Everything I Did During My Day Trip to Porto from Lisbon by Train

If you’re visiting Lisbon and debating whether Porto is worth adding to your itinerary, this post is for you! My mom and I made a last-minute plan to do a day trip to Porto from Lisbon by train, and I was honestly impressed by how easy and enjoyable it was to see a lot of the city in just one day.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly what we did, how we got there, what we skipped due to time, and extra ideas for anyone planning to stay a night or two in Porto instead of visiting on a day trip.

How We Got to Porto from Lisbon by Train

We took the AP (Alfa Pendular) train departing from Lisboa Santa Apolonia station at 7:00 AM, which arrived in Porto at Porto Campanha station at 9:48 AM. The timing was very accurate.

On the way back, we left Porto Campanha at 4:40 PM and arrived back in Lisbon at Lisboa Santa Apolonia station later that evening at 7:30 PM. Again, the train ran right on schedule.

Our round-trip ticket cost €87.50 per person, but we sat in First Class, so pricing will be lower if you choose the Second class.

What First Class Was Like

Roomy seats with footrests
Power outlets (European outlets, so bring an adapter) (also in 2nd Class)
Bathrooms in the car (also in 2nd Class)
A snack and drink cart that comes through (cash only)
Free wifi (also in 2nd class)

The ride itself was comfortable and didn’t feel long at all. I read on my Kindle and watched the scenery go by. It was mostly green countryside, but we did catch glimpses of the ocean with some very powerful waves, which was fun to see!

Important Train Tips

I recommend booking tickets directly through the official CP (Comboios de Portugal) website. Not a 3rd party website.
Download the CP app to access your tickets and see platform information
Tickets can be rescheduled for free on the same day, which we did. Our original return train was at 6:40 PM, but once we finished everything in Porto, we switched to the 4:40 PM train at no extra cost
Have your ticket ready on your phone or printed. A conductor checked tickets on our return trip. We just showed the tickets on our phone and that worked just fine.

One thing that confused us initially: our train didn’t show “Porto Campanha” on the departure board at Lisboa Santa Apolonia station. Instead, it was listed as Braga, which we later learned was the final stop so that’s why. We confirmed with a station employee, who helped us find the correct platform.

The station itself isn’t very big, and the train arrived about 30 minutes early, so we were able to board and get settled ahead of time. There’s also a small café at the station if you want to grab coffee, water, or a snack before boarding.

View from my seat on the first class train from Lisbon to Porto showing the legroom, a closed tray table, and a dark blue seat back. Feet in white sneakers are visible.

The view from the window on board the train from Lisbon to Porto as a day trip showing a clear blue sky and lush green bushes by a fence.

➡️ Be sure to check out my 5-Day Lisbon itinerary where I cover everything my mom and I did during our trip!

Getting Around Porto on a Day Trip

Once we arrived at Porto Campanha, we used Uber to get into the city center and again when heading back to the station later in the day.

Porto felt much more compact and walkable than Lisbon, and most of the sights we wanted to see were within a reasonable walking distance of each other.

Uber was affordable, fast, and readily available.

Public transit is also an option, and Google Maps works very well for metro and bus directions. You can also take the metro from Porto Campanha to São Bento Station if you prefer.

➡️ If you’re flying to Portugal from the U.S. or another long-haul destination, I recommend checking out my long flight essentials list to make the journey more comfortable.

One-Day Porto Itinerary

Here is a look at how we spent our day in Porto, and we managed to fit a surprising amount into just 5.5 hours!

I have also included other popular things to do in Porto if you have more time to explore than we did.

Grab Coffee & Breakfast at Nicolau

Nicolau was hands down our favorite brunch spot in Portugal. We actually visited Nicolau in Lisbon and Cascais, not the Porto location, but the menu is similar across locations.

It’s affordable, consistently good, and a great way to start your day in Porto!

Here were our favorite items on the menu:

My Mom: French toast and freshly squeezed orange juice
Me: Twist & Bacon pancakes and green detox juice

If you want a reliable breakfast or brunch spot before exploring Porto, Nicolau is a great choice.

