The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Porto: Top Attractions, Food, and Travel Tips

Discover the enchanting city of Porto, Portugal's hidden gem. From historic bridges and stunning architecture to world-class wine and mouthwatering cuisine, explore the best of Porto in this comprehensive guide.

Liv Coning

Marketing Lead

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Porto: Top Attractions, Food, and Travel Tips

Aug 09 2024

Olá

Known for its historic charm and picturesque riverside setting, Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal. This vibrant city offers a blend of historic and modern attractions, including stunning architecture, world-renowned wine cellars, and a thriving arts scene. Porto is also famous for its beautiful Douro River and its iconic bridges—there truly is something for everyone.

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The lay of the land

A quick overview of the most important things to know.

Language

In Porto, most people speak Portuguese as their first language, although many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency in Porto is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most establishments.

Main Airport

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is located approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) northwest of Porto's city center. It offers a range of domestic and international flights, making it a convenient entry point for travelers visiting the city.

Best Time to Visit

During the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November), the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying the city's parks and gardens. Additionally, visiting during these times can provide a more authentic experience as you avoid the peak tourist season.

Recommend Stay

We recommend staying for 3-4+ days to truly immerse yourself in Porto's charm. This amount of time lets you explore the city's historic sites, savor its culinary delights, and even take a day trip to the stunning Douro Valley.

Average Daily Cost

$121 (€112) per day is the average daily cost for a traveler in Porto. This estimate includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and entry fees to various attractions. Budget travelers may spend less, while those seeking more luxurious experiences might spend more.

Tipping

A common practice is to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill. However, you should check the menu or ask the staff if a service charge has already been included in the bill. If it has, leaving an additional tip is not necessary.

Transportation

Take the metro, a tram, or walk. Porto has an efficient metro system that connects the city's main areas, and its historic trams are a fun and scenic way to explore the city. The Funicular dos Guindais is also a popular route that offers stunning views of the Douro River.

Safety

Porto is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure safety, such as keeping valuables secure, using licensed transportation, avoiding poorly lit areas and alleyways, and staying informed about the current safety situation.

LGBTQ+ Equality Index

Porto scores 76 out of 100 on the LGBTQ+ Equality Index, indicating a relatively high level of acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. This score suggests that travelers can generally feel safe and welcome, though it's always wise to stay informed about local customs and laws.

Digital Nomad Ranking

Porto scores 3.54 out of 5 for digital nomad ranking, reflecting its growing popularity among remote workers. The city offers reliable internet, numerous coworking spaces, and a welcoming community, making it a viable option for digital nomads looking for a dynamic yet affordable European destination.

Must-Dos in Porto:

Dom Luís I Bridge

An iconic double-deck iron bridge that spans the Douro River, offering spectacular views of the city and the river. It's a great spot for photos and a walk.

Livraria Lello

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, known for its stunning architecture and intricate wooden staircase. It's a must-visit for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Ribeira District

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic district is known for its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant riverside promenade. It's a great place to explore, dine, and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Must-Eats in Porto:

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese, and smothered in a rich beer-based sauce. It's often served with fries and is a local favorite.

Café Santiago: Known for serving some of the best Francesinha in Porto, this spot is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Bufete Fase: A small, no-frills restaurant that offers a delicious and authentic Francesinha experience.

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional tripe stew made with white beans, various meats, and vegetables. It's a dish with a long history in Porto and is still enjoyed by locals today.

O Buraco: A traditional restaurant that serves authentic Tripas à Moda do Porto, offering a taste of the city's culinary heritage.
Adega São Nicolau: Located in the Ribeira district, this spot is known for its delicious and hearty Tripas à Moda do Porto.

Bolinhos de Bacalhau

Codfish cakes made from salted cod, potatoes, eggs, parsley, and onions. These tasty bites are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau: Specializes in Bolinhos de Bacalhau, offering a delicious and authentic taste of this traditional snack.
Taberna dos Mercadores: Located in the heart of Porto, this restaurant offers delicious Bolinhos de Bacalhau as part of its extensive menu of Portuguese delicacies.

Start planning your trip with these top Porto guides:

Christie | Adventures of Cricket

Eat, Drink & Be Merry in Porto, Portugal

Over the last 2 years, I have spent three and a half months in Porto, Portugal. That's a ton of meals! 😆 I love trying new foods and restaurants, and here are some of my favorite spots in and around the historic center of Porto! Most of these places I've just found in my research over the years, some I've been lucky enough to just stumble on, and others have been suggested to me by the locals I have met along the way. But most importantly, I've actually been to every one of these places personally (some more than once!). I've tried to provide a mix of budget, moderately priced and a few splurge meals. I hope my personal recommendations can help you plan your culinary journey around Porto! What's included in this guide: 🔹9 Coffee/brunch options 🔹19 Lunch/dinner options 🔹3 Dessert options 🔹9 Bar/nightlife/cocktail options 🔹3 Food/drink related activities

Backpacker • Couples • Digital Nomads • 50+ • Family • Groups • Female Solo • Car-free • Foodie • Coffee • Wine • People & Culture • Budget

Free

Oh Porto 🤍 The brilliant weather, stunning architecture and azulejo tiles, vibrant colours, amazing food, beautiful views…it’s all so good. I just loved this city and can’t wait to visit again soon. Especially for more port and pastel de natas 😍 These are some spots and activities that I'd recommend - and others I ran out of time to try but am so keen to do one day!

Car-free • Couples • Family • Groups • Female Solo • Adventure • Architecture • Art • Boutique • Foodie • History • People & Culture • Photography • Wine

Free

Map

Lucie Slívková

Available for hire

Porto, Portugal | 4-5 Days Guide

We went on a trip with my friends to a city in the north of Portugal named Porto. We visited a lot of beautiful places and tried many activities in and around the city. In this guide I will show you all the interesting spots📍, restaurants🍽, bars🍻, clubs🍸, beaches🌊, accommodations🏠, activities🏄🏼‍♀️ and hacks you should know before travelling to Porto. I will talk mostly about places from my personal experience and some places I wanted to see but didn´t have time to explore everything.

Groups • Family • LGBTQ+ • Digital Nomads • Vegetarian • Female Solo • Couples • Car-free • Foodie • Budget • Wine • Beach • Architecture • People & Culture • Adventure • Outdoors

Free

Guide

Final Thoughts

Porto is a captivating city that offers a perfect blend of historic charm, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring its iconic bridges, savoring local dishes like Francesinha and Bolinhos de Bacalhau, or wandering through the UNESCO-listed Ribeira District, Porto has something for everyone.

With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions, it's no wonder that Porto is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers and digital nomads alike. Start planning your trip to this beautiful city and experience all that Porto has to offer.

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