Porto is a coastal city that’s been charming the world with its decadent fortified wine, centuries-old tiled churches, and train stations. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and deep history, there’s no wonder why people flock here for museums, guided Douro River tours, or leisurely strolls through charming cobblestone streets.
With the sun-kissed Douro River serving as the bloodline, Porto offers an amazing cityscape that’s worth visiting for two days or three.
To help you explore, here’s an insider’s guide with expert tips on getting around this lovely city. In this article, you’ll find out:
- Essential tips before visiting Porto
- The best ways to get there from Lisbon
- Handy travel card for discounts on public transport
- Some of the best regional eats in town
- And where to stay in Port.
More on that below.
Essential Tips To Keep You In The Know Before Visiting Porto
Best Time To Visit Porto
The coastal city of Porto embraces pleasant summer when the sunny days are crisp and clear while winter is wet, cold, and cloudy.
Travel-wise, the best time to visit Porto is between mid-July to early September when the warm-weather activities become the biggest hook.
To make the most of your time celebrating the great outdoors in summer, pack plenty of short-sleeved or sleeveless tops. Meanwhile, a breathable jacket will suffice the chilly evenings.
If you make it here in winter, make sure to have a winter trench coat and an umbrella handy.
Voltage
Portal of Portugal operates on 230V, with type F and C sockets and plugs accepted as the standards.
Language
Portuguese is the national language with a majority of the population being able to communicate in excellent Spanish, English, and French.
Tipping Culture
Wondering if tipping is normal in Porto?
Simply put, there is no compulsory tipping culture in Porto. It goes the same way for service charges which are not common sense to be included in total payment. If you’re happy with the service, it’s a thoughtful approach to round it up upon your payment.
At higher-end restaurants, side dishes including bread, butter, olives, cheese, and jam are charged separately. The staff is happy to bring them away before your main course is served upon order.
Traveling To Porto From Lisbon
By Train
Porto is over 300 kilometers north of Lisbon, connected by two different train services.
One is the Alfa Pendular, an express train that’s more modern and faster. This one only takes two hours and 40 minutes to reach Porto.
The other one is the Intercidades train which takes up to three hours and ten minutes to arrive in Porto.
Between the two, the Alfa Pendular offers a tad higher fare in return for bigger legroom and better comfort. On the other hand, Intercidades covers more stops that take longer to reach the final destination yet the fare is budget-friendly.
Tickets must be purchased in advance before boarding no matter which train you’re traveling with. You can reach out to one of the ticket offices at the train stations or get them online via the Comboios de Portugal Website.
The fares are subject to change so make sure you obtain them roughly two weeks in advance to reap the discounts.
- Departure Station in Lisbon: Estação do Oriente
- Arrival Station in Porto: Campanhã.
Both express and regular trains depart and arrive at the same stations. However, you’ve gotta board another connected train (regular) from Campanhã (ten minutes away) in order to reach São Bento if you ride the express train.
São Bento is located in the historic center of Porto and the fare on this second ride is included in your ticket.
By Bus
The direct bus ride from Porto to Lisbon takes three to four hours, and the fare is about EUR 20. All bus tickets can be booked via Omio, leaving either the Terminal Rodoviário de Sete Rios or Gare Oriente and arriving at Campanhã Station.
There are multiple buses operated by different companies a day, starting as early as midnight. The last bus is around 23:00.
How To Get Around Porto?
No matter what your preferred mode of transportation is, you’ll find that getting around Porto is much simpler than it might initially seem.
Porto boasts an excellent public transportation network, with buses, trains, and metros crisscrossing the city. The metro system is particularly convenient, offering direct routes to key destinations.
When purchasing tickets, keep in mind that the city is divided into eight Porto Metro Zones, starting with Z2 and ending with Z9.
The metro fares will fluctuate depending on which zone you sign up for, whether it’s for a one-way trip or a day pass.
Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are at your service if you’re seeking a fast, direct, and hassle-free way to get from point to point.
Taxis can be hailed on most busy streets, providing a convenient door-to-door experience without the need to wait for public transport.
Porto’s Andante Tour Card: What Is It & How To Buy?
Like most European cities, a handy travel card will come into play to help you save some bucks on public transport with unlimited rides. It goes the same way for Porto’s Andante Card which covers the metro, buses, and regional trains. The validation ranges from 24 hours to three days.
