What Can You Do During 24 Hours in the Portuguese City of Porto?

Porto is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, with a vibrant cultural life and a port full of attractions. The city is full of hospitality and friendly locals, and offers plenty to do for visitors planning to stay for 24 hours. From eating delicious seafood to discovering architecture and culture, here’s what you can experience during a brief stay in Porto.

What to Do

Visit Porto Cathedral

Start your day in Porto by visiting the historic Cathedral of Porto. This cathedral is the oldest building in the city, and home to religious relics, beautiful murals and detailed architecture. Even if you’re not religious, the cathedral is worth a visit to admire its historical significance. You can also visit the Porto Cathedral Museum, which has an extensive collection of artefacts related to the cathedral’s history.

Eat Typical Portuguese Cuisine

No visit to Porto would be complete without sampling some of Portugal’s local cuisine. Cast your eyes about the city for the best restaurants and cafes for lunch, where you can try favourites such as Francesinha and Arroz de Pato (duck rice). For dinner grab some local favorites like Porto’s seafood soup, “Caldo Verde’ or “Tripas à Moda do Porto’ – all while taking in views of the Douro river.

Experience Foz

Once you’ve finished with lunch, it’s time to head to Foz, a historic area in Porto near the mouth of the Douro. Here you can experience beautiful waterfront promenades, take boat tours up the river, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll and admire the stunning views. Foz is home to attractions such as The Botanical Gardens, which offer 21 hectares of nature to explore and magnificent panoramic views across the river. You can also check out Bom Sucesso Market, a gourmet market with fresh produce and plenty of local specialties.

Enjoy a Night Out at the Casa da Musica

Make sure you don’t miss out on experiencing Porto’s nightlife! The Casa de Musica is Porto’s most famous night club and concert hall, quickly becoming an international landmark for its architecturally acclaimed building. With its grandiose main stage as well as smaller indoor and outdoor stages and gardens, there are plenty of opportunities for musical exploration here. Casa de Musica is open from Thursday to Saturday, but do check its latest event calendar so you won’t miss out on any concerts or performances that may be taking place during your stay.

Take a Free Day Tour

If your only visiting Porto for 24 hours then it’s well worth looking into taking a free day tour with Discover Walks. These tours are both informative and entertaining, while taking you through some of the most visually stunning areas in the city including the historic Stock Exchange Palace and the bustling street Markets. It’s recommended that you book your place online first, so you won’t miss out on a place!

Overall, spending only 24 hours in Porto certainly isn’t enough time to explore all that this city has to offer, but it provides enough of an insight for a visitor to get a taste of its culture and its beauty. With its lively atmosphere, excellent seafood and stunning vistas, it’s easy to see why it’s one of Portugal’s most popular destinations.

Insider’s Guide: 24 Hours in Porto, Portugal

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is known for its rich history, wine, and stunning waterfront. Even if you only have 24 hours in the city, you can still experience a taste of Porto’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and architecture. Below is a guide for your short visit to the charming city of Porto.

Cultural Experiences

To learn about Porto’s fascinating history and culture, visit the Casa da Música, an architectural gem that houses a concert hall and cultural center, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. For a taste of local performing arts, head to the Companhia Nacional de Bailado, which showcases the best of Portuguese ballet and contemporary dance.

Porto is also home to the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, which offers an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, housed in an elegant villa surrounded by beautiful gardens perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Local History

You can’t miss the imposing Porto Cathedral, a Romanesque building dating back to the 12th century. From there, visit the Palácio da Bolsa, an ornate 19th-century stock exchange, which showcases the grandeur of the city’s golden age.

The Lello Bookstore, founded in 1906, is a beautiful neo-gothic bookstore that’s considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With its stunning stained-glass skylight and grand wooden staircase, it’s well worth the visit.

Dining Spots

Porto is a foodie’s paradise, with its famous seafood dishes, hearty stews, and quintessential pastel de nata. For an authentic Porto experience, try the Francesinha, Porto’s version of the croque-monsieur, a sandwich made with bread, ham, sausage, and cheese, topped with a secret beer and tomato sauce. You can’t go wrong with the Francesinha at Café Santiago.

For a more upscale experience, head to the Yeatman hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Ptca, which offers panoramic views of the Douro River and a culinary journey through the best of local cuisine.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For a unique experience, take a stroll through the Ribeira neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the view of the colorful houses and the riverfront. Alternatively, embark on a boat ride down the Douro river to experience the city from a different perspective.

Finally, if you’re a wine lover, make your way to Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite side of the river, where you can taste world-renowned port wines in historic cellars such as Ferreira, Ramos Pinto, and Sandeman.

Conclusion

Although 24 hours in Porto is not enough to see everything, the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and sublime cuisine make it a must-visit destination. Whether wandering through the historic landmarks, savoring delicious food, or exploring off-the-beaten-path, a day in Porto is sure to leave you wanting more.