Porto: A Day of Culture, Cuisine, and Charm

Experience a taste of Portugal's rustic charm in Porto.

22 April 2023

A trip to Porto, Portugal offers an unforgettable experience for any tourist. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Douro River, visit historic landmarks such as the Torre dos Clérigos, and indulge in local cuisine and wine at one of the many charming restaurants and bars scattered throughout the city. Overall, Porto is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of culture, natural beauty, and delectable cuisine.

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Day trip plan

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Day

A Taste of Porto

  • Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the iconic Cafe Majestic. Enjoy the ornate interior and rich coffee.
  • Take a stroll down Rua de Santa Catarina, one of Porto's most vibrant shopping streets. Browse the stalls and indulge in some retail therapy.
  • Head to the Livraria Lello, rated as one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. Marvel at the stunning architecture and pick up a book or two.
  • Satisfy your hunger with a traditional Portuguese lunch at the Mercado do Bolhão. Sample fresh seafood and local cuisine at one of the many vendors.
  • Walk off your meal with a visit to the Porto Cathedral. Admire the impressive Gothic architecture and panoramic views of the city.
  • End your day by watching the sunset over the Douro River while sipping on a glass of port wine at one of the many riverside bars. Cheers to a day well spent in Porto!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Porto, Portugal by plane is to fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) which is located about 11 kilometers northwest of the city center. Major airlines like TAP Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate direct flights to Porto from major cities in Europe and beyond.

Car

Driving is also a popular way to get to Porto with the A1 highway connecting Lisbon and Porto. The road trip takes about 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Portuguese countryside.

Train

Travelers can also reach Porto by train with its main train station being Campanhã Station, which is located about 5 kilometers east of the city. Trains from Lisbon to Porto are convenient and provide scenic views, but travel time can be up to 3 hours depending on the train you take.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Porto, travelers can arrive at nearby towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos by boat. These towns have marinas and are just a short distance from Porto via public transport. The closest international cruise port is in Lisbon and travelers can take a train, bus or car to Porto from there.

Bus

Travelers who want to reach Porto by bus can take the Rede Expressos bus service which operates throughout Portugal. The trip from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3.5 hours and buses from other major cities in Portugal also operate regular routes to Porto.

Destination

Porto

Welcome to the city that's famous for its wine, its bridges, and its ability to give you a wicked hangover after a night out in the charming Ribeira district. Don't worry, though -- the stunning views of the Douro River will make you forget all about those headaches.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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