DAY TRIP TO PORTO FROM LISBON:

Are you planning a day trip to Porto from Lisbon? Great choice! With its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and world-renowned Port wine, Porto is an absolute delight for every traveler.

🌐 This post forms a part of my Lisbon Travel Guide: 🌐Lisbon Travel Guide – The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Portugal’s Enchanting Capital and 👜Packing list for a Day trip

I woke up to the rhythm of a beautiful Portuguese morning, the sun gently peeking through my hotel room window in Lisbon.

I had decided to embark on an adventure to Porto, a picturesque city in the north of Portugal, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich historical tapestry.

With my backpack ready and a heart full of anticipation, I set off on a day trip that promised to be as enticing as the famous Port wine the city is known for.

The early morning train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station transported me along the scenic coastline, the orange hues of the rising sun reflecting off the ocean’s waves, painting a breathtaking canvas.

Every moment breathed in the sheer beauty of the journey, from the distant green vineyards to the quaint Portuguese towns.

As we crossed the Douro River, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by Porto’s rustic charm, unfolding like a beautifully written sonnet.

Today, I would be a wanderer, a storyteller, a lover of history, architecture, and cuisine, weaving memories in the heart of Porto, one cobbled street at a time.

How to Get to Porto from Lisbon

By Train

The train journey is the most recommended and convenient way to reach Porto. The fastest service is offered by Alfa Pendular, which takes roughly 2.5 hours to reach Porto from Lisbon.

By Bus

Bus services are a bit slower, with the journey lasting around 3.5-4 hours, but they are quite cost-effective and offer scenic views along the way.

By Car

Driving to Porto gives you flexibility and the chance to stop at picturesque spots en route. However, be prepared for the journey, which can take approximately 3 hours.

Get your Porto card

Things to Do in Porto

Visit the Ribeira District

The Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit place in Porto. Its narrow, cobbled streets and colorful houses make for a vibrant sight.

Tuktuk ride

Explore the Port Wine Cellars

No trip to Porto would be complete without a visit to its famous Port Wine Cellars. Take a tour and indulge in some wine tasting.

Porto Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour

Tour the Livraria Lello

Renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, Livraria Lello is a haven for book lovers and a piece of art in itself.

Where to Eat in Porto

In the heart of Portugal’s culinary scene, Porto is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich seafaring history, the city’s gastronomic offerings prominently feature seafood, complemented by a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes and delectable pastries.

If you’re seeking an authentic Portuguese dining experience, head to Cantinho do Avillez. This bustling bistro, owned by the renowned chef José Avillez, serves a fantastic array of traditional dishes with a modern twist. Try the oven-baked Barrosã DOP rib, a dish you won’t forget.

Seafood enthusiasts will love O Gaveto, located in Matosinhos, the city’s seaside district. Known for serving the freshest catch of the day, this family-owned restaurant delights patrons with its grilled fish, shellfish stew, and octopus.

Vegetarian and vegan travelers, fear not. Porto has you covered with daTerra, a buffet-style restaurant offering a range of plant-based dishes that are as flavorful as they are nourishing.

And let’s not forget Porto’s sweet side. To satisfy your sweet tooth, make a beeline for Confeitaria do Bolhão, a charming pastry shop known for its scrumptious pastries, including the iconic Pastel de Nata.

In Porto, every meal is a celebration of Portugal’s culinary diversity. The city’s array of restaurants, bistros, and bakeries ensures there’s something for everyone. So, come with an appetite and leave with delightful culinary memories.

Traditional Portuguese Cuisine

Experience the authentic Flavors of Portugal at local taverns and restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Sure, here are five must-try traditional dishes when you’re in Portugal:

1. Bacalhau a Bras: This is a popular codfish dish made with onions, straw-fried potatoes, and scrambled eggs, garnished with black olives. It’s an absolute must-try for any seafood lover.
2. Caldo Verde: This traditional Portuguese soup is made from shredded kale, potatoes, and chorizo. It’s commonly served with broa, a Portuguese corn bread.
3. Francesinha: This sandwich originated in Porto and is loaded with different types of meat like wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, and steak, covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato and beer sauce. It’s often served with a side of french fries.
4. Cozido à Portuguesa: A rich stew made with a variety of meats – pork, beef, and sausages, and vegetables. It’s a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a big meal.
5. Pastel de Nata: To finish off your meal, you must try this iconic Portuguese custard tart. With its creamy center and flaky crust, it’s the perfect sweet treat to conclude your food journey in Portugal. Enjoy it with a “bica,” a Portuguese espresso.

