Considering a day trip to Porto from Lisbon? This guide details everything you need to know for a successful visit, including how to get to Porto from Lisbon, what to do when you get there, and what order to do it all in!
On my first trip to Portugal, I chose to spend 4 nights in Lisbon and save Porto for a return visit to Portugal. Long story short, after 3 days in Lisbon, Jake and I had our fill of the city and decided last minute to do a day trip to Porto from Lisbon.
We hadn't originally planned on doing this as it's a 3-hour journey by train (or bus) each way. That seems like a long time sitting just to get a sneak peek of another city.
I was nervous we would spend hours traveling and the experience would be so-so.
Well, both Jake and I concluded our day trip to Porto was more than worthwhile.
Porto is very different than Lisbon. It's smaller, 100% walkable, boasts gorgeous views, has a wonderful restaurant and coffee shop scene, and is home to the famous Harry Potteresque bookshop. And let's not forget about the Port tasting rooms.
Since we had already spent 3 days in Lisbon, we were ready for a change in scenery. Porto delivered.
If you're in Lisbon and ready for something different, or you know from the start you want to see Porto but aren't able to spend the night there, this Porto itinerary is made for you.
I'll detail everything you need to know for a successful day trip to Porto from Lisbon, including how to get there, what to do while you're there, and what order to do it all in.
This map shows everything listed in my Lisbon to Porto day trip guide. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
- Blue - bus and train stations
- Red - things to do in Porto
- Purple - restaurants and Port lodges
How to get to Porto from Lisbon
Traveling to/from Lisbon to Porto: bus
Jake and I opted for the bus as it was the same amount of travel time, the bus stations we chose were more convenient than the train stations, and it was considerably cheaper.
If you book tickets in advance, you can find them for around $5 each way.
We took the earliest bus at 6:30 am and arrived at 9:45 am. For our return trip to Lisbon, we took one of the latest buses at 7:50 pm and arrived in Lisbon at 11:05 pm.
This gave us a solid 9.5 hours to explore the city, including time traveling to and from the bus station.
Several bus companies run a Lisbon/Porto route including Flixbus and Rede Expressos.
I've used both companies and found them to be comfortable, reliable, and cheap. The bus journey takes about 3 hours.
I typically use Busbud to search for bus routes and prices.
SEE ALSO:
BEST COFFEE SHOPS & CAFES IN PORTO | TOP 5
PORTO VS LISBON – WHICH CITY SHOULD YOU VISIT?
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LISBON PORTUGAL
TOP 5 LISBON CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS
Traveling to/from Lisbon to Porto: train
The fastest trains will get you to Porto in 2 hours and 50 minutes. Keep in mind that train stations are usually further away from the city center when compared to the bus stations.
The train is also more expensive at around $20 to $30 each way.
How to choose between the bus and train?
I look at a couple of things. First I find which train station/bus is closest to my hotel in Lisbon. Then I look at the distance of the train station/bus stop from the Porto city center.
Most bus schedules (for both arrival and departure) use the Lisbon Oriente station or the Lisbon Sete Rios.
For Porto, the two main bus stations are the Camelias and the Campo 24 de Agosto station.
The Porto Camelias bus stop is the most convenient as it's right in the city center. Campo 24 de Agosto is a 20-minute walk to get to the very center of the city, which isn't bad.
The main train station in Porto is the Campanha station. It's a 35-minute walk to the city center from here or a 10-minute Uber.
For Porto, the bus stop is an easy win when it comes to convenience and walkability.
The two main train stations used for the Lisbon to Porto route are the Lisbon Oriente and the Lisbon Santa Apolonia station.
You'll have to map where you hotel is to determine which Lisbon train station or bus stop will work for you.
A day in Porto - itinerary for what to do once you arrive
Livraria Lello
Harry Potter fans will want to make a beeline for Livraria Lello.
JK Rowling spent two years in Porto and frequently visited this bookstore. She says it served as inspiration for the Hogwarts library.
Though the bookstore is now crowded with tourists, it’s magical to visit...even for non Harry Potter fans.
You must book your €10 ticket in advance.
I suggest selecting a time slot shortly after your scheduled arrival in Porto (giving some wiggle room if your bus/train is delayed).
You can use your €10 ticket value towards the purchase of a book.
Tour: walking, e-Bike, food
When you're short on time, joining a tour is a great way to make sure you see all the musts without wasting time getting lost or the risk of missing something.
A private tour is ideal. You won't spend time getting the group checked in and will have flexibility on when to start your tour. Group tours usually have just two or three start times.
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Porto: Private City Tour is three hours and led by a local. The price isn't bad for a private tour. It's $170 for two people and $187 for four...it becomes cheaper per person the larger the group gets.
Those comfortable on a bike and hoping to see more of the city in three hours should consider an E-Bike tour (Porto is very hilly, so an E-Bike is a must). 3-Hour of Porto Highlights on an Electric Bike - Guided Tour is a great option.
Foodies more interested in the local cuisine than making sure they see each sight will love this 3-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour. Choose a group or private tour that's guided by a local.
