Porto has been on my bucket list ever since I fell for Lisbon, so when we started planning our trip to Madeira, a stopover in Porto was non-negotiable! With just one day in this beautiful Portuguese city, we made it our mission to soak up as much of the charm, food, and history as possible. And while 24 hours isn’t enough to see it all, it was more than enough to leave us longing for a return.
♪ Watch our Porto vlog on TikTok @themrunaway.
Flights and Accommodation
To maximise our time while balancing full-time jobs, we flew from Bristol to Porto on a Thursday evening, landing around 10pm. We stayed at the Hilton’s Arts Hotel, taking advantage of a great discount through my partner. By Friday night, we were off to Madeira, but not before spending a full and memorable day exploring Portugal’s second city.
Here’s how we made the most of our one day in Porto:
- Manteigaria (Clérigos) – coffee & pastel de nata to start the day
- Livraria Lello – one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops
- Torre dos Clérigos – climb for panoramic views of Porto
- Mercado do Bolhão & Pérola do Bolhão – for local produce and gourmet souvenirs
- Chapel of Souls – iconic blue and white azulejo-covered church
- São Bento Station – famous tiled train station
- Time Out Market Porto – lunch from top-rated local chefs
- Claus Porto – artisanal soaps, perfumes, and home goods
- Escovaria de Belomonte – a charming, old-world brush shop
- Dom Luís I Bridge – Porto’s most recognisable landmark
- Burmester – for a relaxed port wine tasting
- Gaia Cable Car – for views over the Douro River
- Snack-Bar Gazela – a local hot dog with international fame
Manteigaria (Clérigos)
We started the day at Manteigaria (Clérigos), just a short walk from our hotel. Their pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) was warm and flaky — the perfect match for a strong coffee and a slow start.
There’s no seating at this location, unlike some of their other branches, so we enjoyed ours standing at the counter, Italian-style – just like my boyfriend, who’s Italian and insists it’s the only proper way to drink coffee.
Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello, often regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, is a historic literary landmark in Porto. Dating back to 1906, it showcases a blend of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau design, featuring a striking red staircase, intricate woodwork, and a stunning stained-glass ceiling. With its rich literary heritage and the rumoured connection to Harry Potter, it has become a must-visit destination for bibliophiles and travellers alike.
Tip: book tickets online — the fee is redeemable against a book purchase.
Torre dos Clérigos
A climb up the 200+ steps of Torre dos Clérigos rewards you with one of the best views in Porto. From the top, you’ll see the city’s famous terracotta rooftops, the winding Douro River, and even across to Vila Nova de Gaia.
Mercado do Bolhão & Pérola do Bolhão
We wandered through Mercado do Bolhão, soaking in the sights and smells of fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies. Right nearby is Pérola do Bolhão, a historic gourmet grocer—perfect for edible souvenirs like tinned sardines.
Tip: Pick up a glass of wine to drink on your way around
Chapel of Souls
Covered entirely in blue and white azulejos, the Chapel of Souls is one of Porto’s most Instagrammable spots. Quick to visit, but striking and unmissable.
São Bento Station
Even if you’re not travelling by train, São Bento Station deserves a stop. The entrance hall is lined with over 20,000 hand-painted tiles that tells the story of Portugal through azulejos.
Time Out Market Porto
After falling in love with Lisbon’s Time Out Market, I was excited to hear that Porto had its own. If you haven’t experienced a Time Out Market before, the concept is simple yet brilliant: 11 vendors under one stylish roof, each handpicked and rated four or five stars by Time Out’s own critics. It’s the ultimate spot to sample Porto’s culinary scene—especially if you’re short on time but big on appetite. Since launching in 2014, Time Out Markets have expanded to 10 locations across 7 countries, with another six in the works.
Tip: It’s conveniently located inside São Bento Station.
Claus Porto
Becoming a homeowner has sparked an unexpected excitement about soap, so a visit to Claus Porto felt like a must. Since 1887, Claus Porto has specialised in artisanal soaps, skincare, and fragrances. Their designs draw inspiration from Portuguese tiles and architecture, making them ideal souvenirs.
Tip: The almond soap is a favourite
Escovaria de Belomonte
I first heard about Escovaria de Belomonte on Michael Portillo’s travel show about Portugal, and it instantly piqued my interest. This beautifully old-school brush shop has been around for nearly a century and is still run by the same family, now into its fourth generation. And since I happened to be in the market for a new brush, I thought, why not make it a special one?
Tip: Pick up a small lint brush for smaller budgets or just stop in on the way to the river.
Dom Luís I Bridge
No trip to Porto is complete without walking this iron masterpiece. Whether you’re on the upper or lower level, the views of the Douro River and Ribeira district are unforgettable.
The Dom Luís I Bridge has two pedestrian walkways—one on the upper level, about 40 metres above the Douro River, and another on the lower level, providing a direct route to the port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia. Its iron structure bears a resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, as it was designed by a former student of Gustave Eiffel.
Tip: Walk the upper level for views of the Douro River, or the lower level to head straight to the port houses.
Burmester Port Tasting
There are several port houses along the riverfront in Vila Nova de Gaia, but Burmester is the closest to the bridge—just across on the lower level, tucked away on the left. As we hadn’t booked a tour and were short on time, we opted for a relaxed tasting in the wine shop instead. We shared a €19 flight, which included two wines and three ports (the local fortified wine often referred to as Porto in Portuguese), and enjoyed them at our own pace. Tasting notes were provided, making it easy to follow along. The shop also sells bottles to take home or have delivered, with many priced under €10 – perfect for gifts or souvenirs.
Gaia Cable Cars to Jardin di Morro
For a scenic and effortless way to reach the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge, hop on the Gaia Cable Car, which offers stunning views of Porto’s historic quarter and the iconic terracotta rooftops of the port wine lodges in Gaia. Once at the top, take a stroll through Jardim do Morro for postcard-worthy views across both banks of the Douro.
Cachorrinhos at Snack Bar Gazela
Snack-Bar Gazela serves Porto’s version of the hot dog. For over 50 years, Cervejaria Gazela, located in central Porto, has been known for its signature Cachorrinhos, or Porto Hot Dogs. This local favourite gained international attention after Anthony Bourdain visited in 2017 for his Parts Unknown series.
Conveniently, it was just around the corner from our hotel – the perfect final bite before collecting our bags and heading to the airport.
Final Thoughts: Is Porto Worth Visiting for One Day?
Absolutely. One day in Porto is enough to fall in love — with the food, the views, the tiles, and the vibe. Whether you’re squeezing it in as a stopover or planning a return trip, Porto delivers on every level. And if you’re heading to Madeira, like us, it makes for a beautiful start (or end) to your Portuguese adventure.