Our breakfast spread at Nicolau with orange juice, French toast with fruit and cream, and a dish with pancakes, bacon, and a sunny-side-up egg on a rustic table.

➡️If you’re planning another day outside Lisbon, check out my Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon guide for a detailed itinerary and tips on how to see the best of Sintra in one day.

Visit Livraria Lello Bookstore

Livraria Lello is one of Porto’s most famous sights, largely because of its Harry Potter connection. J.K. Rowling lived in Porto while teaching English and spent some of her time here, and it’s said that the staircase here inspired the staircases in Harry Potter.

I have heard people call this a tourist trap, but honestly, I really enjoyed it. I love books and Harry Potter, so it was worth it for me.

What to Know Before You Go:

You can buy tickets online in advance or at the door
We bought ours at the door and lined up for the next timed entry, which seemed to run every 15 minutes
The system helps limit crowds inside at one time
The cost of your ticket can be applied toward the purchase of a book

Inside, they had sections in English, Portuguese, French, and possibly other languages. There was also a really cool Harry Potter section with special edition books, though they were pretty expensive.

I ended up purchasing a unique special edition of Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone that featured cool artwork and pop-up elements inside – definitely a book I will treasure and display in my home!

We visited in early December on a weekday, and crowds were manageable. I imagine it’s much busier during summer and on the weekends. If you’re unsure, you can always walk by first and decide whether to buy a ticket based on the line.

The grand interior of Livraria Lello in Porto with ornate wooden staircase, red steps, and balcony. Visitors browse surrounded by books and floral displays under a stained glass ceiling.

➡️ If you’re trying to decide whether Porto is worth visiting from Lisbon, check out my full Lisbon vs Porto guide where I compare both cities based on my experience.

Walk Through São Bento Station

Even if you aren’t catching a train here, São Bento Station is absolutely worth visiting.

The interior is stunning, with blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

It’s centrally located and walkable from many popular sights in Porto, so it is definitely worth a quick stop.

Interior of Sao Bento station in Porto with large arched windows, a clock, blue and white tiled artwork on the walls, and a digital departures board. People are walking and standing inside.

💡P.S. If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend purchasing the Airalo eSIM. It’s a great way to avoid those excessive roaming charges and eliminates the need for plastic eSIMs!

Explore Mercado do Bolhão (Food Market)

Mercado do Bolhão is a fun market filled with food vendors, fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and handmade goods.

We grabbed some fresh orange juice from a vendor who had a variety of juices to choose from and shared an assorted cubed cheese platter from another vendor for €10. It made for a perfect snack while exploring.

The market also has a second level with more vendors, so it’s worth taking a walk upstairs to see everything.

The Mercado do Bolhao outdoor market scene with a central stone column, colorful hanging decorations overhead. Shoppers browse stalls selling fresh produce and goods. Festive atmosphere.

A plastic cup of orange juice with a yellow striped straw sits on a gray table next to a small tray of cheese cubes purchased from Mercado do Bolhao in Porto.

Walk Along Rua das Flores

Rua das Flores is one of the most popular streets in Porto and a great place to wander.

The street is lined with shops, cafés, and beautiful architecture.

We also saw several artists selling watercolor paintings. I bought a Porto watercolor that I loved, and they accepted card (with a €1 fee).

Narrow, cobblestone Rua das Flores street lined with colorful historic buildings in Porto. Overcast sky, few pedestrians, and a decorative ornament light above for Christmas.

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

Stop at Miradouro da Vitória (Viewpoint)

A short walk from Rua das Flores is Miradouro da Vitória, a great viewpoint overlooking the city.

It’s an easy stop and a nice place to grab photos and take in the views without going too far out of the way.

View of Porto from above at the Miradouro da Vitória viewpoint with tightly packed buildings and terracotta roofs.

Walk the Dom Luís I Bridge (and Optional Cable Car)

The Dom Luís I Bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia across the river. We walked across, which I highly recommend.

Once on the Gaia side, we grabbed gelato from Amorino and enjoyed the views. In our opinion, the Gaia side has better views looking back at Porto, so definitely walk over to that side if you can.

There is also a cable car on the Gaia side, which looked like a fun way to see the city from higher up. We didn’t do it, but it’s worth considering if you want another perspective.

