Porto: Day Trips and Tours from Lisbon

Lisbon may be the capital of Portugal, but many travelers choose Porto as their favorite city. Discover why on a day trip to Porto from Lisbon. Wander its winding streets until you find its inner charm — through its art, culture, food, drinks and, especially, its people.

Porto is a picturesque city that has existed for nearly 1,000 years and its historical center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s warm atmosphere is reflected in everything from its iconic orange clay-tiled rooftops lining the riverfront to the jovial locals inviting you in for a taste of the finest Port wine.

Up next, you will find our helpful guide with useful information about Porto, one of the most charming day trips from Lisbon.

Where is Porto and how do I get there from Lisbon?

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a few hundred kilometers north of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast.

From Lisbon to Porto by car

The drive from Lisbon to Porto is simple and the most direct route is a straight shot on the A1. The nearly 300 kilometer drive will only take you 3 hours at the most.

From Lisbon to Porto by public transport

There are hourly trains from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station to Porto’s Campanhã or São Bento stations. There are also express buses from Sete Rios in Lisbon to Porto. Both of these take roughly 3 hours and there are regular services available.

Guided tour to Porto from Lisbon

A day trip to Porto involves a significant amount of driving and a guided tour is the best way to make the most of your time on the road. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way and make a few stops to see even more of Portugal’s marvelous destinations.

What is the typical itinerary?

Gear up for a full day of adventure when taking on a day trip to Porto. Tours depart from Lisbon around 7 AM to give you an early start on the day’s activities.

Basic tours that only cover Porto will head straight to the city and start you off on a walking tour of the historic center. After an intriguing peek into the city’s history, you can enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own, walk along the river or grab some lunch before you depart for Lisbon around 5 PM.

Private tours to Porto allow for a more flexible schedule and you will be picked up from your hotel. Your private guide will stop along the way to show you more of the lovely scenes of Portugal’s Atlantic coast and take you to more attractions in the city. You can customize this to your liking and skip or add a few stops.

What are the most popular Porto excursions from Lisbon?

Day trips to Porto from Lisbon come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to find a tour that perfectly suits your style and needs.

Guided tours to Porto from Lisbon

Day tours to Porto are made simple with guided tours from Lisbon. These tours depart from a central location in Lisbon and connect you with a professional tour guide in Porto. They will take you on a comprehensive tour of the city and allow for plenty of free time to explore Porto’s treasures on your own.

Private tour to Porto from Lisbon

For the ultimate luxury experience, book a private day trip to Porto. Your guide will collect you early in the morning from your hotel and take you to the enigmatic city of Porto.

Once there, they will accompany you to all the best sites in the city and show you the many hidden treasures of the historic center. You will have the comfort of moving around at your own pace without the constraints of a large group.

2-Day tour to Porto from Lisbon

If you feel like you need a little more time to explore the wonders of Portugal’s second city, opt for a 2-day tour to Porto. This private tour will take you from your hotel in Lisbon to Porto and guide you through the city’s top attractions.

On the second day, you will visit Aveiro, Nazaré and Óbidos on your way back to Lisbon to add even more value to your Portuguese visit.

Day trip to Porto plus Fatima from Lisbon

After a walking tour of Porto and some free time in the city, you will drive back to Lisbon and make one more stop. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is a revered Catholic pilgrimage site and arguably the most important one in the country. You will make a stop at this holy shrine before heading back to Lisbon.

Day tour to Porto plus Óbidos and Nazaré from Lisbon

This marathon 12-hour tour showcases all the best of Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Visit the medieval town of Óbidos, see the giant waves of Nazaré and walk through the stunning streets of Porto all in one day.

What are the prices of Porto day trips from Lisbon?

A basic day tour to Porto costs €70 per person. Tours that also stop in Óbidos and Nazaré cost €110 per person while those that visit Fatima cost €130 per person.

There are several options for private tours to Porto starting at around €300 per person or €720 for a group of three people. These tour prices increase depending on the number of stops included in the tour.

For €350 per person, you can book a 2-day trip to Porto but this does not include your meals or accommodation.

What will you see and do?

Porto is a very walkable city and you can make your way around on foot to see marvelous locations like the Porto Sé Cathedral, Avenida dos Aliados, the Clérigos Tower and Church, Liberdade Square, and Dom Luis I Bridge.

Your tour guide will leave no stone unturned, indulging you in the city’s captivating history and introducing you to its culture. You will have free time to explore these beautiful attractions after your tour. Make sure to check out the Lello Bookshop that inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing Harry Potter.

You will also have time to visit a Port wine cellar to get a true taste of Porto. Some tours also include a river cruise, where you can enjoy a scenic tour of the city’s bridges and the brightly colored waterfront architecture.

When is the best time to visit Porto?

Spring and autumn are fabulous seasons to visit Porto with pleasant weather and less tourists. Summers are hot and winters can be wet, but if you want to see the big waves in Nazaré, you should book in the winter.

Are there any other day trips from Lisbon?

Yes, there are tours to other cities in Portugal from Lisbon:

• Day Trips to Alentejo from Lisbon
• Day Trips to Berlenga Islands from Lisbon
• Day Trips to Óbidos from Lisbon
• Day Trips to Arrábida National Park from Lisbon

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes. There is a significant amount of walking involved and Porto is about as hilly as Lisbon.
• Don't miss the azulejos and street art. Ask your guide where the best places are to see street art and the typical blue and white azulejo tiles to take some remarkable photos.
• Wander the streets. Porto is an ancient city with cobblestone streets that wind up and down the hills. There are many hidden alleyways with local restaurants and cafés to experience authentic local vibes.
• Try some Port wine. This is the only city where this fortified wine can be aged and produced. There are many wine lodges to visit on the other side of the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.