As much as I love spending time in Porto, I also love exploring other cities and towns in Northern Portugal. While there are many places to visit, I picked these seven day trips from Porto because they are accessible by public transportation (train, bus or tram) and these places are safe and fun for solo travellers.
So if you are planning solo trip to Porto, make sure to allocate a day or two (or more) to visit these day trip destinations. You can get to most of these places in less than an hour (with the exception of Douro Valley) so you can have a full day exploring.
Keep reading and learn about all the highlights of each of these Porto day trip destinations and how you can get there.
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Travel Tips for taking day trips from Porto Portugal
Before you take any of these day trips from Porto, take a look at these travel tips below:
- Check the Comboios de Portugal website for cost and train timetables.
- Buy a rechargeable card for taking public transportation. Andante Card (€0.60) is used for taking the bus and metro in Porto. And Siga Card (€0.50) is used for taking the urban trains around Porto. Then add one title (one ticket for the train/bus/metro journey to your specific destination).
- Always validate your rechargeable card before getting on the train or metro.
- Keep the rechargeable cards so you can use them to take the train, bus or metro back to Porto.
7 Porto Day Trips Summary
And without further ado, here is my list of the best Porto day trips for a solo traveller. You can take all of these day trips from Porto by train, bus or tram and see these places on your own.
Click on the hyperlink and it’ll take you directly to the specific section.
7 Day Trips from Porto by Train, Bus or Tram
1. Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro is a posh seaside suburb facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the western part of Porto, only 5km away from the city centre. Many day-trippers visit this affluent neighbourhood for its gorgeous sandy beaches and excellent restaurants.
While it is easy to spend an entire day along the seaside promenade and beaches in “Foz”, it is possible to include Matosinhos (the next day trip destination) on the same day trip.
Highlights in Foz do Douro
While you are in Foz, check out some of these highlights:
- Tram #1 – see riverside scenery by taking the tram from Porto to Foz
- Forte de São João Baptista – a 17th-century fortress at the mouth of the Douro River
- Lighthouse of São Miguel-o-Anjo – oldest lighthouse in Portugal
- Beaches of Foz do Douro – such as Praia Ingleses and Praia de Gondarém
- Sunset in Foz do Douro – one of the best spots to watch the sunset in the Porto District
How to get to Foz do Douro from Porto: Take tram #1 (15 minutes; €6 one way or €8 return) from Infante tram stop, which is in front of St Francis Church on R. Nova da Alfandega, and disembark on the last stop, Passeio Alegre tram stop. Or take Bus 500 from Porto to Igreja da Foz (18 minutes; €1.40 for a Z2 title ticket).
2. Matosinhos
If you want to have a beach day near Porto, then you must visit Matosinhos, a port and fishing town 8km northeast of the city of Porto.
Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos.
And if you start the day trip early, you can also see all the attractions in Foz do Douro on the same day.
Things to see in Matosinhos
Here are some of the best attractions in Matosinhos you do not want to miss:
- Igreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos – see the pilgrimage church and the Portuguese pavement
- Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos – locals buy produce and fresh seafood at this domed indoor market
- Praia de Matosinhos – best for swimming, surfing and sunbathing
- Castelo do Queijo – visit the 17th-century “cheese castle”
- Fresh seafood at a seafood restaurant on R. Heróis de França – most restaurants grill seafood directly in front of the restaurant
How to get to Matosinhos from Porto: Take Bus 500 from Porto to Matosinhos (Mercado) Bus Stop (45 minutes; €1.80 for a Z3 title ticket). Or take the Metro do Porto (A line) from Porto to Senhor de Matosinhos Station (50 minutes; €1.80 for a Z3 title ticket).
3. Espinho
Espinho is a quaint coastal town 20 km south of Porto. Located in the Aveiro District, Espinho is known for its white-sand beaches, delicious seafood and the biggest open-air market in Portugal.
Even though there are many beaches along Costa Verde that are ideal for a day trip from Porto, Espinho is one of the biggest towns along the west coast and has the nicest beaches.
Highlights in Espinho
Here are some of the best things to see in Espinho:
- Feira Semanal de Espinho – the biggest weekly market in Portugal
- Praia da Baia – popular beach in Espinho
- Piscina Solário Atlântico – public pool and thalassotherapy center
- Passadiço Espinho – elevated pedestrian boardwalk between Espinho Station and Granja Station
- Espinho seafood – try Espinho shrimp or Sopa de piexe (fish soup)
How to get to Espinho from Porto: Take the urban train from Porto São Bento Station to Espinho Station (28 minutes; €1.95).
4. Aveiro
Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is a picturesque fishing town where you can take a scenic canal ride on the gondola-type boats called moliceiros. The charming town is known for its Art Nouveau buildings, patterned Portuguese pavement, salt flats, and ovo moles, a famous Aveiro dessert.
