15+ Best Day Trips From Porto by Train, Car, or Bus

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Want to take a day trip from Porto but can’t decide where? Check out this article for some of the best destinations by train, car, or bus!

Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. But there is much more to do in this area than simply visiting the city.

After spending a few days exploring the stunning town of Porto, there are many charming villages and towns located nearby that make perfect destinations for day trips.

Here are 15 of the best day trips from Porto by train, car, or bus to check out.

Best Day Trips From Porto by Train

Best Day Trips From Porto by Train

Taking a day trip from Porto by train is easy and convenient. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around.

And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

1. Guimarães

  • Recommended by Jami at Celiac Travel Pack
Guimaraes castle
Photo credit: Jami at Celiac Travel Pack

Guimarães is a small town northeast of Porto. It’s home to an impressive medieval castle. Guimarães castle survived two medievel seiges! It’s rare to find a battle-tested castle you can visit. So, it’s definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train.

To get there take the Guimarães regional train. The ride takes 1 hour from São Bento Station. A return ticket is only €6.50!

The castle is a 20-minute walk from the train station. But, start your day at the Ducal Palace. The tickets for every attraction in Guimarães are sold here.

Tickets to the castle are €2 but it’s only €6 to see the castle and palace. Since you’re there you should see both. Visiting the two sites back to back helps to notice the difference between the living quarters of the palace and the defense area of the tower.

Visit the ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the castle. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. Inside the castle the keep and place of arms are impressive. But, the best part is walking along the walls!

After your visit, head down to the old city center. You’ll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. This is the perfect area to stop for lunch. Several restaurants line the plazas so you have plenty of options.

Near the plazas, you’ll find the Padrão do Salado monument and the Chapel of São Nicolau. If you’re interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well.

Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. Guimarães and its castle can fill a full day but knowing how much time you have makes it easier to plan.

If you would prefer to visit Guimarães with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Braga!

>> Book Your Small Group Tour to Guimarães! <<


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2. Braga

bom de jesus cathedral in braga

Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train.

To get to Braga from Porto, you’ll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs €13 each way.

The charming city of Braga is known for its baroque and neoclassical architecture, as well as its many churches, which the city is often referred to as the “Rome of Portugal.” This makes Braga a popular tourist destination.

The greatest draw to Braga is the Bom Jesus do Monte Cathedral, a towering baroque-style church with an Instagrammable staircase and an incredible view at the top.

From the top of this hill, you can see all the way to Porto on a clear day. There’s also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down.

The city itself has plenty to offer as well, from the city center’s Praça da República to the nearby Casa do Raio, which is a beautiful palace turned museum covered in gorgeous purple-blue azulejos. You also don’t want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of Portugal–The Cathedral of Braga.

For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. Head to Casa Vianna for a filling brunch in one of the oldest cafes or over to Doh! for a delicious Simpson donut.

You’ll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga.

If you’re looking for a charming city to explore near Porto, make sure to add Braga to your list! With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, it’s not one to be missed.

If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimarães!

>> Book Your Small Group Tour to Braga and Guimarães! <<

3. Vila Do Conde

  • Recommended by Alya at Stingy Nomads
vila do conde beach
Photo credit: Alya at Stingy Nomads

Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. Often overlooked by international tourists it is a popular weekend getaway amongst residents of Porto. It’s a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. 

Vila do Conde is situated 19 miles (30 km) north of Porto. It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto.

It’s possible to cycle from Porto to Vila do Conde along the coast following the Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town.

A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. Praia da Azurara is the closest beach to the town, but beaches are not the only attraction here.

The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town.

Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. This impressive aqueduct with hundreds of arches was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most beautiful aqueducts in the world.

Other interesting sights include Vasco da Gama Square, Rua da Igreja, Santa Clara Convent, Fort of St.Jean the Baptist, Church of Azurara, and Chapel of Our Lady of Help.

Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way.

