Living in Spain’s capital comes with many advantages, and one of those is being able to travel easily around Europe. One of my favorite destinations by far is Portugal. The neighboring country is often overlooked, yet is not to be missed! From the delicious food, to the beautiful architecture, and stunning landscapes, Portugal has something to offer every traveler. I have been to Portugal a countless number of times, and yet I never grow tired of it. The two major cities to visit for all of you first timers are Porto and Lisbon. If you are trying to squeeze both into a short amount of time then keep reading for my guide to 36 hours in Porto!
36 HOURS IN PORTO
The first time I went to Porto I was actually there for only 36 hours. I booked a flight for Friday morning and flew back to Madrid Saturday night. Luckily the flights from Madrid are quite inexpensive and have varying hours throughout the day. I tried to see everything possible in the short amount of time I had. Porto is a beautiful and charming city, but it is also quite small. Of course you will not be able to see everything the city has to offer in less than two days, but if you follow my guide to 36 hours in Porto you will surely be able to check off the most important things from the list!
DAY 1:
MORNING
I arrived in Porto on a Friday morning at around 9am. My friend and I checked into our hostel, enjoyed some breakfast, and then headed off to explore. Definitely take advantage of the early hours to see as much as possible of the city!
Sao Bento Train Station
One of our first stops was the train station. You may be wondering why we stopped at a train station if we were not planning on taking a train. However, the Sao Bento Station is beautiful and definitely worth a stop. Inside the train station, Azulejo tiles cover the walls, recreating important historical events of the country. For those unsure of what Azulejo tiles are; they are colorful, hand painted ceramic tiles very popular in Portuguese architecture. If you are interested in seeing the Azulejo tiles throughout Porto, then Sao Bento Station should definitely be on your list!
Livraria Lello
Our next stop that morning was to a bookstore. Although I do like to read, our visit to this bookstore was not for the purpose of buying a book. Livraria Lello is one of the oldest bookstores in the world, and has been named one of the most beautiful bookstores by many sources. The grand staircase in the center and seemingly endless bookshelves certainly explain the constant nominations. The bookstore is also believed to have inspired J.K Rowling with the creation of Harry Potter, which was without a doubt one of my main reasons for visiting!
Despite the endless sea of tourists, I highly recommend going inside. It is quite small, and there is, therefore, always a queue outside. For those who wish to enter, you must first purchase a ticket at the bookshop next door. The ticket costs 5 euros, and is later discounted from any purchase made inside.
Chapel Alma de Santa Catarina
After browsing in the bookstore and taking several iconic pictures, make your way to the Chapel Alma de Santa Catarina (Chapel of the Souls). The church is famous for the blue and white tiled exterior, depicting the lives of saints. If you loved the Azulejo tiles in the train station, you will certainly love them here! In fact this is a popular place for an artsy instagram picture. I have only been inside once, and must admit that it was a bit underwhelming in comparison to the stunning exterior. If you are cutting it close on time, then I suggest you skip going inside and just enjoy the outside views.
Miradouro da Vitoria
One of my favorite stops that morning was at a famous viewpoint, Miradouro da Vitoria. Lost in the Jewish quarter, the viewpoint overlooks the bridges, houses and river in Porto. By the time we arrived, the sun was shining and Porto was very photogenic! For some instaworthy photos I highly recommend making a quick stop at this viewpoint!
AFTERNOON
Douro River & Lunch
After visiting the viewpoint, make your way down to the river. The river is lined with restaurants and bars. Enjoy the street performers, or relax at a terrace and take in the amazing views of the city. The river is definitely one of my favorite parts of Porto. Once at the river you can chose among the endless number of restaurants for lunch. The restaurants here tend to be a bit more expensive due to the location. If you wish to save a bit and sacrifice the view, head to one of the side streets behind the river for more economical options.
Cross The Dom Luis I Bridge
Once finished with lunch, head over to The Dom Luis I bridge. The bridge has two levels. You can cross the top deck solely for pedestrians, but watch out for the occasional tram crossing! If the top level is too high for your liking you can use the lower level. The lower level is for vehicles, but there is a narrow sidewalk on each side of the bridge for pedestrians. Whether you decide to cross the top or lower level, the views are definitely worth it!
Port Wine Tasting
Upon crossing the bridge you will no longer be in Porto, but in a city called Vilanova de Gaia. The opposite side of the river is the perfect place to indulge in some Port wine tasting! For those who have never tasted Port wine, it is a sweet, dense wine, usually served for dessert, with a particularly high level of alcohol. My friend and I chose Porto Cruz for our wine tasting. We tried a classic Port wine, in addition to a Rosé. To be honest I am not a huge fan of the wine, as I find it a bit too sweet, but the Rosé wasn’t as bad. Once we finished the tasting on the first and second floors, we then headed up to the rooftop terrace for a unique Port wine cocktail and amazing views of the city!
EVENING
After a day of sightseeing we decided to head back to our hostel to freshen up before our night out in Porto. The nightlife did not disappoint! Porto is a lively city by day and night.
Vogue Cafe
For all of the fashionistas, the Vogue Cafe is a must. There are only a select number of Vogue Cafes around the world, and the one in Porto is definitely worth a visit! Magazine images from previous years line the walls, and the interior is full of plush, vibrant, modern decor. I opted for a glass of Rosé (my drink of choice), but the extensive cocktail list was very tempting. The chic cafe is the perfect place to stop for pre-dinner drinks with friends.
Dinner & Night Out
Portugal is a culinary dream, and Porto is no exception. The city offers a vast variety of restaurants. From vegan and vegetarian, to typical Portuguese food, there’s an endless list to chose from. Try some typical Portuguese dishes for a more authentic experience. Once finished with dinner head to R. de Candido dos Reis, one of the most famous streets in Porto for a lively night out. Enjoy a few drinks with friends, and experience some of the best nightlife Porto has to offer!
DAY 2:
MORNING
After our night out, I have to admit that we didn’t wake up as early as we had intended. We nonetheless made the most of our final day in Porto.
Foz do Douro
If you are like me and love being near a body a water, then I highly recommend a trip to Porto’s beach. We took tram 1, which was about a 10 minute walk from our hostel. A single tram ride costs 3 euros, and you can ride it all the way to Foz do Douro. Take a stroll along the beach and find a seaside cafe to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, alongside some breathtaking views.
AFTERNOON
Instead of riding the tram back to the city center, we decided to walk back. Once back in the center, we sat in one of the main plazas to people watch and take in the beauty of the city. For lunch, check out any of the restaurants near the Tower of Clerics, enjoy your last hours in amazing Porto!
After a packed 36 hour itinerary, we headed back to the hostel to collect our luggage, and made our way to the airport. Of course we were unable to see everything in the short amount of time, but we certainly got a taste for what the city has to offer. If you are thinking of planning a weekend getaway trip Porto, hopefully my guide to 36 hours in Porto will help you enjoy your weekend to the fullest!
Safe Travels,
Vip <3
Read More:
3 Days in Lisbon: A Full Itinerary
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