The card is available for purchase at one of the Andante stores (at the airport or in town) as well as the ticket vending machines.
For a heads-up, they’ll give you a flat rate of EUR 0.6 which can be topped up as you go at a different rate depending on which zone you take. For instance, it’s EUR 1.2 for Z2, 1.6 for Z3, and 2 for Z4.
Where To Stay In Porto?
The old quarter makes a perfect base for first-time visitors to Porto. With proximity to São Bento Train Station, there are plenty of heritage, boutique hotels, and affordable accommodations in Ribeira and Baixa. These are the two central neighborhoods in the city center.
Walk further out and you shall find some great accommodations in Boavista which is a tad further afield and on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Due to the steep terrain, I highly recommend you stick to the central neighborhoods if you wanna tick off as many attractions as possible. This ensures a pleasant time walking between the attractions without wearing out your tired muscles.
Things To Do And See In Porto
Wondering what’s there to do in Porto?
Start the day celebrating the sunny morning by admiring the stunning blue and white tiles at the exquisite Porto São Bento, one of the world’s most recognizable train stations, followed by checking in at Lello Bookstore (surprisingly an entrance ticket is compulsory here).
Make sure to carve out time to relax at one of the ten most beautiful cafes globally, sipping on some delightful port wine that the city is famous for. And don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll along the enchanting Douro River, especially at night, when the city’s lights create a truly magical atmosphere.
But that’s just the beginning. Check out my ultimate list here and be inspired by the 12 best places to visit in Porto. Just keep in mind that Porto is a city of hills and valleys, so be prepared for some uphill and downhill walking.
A Foodie’s Guide To Port: Best Eats To You Drooling
Francesinha – Portuguese Sandwich
Dubbed one of the world’s most talked-about sandwiches, this larger-than-life comfort food ensures a hearty breakfast to keep you energized before hitting the road.
Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavors, Francesinha is stuffed with everything from beef and sausages to cured meat and ham before being slashed with a blanket of melted beer-sauced cheese and a fried egg on top.
Arroz De Marisco – Seafood Rice
Filling and savory, Arroz De Marisco appears as a hot herbal rice stew to save you from a hangover. Arroz De Marisco mimics Spanish paella in some senses but is thicker in texture and served with a wide range of seafood. There are prawns, mussels, squid, and clams commonly found in a traditional Arroz De Marisco.
Arroz Doce – Rice Pudding
Less filling and easier on the stomach, this traditional rice pudding lends a creamy and delicate profile to wake up your palate.
Made out of sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and lemon peel, Arroz Doce bursts with a complicated tasting profile. In Porto, Arroz Doce is widely served in snack bars to upscale restaurants as an aprés-dinner dessert.
Vinho do Porto – Port Wine
Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, try not to miss out on Vinho do Porto, the pride and heritage of Portugal. Though not exclusively belonging to Porto, this nationally fortified wine completes your meal on a high note. It’s not insanely strong, making a perfect pairing as a dessert wine.
You can have it served in either red, white, rosé, or Tawny. No matter which call you’re after, Vinho do Porto is sure to deliver a sweeter and mouthfeel note to your taste buds.
Beyond the restaurant’s borders, Taylor’s Winery and Sandeman Winery are some of the best places offering wine-tasting courses you can sign up for. These long-established wineries have been around for at least three centuries, steeped in a beautiful vista over the Douro River.
Super Bock or Sagres
If you’re a beer enthusiast setting your sights on Portugal, you might notice something interesting, or perhaps a bit underwhelming.
When it comes to Portuguese beer, there are essentially two big players in town: Super Bock and Sagres.
These two brews have their own distinct flavors, and many folks end up pledging their loyalty to one or the other. But here’s the thing: they both fall into the same category – they’re light-bodied pale lagers.
Final Words: Is Porto Worth Visiting?
Despite the less-than-perfect weather that seemed to have me convinced it was perpetually raining, there was something special about Porto. It’s nowhere close to being a large city yet the heritage feel and rich history have made a statement, luring millions of history buffs and architecture lovers here for a brief visit.
The entire city just oozes a vacation vibe. If you’re yearning for an overseas escape to unwind, Porto will never disappoint.