[Portugal 🇵🇹] Enjoy the world's cutest city, Porto, in just one day! A perfect solo travel itinerary exploring food, art, and breathtaking scenery 🚶♀️✨
【Porto / Portugal】
~A city adorned with blue tiles ("azulejo") and gourmet food, a picture-perfect city no matter where you look~
I took a solo trip to Porto, a beautiful port city in northern Portugal!
From morning to late-night festivals, I'll share a fantastic day packed with all the charms of Porto. It's a bit long because there are so many attractions, but please save it as a reference for your Porto trip! 📌
· --------------------
### ⏰ 8:00-11:00 | A perfect start with beautiful streets and freshly baked egg tarts!
As soon as I stepped out of the train from the airport into the city center, the "Church of Almas" unfolded before my eyes! The vibrant blue azulejo (decorative tiles) were breathtaking, and I was instantly drawn into the world of Porto ✨
Egg tarts (pastel de nata) are a must-try when in Porto! First, I headed to the famous shop 【FÁBRICA NATA】.
The freshly baked egg tart (1.5€) was absolutely delicious, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside! Sprinkled with cinnamon, it was definitely one of the top three (no, the best!) egg tarts I've ever had! Amazing!
Next, we visited the lively Bolhão Market, where you can eat fresh sea urchin (5€) and oysters (2.5€) on the spot 🦪
The rows of retro and cute sardine cans and azulejo-themed goods were so exciting to look at!
· --------------------
### ⏰ 11:00〜13:00|Historical stained glass and art, delicious street food♪
We went to Porto São Bento Station, often called "the most beautiful train station in the world."
The azulejo tiles covering the walls were breathtakingly beautiful! The top and bottom of the can have different shades of color, and I was deeply moved by the history of how it has been carefully restored and maintained over the years. 🥹
There were so many interesting shops along the way!
· Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa: A sardine can specialty shop that's like a theme park! They have a Japanese guide, and you can even find cans printed with your birth year! The can designs are retro and super cute!
· Manteigaria: Here too, I ordered an egg tart (1.5€) and the traditional drink "CAPILÉ (2.5€)". The CAPILÉ had a refreshing sweetness and just the right amount of acidity, which was perfect for my tired body after walking. 🥤
· Prometeu Artesanato: A lovely shop filled with pottery. I bought a postcard made of cork fabric (1€)! It's very Portuguese and makes a perfect souvenir.
· **PASTEL DE BACALHAU:** The famous cheese-filled cod croquettes (8€). While the prices are touristy, the shop also features rug art displays, creating a wonderful space where you can enjoy delicious croquettes while experiencing the local culture!
· --------------------
### ⏰ 13:00-17:00 | Overwhelmingly Impressive! A Leisurely Stroll Along the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge
In the afternoon, we finally headed to Porto's symbol, the Dom Luís I Bridge!
The two-tiered bridge is even more impressive and impressive up close! The brickwork of the foundation is also beautiful, making for great photos from any angle. The opposite bank was adorned with many colorful ribbons, creating a romantic atmosphere 🎀
We crossed the bridge to the Gaia district on the other side and took a break at the Beira Río Market, enjoying a fresh strawberry mango juice (2.5€).
I enjoyed a luxurious solo trip, relaxing in the park, browsing local supermarkets, and soaking up the local atmosphere.
· --------------------
### ⏰ 17:00-24:30 | A vibrant night! Time Out Market and the São João Festival 🎉
In the evening, I went to the Time Out Market!
It happened to be a sports day, and everyone was gathered around a big screen, having a great time! There was a DJ, and the atmosphere was fantastic 🎧
The octopus salad (10€) I had at MEIA-NAU was amazing! The octopus was tender, and the light seasoning was superb!
And then, in the evening, I went to the São João Festival, Porto's biggest event, which was taking place at the time!
The streets were overflowing with people wielding squeaky hammers (lol), and it was such a peaceful and fun festival where people were playfully hitting each other on the head 😂 Apparently, getting hit on the head brings good luck, so I joined the locals and had a blast until 12:30 AM!
· --------------------
### 💡 Trip Summary & Recommendations
Porto is a wonderful city, compact and easy to walk around, filled with retro and cute goods, delicious food, and the warmth of its people!
Sardine-themed goods and azulejo trinkets are truly adorable no matter where you buy them, so I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who loves shopping and unique items! Mini cases with azulejo patterns and sardine magnets can be purchased from €1, making them perfect for small gifts.
When you visit Portugal, be sure to make a trip to Porto! 🇵🇹✨
· -------------------
📍 Recommended spots visited this time (partial list)
🏠 FÁBRICA NATA (Egg Tarts)
📍 R. de Santa Catarina 331 335, 4000-451 Porto
⏰ 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
🏠 Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão)
📍 R. Formosa 322, 4000-248 Porto
⏰ 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
🏠 Porto São Bento (São Bento Station)
📍 Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto
🏠 Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte de Dom Luís I)
📍 Pte. Luiz I, Porto
#Portugal #Porto #PortugalTravel #EuropeTravel #SoloFemaleTravel #ModelItinerary #EggTart #SãoBentoStation #Azulejo #OverseasTravel #FoodTour