How to spend 24 hours in Porto (without luggage)

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If you’re visiting Portugal, Porto is a must-see stop. It has something for everyone, including beautiful modern and historical architecture, stunning riverside views, the world-famous Porto wine, and some of the best pastries you’ll ever try.

Like Lisbon, Porto is a city of hills, steps, and narrow alleyways. That’s why, if you’ve got just one day in Porto, traveling without luggage is essential. This guide will show you everything you need to know to spend the best 24 hours in Porto, including how to manage your bags.

Drop your luggage with LUGGit

The easiest way to travel without luggage is with LUGGit, a luggage pickup and delivery service. You book via website or app (iOS and Android), a LUGGit Keeper collects your bags wherever you are (airport, station, hotel), stores them securely, and delivers them later to wherever you’re headed. No need to waste time going back and forth to a locker, because when you only have 24 hours, every minute counts.

Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit service in Porto.

Is 24 hours enough to visit Porto?

While Porto deserves two days to appreciate fully, it’s compact enough to enjoy in just one day. The city is walkable and built around a few high-impact highlights, which means you can move from the city’s oldest cathedral to a world-famous bookstore to a riverside wine cellar all in the same day.

So, if you only have one day, this guide will help you hit the city’s most iconic sights while enjoying authentic local experiences.

Morning

Start at São Bento Station

If you’re arriving by train from Lisbon or Coimbra, you’ll likely start your day at São Bento Station. The station is home to over 20,000 blue-and-white azulejos (tiles) that depict Portugal’s history in incredible detail. If you’ve already booked your LUGGit pickup, you can dive right into exploring without worrying about your bags.

Breakfast at a local café

You can’t visit Porto without sampling its pastries. For an authentic Portuguese experience, grab a galão (Portuguese latte) and a pastel de nata while watching boats drift along the Douro. We recommend Manteigaria for the city’s most famous pastéis de nata.

Visit Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Just a few steps away from São Bento Station sits the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), one of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings. Don’t miss its terrace for one of the best free viewpoints over Porto’s historic center.

Explore Ribeira

Next, head down to Ribeira, the colorful riverside neighborhood that feels straight out of a movie. Stroll along its narrow cobbled streets, admire the brightly painted houses, and soak up the lively atmosphere of riverside cafés and bars. Keep in mind that places right along the waterfront can be touristy and overpriced, so explore a little further if you’re looking for a meal.

Midday

Clérigos Tower

From Ribeira, make your way west toward Clérigos Tower. Climb the 200+ steps if you can. The panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops and the Douro River are unforgettable on a clear day.

Livraria Lello

Next door is Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. While the rumor that it inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has been debunked, fans still flock here for its stunning carved wooden staircase and colorful stained-glass ceiling. The bookstore is small and tends to get very crowded, so buy your ticket online to skip the queue.

Quick lunch

Grab a bifana, Porto’s signature spicy pork sandwich, from Conga, a local institution. It’s fast, affordable, and delicious. Exactly what you need on a one-day itinerary.

Afternoon

Depending on your mood (and stamina), we have two options for your afternoon:

Option 1: Port wine and sunset

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, either on the upper pedestrian walkway for panoramic views or the lower one if heights make you queasy. Once you reach Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll be standing right above the historic port wine cellars.

Pick one or two for tastings: Graham’s, Sandeman, or Taylor’s are excellent. If you want a more modern, multi-experience stop, check out the WOW (World of Wine) complex nearby. It’s part museum, part food hall, part rooftop bar.

Stick around for sunset at Jardim do Morro and you’ll see the whole city turn gold across the river.

Option 2: ocean air in Foz do Douro

If you’d rather chase the sea, hop on tram line 1 from Ribeira to Foz do Douro. It’s a scenic ride that follows the river all the way to the Atlantic. Once there, take a stroll along the promenade, stop for gelato, or grab a beer at Praia da Luz.

Evening

Dinner

Dinner in Ribeira is very popular among tourists, with traditional dishes like grilled fish, bacalhau à Brás, or arroz de marisco (seafood rice). But if you want something more local and less touristy, head up to Cedofeita or Miragaia, where small taverns serve homemade petiscos (Portuguese tapas).

Nightlife

After dinner, walk toward Galeria de Paris Street, the heart of Porto’s nightlife. Here, you’ll find lively bars, local music, and friendly crowds. For something quieter, try a riverside wine bar instead.

Note: Since 2025, Porto has limited alcohol sales in shops after 9 p.m., but restaurants and bars are unaffected, so you’re safe to enjoy that late-night glass of port.

Practical tips for visiting Porto

Public transport pass: Buy an Andante Tour 1 card (7€/day), which covers metro, tram, and bus.
Photography: The best light hits Ribeira between 7–9 a.m. and Gaia at sunset.
Cultural etiquette: A small “obrigado” (thank you) goes a long way. Portuguese people appreciate the effort, even if you mispronounce it.
Avoid scams: Taxis are regulated, but confirm the meter’s running. Stick to Bolt or Uber if unsure.

FAQs about spending 24 hours in Porto

Is Porto walkable?

Very walkable, but hilly. The city’s center is compact, and most attractions are within a 20-minute radius.

What is Porto famous for?

Port wine, historic architecture, azulejos, and a lively riverside culture.

Where should I stay for one night?

If you’re staying overnight, look around Ribeira or Baixa. Both keep you close to everything.

Can I visit the Douro Valley on a 24-hour trip?

Not comfortably. It’s better saved for a longer stay, though some half-day wine tours exist if you’re determined.

What’s the best souvenir from Porto?

A bottle of port wine or local ceramic azulejos.

Your perfect day in Porto awaits

In just 24 hours, there are a lot of things you can do in Porto. But to experience it fully, you need freedom from dragging luggage. That’s why LUGGit fits seamlessly into a perfect Porto day. It’s the kind of tool that lets you travel like a local: light, spontaneous, and present.

Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit service in Porto.