Tips for Traveling Independently to Porto

Are you planning a trip to Porto and feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to begin? Worry no more! This guide is packed with essential tips to help you navigate your journey through this enchanting city, avoiding common pitfalls and making the most out of your experience.

Oporto, with its ebbing charm and historic elegance, is a city that tells stories through its cobbled streets and beautifully tiled buildings. As the second largest city in Portugal, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a perfect destination for a short getaway filled with surprises.

Now that you're set on visiting Oporto, you might have questions about what to see, where to stay, or what delicious dishes to try. No worries—we’ve covered everything you need to know right here. If you have any lingering doubts after reading, feel free to reach out for more assistance!

Ready to explore Oporto? Let’s dive in!

Best Time to Visit Porto

While Porto is delightful year-round, spring, the early summer, and the early autumn are the ideal seasons to witness its beauty. From late October onwards, the rainfall increases significantly, lasting until April, so don’t forget to pack a raincoat!

If you’re sensitive to heat, remember that July and August can bring warmer temperatures, although they rarely exceed 30°C (86°F). During our last visit in mid-July, we enjoyed a pleasant 26°C, with cooler mornings and evenings. We recommend visiting in May, June, September, or October for the best weather.

Here’s a temperature and precipitation chart for Porto throughout the year:

How to Get to Porto from the Airport and Getting Around

Your journey to Porto starts at the airport, and the most economical way to reach the city is via the Metro Line E. A ticket costs €2.40 and is valid for 75 minutes, giving you ample time to reach Trindade, right in the city center, in about 25 minutes.

Once in the city, we suggest mixing walking with using public transport. Porto’s historic center is quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot. For a different experience, consider taking one of the scenic tram lines—line 22 is the most famous, although it’s currently under renovation.

Check out the official transportation website for Porto

How Many Days Are Needed in Porto?

We believe that two days is the minimum required to explore Porto adequately. However, if your schedule allows for more time, a stay of three to five days can be ideal, especially if you wish to take some day trips. Try to avoid weekends, as the city tends to get crowded with tourists.

⭐ Check out our 3-day itinerary for Porto!

Where to Stay in Porto

The historic center of Porto, known as La Baixa, is the best area for accommodation—you're right in the heart of the action and close to most attractions. The city offers a wide range of lodging options, suitable for various budgets (double rooms start at around €60, and hostels from €20 per night). Other neighborhoods like Ribeira and Boavista are also great places to stay.

On our last trip, we stayed near the Trindade station, which we found to be a convenient location.

Here are some recommended accommodations:

• Hotel Spot Family Suites
• The Passenger Hostel
• Ribeira do Porto Hotel

⭐ Explore the best areas to stay in Porto

Where to Eat Cheap in Porto

If you’ve traveled to Portugal before, you already know it’s a gastronomic paradise. Porto is no exception, with a culinary scene that will delight even the most discerning foodies. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Bacalhau com nata: This baked cod dish, prepared with cream and potatoes, is a favorite. The best version we had was at Bacalhoeiro.
• Francesinha: The most iconic dish in Porto, this sandwich is stuffed with a variety of meats, topped with a fried egg and a rich meat sauce. The best one can be found at Café Santiago.
• Caldo verde: A delicious soup made with potatoes, kale, garlic, onion, sausage, and olive oil.
• Pastéis de nata: Although they are more typically associated with Lisbon, you can find these delightful custard tarts all over Portugal.

⭐ Discover our favorite restaurants in Porto

Top Attractions and Activities in Porto

Now, let’s address the burning question: What are the must-see spots in Porto? There’s plenty to do, but here are five highlights you simply can’t miss:

• Join a free walking tour to get acquainted with the city (sign up here!).
• Stroll along the Ribeira and take in the views of the Dom Luis I Bridge.
• Take a six bridges cruise to see the city from a different angle.
• Visit a wine cellar to learn about Porto wine (many wineries are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, such as Bodega Calem or Bodega Poças).
• Climb the Torre dos Clérigos for one of the best views of Porto and catch the sunset from Jardim do Morro or the nearby Miradouro da Ribeira.

⭐ Discover everything to see and do in Porto for a perfect getaway

Travel Insurance for Porto

We have an annual IATI insurance, which also covers short trips like this one to Porto. If you don’t have one, we don’t think it’s necessary to get insurance for a short stay of two or three days, but it’s always best to be prepared.

If you’d rather be safe than sorry and want to travel with coverage, or if you want to take advantage of cancellation clauses for unforeseen events, the IATI short trip insurance is perfect (and affordable).

→ Here’s a 5% discount with IATI

Excursions from Porto

There are several interesting excursions you can take near Porto, but if you only have time for one, we highly recommend visiting Aveiro and Costa Nova. Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal," is famous for its charming canals and colorful moliceiro boats. Its Art Nouveau architecture and rich fishing history make it enchanting. Nearby, Costa Nova boasts vibrant striped houses along golden beaches.

Additionally, Braga and Guimarães are also excellent options.

⭐ Check out the best excursions from Porto (self-guided and guided)

Cards for Withdrawals without Commissions

If you’re traveling for just a few days, it’s best to withdraw cash in Spain and use your credit or debit card whenever possible (Portugal uses euros, as you probably know!). We usually pay for everything with a card, except for a couple of metro tickets that required cash since the machine wouldn’t accept other forms of payment.

If you’re a frequent traveler, consider getting a special card that allows you to withdraw money without incurring foreign transaction fees. Our favorites are the Revolut card (with a €10 promo!) and the N26 card, in that order. They’re free, making them a great option to consider!

⭐ Discover the best cards for traveling without paying commissions

More Tips for Traveling to Porto

Before you set off, consider these final recommendations to plan your trip to Porto effectively:

• Experience Fado, Portugal's most authentic musical form. While Porto may not have as strong a tradition as Lisbon, you can still enjoy a Fado show, for example, at Casa de la Guitarra, O Fado, or Ideal Clube de Fado.
• Pack comfortable shoes: Oporto is best explored on foot, and with its hills and cobblestone streets, good footwear is essential. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast; you may need to bring along a raincoat.
• Consider getting a tourist card, the Porto Card. It includes public transport and free entries or discounts to various attractions. Do the math to see if it’s worth it. More information and pricing here.
• If you plan to visit the Lello Bookstore, remember to book your ticket online. It costs €8, which can be deducted from any book purchases. While it’s stunning, we don’t consider it a must-see anymore due to its overwhelming crowds, which diminish its charm.

With these recommendations and tips for traveling to Porto, you should be well-prepared for your adventure in this beautiful and fascinating Portuguese city.

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