One Day in Porto Itinerary: From Cruise Port Leixoes

Are you looking for a one-day Porto itinerary from the Leixões Cruise Port? Then you are in the right spot.

Porto is one of our favorite places in Portugal. Cute little alleys, beautiful architecture, and amazing views across the Douro River make it so special.

It has so much history and culture, from Port Wine production to its world-famous blue tiles.

With so much beauty to see, it can be hard to choose your activities if you only have one day in the city. Luckily for you, I am a cruise expert and know how to make the most of your day! I have also asked my friend and travel blogger Tim for input!

If you’re lucky enough to have a stop there on your cruise ship then our one-day itinerary will take you around the best places, packing in plenty of things to do and see.

Let’s dive in!

One Day in Porto: at a Glance

If you’re short on time and just want the itinerary, then we’ve got the headlines here for you!

If you need some more guidance, you can find a step-by-step guide to exploring Porto in one day, plus our insider tips a bit further down below in this post. I promise it is worth it to keep on reading!

Here is how to spend one day in Porto from the cruise port:

• Climb the Clérigos Church and Tower
• Wander around the Ribeira District
• Stop for lunch at Cais da Ribeira
• Cross the Luís I bridge
• Go on a port wine cellar tour and tasting
• Walk along the Cais de Gaia Promenade

Best Shore Excursions from Leixões Cruise Port

If you are still unsure about navigating Porto by yourself, don’t worry. There are plenty of amazing shore excursions available from the cruise port that will show you around town.

Here are my favorite shore excursions:

Full Day Private Shore Tour in Porto from Leixoes Cruise Port

Private 6 Bridges Cruise with Tapas and Port Wine

Authentic Food and Wine Tour in Porto by Food Lover Tour

One Day in Porto – Detailed Itinerary

1. Climb the Clérigos Church and Tower

The Clérigos Church and Tower is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit on your one day in Porto.

The Tower is 76 meters tall, and you get amazing views of Porto’s historic center, the Douro River, and the terracotta rooftops that spread out over Porto. It was once a beacon for sailors returning to Porto.

To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 225 narrow, spiraling steps. The view makes the effort well worth it.

While you’re there, go inside the church. It’s peaceful interior is full of gilded alters, beautiful architecture and huge paintings.

There’s also a small museum on site, but if you don’t have a lot of time I’d recommend skipping this and spending the time elsewhere.

The church is free to enter but you’ll need a ticket to climb the tower (EUR 6). 

2. Wander Around the Ribeira District

Once you’ve climbed the tower, head down into the Ribeira District. This is Porto’s old town, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a maze of cobbled streets, colorful houses, and super cute riverside cafes – my favorite part of town!

It is the perfect place to wander around and explore without a plan, that’s what we did at first.

But, to help you plan, here are a few of our favorite spots. They’re in order, taking you from the Clérigos tower down to the river side:

• São Bento train station – go inside and look at the interiors which are covered in Portugal’s famous blue tiles.
• Rua das Flores – a beautiful pedestrian street which is full of quirky shops, local restaurants and interesting street art.
• Miradouro da Rua das Aldas – for more beautiful views of Porto.
• Igreja de São Francisco – a Gothic church with a beautiful Baroque interior covered in gold leaf. It costs €7.50 to see inside, but is worth it if you have time.
• Rua da Fonte Taurina, one of Porto’s oldest and most charming streets

End with a leisurely stroll along the Douro River, and enjoy the view of the Luís I Bridge and of Vila Nova de Gaia – the town on the opposite side of the river.

4. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge

The Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte de Dom Luís I) is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. It spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia (which is technically another city).

Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1886, the bridge is a huge double-deck iron structure.

The upper deck is reserved for pedestrians and Porto’s metro line, offering great panoramic views of the city, the river, and the colourful Ribeira District. It’s a great spot to take some photos of Porto. 

The lower deck is open to cars and pedestrians. While you can cross using the lower deck, the upper deck is far better for its views (and for the experience of being on top of the bridge while a tram whizzes past).

If you don’t like the climb to get to the upper level then take the Funicular dos Guindais batalha (€ 4 for a single or € 6 for a return ticket).

Top tip: if you can, visit at sunset (perhaps on your way back to the cruise port) when the city is bathed in golden light.

5. Port Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour

One of the things I love most about traveling is trying local products – and the most famous one here is port wine.

It’s a great opportunity to learn about the city’s most famous export while indulging in some delicious tastings.

The cellars are home to centuries of winemaking tradition, with some of the most renowned names including Sandeman, Taylor’s, Graham’s, and Ferreira.

Each tour takes you on a journey through the history of Port wine, from its origins in the Douro Valley to the long aging process in the cellars’ cool, dark conditions. 

The highlight of any tour is, of course, the tasting. You’ll have the chance to sample a variety of Ports, often paired with small bites like chocolate or cheese. Some cellars even offer premium tastings for those looking to experience rare or aged vintages.

We did the Calem tour, but all the port producers offer similar tours.

Many cellars have beautiful terraces overlooking the river, perfect for savoring a glass of Port while taking in the view of Porto’s steep riverside after your tour. 

Top tip: many tours offer a fado performance at the end of the tour – a great way to see this cultural heritage of Portugal.

6. Walk Along the Cais de Gaia Promenade

The Cais de Gaia Promenade is a charming and peaceful stretch along the Douro River.

While it’s not technically Porto, it offers some of the best views of Porto, including stunning vistas of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the colourful buildings of the Ribeira neighbourhood. 

It’s the perfect place to relax, take in the beauty of the city, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water.

The promenade is lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon drink.

Many places offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the river breeze while sampling local wines or enjoying traditional Portuguese dishes, such as bacalhau (salt cod) or grilled sardines.

Top tip: if you don’t need to race back to the port, Cais de Gaia is a great place to watch the sun set over Porto.

To get back to the cruise port, cross back over the Luís bridge. You can get any of the transport methods back. The bus comes past the end of the Dom Luís Bridge, so will save you climbing back up to the metro station.