Attractions in Aveiro
Here are a few Aveiro attractions you shouldn’t miss:
- Antigo Estação Caminho de Ferro de Aveiro – see the azulejos (blue and white tiles) at the Old Aveiro Railway Station
- Ponte dos Nomorados bridge – Aveiro’s version of a “lover’s bridge” where ribbons are used instead of padlocks
- Salinas de Aveiro – see the salt flats of Aveiro
- Museu de Arte Nova – learn about Art Nouveau at the small museum
- 45-minute Moliceiros boat tour – take a leisurely boat ride through the Aveiro Canals
How to get to Aveiro from Porto: Take the urban train from Porto São Bento Station to Aveiro Station (1 hour 7 minutes; €3.90).
5. Braga
Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal. As the fourth-largest city in the country, Braga has the highest concentration of churches and cathedrals in a Portuguese city.
Besides all the religious buildings, the highlight of Braga has to be Bom Jesus do Monte, a neoclassical church on the top of a hill. Either take the water-powered funicular to the top or climb the 17-flight Baroque stairway. The church and stairway are located east of the city centre and can be reached via bus #2 from the train station.
Things to do in Braga
Braga is one of the best day trips from Porto by train. Make sure you see these attractions:
- Bom Jesus do Monte – the icon of the city
- Escadório do Santuário do Sameiro – see panoramic views of Braga
- Sé de Braga Cathedral – the oldest cathedral in Portugal
- Palácio do Raio – a Baroque residence with a stunning blue-tiled facade
How to get to Braga from Porto: Take the urban train from Porto São Bento Station to Braga Station (54 minutes; €3.55).
6. Guimarães
Guimarães is one of Portugal’s most important historical cities. It is known as the “birthplace of Portugal” because Portugal’s first King was born in the city and the Battle of São Mamede, a battle that ensured Portugal’s Independence, was fought in the vicinity.
Besides the rich history, the historical centre of Guimarães is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The town is exceptionally well-preserved and has many things to do, which makes Guimarães one of the best day trips from Porto by train.
Highlights in Guimarães
Here are some of the best Guimarães attractions that you must see:
- Castelo de Guimarães – a 10th-century hilltop medieval castle and the birthplace of King Afonso Henrique
- Palace Duques de Bragança – tour the former residence of the Dukes of Bragança
- Serra de Penha – take a cable car to the top and see panoramic views of Guimarães at 613m
- Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes – visit Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on Serra de Penha
- Padrão do Salado and Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira in Largo da Oliveira – historical monument and church in the historic city centre
How to get to Guimarães from Porto: Take the urban train from Porto São Bento Station to Guimarães Station (1 hour 2 minutes; €3.55).
7. Douro Valley
For the last two thousand years, the Alto Douro region has grown grapes and produced the country’s most famous product: port wine. Moreover, the wine region is earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site title because the wine-making culture has transformed the landscape and economy and elevated it to one of the best European wine regions.
And it is possible to visit Douro Valley on your own. The day trip includes a historic train to and from Pinhão, a scenic river boat cruise, wine tasting at a wine estate, and a hike up to a viewpoint.
However, it can be a hectic day trip with long train rides. But the serene river, terraced vineyards and mountainous landscapes might be worth the trip.
Things to do in Douro Valley
Here are some of the best things to see in Douro Valley on your own:
- Visit Douro wine villages – like Pinhão, the most picturesque village along the Douro Valley
- River cruise on a Rabelo boat on the Douro River – see the terraced vineyards from another perspective
- Port or wine tastings at local vineyards – like Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta das Carvalhas or other vineyards
- Hike up to Casal de Loivos viewpoint – to see a panoramic view of Douro Valley
- Visit D’origem in Casal de Loivos – see an olive oil museum and do wine, olive oil and honey tasting.
How to get to Douro Valley from Porto: Take the train Porto São Bento Station to Pinhão (2 hour 22 minutes; €12.20 each way). If you prefer an organized tour, join a full-day Douro Valley tour, which includes winery tours, port tasting, river cruise on the Douro River, and lunch pairing with Douro wines at a local vineyard.
Which Porto day trips are you most excited about?
It is completely safe for solo female travellers to explore Northern Portugal. Hopefully, my post will give you some ideas on places you would like to see outside Porto.
And these are the seven most popular day trips. There are other day trip ideas, but these are the ones I have discovered so far. When I return to Portugal, I’ll research a bit more on other day trips from Porto. So bookmark this blog post and check back later.
So how many of these cities are you going to visit while you are in Porto? Let me know in the comments below.
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 Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Porto.
Thank you for reading my post on Porto day trips
I have many posts on Portugal, and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Portugal:
Lisbon region posts
- 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
- Day trip to Guimarães from Porto: 1-day itinerary
- Day trip from Porto to Espinho: 1-day itinerary
Central Portugal posts
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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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!