4. Peneda-Gerês National Park

  • Recommended by Cynthia and Alexander at Travel Your Memories
Miradouro da Pedra Bela
Photo credit: Cynthia and Alexander at Travel Your Memories

Porto is a beautiful city located in Northwestern Portugal which is the gateway to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of the most scenic and wild places in all of Europe.

The park covers an area of nearly 70,000 hectares and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including Wolves, Eagles, and Wild Boar.

Visitors can hike through the park’s mountains and forests, swim or kayak in the huge lakes, explore its numerous caves, Roman ruins, or go on a road trip in the wilderness.

The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer.

To get to the Peneda-Gerês National Park from Porto, take a bus or a train from the Porto-Campanhã station to the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. In total, this takes 1.5 hours.

Once inside the park, there are numerous trails to follow. Before you enter the park it is useful to use a Peneda-Gerês National Park guide and know all the details you need to prepare yourself.

The Retiro do Gerês restaurant is located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat while exploring the park.

The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as Bacalhau à Brás (cod with potatoes and onions) and Feijoada (a black bean stew). The restaurant also has a bar that serves local beers and wines.

With its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, the Peneda-Gerês National Park is an unforgettable destination that should not be missed as a day trip from Porto by train.

5. Coimbra

  • Recommended by Soumya at Stories by Soumya
coimbra across the river
Photo credit: Soumya at Stories by Soumya

One of the best day trips from Porto by train is to the university town of Coimbra in Central Portugal. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination.

There are several interesting things to do in Coimbra. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today.

It is home to the magnificent Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Alcacova, and an opulent Joanine Library – the inspiration for the library at Hogwarts.  

Stroll through the narrow streets of the Coimbra city center and appreciate the street art. Listen to some Fado and do not forget to try the delicious food at Sete Restaurant.

Be sure to walk across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra by the river. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip.

The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. Express trains from Porto Campanha take about 1 hour to get to Coimbra-B. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra.

Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. Get your best pair of walking shoes because Coimbra is quite hilly, and you’ll need to walk around a bit. 

6. Costa Nova

  • Recommended by Fernanda at Mauka Travels
striped houses in costa nova
Photo credit: Fernanda at Mauka Travels

The beautiful village of Costa Nova is mostly known in Portugal because of its colorful striped houses. Originally built by fishermen to serve as storage for fishing materials, the houses of Costa Nova are now vacation houses for Portuguese families that spend the summer holidays on the beachside.

The most special thing to see in Costa Nova is the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. You should also visit the city’s Fish Market, the lighthouse (the tallest in Portugal!), and walk by the sand dunes to the beach.

The main beach close to Costa Nova is called “Praia da Barra”, and it gets quite busy during the summer months.

Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. Being traditionally a fishermen’s village, they serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for. The restaurant “O Cais” is a great option for a place to eat in town.

Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train.

Most visitors combine these two destinations into a single-day trip, visiting Aveiro in the morning and trekking 8 miles (12 km) to Costa Nova in the afternoon.

The best way to get to Costa Nova from Porto is to take the train to Aveiro, which takes approximately 1 hour, and then take the bus to Costa Nova, which takes another 30 minutes.

Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses.

7. Aveiro

  • Recommended by Linn at Brainy Backpackers
river view of boat in aveiro
Photo credit: Linn at Brainy Backpackers

One of the best day trips from Porto by train you can do is to Portugal’s Venice – Aveiro. It takes 1 hour to travel by train and 50 minutes by car.

One of the most popular things to do in Aveiro is to go on a canal cruise in a colorful Moliceiro. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated.

However, the locals decided to paint the boats in vivid colors and created the biggest tourist attraction in Aveiro and which has put the town on the map. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way.

But there are more things to Aveiro than the Moliceiros. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums – and of course the Sé de Aveiro (the cathedral.)

If you have the time and travel by car, you can also take the trip to the Passadiços de Aveiro, a peaceful boardwalk taking you along the Ria de Aveiro.

Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there.

You can also combine your day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova to see the traditional striped beach houses.

Eating out in Aveiro is lovely with many restaurants and cafés offering everything from traditional to international food as well as organic vegan joints. Particularly good is the Raiz – O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights.

Best Day Trips From Porto by Train

Best Day Trips From Porto by Car or Bus

Day trips from Porto by car or bus can be a bit more difficult to navigate than by train, as the roads can be winding and narrow or the trains just don’t run to these amazing destinations.

But with a set of directions and a map, it’s easy to get around. And there are some great destinations that can only be reached by car or bus.

🚗 When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. They provide the best deals for car rentals in Portugal!

8. Vila Nova de Gaia

vila nova de gaia with an aerial view

Even better than getting there by car or bus, Vila Nova de Gaia is a short 5-minute trek across the Dom Luis I Bridge to the other side of the Douro River, making it one of the best day trips from Porto.

Vila Nova de Gaia is known for its many wine cellars that are open to visitors. You can visit several wineries in a day, or just enjoy the views of the river and Porto from this charming town.

Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. It’s a great spot to enjoy the views of Porto across the river with the sun setting on the Douro river.

Right across the Jardim do Morro is the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a monastery atop a hill with an incredible view of the city. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there!

You can also visit the many shops, cafes, and restaurants in Vila Nova de Gaia, or take a stroll along its cobblestone streets to admire its old-world charm.

If you want to skip all the walking up and down the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia, you can buy a round-trip ticket to ride on the Teleférico, aka cable cars.

9. Matosihnos

matosinhos waves

Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. It is known for its beaches and seafood–it is a local favorite.

For a quick day trip from Porto by bus, you can spend a day lazing on the beach, swimming in the Atlantic, or eating all the seafood you can imagine.

To get to Matosinhos from Porto, you can take the local 500 bus, which is near the Sao Bento Train station, or take the metro line A.

You can also grab a ticket on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Yellow bus tour where Matosihnos is a stop!

The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. Before entering the beach, you’ll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers.

In addition to enjoying the beach, there are also other attractions in Matosinhos that you can explore. For example, you can visit the Castelo de Queijo market, walk along the coastal path of Leca da Palmeira, or visit the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Church.

For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heróis de França. Even before you enter the street, you’ll start smelling fresh fish grilling! A couple of Portugal’s most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea!

10. Amarante

amarante from across the river

Amarante is a small town located in the north of Portugal, about 1-hour northeast, or 37 miles (60 km) of Porto making it a fantastic day trip. It’s known for its architecture, food, and river views.

The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto.

The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de São Gonçalo. The bridge crosses the Tâmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. You can also visit the São Gonçalo church and monastery for more river views.

Amarante is also an artsy town, known to have been the home of many 20th-century artists where you can find many pieces in the Municipal Museum.

Amarante is also home to a few good restaurants like Adega Regional Quelha, which serves up local specialties like smoked meats and the popular vinho Verde grown from its Terras de Basto wine region.

You’ll also be interested to find this conservative small Portuguese town serving giggle-worthy pastries called bolos de São Gonçalo and recognized by their phallic shape.

For even more exploration of Amarante, be sure to take a walk along the Tamega below the bridge to find narrow streets filled with small cafes and shops.

11. Douro Valley

  • Recommended by Lara at The Best Travel Gifts
view of the douro valley
Photo credit: Lara at The Best Travel Gifts

Whether you’re a wine or port wine lover or not, a day trip to The Douro Valley is a must if you’re in Porto.

This beautiful UNESCO-listed wine region is located about 60 miles (97 km) from Porto and is most famous for its ancient cultivation of port wine grapes, though they also produce grapes for regular table wine.

Obviously, visiting one of the many vineyards for a (port) wine tasting, and buying the best Portuguese souvenir (aka port wine) is the number one thing to do in the region. However, there is a lot more to discover.

