HOW TO GET THERE:
Porto is in the northern part of Spain, close to the Pontevedra province of Spain, You can get there through the following:
-Fly to Lisbon, take a four-hour bus ride or rent a car
-Fly to Vigo, Spain, take a taxi or bus to Estacion Intermodal Vigo, take a bus, rent a car, or train
There are regular bus rides to and from Lisboa & Vigo (I recommend Rede express but FlixBus is fine too) but booking in advance is highly recommended. For train, Renfe offers regular but limited rides every day.
24 HOURS IN OPORTO:
Arrive at 09:00
When visiting Oporto, you will most likely arrive at the Porto TIC Campanhã, the central station where buses and trains stop.
Porto TIC Campanhã
@joitotheworld
This is few miles away from the actual city center. You can take either the metro, the modern tram/ light rail, a taxi, or a bus going to the city center
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To maximize your day, it's best that you arrive as early as you can. But per experience, I'm allotting few minutes for the first stop as sometimes, delays, getting tickets, figuring out the right platform, and getting to the next stop may take some time.
9:40
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Enjoy a few minutes to take pictures at the station and head to the next stop for 10-minute walk.
10:10
Bolsa Palace
@joitotheworld
If you love to learn more about Portugese history, definitely pay a visit here. There are scheduled 30-minute tours in different languages including English, Spanish, French, and Portugese.
I joined the 10:10 English tour back in November 2022. Make sure to visit their website for latest updates on rates and schedules.
If you also have carne joven/ European Youth Card like me, I was able to avail their discounted ticket price (from 12eur to 7.5eur).
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11:00
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11:30
Livraria Lello
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Make sure to book your slot in advance. Queues outside are guaranteed! You would have to pay an entrance fee which you can use later on should you want to purchase an item.
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12:00
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12:30
Café Santiago
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Have lunch at Cafe Santiago and try Porto's best franchesinha! I always make sure to eat here every time I am in Porto and it doesn't disappoint. Expect queues as well.
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14:00
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14:30
Luís I Bridge
@joitotheworld
You can cross either on top or the bridge below. I always cross the one below first and later on go on top during sunset for the best views
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15:00
Adriano Ramos Pinto
@joitotheworld
Have you ever been to Porto if you haven't tasted their Port Wine? Ramos Pinto offers a great experience of their company's history and wine tasting. There are also scheduled tours in different languages and I was able to purchase a ticket for a 3PM English tour via walk-in for 15 eur.
Reservation is encouraged.
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16:45
Gaia cable car - Cais de Gaia station
@joitotheworld
You can opt to get a round trip ticket but I only purchased one way to go up (I mean, who likes to walk uphill anyway). You will see a lovely view of Porto and the Ribeira riverfront.
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17:00
Jardim do Morro
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Relax and enjoy the view of Porto from this garden. A perfect way to sober up from the wine tasting? LOL
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After this, you can cross the Ponte Luiz I again from above and enjoy the scenic view!
17:45
Porto Cathedral
@joitotheworld
You can enter inside the Cathedral and check out the courtyard. Shortly, you can attend a mass at 6PM (depending on the day you arrive)
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19:00
Head back to São Bento station and catch your next train back to Porto TIC Campanhã.
This travel itinerary is merely a guide and the best route to maximize a day's worth I would say based on my experience. Of course, it's always best that you consider your pacing on how many you would like to see and how long your stay is Overall, these are the must see places and experiences I would suggest you try when visiting porto.
Enjoy Porto and obrigado!
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