What to Do in Porto in 6 Hours: A Guide for Short Layovers

May 25, 2025
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Porto is one of my favourite cities in Europe and perfect for a short visit or layover. The city is pretty walkable, meaning you can see a lot of the highlights in a day. Here is everything you should do when you have a few hours in Porto!

Table of Contents

Can I leave Porto Airport during my layover?

Yes, you can leave the airport but I would recommend an absolute minimum layover of 6 hours, anything over is better. Porto airport is called Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and the code is OPO. Your average time to leave the airport, get to and from the city and re-enter will be between 3-4 hours, meaning if your layover is 6 hours you will have 2 in the city – adapt the itinerary according to this, all activities will have a time estimate.

Visa Requirements to leave Porto Airport during a layover

Porto is in Portugal which is located in Europe. If you have an EU passport, you won’t need a visa to enter the country.

If you are from the US or other non EU countries, you may be eligible for a Schengen visa that allows entry up to 90 days. This will soon be replaced by ETIAS, a new travel authorisation for countries that don’t need a visa to enter Europe. I’d highly recommend checking you country’s guide on entering Europe and what documents/visa/authorisation you need at the current moment.

Time to pass through immigration in Porto and leave the airport

If you are flying domestic or within the EU, you won’t need to go through passport control. If you also don’t need to pick up your luggage as it will automatically be transferred to the next flight (check this with your airline), then you can be out in 15-30 minutes. For international flights with passport check, expect closer to 60 minutes. If you have to pick up your luggage, this can add an additional 15-30 minutes.

Transport from Porto Airport to the city center

You can check out my full guide on transport from Porto airport to the city centre here, but you need to schedule 20–30 minutes each way for transport.

Getting back to the airport in time

You need to arrive back at the airport with plenty of time to spare so that you can go through security and passport control. For flights within the EU, this would be around 90 minutes, for international flights at least 2 hours. Your bags should have been transferred automatically, but if you booked with different airlines you may need to re-check it too. Allow enough time for this.

How to get from Porto Airport to the City Centre:

You can get from Porto airport to the city centre three ways: by metro, bus or taxi. Metro will take you between 30-40 minutes, bus 45-50 and taxi 20-30. You could also get a Flixbus which only takes 20 minutes but doesn’t go as often. Check out my full guide on each way and how to get tickets here.

How to get around Porto using public transport?

The Andante Card is the best way to get around Porto using the metro and buses. You can buy it at one of the ticket machines at the airport station (or any main station), there is a train worker there who can assist you too as the machine can be a bit confusing. Make sure to select your language before starting the buying process as you cannot change it once you’ve started.

The card is reusable and costs 0.60€. The fare varies on distance travelled, from 1.40€ – 2.25€. If you think you will be travelling an additional 2-3 times on top of the journey to and from the airport (which costs 2.25€ each), you may want to get the day pass for 7.50 €.

Ultimate Porto Layover Itinerary

Here are all of Porto’s must-see attractions for a short layover. When calculating which places you have time to see, account for the roughly 3-4 hours you will need just to leave and re-enter the airport.

The suggested time spent in each place is based on fully exploring it. If you only have 2 hours in the city, you can still see most of these items, take a quick picture and move on. Leave out the walking tour if you have any shorter than 3 hours in the city.

Let’s get into it:

Start with a free Walking Tour around Porto (2-3 hours)

If you have a slightly longer layover, the absolute best way to see Porto and learn from a local is through one of the “free” walking tours where you tip at the end (7-15€ pp). You can find some great ones at different times here. They will usually have a departure time in the morning and afternoon and take around 2-3 hours.

I love taking these tours as you learn so much more about a place’s history, its locals and traditions than if you are just exploring by yourself. You are also giving back to the community through the local guides, which is always great. Most tours will cover the main attractions in the centre – check out the route for your tour when planning the rest of this itinerary as you will likely already be ticking off some of the attractions.

Explore the beautiful Igreja do Carmo and Fonte dos Leões (~30 min)

The church is covered in the Portuguese azulejo tiles, a stunning blue mosaic telling the stories of the city. It is directly connected to its twin church next door, Igreja dos Carmelitas. Igreja do Carmo is free to enter and beautiful on the inside too.

Just outside you will find the Lion fountain that is over a century old. It’s cast iron lions are said to stand for Porto’s spirit and resilience.

