With just one day in Porto, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around the city, checking out some of the top sights, enjoying delicious food, and sampling some Port wine. It was a mostly relaxing day, perfect for unwinding after several days of hiking.
The city was utterly charming, with houses and churches beautifully adorned in colorful tiles. What surprised us was seeing students dressed in black capes, looking like they stepped right out of Hogwarts. A quick Google search revealed that the Harry Potter student uniforms were actually inspired by these Porto students. Their traditional attire, known as ‘Capa e Batina,’ dates back to the 18th century.
Livraria Lello
Speaking of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling lived in Porto, and Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, inspired the interiors of Hogwarts as well as Flourish and Blotts.
I was curious to check it out, but when I saw the enormous queue outside, I decided it wasn’t worth the wait. The entrance used to be free, but due to the surge of tourists, the bookstore started charging a fee. It makes sense, considering most visitors weren’t there to buy books.
Igreja dos Clérigos
Just a two-minute walk from the bookstore, you’ll find Clérigos Tower, which opened in 1763 and is renowned for its amazing 360° views of the city from the top. We had hoped to climb the 75-meter bell tower to get a bird’s-eye view of Porto, but when we got to the entrance, we were met with a rather long queue. Not really in the mood to wait, we decided to skip it and instead grabbed some ice cream next to the church.
Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas
Close to the famous bookstore, you’ll find Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas, twin churches separated by the thinnest house in the world. Casa Escondida is only 1.5 meters wide. There’s a rumor that this house was built to prevent the nuns (who lived in Igreja dos Carmelitas) and monks (living in Igreja do Carmo) from getting into mischief.
Both the house and the churches are open to the public as a museum and can be accessed via Igreja do Carmo. The visit includes the Catacombs of Porto and a rooftop view of the city. I really enjoyed the visit, as it’s rare to get access to the administrative parts of the church.
Porto Cathedral
One of the places I usually visit in new cities is the cathedral, as they are often beautiful historical buildings that have survived for centuries. The construction of Porto Cathedral started in the 12th century, but, like most old buildings, it underwent a lot of work over the ages.
While the inside of the church wasn’t extremely impressive, I enjoyed the inner courtyards, which featured exquisite tiling on the walls. The panoramic view of the city from the top of the tower was also a highlight.
Sao Bento Station
Often described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, São Bento Station opened to the public in 1916 and is adorned with over 20,000 tiles that depict Portugal’s history through intricate imagery. Even if you don’t plan to catch a train, make sure to pop your head through the doors and admire the artwork – you’ll be glad you did!
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
Just 10 minutes from the train station is Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, or the Church of Saint Ildefonso, another one of Porto’s beautiful old buildings. Dating back to the 18th century, this church is adorned with the same iconic blue and white tiles you saw at the train station.
Miradouro da Vitória
Miradouro da Vitória is one of the most famous viewpoints in the city. Located above the historic Ribeira quarter, this spot offers stunning views over old rooftops, across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Dom Luís I Bridge. If you’re coming from the historic Ribeira part of the city, be prepared for a steep walk with many steps.
Ribeira
The Ribeira part of Porto is perhaps the most popular, the oldest, and also the most lively area of the city. Here, you’ll find Port wine boutiques, charming restaurants, street performers, beautifully tiled old buildings, and plenty of tourists soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Dom Luís I Bridge
The Dom Luís I Bridge is a true icon of Porto, known for its unique construction. Built on two levels, the bridge offers tourists the option to cross the river to either the lower or upper part of Vila Nova de Gaia. Both levels provide stunning views of Porto, making it a must-see for visitors.
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Another great viewpoint of the city is Miradouro da Serra do Pilar. Located on the south bank of the Douro River, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of Porto’s historic center, including the Ribeira district and the Dom Luís I Bridge.