Dom Luís I Bridge spans over the Douro river, framed by leafy branches. In the background, colorful buildings in Porto create a picturesque scene.

View of Porto across Douro river with colorful buildings under a cloudy sky. Boats dock along the waterfront, framed by tree branches.

Boats float on the calm Douro river under a cloudy blue sky, with the picturesque view of Porto with its colorful buildings.

A traditional wooden boat with wine barrels floats on the Douro river with the historic cityscape of Porto in the background with colorful buildings and a cloudy sky.

Two gelato cups filled with vanilla gelato, topped with chocolate pieces, from Amorino Gelato in Vila Nova de Gaia. — **Amorino Gelato**

The inside of Amorino Gelato with wooden accents and warm lighting. Customers stand at the counter and sit at tables. Large window reveals view of Porto across the Douro River. — **Amorino Gelato**

Explore the Ribeira District

The Ribeira District was one of my favorite parts of Porto.

We walked along the river, listened to live music, and just enjoyed the atmosphere. Several musicians were set up playing instruments and singing, which added to the experience.

We stopped for an early dinner / late lunch at Cais 35, a restaurant right along the river. It was definitely a bit overpriced because of the location, and probably not the best food in Porto, but it worked well for us and the location was unbeatable.

Inside Cais 35 restaurant in the Ribeira District in Porto featuring a round table near an arched window overlooking the Douro river and cruise boat. — **Cais 35 Restaurant in Ribeira District**

Colorful historic buildings line a cobblestone square under a cloudy sky along the Ribeira District in Porto. Outdoor cafes with umbrellas fill the space, creating a lively atmosphere.

Bustling riverside scene in the Ribeira District in Porto with people gathering near street vendors under umbrellas. The large Luís I Bridge stretches across the cloudy sky above the Douro river.

Other Things to Do in Porto (If You Have More Time)

Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto): One of the oldest and most important buildings in Porto. It sits on a hill near the city center and offers nice views over the city and river.
The Famous McDonald’s (Imperial McDonald’s): Often called one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. It’s in a historic building with chandeliers and decorative details. Worth a quick stop if you’re nearby, even just to look inside.
Port Wine Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia: Porto is famous for port wine, and many of the wine cellars are located across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. You can tour a cellar, learn about the production process, and do a tasting. One easy option is this Get Your Guide Port Wine Tasting Tour, which includes three different wine tastings paired with local cheeses at a family-run lodge.

Day Trip to the Douro Valley: The Douro Valley is known for its terraced vineyards and scenic river views. Many tours leave from Porto and include winery visits, tastings, and sometimes a river cruise. This is best done if you’re staying in Porto for a few nights rather than on a day trip. One highly recommended option is this Get Your Guide Douro Valley Tour, which includes a boat ride along the river, visits to local wineries, wine tastings, and lunch.

Clérigos Church and Tower: One of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks. You can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city, though it is quite a few stairs.
Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas (The Hidden House): These two churches sit right next to each other, with one of Porto’s narrowest houses tucked between them.
Palácio da Bolsa: A former stock exchange building known for its ornate interior rooms, especially the Arab Room. You can only visit on a guided tour, but it’s a good option if you’re interested in history and architecture.

Places to Eat in Porto

These are popular places to eat in Porto that either came recommended to us, were highly rated, or are well-known spots worth considering depending on how much time you have.

Our Uber drive in Lisbon said that Porto has much better food than Lisbon!

Gazela: Known for its hot dogs (cachorrinho) made famous by Anthony Bourdain. The hot dogs are made with sausage, bread, and cheese cut into small pieces. It’s recommended to visit the original location, as that’s the one most people refer to.
Casa Guedes: Famous for its pork sandwiches, especially the pork with cheese. It’s a quick and affordable stop, making it a good option for a day trip.
Café Santiago: One of the most popular places in Porto to try a francesinha, the city’s iconic sandwich. It’s a hearty sandwich with bread, meat, and cheese, all covered in a rich, spicy sauce, often topped with a fried egg and served with fries.
Brasão Aliados: Another highly rated spot for francesinha.
Tapabento: A very popular restaurant near São Bento Station offering Portuguese tapas and seafood.
Cantina 32: A trendy spot serving Portuguese-inspired dishes with a modern twist. This is a nice option for lunch or dinner if you want something a bit more elevated.
Majestic Café: A historic café known for its beautiful interior. Prices are higher than average, but it’s a nice place to stop for coffee or dessert if you want to experience one of Porto’s classic cafés.