Get city-wide views from Torre dos Clérigos (~ 45 min)

A piece of true baroque architecture by Nicolau Nasoni, the bell tower consists of 225 steps and a 360° viewing area at the top. Tickets cost 10€ (5€ in the evening) and inside you will find a museum as well as access to the tower and most unique views of Porto.

Refuel with delicious Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria or Fábrica da Nata

You can’t go to Porto and not try Pastel de Nata (pastéis de nata in Portuguese). They are creamy custard tarts with a flaky pastry shell and they are seriously addictive. Both Manteigaria and Fábrica da Nata are located in the centre and have fantastic tarts.

Wander around Praça da Liberdade (~30 minutes)

This is the city’s main square that connects the modern and old town of Porto. Here you will find the impressive Porto City Hall as well as the Imperial McDonalds that used to be a luxury Café and has kept the interior.

There are also a lot of other restaurants and shops along this square that are worth checking out and grabbing some souvenirs in. A lot of Porto’s tours start here.

Admire the blue tiles at Porto São Bento and Church of Saint Ildefonso (~30 min)

Porto’s São Bento train station is easily one of the most beautiful train stations I have ever seen. It is covered in over 20,000 beautiful, blue azulejos, telling stories about the people of Porto.

Right around the corner you will find the early 18th-century Church of Saint Ildefonso which is also decorated in the blue masterpiece tiles. Right outside you will find a local market selling more souvenirs and snacks.

Head to Porto Cathedral (~30 min)

Called the Sé Catedral do Porto, this cathedral stands proudly above the historic centre of Porto with stunning views over the Douro river and Porto. The inside is well worth a visit, costing just 3€. You will feel like you are walking through Porto’s architectural history, and the tower’s give sweeping views over Porto and its surroundings.

Learn about Porto’s history in the Ribeira district of downtown Porto (~ 1 hour)

This area of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its 2000 year history that is showcased in its different buildings and architectural styles. This area of Porto leads down from the Cathedral and all the way to the river Douro. It makes way for smaller alleyways and locals going about their everyday life. Walking here feels like stepping into the “real” Porto where culture and history seem to be within reach.

Cross the famous Ponte de Dom Luís I over the Douro River to Jardim do Morro (~ 45 min)

The Luís I bridge connecting Porto over the Douro river is probably the most well-known landmark of the city and for good reason. It was completed in 1886 by a trainee of Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel). Not only is it an impressive structure that looks cool on photos, it also offers up some of THE most gorgeous photo spots of Porto. The top level is for pedestrians and the tram only, so the perfect walking spot.

Head over to the park do Morro, which you will find on the other side of the bridge’s top level, for some the most incredible sunset spot overlooking Porto. This place is a mix of locals and tourists and there are people selling wine and playing romantic music every evening.

Finish in the land of port wine, Vila Nova de Gaia (~1 hour)

Villa de Nova Gaia is one of my favourite areas in Porto. It is full of amazing restaurants, local shops, Port Wine Cellars and boasts gorgeous views over the Douro River to Old Porto. In the river you will see the Rabelo Boats which used to transport Port wine from the vineyards to Vila Nova de Gaia.

If you have time, I would highly recommend a tour of Gaia’s wine cellars or a traditional Fado show (Portuguese musical with guitars) complete with Port wine.

If you have extra time to explore Porto:

Livraria Lello

This library is one of the most beautiful in the world and supposedly inspired the story of Harry Potter when the author visited Porto. The library is stunning, with walls of books, fairytale staircases and dreamy lighting. It does get very busy though, so be prepared for that.

Palácio da Bolsa

This beautiful building is the Stock Exchange Palace, currently housing Porto’s Commercial Association. The architecture and art lining the walls and ceilings are breath-taking! You have to take a 30-minute long guided tour to get inside for 14€.

Miradouro das Fontaias

This is probably my favourite viewpoint in Porto with stunning views over Luís I Bridge, but you do need a little extra time to do it as it is a little out of the city centre. Some walking tours will go there anyway though!

Mercado do Bolhão

A traditional, lively market selling produce, meat, fish, flowers, cheese and coffee. You can also grab an affordable bite to eat at one of the restaurants here. A must-visit for any foodie!

Porto Legends

An immersive projection show in the old cellars of Porto with different themes – this one tells some of Porto’s most famous legends. It is located in the Immersivus Gallery Porto. I personally found it a fascinating way to learn more of Porto’s history. They also have other screenings, such as one about Monet & Klimt as well as one about Clerigos Spiritus.