Porto may be magnetic in its own right with its riverside wine bars and azulejo-covered churches—but one of the things I loved most was how easy it was to hop on a train and feel like I was suddenly in a whole different corner of Portugal. If you’re like me and get a bit antsy staying in one city too long, you’ll be thrilled to know that several unforgettable—and honestly underrated—destinations are just a short train ride away.
Here are my favorite Porto day trips by train that totally exceeded expectations:
1. Guimarães – The Birthplace of Portugal
Travel time: ~1 hour
Train from: São Bento or Campanhã
Guimarães doesn’t get as much publicity as Sintra or Braga, but is absolutely worth a visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can spend countless hours exploring the medieval structures. The castle is straight out of a storybook, and the 15th century Paço dos Duques (palace of the Dukes) nearby, now a museum, boasts a host of artifacts. Ride the Serra da Penha cable car to a nearby hilltop park with trails to explore.
2. Aveiro – Portugal’s “Venice,” but Make It Chill
Travel time: ~1 hour
Train from: São Bento or Campanhã
Aveiro gets compared to Venice because of its canals and colorful boats (moliceiros), but to me, it felt way more relaxed and way less touristy. We took a boat ride with a funny, charismatic guide, wandered into a modern art museum, and tried ovos moles—a local sweet made of egg yolks that I still don’t fully understand but somehow liked. If you have extra time, the train continues on to Costa Nova, where those iconic striped beach houses are just begging for an Instagram post.
3. Espinho – For an Easy Beach Escape
Travel time: ~30 min
Train from: São Bento (Linha de Aveiro)
If you’re craving sand between your toes but don’t feel like navigating buses or driving, Espinho is your answer. It’s super easy to get to and has a long, wide stretch of beach where locals actually go. There’s also a lively Monday market if you time it right, and plenty of no-frills seafood restaurants where you can stuff yourself with grilled sardines. It’s not glitzy, but that’s kind of the point.
4. Braga – Churches, Gardens, and a Whole Lot of Charm
Travel time: ~1 hr 10 min
Train from: São Bento or Campanhã
Braga is better known, but it still feels criminally overlooked when people talk about day trips from Porto. The cathedral here is the oldest in Portugal, and the entire city center is full of baroque details and little surprises. The highlight? Bom Jesus do Monte. Yes, there are a ton of stairs, but the view from the top—especially if the mist rolls in—is absolutely worth it. You can also cheat and take the old funicular up (which I definitely did).
5. Vila do Conde – Coastal Vibes Without the Crowds
Travel time: ~1 hour
Train from: São Bento (Linha de Póvoa de Varzim + metro transfer)
Vila do Conde surprised me—in the best way. We stumbled upon a peaceful monastery, wandered quiet beaches, and found this little artisan shop run by a woman weaving lace by hand (I bought a bookmark, of course). It felt untouched, even a little sleepy, which made it all the more special. There’s not a ton to “do,” but that’s kind of the magic.
A Few Train Travel Tips:
- Buy tickets ahead on CP.pt or at the station kiosks—super easy.
- Validate your ticket if you’re on a regional train (look for the yellow machines).
- Snacks help. Some of these towns are sleepy in the afternoon, and having a pastel de nata or two in your bag never hurts.
Portugal is full of magic—and it doesn’t always require a car. If you’re looking to slow down, ditch the crowds, and still pack in the adventure, these Porto day trips by train are exactly what you need.
Want help pairing these with a longer Portugal itinerary? I’ve got you.
Vela Via Travel 
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