If you choose to do your own thing I recommend buying Rick Steve's Portugal guide and following his Porto walk. This ensures you hit all the top sights and do it in a logical order.
Below are the musts for your Porto itinerary:
- Igreja do Carmo - baroque-styled church
- Bolsa Palace
- Church of São Francisco
- Stroll Cais da Ribeira - riverside street with bars, shops, and tiny homes stacked on top of each other
- Luís I Bridge - two-level bridge (cross on the upper level for incredible views)
- Praça de Lisboa - park
- Clérigos Tower - climb the tower for views of the city
- Sao Bento station - train station with beautiful tile
- Rua das Flores - popular street
- Avenida dos Aliados - popular street
Coffee break at Majestic Cafe
Ranked as one of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world, a coffee break at Majestic Cafe is a must...even if it's crowded and overpriced.
Expect to pay €5 to €7 for a coffee/tea/cappuccino. But hey, it's not often you get to visit one of the most beautiful cafes in the world and pay less than $10.
Shop along Rua de Santa Catarina
Majestic Cafe is ideally located at the start of the most popular shopping street in Porto. It's usually packed in the late afternoon and early evening with shoppers (both local and tourists).
Even if you're not in the shopping mood, it's still fun to walk down for a block or two.
Stop at Fabrica da Nata to try the bite-sized custard pastry Portugal is famous for: Pastéis de Nata. They are addicting and one is never enough.
Port lodges and Cais de Gaia
Cross the river into the city of Gaia. I love this area for many reasons. It's where many of the Port lodges are, the main street along the river (Cais de Gaia) is always lively with restaurants, sunny terraces, and tasting rooms, and the views are incredible as you're looking over the river to Porto.
A day trip to Porto is not complete without visiting a Port lodge. This is the birthplace of Port after all! Even if you aren't into Port, it's still worth a tasting or two. I recommend the below places:
- The Yeatman Hotel - the terrace offers incredible views (stunning at sunset). Stick with wine/Port, skip the cocktails as they aren't great, and expect service to be slow. I only recommend this place if you're looking for the best views. Head elsewhere for a combination of good views, great service, and quality cocktails.
- Angel's Share at Wow Porto - great views (through floor-to-ceiling windows) and a full cocktail, Port, and wine list. This is a great option for groups who have a variety of preferences or are tired of Port.
- Graham's Port Lodge - beautiful terrace with views.
- Taylor's Port - charming courtyard and our favorite Port tasting.
- Enoteca 17•56 - new to the scene and technically a restaurant. Sit on the patio/terrace for views of Porto. It has a very "posh" vibe and a great cocktail menu along with wine, Port, snacks, etc.
Early dinner in Porto
Since you're doing a day trip to Porto from Lisbon, chances are you'll be taking a 6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 pm train or bus back.
Typical to European dinner times, many restaurants don't open until 7:00 or 8:00 pm. This means you'll have to go somewhere casual that's an all-day type place.
There are several casual spots that serve dishes popular in Porto. Like the Francesinha. A famous Portuguese sandwich originating in Porto.
It's a very heavy dish, so get ready. Piled high, between two slices of bread, are thick slices of ham and sausage. The sandwich is covered in a melted cheese sauce and is swimming in a spicy tomato beer sauce. Sounds so weird, but it's good...though I could only handle a few bites.
I recommend Casa Guedes. It was filled with locals and tourists every time I walked by. You'll not only find the Francesinha here but also codfish croquettes (Pastéis de Bacalhau) and little pork sandwiches with melted cheese...two other specialties of Porto.
Café Santiago is another casual cafe known for the Francesinha sandwich.
If, for some reason, you found a very late train/bus and can make a 7:00 pm dinner time work (keep in mind service can be slow everywhere in Europe including Porto), head to Brasão Aliados or Brasão Coliseu for traditional Portuguese cuisine. The prices are fantastic and the atmosphere is homey yet lively. Expect a line, so arrive early.
A third option is to linger during your Port tastings and order snacks. Many of the tasting rooms, like Graham's and Taylor's, have a small food menu and are open until 6:00 or 7:00 pm.
In summary
A day trip to Porto from Lisbon is absolutely doable and worth your time. It provides a nice contrast with Lisbon. Porto is smaller and 100% walkable.
Unlike Lisbon, Porto was not destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and therefore maintains many of its historic buildings and original layout.
Harry Potter fans will appreciate Livraria Lello, the bookshop JK Rowling often visited while living in Porto and where she found inspiration for the Hogwarts library.
The Port lodges are always a nice experience and the views are fantastic in this region.
All in all, if you based yourself in Lisbon and find yourself with an extra day, I would highly recommend a day trip to Porto.
Yes, the travel time of 3 hours each way may seem long, but you can always sleep, read, or work, and since there are early and late departures, you can have a full 8 to 9 hours in Porto.
I was having a hard time deciding between Porto & Lisbon as a base when in Portugal. I decided on Lisbon because I want to go to Sintra. However, your blog pointed out that I can still see Porto by adding on a day trip! Your Portugal posts have been helpful and I plan to reference this post on our day trip. Thank you!!
Love to hear it, thank you!