How to Get from Porto to Guimaraes & 1-Day Itinerary

Guimaraes is a well-preserved medieval town in the district of Braga in Northern Portugal. The city has a long history dating back to the 4th century and is considered the birthplace of Portugal, as it is where Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born.

It is possible to spend a few days in Guimarães as there are many things to see. But is entirely possible to see all the best highlights within a day, especially if you are taking a day trip from Porto.

When you follow my Guimaraes day trip itinerary, you will see a fortified castle, Gothic churches, a pilgrimage site with grottos, chapels and panoramic views, and the historical centre which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you are interested in exploring the medieval town of Guimaraes, which is also the European Green Capital for 2026, keep reading to learn how to get from Porto to Guimaraes and what you will see in one day.

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Porto to Guimaraes Day Trip: what you need to know

Before you take a day trip to Guimaraes, take a look at these travel tips below:

• Download the Comboios de Portugal app. You can check the train schedules and buy tickets online via the app.
• Hop on the 8:25am train from Porto to Guimarães. That will give you plenty of time to see everything in Guimarães on the same day.
• The best day to visit Guimarães is any weekday except Monday. Many attractions are closed on Mondays.
• Wear your comfortable shoes for walking around Penha Mountain and the historical town.
• It is possible to hike up Serra de Penha, but it will take an hour. Take the cable car to save some energy and time.
• Bring your credit card, as many places accept credit cards only. Also, bring cash for smaller purchases.

How to get to Guimaraes from Porto

The most affordable and convenient way is to take the train from Porto to Guimaraes. The urban train starts from either São Bento Station or Campanha Station in Porto.

All you have to do is buy a ticket from the counter or kiosk. This means you pay €0.50 for the reusable Siga card and one title (meaning one ticket) for the cost of the train journey to Guimarães.

Porto to Guimarães Train

Urban train: from Porto São Bento Station to Guimarães Station

• Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (about 1 train per hour)
• Cost: €3.60 (plus €0.50 for the Siga reusable card)

Remember to keep the Siga card so you can take the train from Guimarães to Porto. Also, be sure to validate your card before boarding the train.

Porto to Guimarães Day Trip: Map & Summary

I think it would be wonderful to spend a few days in Guimarães. But if you are short on time, you can see all the best highlights in Guimarães in one day.

This day trip itinerary consists of two parts: Penha Mountain (#1-9) in the morning and the historical centre of Guimarães (#11-19) in the afternoon. Here are the places and things you will see:

1. Teleférico de Guimarães
2. Serra de Penha
3. Santuário da Penha
4. Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes
5. Monument of Pius IX Penha
6. Capela de Santa Catarina
7. Cruzeiro
8. Gruta Ermida Nossa Senhora do Carmo
9. Saint Elias and Capela de São Cristóvão
10. Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos 
11. Padrão do Salado
12. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
13. Praça de São Tiago
14. Rua da Santa Maria
15. Pastelaria Clarinha (Divina Gula)
16. Paço dos Duques de Bragança
17. Igreja de São Miguel
18. Castelo de Guimarães
19. Chafariz do Toural

Below is an interactive map highlighting all the attractions of my Guimarães itinerary. Red pins are all the must-see places in Guimarães that are part of the one-day itinerary, blue pins are other things to see if you have more time, burgundy pins are all the places to eat, and the yellow pin is Guimarães accommodations if you decide to stay overnight.

Guimaraes Day Trip: 1-Day Itinerary

1. Teleférico de Guimarães

When you arrive at Guimarães Station, walk 15 minutes to the lower station at Teleférico de Guimarães (Penha Cable Car) and take the cable car up to Serra de Penha (Penha Mountain). Take the main road, Av. Dom João IV and turn right on R. do Rei Pegu.

It is possible to hike up Penha Mountain, but it will take more than an hour. So, to save time, spend €10 on a round-trip ticket. Plus, you can enjoy panoramic views of Guimarães from the cable car ride!

However, the cable car is closed during off season. In that case, take Bus 22 from the train station to the Penha bus stop on Penha Mountain. Keep in mind that Bus 22 only runs at 9:06am, and the next bus is at 2:36pm. If you can’t make the early bus, take an Uber.

Address: Rua Aristides Sousa Mendes 37, Guimarães | Hours: 10am-6:15pm from May to September | Cost: €10 round trip

2. Serra de Penha

Serra de Penha was an important pilgrimage site, and it is one of the most famous attractions in Guimarães today.

The 617m mountain is the highest point in the urban areas of Guimarães. It has over 60 hectares of forest and greenery, and the park has many giant granite rocks covered with green moss and hiking trails.

Besides the serene natural surroundings, there is granite rock with carvings, grottos, churches and panoramic viewpoints where you can see the ancient city from above.

