Porto: Romantic 1-Day Local Experience with Food, Wine, and Shopping

Porto, Portugal

1 days

Food and wine

Shopping

Couples

For locals

Ancient Boat in Oporto, in which was used to transport the Port

About Porto, Portugal

Experience the charm of Porto, Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-famous Port wine. Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Ribeira, Porto's old town, and marvel at the colorful houses and ancient churches. Visit the iconic Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, and the stunning São Bento Railway Station, adorned with 20,000 azulejo tiles. Take a cruise along the Douro River, lined with terraced vineyards, or explore the city's vibrant food scene at the Bolhão Market. Don't miss a taste of the city's namesake Port wine at one of the many cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it an unforgettable destination for all travelers.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

A Day of Food, Wine, and Shopping in Porto

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic district of Ribeira, where you can admire the colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a glimpse into Porto's past. Don't forget to visit the local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in one of the many family-run restaurants in the area. Try the famous Francesinha sandwich, a local specialty made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, steak, and covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato and beer sauce.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a guided tour of the Port Wine cellars, where you can learn about the history and production of Porto's famous fortified wine. The tour includes a tasting session where you can sample different varieties of Port wine.

Dinner

For dinner, head to the Foz district, known for its seafood restaurants. Here, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood dishes, paired with a glass of Vinho Verde, a young Portuguese wine.

Evening

End your day with a romantic walk along the Douro River. The riverside area is particularly beautiful at night, with the city lights reflecting on the water. You can also take a river cruise to enjoy the stunning views of Porto's skyline.

Attractions in Itinerary (3)

1
Ribeira

A historic riverfront district, known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Attractions

Neighborhoods

2
Port Wine cellars

The Port Wine Cellars are a must-visit in Porto. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto, these cellars offer tours where visitors can learn about the history and production of Port wine and enjoy tastings.

Attractions

Tours

Food and Drink

3
Douro River

The Douro River is one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, flowing from Spain and across the entire northern Portugal to the sea in Porto. River cruises are a popular way to see the stunning landscapes of the Douro Valley, including its terraced vineyards.

Attractions

Tours

Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Francesinha

A popular sandwich in Porto, Portugal. It's made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, steak or roast meat, and covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato and beer sauce.

Port Wine

A type of sweet fortified wine which is exclusively produced in the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. It is typically a dessert wine, but also comes in dry, semi-dry, and white varieties.

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made from shredded cod, potatoes, and onions, mixed with scrambled eggs. It's a common dish in Porto and a must-try for tourists.

Pastel de Nata

A famous Portuguese egg tart pastry, originally from Lisbon, but loved and enjoyed all over Portugal including Porto.

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional dish from Porto, made with various types of meat, offal, and white beans. The dish is closely associated with the history of the city, hence its inhabitants being known as 'tripeiros'.

Caldo Verde

A popular soup in Portuguese cuisine made of potatoes, collard greens, olive oil, and salt. Additionally, some recipes may add garlic and onion.

Polvo à Lagareiro

A traditional Portuguese dish typically made with octopus, potatoes, and lots of olive oil. It's a common dish in Porto and a must-try for seafood lovers.

Sardinhas Assadas

Grilled sardines are a staple of Portuguese cuisine, particularly in the coastal city of Porto. They are typically served with a side of boiled potatoes and salad.

Vinho Verde

A type of young wine, which can be red, white or rosé, and is particularly popular in the northern regions of Portugal, including Porto.

Bifanas

A traditional Portuguese sandwich made with marinated pork cutlets, served in a bread roll. It's a popular snack in Porto.

Arroz de Pato

A traditional Portuguese dish made with duck, rice, and various seasonings. It's a common dish in Porto and a must-try for tourists.

Rabanadas

A traditional Portuguese dessert similar to French toast, typically enjoyed during Christmas time but available year-round in Porto.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Porto, Portugal is during the spring months of April to June and the fall months of September and October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. The temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's rich history, culture, and cuisine. Additionally, the Douro Valley, famous for its wine production, is especially beautiful during these seasons.

How to get around

Walk

Porto is a compact city and many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. This is a great way to see the city and take in the sights at your own pace.

Public Bus

The STCP (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto) operates the city's extensive bus network. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for reaching areas outside the city center.

Tram

Porto has three heritage tram lines that are popular with tourists. They offer a charming way to travel around the city and see the sights.

Subway

The Porto Metro is a light rail network that covers much of the city and its suburbs. It's a fast and efficient way to get around, especially for longer distances.

Train

For trips outside of Porto, the train is a good option. Porto's main train stations, São Bento and Campanhã, offer connections to other cities in Portugal and beyond.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in Porto and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up at taxi ranks. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around.

Ridesharing

Uber and Bolt are available in Porto. These services offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to taxis. You can book a ride using the respective apps on your smartphone.

Bicycle

Porto has a growing network of bike lanes and several companies offer bike rentals. Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

River Cruise

The Douro River is a major feature of Porto and river cruises are a popular way to see the city. These cruises offer stunning views of Porto's riverside architecture and the surrounding countryside.

Rental Car

If you plan to explore the wider region around Porto, renting a car could be a good option. However, be aware that driving in Porto can be challenging due to the narrow streets and heavy traffic.

Funicular dos Guindais

This funicular railway provides a quick connection between the Ribeira district near the river and the higher level of the city. It's also a great way to enjoy panoramic views of Porto.

Helicopter Tour

For a unique perspective of Porto, consider a helicopter tour. These tours offer breathtaking aerial views of the city and its surroundings.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC 0

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Porto, Portugal as a first time visitor

1

Porto is a safe city, but like any other tourist destination, it's always wise to keep an eye on your belongings.