Enjoy your culinary journey in Portugal! 🇵🇹🍽️

Seafood Delicacies

Being a coastal city, Porto serves some of the best seafood dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor some fresh catch of the day.

Best Portugal Seafood Delicacies

Portugal is renowned for its seafood delicacies, thanks to its extensive coastline. Here are some of the best seafood dishes you should try:

1. Bacalhau: Cod is Portugal’s national fish, and it’s said there are 365 ways to cook bacalhau, one for every day of the year. Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with onions, eggs, and potatoes) and Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (codfish with potatoes, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and olives) are among the popular preparations.
2. Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines are a summer favorite in Portugal. They are often served with boiled potatoes and a salad.
3. Arroz de Marisco: A delightful seafood rice dish loaded with various types of shellfish like clams, shrimp, and lobster.
4. Caldeirada de Peixe: A traditional Portuguese fish stew made with a variety of fish and shellfish, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions.
5. Polvo à Lagareiro: Octopus grilled or roasted with plenty of garlic and olive oil, often served with boiled potatoes.
6. Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams cooked in a broth of olive oil, garlic, cilantro, and white wine. It’s named after a 19th-century Portuguese poet.
7. Cataplana de Marisco: Named after the copper pan it’s cooked in, Cataplana is a delicious seafood stew that often includes fish, shrimp, clams, and chorizo, combined with a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro.
8. Percebes: Goose barnacles are a unique and pricey delicacy in Portugal, particularly popular in the coastal regions.
9. Lapas grelhadas: Grilled limpets are a typical dish from the Azores and Madeira, usually served with a garlic and butter sauce.
10. Camarão da Costa: Grilled or boiled shrimp served with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes piri piri sauce.

These seafood dishes highlight the best of Portuguese cuisine, reflecting the country’s rich culinary traditions and its deep connection with the sea. Enjoy exploring these flavors!

Sweet Treats

Porto is also known for its sweet pastries. Make sure to try the famous Pastel de Nata before you leave.

Portuguese Cuisine 🍴	Restaurant 📍
Francesinha 🥪	Café Santiago 🏠
Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá 🐟	Restaurante Adega São Nicolau ⚓
Tripas à Moda do Porto 🍲	Restaurante Líder 🍽️
Polvo à Lagareiro 🐙	ODE Porto Wine House 🍷
Pastel de Nata 🥧	Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata ☕
Sardinhas Assadas 🐟	Restaurante Casa d’Oro 🌉
Pudim Abade de Priscos 🍮	Restaurante Pedro Lemos 🌿
Arroz de Marisco 🦐	Restaurante O Gaveto 🐚
Leitão à Bairrada 🐖	Casa da Viúva 🏡
Bifanas (Pork Sandwiches) 🥖	Conga Restaurante 🏢

These are some of the traditional Portuguese dishes and the restaurants in Porto where you can enjoy them. Note that the emoji represent the main ingredients of the dishes and not the exact location or ambiance of the restaurants. Enjoy your culinary journey! 🇵🇹🍽️

Conclusion

Taking a day trip to Porto from Lisbon is more than just a journey; it’s a passport to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, architectural wonders, delicious cuisine, and historic charm.

From the bustling Ribeira District to the tranquil Port Wine Cellars, and from traditional Portuguese restaurants to enchanting pastry shops, Porto offers a unique blend of experiences that are bound to leave you spellbound.

The beauty of Porto is in its contrasts – the old and the new, the historic and the modern, the bustling city life and the serene riverside – all coexisting in a seamless blend that makes this city truly magical.

As you make your way back to Lisbon, you’ll carry with you the taste of Port wine, the aroma of Pastel de Nata, the echoes of cobblestone alleys, and the vibrant colors of the Ribeira District, all etched in your memory.

In the end, a day trip to Porto from Lisbon is more than just a tick on your travel bucket list; it’s an experience that encapsulates the heart and soul of Portugal.

So, what are you waiting for? Embark on this incredible journey and witness the true charm of Portugal for yourself.

FAQ

1. What is the best time of year to visit Porto?
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Porto when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller.

2. Is a day trip from Lisbon to Porto enough?
While a day trip gives you a good snapshot of Porto, a longer stay would allow you to explore the city more extensively.

3. What are some must-try dishes in Porto?
Francesinha, Bacalhau, and Pastel de Nata are must-try dishes in Porto.

4. Can I drive from Lisbon to Porto?
Yes, you can. It’s a scenic drive of about 3 hours, but make sure you’re comfortable with European driving laws.

5. Are there guided tours in Porto?
Yes, there are plenty of guided tours available, including food tours, wine tasting tours, and cultural sightseeing tours.