My Comparison on Lisbon vs Porto

If I had to choose just one city, I would personally choose Lisbon over Porto, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy Porto.

Porto has beautiful views, stunning architecture, and a scenic riverfront.

I’ve also heard Porto has a better food scene. However, I preferred Lisbon’s overall atmosphere, access to the coast, and felt there was more to do that aligned with my interests.

I also don’t drink wine, so I didn’t experience one of Porto’s biggest draws, which definitely plays a role in my preference.

How Many Nights to Stay in Porto?

We spent about 5.5 hours exploring Porto, factoring in Uber rides to and from the train station. That was enough time to see the main highlights at a steady pace.

That said, staying 1–2 nights would allow you to explore more slowly and enjoy the city without watching the clock. If you want to dive deeper into the wine scene or take a Douro Valley day trip, I recommend 2–3 nights in Porto.

Where to Stay in Porto

If your schedule allows, I do think staying one or two nights in Porto is worth it. It gives you more flexibility, lets you explore at a slower pace, and avoids spending nearly six hours on a train in one day. That said, the train ride was comfortable and very doable as a day trip.

If you do decide to stay overnight, I recommend booking a hotel in Porto’s city center, ideally near Ribeira, São Bento, or Baixa, so you can walk to most major sights.

Torel Avantgarde: A luxury boutique hotel with beautiful views over the Douro River.
The One Monumental Place: One of the most high-end hotels in Porto, located right on Avenida dos Aliados. This is a great option if you want to be in the heart of the city and within walking distance of São Bento Station, Livraria Lello, and many restaurants.
Pestana Vintage Porto: Located directly on the Ribeira waterfront, this is a great option if you want river views and to be steps away from restaurants and sights.
Moov Hotel Porto Centro: A more budget-friendly option in a great location.
PortoBay Flores: A highly rated hotel located on Rua das Flores, right in the historic center.

Check out this interactive map below for more options on places to stay in Porto!

➡️ Even though this guide focuses on a day trip, if you’re thinking of staying overnight in Porto, my where to stay in Porto post breaks down the best neighborhoods and hotels.

Final Tips for a Day Trip to Porto from Lisbon by Train

Porto can be colder than Lisbon, especially in the winter, so bring extra layers even if Lisbon feels mild. It did warm up once we started walking and got into the afternoon hours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Porto is very walkable, but it’s also hilly and has cobblestone streets. I wore my Hoka Clifton 9s and highly recommend them!
Uber is inexpensive and easy to use in Porto, especially for getting to and from Porto Campanha train station.
Most people speak English, but learning a few Portuguese words is appreciated:
- Obrigado (if you’re male) / Obrigada (if you’re female) = thank you
Use Google Maps for walking and public transit directions. It worked well for us in both Lisbon and Porto.
Book train tickets in advance through CP, especially if you’re traveling during peak season or want First Class seats.
Download the CP app to easily access your tickets, check platforms, and reschedule if needed.
Plan your must-see stops ahead of time, but don’t overpack your schedule.
If you’re short on time, prioritize Ribeira, São Bento Station, Livraria Lello, and crossing Dom Luís I Bridge.

Final Thoughts on Taking a Day Trip to Porto from Lisbon

Overall, taking a day trip to Porto from Lisbon by train was absolutely worth it. The train was easy, comfortable, and efficient, and we were able to see many of Porto’s highlights in just one day without feeling rushed.

While staying overnight would allow for a slower pace and more in-depth exploring, Porto works very well as a day trip if your time in Portugal is limited.

If you’re based in Lisbon and want to experience a different side of Portugal with beautiful views, historic streets, and a scenic riverfront, Porto is a great addition to your itinerary.

Check out my other Portugal blog posts to help you plan your itinerary!