2

The official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

3

The currency used in Porto is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

4

Tipping is not mandatory in Portugal, but it's customary to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants if you're satisfied with the service.

5

Porto has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to September) are warm and dry with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Winters (December to February) are mild and rainy with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C).

6

Public transportation in Porto is reliable and affordable. The city has a metro system, buses, and trams. You can also use Uber or taxis.

7

Porto is a walkable city, but it's hilly. Comfortable shoes are a must.

8

Portugal uses the European two-pin plug (Type F), and the standard voltage is 230V.

9

Porto is in the Western European Time Zone (WET, GMT +0; WEST, GMT +1 in summer).

10

Tap water is safe to drink in Porto.

11

Porto is famous for its port wine. Visiting one of the city's many wine cellars is a must.

12

Traditional Portuguese food is hearty and flavorful. Try local dishes like Francesinha and Bacalhau à Brás.

13

Porto has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning.

14

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and bars.

15

Pharmacies in Porto are well-stocked and pharmacists often speak English. Look for a green cross sign.

16

In case of emergency, dial 112. This number will connect you to police, fire, and medical services.

17

Public restrooms are not as common as in other European cities. Cafes and restaurants usually have facilities for customers.

18

Supermarkets are closed on Sundays, so plan your grocery shopping accordingly.

19

Porto has a dress code that leans towards the conservative side, especially in religious sites. It's best to avoid revealing clothing.

20

If you're planning to visit several museums or attractions, consider getting a Porto Card for unlimited public transport and discounts at various sites.

Basic Portuguese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase	Native phrase	Pronunciation	When to use it
Hello	Olá	Ola	Greeting someone
Goodbye	Adeus	Adoosh	Saying goodbye
Please	Por favor	Pour fah-vohr	Making a request
Thank you	Obrigado	Obri-gah-doh	Expressing gratitude
Yes	Sim	Seem	Agreeing or affirming
No	Não	Nown	Disagreeing or negating
Excuse me	Desculpe	Desh-kool-peh	Getting attention or apologizing
I'm sorry	Lamento	Lah-men-toh	Apologizing
Do you speak English?	Fala inglês?	Fah-lah een-glesh?	Asking if someone speaks English
I don't understand	Não entendo	Nown en-ten-doh	Expressing difficulty in understanding
Where is the bathroom?	Onde é o banheiro?	Onde eh o ban-yay-roh?	Asking for directions
How much does it cost?	Quanto custa?	Kwan-toh koos-tah?	Asking the price of something
I would like...	Eu gostaria...	Eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah...	Making a request or order
Can I have the bill, please?	Posso ter a conta, por favor?	Pos-soh tehr a kon-tah, pour fah-vohr?	Asking for the bill in a restaurant
Help!	Socorro!	So-ko-roh!	In case of emergency
Call the police!	Chame a polícia!	Shah-meh a po-lee-see-ah!	In case of emergency
I need a doctor	Preciso de um médico	Preh-see-zoh deh oon meh-dee-koo	In case of medical emergency
Cheers!	Saúde!	Sah-ood!	Making a toast
Good morning	Bom dia	Bom dee-ah	Morning greeting
Good night	Boa noite	Boa noyt	Evening or night greeting

Packing List

Clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Sweater or light jacket
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Swimsuit (if planning to visit the beach)

Toiletries
Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
Travel-size body wash
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Face mask

Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash (Euros)
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contacts and addresses

Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Camera
Charger for camera
Power adapter (if coming from a country with different plug type)
Portable power bank

Miscellaneous items
Travel guidebook for Porto
Map of Porto
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Umbrella or raincoat (just in case)
Backpack or daypack

Weather Conditions

When visiting Porto, Portugal, it's important to be aware of the city's weather patterns to make the most of your trip. Porto experiences a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. If you're planning to visit during the summer months (June to September), expect temperatures to range from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). This is the perfect time for outdoor activities like wine tours, beach visits, and exploring the city's historic sites. However, it's advisable to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. In contrast, the winter months (December to February) are cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (5°C to 15°C). If you're visiting during this period, be sure to pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes, as you may encounter rain. Despite the rain, winter can be a great time to visit Porto's indoor attractions like its famous wine cellars and museums. The shoulder seasons - spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) - offer mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). These periods are ideal for sightseeing and enjoying Porto's vibrant café culture. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're adequately prepared. Remember, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so packing a light jacket or umbrella can come in handy. Enjoy your visit to Porto!

Month	Hi / Lo (°C)	Weather Overview
January	14° / 5°	January is the coldest month in Porto, with occasional rain, so pack warm and waterproof clothing.
February	15° / 6°	February is slightly warmer but still chilly, with a chance of rain, so warm and waterproof clothing is recommended.
March	17° / 8°	March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures rising slightly and rain decreasing, but still pack for cooler weather.
April	18° / 9°	April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures and less rain, perfect for outdoor activities.
May	21° / 12°	May brings warmer temperatures and more sunshine, making it a great time for beach visits and city exploration.
June	24° / 15°	June marks the start of summer with warm temperatures, less rain, and long sunny days, ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.
July	26° / 16°	July is one of the hottest months in Porto, with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor dining.
August	26° / 16°	August is equally hot and sunny as July, with long days and warm nights, making it ideal for nightlife and beach activities.
September	24° / 14°	September sees slightly cooler temperatures but still plenty of sunshine, making it a great time for sightseeing and wine tasting.
October	21° / 12°	October brings cooler temperatures and increased rain, but it's still warm enough for outdoor activities, just pack a light raincoat.
November	18° / 9°	November sees a further drop in temperatures and increased rain, so pack warm and waterproof clothing.
December	15° / 6°	December is chilly with a chance of rain, but the festive atmosphere in Porto makes it a magical time to visit.