3. Santuário da Penha

Santuário da Penha (Sanctuary of Penha) is the first attraction you will see when you arrive at the top of Penha Mountain.

Inaugurated in 1947, the hilltop church was once a pilgrimage site. The building itself was made with granite from the region, so the church can blend in with the environment that surrounds it.

You can tour the inside of the church and see the Art Deco-styled interior. And make sure to walk to the back and see a magnificent view of Guimarães.

If you visit the Sanctuary of Penha around the second Sunday of September, you might even catch the annual pilgrimage and festival.

Address: Varanda de Pilatos, Guimarães | Hours: 10:30am-5pm Monday to Friday; 9:30am-6pm Saturdays and Sundays

4. Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes

Next, walk southeast and find Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes (Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes).

When you arrive at the grotto, you will see the marble image of the Virgin of Lourdes inside a rock cavity. The image was sculpted as a gesture of gratitude and praise to Our Lady of Penha and the people of Guimarães.

It is quite interesting to explore the area surrounding the grotto. Walk through narrow paths between the giant boulders and stone stairways until you reach an area west of the grotto. The area opens up to a rocky viewpoint where you can see the Sanctuary of Penha in the distance, and with Guimarães as a backdrop.

5 & 6. Monument of Pius IX Penha and Capela de Santa Catarina

To the east of the rocky viewpoint is the Monument of Pius IX Penha, a monument dedicated to Pope Pius IX Penha, who allowed Penha to become a sacred place of worship. To commemorate the kind gesture by Pope Pius IX, the city built a 5m tall Carrara marble statue on top of a large platform overlooking Guimarães.

Next, follow the paved path to find Capela de Santa Catarina, a hidden temple nestled between giant boulders. It is said that the 18th-century small chapel had a portable pulpit made of wood, shaped like a chalice.

But I didn’t see the pulpit as the chapel wasn’t open. I can’t find the hours of operation anywhere. However, if you’re visiting Penha Mountain, try your luck and see if you can catch a glimpse inside the chapel.

7. Cruzeiro

On the way to another grotto in Penha Mountain, you will see a religious symbol called Cruzeiro. It is a stone statue with several steps at the base, a carved pedestal and a sphere with a Latin cross on the top.

When I was researching the cruzeiro, there are many versions of this statue around Northern Portugal. And later in the afternoon, you will see another one in the historical centre of Guimarães.

8 & 9. Gruta Ermida Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Saint Elias and Capela de São Cristóvão

Walk to the park’s north side and visit an important 18th-century pilgrimage site. When you reach the cave formed by giant boulders and has a chapel and tower on top, this is where Gruta Ermida Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Grotto of Our Lady of Carmo), Saint Elias and Capela de São Cristóvão (St Christopher’s Chapel) reside.

First, walk into the grotto and see the image of Saint Elias at the entrance. Saint Elias is the Patron Saint of Sleep. It is relatively small, but it’s hard to miss.

Then, turn right into the grotto and see inside the cave. This is the Grotto of Our Lady of Carmo. There is an altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as well as two side altars.

Walk back to Saint Elias, and walk up the flight of stairs. It will lead you to the small St Christopher’s Chapel on top of the boulders. This is also part of the pilgrimage site, but many visitors come here to see a panoramic view of Guimarães.

10. Adega do Ermitão

It’s almost lunchtime! And if you are famished and want to try a local favourite, then walk two minutes to Adega do Ermitão.

The outdoor restaurant serves affordable snacks like sardines (€ 0.40 each) and codfish croquettes (€1), along with many other grilled dishes. They wrap the cooked food in a large sheet of paper, and you can bring it to a nearby picnic table to use as a tablecloth.

All the locals know about it – that’s why there is always a long queue!

If the queue is too long or you prefer to eat in centre of town, backtrack all the way to the cable car upper station and take the next cable car back down to Guimarães.

Address: R.de Penha, Guimarães | Hours: 12:30-9pm

11. Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos

The walk to Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos is not that far. You would’ve seen it earlier on the way to the Penha Cable Car lower station.

The 19th-century Baroque church has a beautiful stone and blue-and-white azejelos tile curved facade with two bell towers on each side. There is an image of San Gualter and a Rococo-styled altarpiece inside the church.

However, you can only see the inside of the church if you arrive before noon. It might be a stretch in terms of timing, but I included the church in this itinerary because seeing the exterior of the church is just as lovely.

And also the beautiful Lago da República do Brasil is located in front of the church. The square has a well-maintained manicured garden and a large fountain. I read somewhere that the city plants different types of flowers to keep this garden fresh and interesting.

