that will tour the most sought-after cities in Portugal! We start with Porto, a precious stone of Portugal, which with its incredible cuisine, friendly atmosphere, and unbelievable views, fills the eyes of its visitors, trust us, you will want to come back again. If one day is all there is to this city, here's what to see and do in Porto in 24 hours!

Start your morning at Confeitaria do Bolhão, one of the most peaceful patisseries in the city located a few meters from Avenida dos Aliados. With a busy pace, this bakery has numerous breakfast options: cakes, bread, and snacks of all kinds.

A few meters away, the Pretinho do Japão and Pérola do Bolhão, are must-stop local grocery stores. Take the opportunity to buy souvenirs to take home: canned preserves, Port wine...

Santa Catarina Street

Bustling, full of life and with big known brands as well as street vendors, and you can also find small businesses along the side streets. 

Bridge with a View 

Make your way to the Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel Tower. The bridge spans the Douro River and joins the two banks, giving a wonderful opportunity to admire the views over the city.

The Wine Tour 

Take it easy to the shores of Gaia and enjoy a one-day tour of Wine tourism in Portugal. This Tour takes place in the riverside area of Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes of the historic city of Porto, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996.

You will visit and taste the wines of three world-renowned Port Wine Cellars, and have the opportunity to live essential experiences in the Port Wine Cellars.

Afterward, lunch will take place at the Decastro Gaia Restaurant, a modern restaurant where you can enjoy a pre-set menu with the flavors of Portuguese cuisine and a Port Wine Cocktail on a fantastic roof with a 360º view over the cellars and the river Douro.

The Tram 

A touristic option that never gets tired. With a vintage finish and a typically Portuguese personality, they're a great way to get to know the city, and they're scattered everywhere! Lose yourself in the colorful and fun streets of the historic center that promises to be fantastic frames for photographs to remember later.

Caption: Aerial view of Porto's Cathedral

Start at the Porto Cathedral, with wonderful views over the city. Walk north and you will arrive at the Igreja dos Clérigos and its tower, one of the most known symbols of the city of Porto, with a 360º view of the city, is one of the mythical points of the city.

Museu de Serralves

The Serralves Museum is a place not to be missed. This is the most visited museum in Portugal, located in a wide area, the property contains immense gardens, a villa, a suspension bridge, and immense temporary and permanent exhibitions that will take your breath away.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

After the tram ride, get off and take the opportunity to stroll to the Crystal Palace Gardens. These gardens are totally unmissable and unforgettable. With a hill overlooking the river, indescribable gardens, and peacocks everywhere... The architecture captures and we love as if it were love at first sight. Enjoy the sunset here, it will be an incredible experience, we can assure you that!

The day ends in a big way, you were warmly received by this city of passion! You can always come back and explore the best Douro wineries, just 90Km away, read a book in one of the best bookstores in the world, eat in Michelin restaurants and rest in rooms worthy of kings and queens! The city of Porto is where dreams come true, and we will always wait for you here, with open arms!