Porto, Portugal: A One-Day Itinerary for Harry Potter Fans!

As a seasoned traveler who has visited Porto three times, I can confidently say that this is the best city in Europe for a "special forces" trip! The small old town is packed with world heritage sites. In one day, you can visit a magical bookstore, beautiful churches, century-old egg tarts, and take a cruise on the Douro River, all while enjoying space-grade port wine. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your trip: 🕗 08:00: Visit the Magical Bookstore Head straight to Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Harry Potter fans will go crazy! J.K. Rowling frequented this bookstore while writing her books, and the spiral staircase is said to have inspired Hogwarts (although the author denies it). Pro tip: Buy a "golden ticket" on the official website in advance to skip the line and get a free book, but make sure to arrive before 8:00 am to be first in line! ⛪️ 09:30: Admire the Blue and White Tiles Walk 5 minutes to the Carmo Church, where the exterior is covered in Portugal's signature blue and white tiles. It's an Instagram-worthy spot. The nearby Church of Saint Ildefonso is even more impressive, with 11,000 tiles covering the walls! Climb to the top of Porto Cathedral for a view of the Douro River, or take a taxi to the entrance to avoid the uphill climb. 🚂 11:00: See the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" in Tiles Head to São Bento Railway Station! The 20,000 tiles depict Portugal's epic history, from royal weddings to peasant life. It's worth joining a guided tour to understand the scenes, such as Prince Henry's voyages and the famous battles between Portugal and Spain. 🦐 12:30: Enjoy Gourmet Food at the Market Bolhão Market is a must-visit! For just 5 euros, you can enjoy fresh seafood: oysters with lemon juice, grilled sardines with green wine, and a ham and cheese platter to enjoy while standing in the aisle. Across the street is the century-old egg tart shop, Confeitaria de Bolhão. Visit before 2:00 pm to avoid the crowds and enjoy the crispy pastry! 🌉 14:30: Cross the Steel Bridge Walk across the upper level of the Dom Luís I Bridge (45 meters high!) and feel the thrill of trams passing by. On the other side, in the Gaia district, you'll find world-class port wine cellars. I recommend Taylor's Winery: they supply the royal family and even have space wine. For 15 euros, you can taste three aged wines and take photos in the wine cellar, feeling like a medieval noble. 🐟 16:00: Visit the Sardine Time Capsule Visit the magical Sardine Museum and find a can with your birth year (sardines from 1988 are still edible!). Next door, try the fried cod balls at Bacalhau House, paired with port wine for a divine experience. 🌇 18:30: Take the Cable Car at Sunset Spend 8 euros to take the Teleférico cable car back to the top of the hill. At the Esplanada terrace, order an Aperol Spritz and watch the sunset turn the colorful houses into gold. Budget travelers can visit the free viewing platform at Morro Garden, but remember to bring a picnic blanket! 🎸 20:00: Enjoy a Fado Night Book a Fado performance at a wine cellar in advance and listen to Portugal's "blues" music, full of nostalgia. The performance includes a glass of port wine. While slightly tipsy, try the sinful Francesinha sandwich: 5 layers of meat, cheese, and beer sauce. It's a carb bomb that will satisfy your cravings! ✈️ Transportation Tips The metro from the airport takes 30 minutes to reach the city center, and Uber rides cost a maximum of 5 euros. The magic of Porto lies in its 16th-century churches around every corner, Michelin-level food at the market, and the freedom to enjoy a drink for just 5 euros. Follow this itinerary for a perfect 24 hours of eating, playing, and taking photos!