Address: Largo de São Brás 42, Guimarães | Hours: 7:30am-12pm & 3-5pm Monday to Saturday; 7:30am-12pm Sundays

12 & 13. Padrão do Salado and Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

Continue walking northwest and enter the historic center of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you enter Largo da Oliveira, you’ll see two essential landmarks in this medieval square.

The first one is Padrão do Salado, a Gothic square stone monument with four arches and a raised cross, adorned with various images of saints. It was constructed in the 14th century to commemorate the Battle of Salado of 1340 against the Moors and was classified as a National Monument in 1910.

The second one is next to the monument, which is Guimarães’ most iconic church: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.

The 15th church is one of the best Gothic churches in Northern Portugal. But the church was reconstructed throughout the years, and other architectural styles were introduced. This is why there are elements of Romanesque, Manueline, Neoclassical and of course, Gothic architectural features.

Explore the pristine interior and look for the silver altar of the Capela do Santíssimo Sacramento, an ornate altarpiece, and various Baroque artworks.

Address: Largo da Oliveira 8, Guimarães | Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm | Admission: €2

14. Praça de São Tiago

If you didn’t have a snack at the top of Penha Mountain, you must be starving by now. So, have lunch in one of the oldest squares in Guimarães.

Praça de São Tiago (Santiago Square) is named after the apostle São Tiago, who brought the image of the Virgin Mary to Guimarães and placed it in a pagan temple in this square.

Today, the open square has many well-preserved buildings lining its perimeter. You can see Portuguese architecture from the 15th to the 19th century and preserved medieval designs.

Moreover, many restaurants in Guimarães are situated in this medieval square. I had grilled fish at Cozinha Regional Santiago, located near the north end of the square. They also serve a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes and numerous seafood options.

15. Rua da Santa Maria

On the way to the castle, you’ll have to walk through Rua da Santa Maria, one of the oldest streets in Guimarães.

The medieval street was the primary connection between the village’s lower and upper parts of the town back in the day. It was considered an elite street because people of prestige lived there.

Today, it is one of the most beautiful streets in the historic centre of Guimarães. There are simple houses with wrought iron balconies and other decorative architectural elements. And there are many interesting points along Rua da Santa Maria, including Antigo Convento de Santa Clara, Casa dos Valadares, and Casa do Arco.

16. Pastelaria Clarinha (Divina Gula)

When you are in Guimarães, you must try one (or all) of the typical Guimarães desserts. They are distinct from other types of Portuguese desserts and can only be found in Guimarães.

Several dessert shops on Rua da Santa Maria sell typical Guimarães sweets. Pastelaria Clarinha or Divina Gula is a charming cafe offering a variety of Guimarães desserts. Grab some sweets on your way to the castle or have them on the way back.

Here are the names of the typical Guimarães desserts:

• Tortas de Guimarães – traditional almond cake with crispy dough filled with egg yolk, crushed almonds and spaghetti squash. Also known as Toucinho do Céu (bacon from heaven)
• Toucinho-do-céu de Guimarães – egg yolk, crushed almond and spaghetti squash covered with powdered sugar
• Douradinhas de Guimarães – egg yolk, crushed almond and spaghetti squash in crunchy pastry

Address: R. de Santa Maria 44, Guimarães | Hours: 10am-6pm

16. Paço dos Duques de Bragança

Paço dos Duques de Bragança (Ducal Palace of the Braganza) was constructed on the orders of Afonso de Barcelos, son of King João, in the early 15th century. He later became the first Duke of Braganza, and he lived at the palace with his second wife, Constança of Noronha. When she became a widow, the Ducal Palace became a shelter for the needy.

As for the palace’s design, the building was based on French manor houses. The palace is structured around a central rectangular courtyard with six chimneys. The ground floor has a kitchen, store rooms, a long covered corridor inside the courtyard and the bedrooms for the Duke and Duchess. The second floor has a chapel and some open spaces for temporary exhibitions.

Today, the Paço dos Duques de Bragança is classified as a National Monument and an excellent place for visiting. Follow the guided path to explore these rooms and discover a diverse collection of 17th- and 18th-century decorative arts, including furniture, carpets, tapestries, ceramics, porcelain, weapons, and armour.

Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique 3, Guimarães | Hours: 10am-6pm | Admission: €8 (for both Palace Duques de Bragança and Castelo de Guimarães)

17. Igreja de São Miguel

Igreja de São Miguel (Church of São Miguel) is a small and plain chapel between the palace and the castle. It is special due to the church’s rich history. It is said that Dom Afonso Henriques, who would become the first king of Portugal, was baptized here.

You can go inside and walk around the perimeter of the single-nave church and see the floor in the centre, which is paved with graves of noble warriors.

Like many important buildings in Guimarães, the Church of São Miguel is also classified as a National Monument.

Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique 3, Guimarães | Hours: 10am-6pm | Admission: free

18. Castelo de Guimarães

And finally, you’ve arrived at the main attraction in Guimarães: Castelo de Guimarães (Guimarães Castle). Walk up to the top of Monte Largo (Broad Hill) and enter the castle.

Guimarães Castle is the principal medieval castle in the northern region of Portugal. Countess Mumadona ordered the Romanesque castle to defend the Monastery of Santa Maria from attacks from the Vikings, Moors and Norsemen.

Between many heroic battles fought at the castle and the monarchs wanting to leave their imprint, the castle underwent many improvements. But in the end, the castle lost its defensive functionality because of new military tactics that developed over time.

The castle was restored in the 20th century and was classified as a National Monument.

And today, you can see the glorious castle in its restored state. You can walk around the castle’s perimeter and see the great defensive structure. See the pentagram-shaped castle which includes eight quadrangular towers, a military square and a 27m central keep.

Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães | Hours: 10am-6pm | Admission: €8 (for both Castelo de Guimarães and Palace Duques de Bragança)

19. Chafariz do Toural

Before walking back to Guimarães Station to catch the next train back to Porto, visit Largo do Toural, one of the most central and important squares in Guimarães.

In the 17th century, Toural Square was considered the heart of the city as the square is just outside of the main gate of Guimarães. It was a place where merchants sold oxen and other goods.

Within the square is Chafariz do Toural (Toural Fountain), a Renaissance fountain with three tiers (or three bowls) and an armillary sphere on the top. It was originally placed in the Toural Square in the 16th century but was moved to Largo Martins Sarmento in 1873. But the fountain was returned to the original address in 2011 for the European Capital of Culture 2012.

And if you want to have a snack or shop, there are many cafes and shops around the perimeter of the open square.

Other Things to See in Guimaraes Portugal

I packed many activities and places to visit in my Guimarães itinerary. But there are a few more things to do if you have more time or staying overnight. Here are a few more interesting places (see blue pins on the map):

1. Museu de Alberto Sampaio (10am-6pm; closed Mondays; €5 normal ticket & €1 cloister) – The museum has over 2,000 pieces of religious art, paintings, sculptures, and jewellery in a former monastery.
2. Museo Arqueológico de Martins Sarmento (9:30am-12:30pm & 2:30-5:30pm; closed Mondays; €3) – See a former Gothic convent’s collection of pre-roman Celtiberian and Roman archaeological ruins.
3. Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães (temporarily closed) – Admire José Guimarães’ three contemporary art collections: African Tribal Art, Pre-Columbian Art and Ancient Chinese Art.
4. Centro Cultural Vila Flor (9:30am-1:30pm & 2:30-6:30pm; closed Sundays; €4) – The cultural centre has many theatrical and performing arts shows. You can also stroll around the garden for free.

Where to stay in Guimaraes for Solo Travellers

If you decide to stay overnight in Guimarães, there are a handful of accommodations in Guimarães are worth checking out. Here are some of my top picks:

• EMAJ Boutique Hotel ($$) – Stay in a classified building from the 19th century in front of Largo do Toural. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
• Santa Luzia Art Hotel ($$) – Get a single room at this minimalist boutique hotel just outside of the city centre. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
• Hotel da Oliveira ($$$) – Stay at the 4-star modern boutique hotel near Praça de São Tiago. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking

Is Guimaraes worth visiting?

Guimarães is absolutely worth visiting! Whether you are travelling alone or with other people, this is one of the best towns to visit in Northern Portugal. There’s so much to see and the town is easy to get to, definitely consider taking a day trip to Guimarães while you are in Porto.

Let me know in the comments if you followed my Guimaraes day trip itinerary and have any suggestions to improve it. Or if you have any other questions.

Ready to plan your trip to Porto? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Porto accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Get Your Guide and Klook for the best tours around Porto.

Thank you for reading my Guimarães solo guide

I have many posts on Portugal, and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Portugal:

• Portugal solo travel itinerary: 2 weeks in Portugal by train

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• Lisbon solo travel guide for first-timers
• Is the Lisboa Card worth it?
• Best day trips from Lisbon Portugal

Northern Portugal posts

• 2 days in Porto: things to do alone in Porto
• Porto Food Guide: what and where to eat in Porto
• 7 excellent day trips from Porto
• Day trip from Porto to Espinho: 1-day itinerary

Central Portugal posts

• Aveiro day trip from Porto: 1-day itinerary
• How to spend one day in Coimbra Portugal

Algarve posts

• Algarve solo travel guide: 13 best places
• 20 best things to do in Albufeira for solo travellers
• Loule itinerary: best things to do in one day
• Vilamoura and Quarteira: 1-day itinerary

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!