You can visit the Museum of Douro in Peso da Regua, ride the Douro historical train, take a river cruise on the Douro river, departing from Pinhão or Pipadouro, and explore some of the cute Douro villages such as Pinhão, Lamego, Peso da Regua, or Foz do Tua.

Most vineyards also offer typical Portuguese lunches with their wine tastings. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinhão for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise.

The best way to explore the region is to rent a car, so you have the freedom to stay at each stop as long as you want. Plus you can stop at all the beautiful viewpoints along the way (and there are many!).

However, if you want to enjoy a wine tasting to the fullest, you can also join one of the many organized day trips from Porto (check out Living Tours for a great and small-scale tour, or find one on Viator).

Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. But because these routes generally take longer, you may want to consider spending the night in the region or only limit your visit to exploring Pinhão. As this is the easiest village to reach by public transport.

12. Peso da Régua

  • Recommended by Cosette from KarsTravels.
Peso da Regua
Photo Credit: Cosette at KarsTravels

From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. In 1756 the first marked-out wine-growing area in the world was founded here. The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Peso da Régua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine.

The city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. There’s a direct train from Porto to Peso da Régua, which takes 2 hours. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river.

By car, it’s a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. Or take rota N222, it will take half a day, but this scenic road winds along the Douro river in between the hills with the vineyards.

Peso da Régua is a perfect introduction to the region and can be a stop on a France Spain Portugal Road Trip.

When in Peso da Régua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. This can be on a Rabelo, a traditional boat with which they used to ship the wine barrels. Seeing the city skyline and the hills with vineyards from the water gives a whole new perspective. There are tours starting from one hour and up.

Don’t miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train. A 3-hour round trip from Régua to Tua and back. In the middle is a stop at Pinhão. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards.

Torrão is a good place for dinner with a view of the river.  

13. Buçaco National Forest

  • Recommended by Greta at Love the Surf Life
bucaco palace
Photo credit: Greta at Love the Surf Life

Located just over 62 miles (100 km) south of Porto, Buçaco National Forest is a unique place that you have to add to your Portugal bucket list. This ancient and walled arboretum is home to one of the finest dendrological collections in Europe.

The forest spans an area of 105 hectares and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. Besides some beautiful natural spots, in Buçaco National Forest you can also find a rich history.

It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest.

After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family but has been converted today into a luxury hotel.

The best way to get to Buçaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections.

Buçaco National Forest isn’t exactly off the beaten track, but it’s definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal.

The main activities to do here are walking around the forest, hiking up to the viewpoints, learning about the history of Buçaco, and just enjoying a little nature getaway.

There isn’t much in terms of amenities in the forest, but you’ll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close to Buçaco Palace. If you want to do a unique day trip from Porto, Buçaco National Forest is the place to do so!

14. Fatima

  • Recommended by Victoria at Guide Your Travel
Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Ortiga
Photo credit: Victoria at Guide Your Travel

Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if you’re also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. 

Fatima is not located by the coast and is popular for a very different reason. It’s a world-famous pilgrimage site for Catholics who come here to pray and visit the Sanctuary and large church that has been built here.

In the early 1900s, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children here which caused it to become a major religious site in Portugal. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima.

Visiting the famous Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Ortiga is definitely one of the best things to do in Fatima, even if you’re not a Christian yourself.

Entrance is free and visitors can light a candle in the large church or simply marvel at the intricately carved statues and art that decorate this pilgrimage location.

You can also visit the nearby museums and have lunch at one of the small squares where you can enjoy authentic Portuguese specialties. Head to A Tasquinha restaurant which serves affordable but authentic food in the heart of Fatima.

Make sure to check the day when you’ll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. This can impact your experience and may mean that the church is inaccessible.

15. Nazare

  • Recommended by Abbey at Trips on Abbey Road
nazare beaches

You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, Portugal. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there.

