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A One-Day Itinerary in Downtown Porto (1/2)

 

Feeling lazy to organize what to do on your first day in the city of Porto? No problem, it's all sorted out for you. Were you looking for an itinerary through downtown Porto? Then that's exactly what we bring you, with some of the most unmissable points of this city. And not only that, we have everything prepared for you. Which transport to use, where to stop for a meal, and where to enjoy the best views! 

The starting point is Bolhão Market, which you can reach by metro (lines A, B, C, E, or F). After visiting this lively place full of Porto's contagious energy, head to Rua de Santa Catarina, the busiest street in Porto known for the contrast between contemporary commerce and traditional Portuguese architecture. Along this avenue, you can find the famous Café Majestic, stop for a photograph at the Chapel of Souls, or indulge in a warm “rissol” at Pastelaria Império. Once your belly is satisfied, head to Ateneu Comercial do Porto, a building known for its imposing architecture and majestic halls. Admission is free and unmissable!

 

By now, you've spent some time walking and observing, so it's time for something more dynamic and to give your feet a rest. Nothing better than Look At Porto, located just 2 minutes from Ateneu. There, you can enjoy a 5D immersive experience where you'll be taken to see some of Porto's most emblematic locations, getting to know these spots better, as well as their history and culture.

After flying around the city in just 10 minutes, it's time to head towards Avenida dos Aliados. In this area, you can choose a place for lunch. If you're a fan of fast food, we can't help but recommend McDonald's on this avenue. Don't be surprised by the recommendation; it's not just another chain restaurant. It's located in a historic building, and its architecture was preserved during the restaurant's construction, making it considered the most beautiful in the world!

Next, you should head to Ribeira, but not without first stopping to visit the following indispensable points, and in the following order:

 

After visiting these three landmarks of the city, you'll almost be arriving at the famous Ribeira. In the company of the Douro River, in a cozy atmosphere with street artists and various places to snack, you'll also have a privileged view of the D. Luís I Bridge. Cross it towards the Gaia quay and observe the Invincible City from there. You can savor the view along with a glass of port wine. Just head to one of the numerous wine cellars along the southern bank of the Douro. Here, the options are diverse: you can visit just the interiors of the cellars or even participate in a wine tasting. 

 

Next, I recommend heading up to Jardim do Morro, which can be reached by cable car, taking the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, on foot (we warn you about the difficulty of the climb), or by elevator. The last option is a secret tip: inside the vertical parking lot at the beginning of the quay, near the bridge, you'll find an elevator that will take you closer to Jardim do Morro. Bon voyage!

In this garden, you'll find the perfect spot to watch the sunset, one of the most unforgettable views of your life, certainly. 

 

If you can still do it before the golden hour, head up to Serra do Pilar, where you'll see the entire city of Porto from a perspective higher than Morro. Here, you can also look through binoculars and see some of the city's landmarks up close and in detail. Take the opportunity to look for Porto Cathedral, your next destination. To get there, take the metro to São Bento and walk the rest of the way.

We assume the end of the day is approaching, and your belly is already rumbling. We're talking about our Porto, so the options won't be limited, but I'll try to make as few recommendations as possible. Near the Cathedral, you can find Gazela, known for its hot dogs, or you can head to Praça dos Poveiros, where there are restaurants for all tastes. If you want to try one of the most renowned Francesinhas in the North, you can opt for Café Santiago; if you prefer a steak sandwich with Serra cheese, the ideal choice would be the restaurant Venham Mais 5.

Finally, you can't end this day without listening to the characteristic Fado music. We recommend Ideal Clube de Fado. There, you can enjoy a good Fado accompanied by a glass of port wine, if you haven't had the chance to try it at the cellars. Or if you have tried and loved it, like any good connoisseur!

At this point, you'll feel like you've had a full day, and tiredness should start to kick in. However, you haven't seen half of what there is to see downtown yet. So, go relax because tomorrow is a new day. We're waiting for you for another itinerary, here at The Best Of Porto!

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