What to Do in Just One Day in Porto-Leixoes, Portugal

Cruise Port Porto-Leixoes, Portugal

Porto is a charming port city in northern Portugal situated along the Douro River. The Porto-Leixões cruise port lies just 3 km north of Porto's historic Ribeira district, providing easy access for cruise travelers.

How to Provide Transportation in Porto-Leixoes, Portugal Cruise Port?

Can I Walk From Porto-Leixoes, Portugal Cruise Port to City Center?

While the cruise terminal is not far from central Porto, the walk is mostly along busy thoroughfares without pedestrian sidewalks. Instead, take a taxi, shuttle bus or hop aboard Porto's efficient metro system from the Levira stop just outside the port gates. The metro whisks you directly into the heart of Porto in under 10 minutes.

Within the compact city center, walking between the top attractions is quite manageable. But transportation options like taxis, trams, buses, and metro make it easy to connect the port to downtown and explore efficiently.

What are the nearest attractions to Porto Cruise Port

Visit the Porto Cathedral

The imposing Porto Cathedral, known as the Sé, is Porto's oldest monument located within the scenic medieval quarter. The 12th century Romanesque cathedral features a rose window facade and pretty Azulejo tile interiors. It's only a 10-minute metro ride from the port.

Visit Church Of São Francisco

Dating to the 14th century, Igreja de São Francisco displays stunning Gothic architecture and lavish Baroque gilded carvings. The church's main claim to fame is its opulent interior completely covered in intricately carved woodwork gilded in gold leaf. It's a 12-minute walk from Sao Bento metro station.

Places to Visit in Porto

Porto charms visitors with its scenic plazas, iconic monuments, and literary treasures. Three essential sights are the Booksellers' Bazaar, Clerigos Tower, and Ribeira Square.

Booksellers' Bazaar

The Booksellers' Bazaar offers literature lovers the chance to browse thousands of books under arched walkways near the Cathedral. Vendors sell fascinating rare, antique, and unusual books in various languages. It's a wonderful place to search for Portuguese works and old editions. You may even find handwritten manuscripts or obscure art books. This impressive book bonanza makes for a bibliophile's paradise in Porto.

Clerigos Tower

Rising above the city is the iconic Clerigos Tower, one of Porto's most recognizable landmarks. The 18th century Baroque tower can be climbed or accessed by elevator for sublime views across Porto's jumble of red-tiled rooftops and hills. Gazing out over the landscape from its rooftop observation deck is a highlight.

Ribeira Square

Down below lies lovely Ribeira Square, situated along the Douro River. Its cobblestoned walkways are lined with colorful buildings housing lively cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. Buskers and street artists entertain visitors browsing the square's shops and soaking up the vibrant ambiance. Ribeira Square wonderfully epitomizes historic Porto's captivating charm.

Sao Bento Train Station

The interior of Sao Bento train station dazzles with over 20,000 exquisitely painted azulejo tiles depicting Portugal's history. It's a short walk from the heart of downtown.

From its scenic riverfront to hilly medieval quarter dotted with historic churches, Porto delivers quintessential Portuguese charm perfect for a quick one-day stop. The efficient transportation connections make it easy to experience the highlights straight from port.

FAQs

Where is Porto Cruise Port located?

The Porto-Leixões cruise port lies around 3 km north of central Porto along the Atlantic coast.

What cruise lines visit Porto-Leixoes Cruise Port?

Cruise lines visiting Porto-Leixões include Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Viking Ocean Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas.

How far is the port from the center?

Porto's historic city center is about 3 km south of Porto-Leixões cruise port, quickly reached by metro, taxi or shuttle bus.