Are you looking for a one-day itinerary for Porto 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
About the Leixões Cruise Port
The Leixões Cruise Port
There are two docking spots within the Leixões Cruise Port.
The main dock is located at the cruise terminal (Terminal de Cruzeiros). The second dock (Doca 1 Norte – Passageiros) is used only if the main terminal is busy.
- Facilities: The port has tourist information, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and taxi stands.
- Location: Leixões is about 9 km (5.5 miles) from Porto city center. Porto is a small city, so you can get there and explore by yourself easily.
Getting to Porto from Leixões
A complimentary shuttle bus will take you from the cruise terminal to the port exit, which is only a 1-minute journey.
Since I am not a big fan of public transport, I suggest arranging for private transportation.
From there, you have a few options:
Metro (fast and cheap)
- Line: Take the A line (Estádio do Dragão – Senhor de Matosinhos), which is the blue one.
- How to get there: From the port exit, it’s about four blocks to the Matosinhos Sul tram stop – you’ll see the tracks on the road.
- Stop in Porto: Get off at Trinidade
- Cost: €1.80 for a one-way ticket
- Duration: Around 30 minutes, plus a 10-minute walk to the tram stop.
Taxi (fast but expensive)
- How to Find One: There’s a taxi rank as soon as you leave the port.
- Cost: Around €20 to the city centre. Check the price before you get into the taxi.
- Duration: 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Private Transfers or Ride-Sharing
- Option: Book a private car or use apps like Bolt or Uber.
- Cost: About €20, which is similar to a taxi.
- Pro Tip: Pre-book a transfer to save time.
One Day in Porto – Detailed Itinerary
1. Climb the Clérigos Church and Tower
The Clérigos Church and Tower are 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. Its peaceful interior is full of gilded altars, 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 riverside:
- 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.
3. Lunch at Cais da Ribeira
Cais da Ribeira is the beautiful riverside promenade at the heart of Porto’s Ribeira District.
It’s lined with cafes and restaurants on one side, with the Douro River on the other. Beyond that, you get stunning views of Vila Nova de Gaia rising up the other side of the valley.
Stop here for some lunch and to rest after tackling Porto’s hills. Seafood is the speciality here, but you’ll find a range of cuisines.
Top tip: it’s quite touristy, and so you’ll pay tourist prices. You could stop somewhere else in Ribeira for lunch, or carry on and eat in Vila Nova de Gaia. Even if you don’t eat, it’s nice to walk along.
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.
Alternative Porto Things To Do
If you have time to fit more in or would like to try something different, then you can try one of the following alternative things to do in Porto.
- Visit Livraria Lello – One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, famous for its ornate wooden staircase and stunning stained-glass ceiling.
- Relax at the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) – Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning views over the river.
- Visit the Palácio da Bolsa – Take a guided tour of the palace, famous for the spectacular Arabian Room.
- Ride the Historic Tram 1 – Experience a fun journey with beautiful views along the Douro River on one of Porto’s old trams.
- Take a Boat Trip on the Douro River – Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro, passing under Porto’s famous bridges and admiring the city from the water.
- Go to the Beach at Foz do Douro – Porto’s picturesque coastal area, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for a seaside stroll.
- Discover the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art – Portugal’s top modern art museum, set in a stunning park.
- Shop at Mercado do Bolhão – Experience the lively atmosphere of Porto’s historic market, where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional crafts.
- Church of Saint Ildefonso – A beautiful 18th-century Baroque church in Porto, known for its striking blue-and-white azulejo tile façade.
- Café Santiago – A famous café in Porto, best known for serving one of the city’s most iconic dishes, the Francesinha sandwich.
- Igreja dos Carmelitas – A historic 17th-century church with ornate interiors, located next to the narrowest house in Porto.
- Porto Cathedral – One of the city’s oldest and most important landmarks, offering stunning panoramic views from its hilltop location.
- Chapel of Souls – A small yet eye-catching chapel covered in thousands of traditional blue azulejo tiles depicting religious scenes.
- Avenida dos Aliados – A grand boulevard in the heart of Porto, lined with impressive architecture, hotels, and bustling city life.
About the Author
Hi friend, I am Sabrina, a passionate travel blogger and photographer from Austria.
I love capturing the world through the lens of the seasons, chasing soft spring blooms, golden autumn light, and cozy winter moments along the way. My goal is to help you discover destinations at their most magical moments.