You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. Plus Nazare is only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon, making it an amazing stop if you are planning on heading to Lisbon after Nazare

One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town.

North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. Be sure to check the wave report if you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big waves. 

In Nazare, you can also check out the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. It is a museum in the center of town that is dedicated to the men and women who have organized the big wave surfing phenomenon that has happened in the last decade.

Be sure to check out the old town as well. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. 

For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. They serve traditional Portuguese dishes and a few international stables.

You are going to love spending time in Nazare one of the best places to day a trip from Porto. 

16. Tomar

  • Recommended by Allison at Renovating Life
view of tomar across the river
Photo credit: Allison at Renovating Life

Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. Whether you take a day trip here, pass through on your way from the north, or are looking for a reason to move to Portugal, Tomar is absolutely worth a visit.

Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town.

The history of Tomar will fascinate you. Originally a stronghold of the Knights Templar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo)—famed for its round church—is worth the trip alone.

Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. 

You can also marvel at the intricate layout of this planned city by starting in the town square, Praça da República, and working your way up and down the gridded streets.

Additionally, there’s a nice children’s playground in the park with a typical snack bar serving ice cream, coffee, and light bites that looks out over one of the beautiful bridges crossing the Nabão River running through town.

Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, it’s cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. And it’s only sold in this town. 

Best Day Trips From Porto by Train

Tips on the Best Day Trips from Porto

view of porto across the river

Renting a Car

Renting a car in Porto is a great way to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby. It’s also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as you’ll have full control over your schedule and route.

However, it can be difficult to drive in the hilly streets of Portugal if you’re not familiar with them or the fact that most cars are manual transmissions.

If you choose to rent a car in Portugal, you’ll just need your U.S. driver’s license and not stay more than 185 days.

🚗 When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. They provide the best deals for car rentals in Portugal!

Stick to Public Transportation

If you’re not comfortable or confident driving in Portugal, then sticking with public transportation is your best bet. The trains in Portugal are very convenient and link up many of the towns and cities in the country, making it easy to explore without having to rent a car.

Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. You can be saving yourself some dollars if you only have time to do 1 or 2 day trips from Porto.

Opt for Guided Tours

If you want to see and experience as much as possible without all the hassle of navigating, then opting for guided tours is a great choice.

Guided tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the destinations you visit, as well as do some sightseeing along the way. Plus, you won’t have to worry about a thing!

Some of the best-guided tours can be found through Viator and the highly recommended ones are day trips to Guimaraes and the famed Douro Valley.

Pack Lightly

When you’re exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly – only bringing the absolute essentials.

This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you won’t have too much luggage to lug around. And since you’ll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain it’ll put on your body!

Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe?

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when you’re exploring multiple destinations in one day.

The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day.

Best Day Trips From Porto by Train

What to Pack for the Best Day Trips from Porto

🎒 Day bag – You’ll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way.

📸 Camera – To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto.

☀️ Sunscreen – The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours!

🪫 Power Bank – It’s not fun when you’re phone runs out of battery in the middle of a day trip from Porto. Make sure to pack yourself a power bank to keep your juice running!

👟 Comfortable shoes – As mentioned above, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesn’t mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. These are my absolute favorites and saved my feet when we were in Portugal!

🚰 Water – hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey!

Best Day Trips From Porto by Train

Final Thoughts on Best Day Trips From Porto

Whether you’re planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations.

From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time!

Check out these Portugal travel guides for more info!


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My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page.

  • Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
  • Accommodations: I love budget-friendly rentals or booking at a hotel where I can earn points.
    • For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
    • When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
    • For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas.
    • Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
  • Transportation: Transportation covers car rentals, trains, and buses. Here are a few of my favorites:
    • Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars. They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
    • Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
    • Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio.
  • Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa.
  • Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire.
  • Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
  • Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide.
  • Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze!
  • Tech: Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
  • Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
  • What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack. For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.