The Ultimate Porto Travel Guide (2024)

Welcome to the Ultimate Porto Travel Guide – your gateway to the city of stunning sunsets and world-class wine

Thinking about visiting Porto!? Explore one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities full of rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culinary scene. Located along the Douro River, Porto is known for its historic landmarks, such as the Dom Luís I Bridge. There is beauty in roaming the colorful Ribeira District and visiting many viewpoints known as miradouros.

The city is full of gastronomy and authentic Portuguese dishes like the hearty francesinha and fresh seafood. Learn about the world-renowned port wine produced in nearby cellars. Whether you’re walking through the historic center or enjoying a glass of wine with a view, Porto offers unique experiences we fell in love with. In this ultimate Porto city guide, we share detailed travel itineraries and discuss what you need to know to plan a trip to Porto. Discover the best places to eat and the top things to do, ensuring you make the most of your visit. Get ready to fall in love with Porto. Check out our Portugal Country Guide for more general info on traveling to Portugal!

The Best Time to Visit Porto

Are you planning a trip to Porto and wondering the best to visit? There are three different seasons to consider when visiting Porto. These seasons bring different volumes of tourists, wine harvest, and events.

Spring (March to May)

Weather: Comfortable temperatures between 12°C and 20°C (54°F to 68°F).
Crowds: While it’s still a popular city to visit, there are fewer tourists at popular sights and attractions.
Events: Spring festivals such as Primavera Sound Porto. This is when beautiful flowers are blooming in the parks.

Fall (September to October)

Weather: Slightly Warmer temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Crowds: The number of tourists decreases relative to the peak summer season.
Wine Harvest: This is the grape harvest time and you can enjoy wine events in the Douro Valley.

Summer (June to August)

Weather: Hot temperatures often above 30°C (86°F).
Crowds: Busiest time for travelers visiting all over Portugal.
Beaches: It’s no surprise that warm weather is perfect for visiting nearby beaches.
Events: There are many summer festivals and outdoor events. The Port Wine Festival is a big festival that happens at the start of July.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

What do I need to bring to Porto? Before you set foot in Porto, we’ve compiled a pre-departure checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.

SIM Card

Getting a SIM or E-SIM card is recommended for data access if you don’t have a roam-like-home option. This is valuable when no wifi is available you’re able to access your travel docs, data, information, and transportation apps. We recommend purchasing a local e-sim card either before your flight or when you arrive at the airport so it’s active the moment you land in Portugal. Purchasing an e-sim before your trip will allow you to have reliable Wi-Fi to set up the e-sim card versus at the airport.

Travel Vaccines

Canadians or Americans can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days (3 months). The list of Visa-free countries not located in the EU can be found here.

Those a part of the EU and the Schengen area can stay 90 days in any 180 days within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is composed of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Entry Requirements

We didn’t receive any specific vaccinations outside of being vaccinated for our home country’s more general routine vaccines. We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for Indonesia on the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination. Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.

Outlet Plugs & Adapters

The power plugs used in Portugal are Type C and type F. Type C plugs have two round pins, while type F plugs have two round pins with two grounding clips on the sides. You can opt for the universal travel adapter which has many plug-type variations great for international travel.

Travel Insurance

Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.

What to Bring

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!

Where to Stay in Porto

When choosing where to stay in Porto, Portugal, you’ll find a wide range of options for amenities and budget. From historic neighborhoods to vibrant districts, we will review in detail the best areas to stay in Porto.

Ribeira (Historic Center)

Located along the Douro River, Ribeira is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Porto. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Porto’s charm with easy access to landmarks like the Dom Luís Bridge and Porto Cathedral. The area is lively, with many restaurants, bars, and scenic views of the river.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Just across the Douro River from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia offers stunning panoramic views of Porto’s historic center. It’s famous for its port wine cellars, where you can tour and taste some of the best wines in the world. The area is quieter compared to Ribeira but still well-connected to the city center. We stayed in Vila Nova De Gaia and walked 10-15 minutes to the historic center of Porto. There are also accessible trams that run into the city.

Cedofeita (Art District)

For those who enjoy a trendy, artsy atmosphere, Cedofeita is the perfect spot. Known for its art galleries, boutiques, and creative spaces. This area is more relaxed and less touristy than the city center. It’s still within walking distance of Porto’s main attractions, offering a blend of culture and peacefulness.

Getting Around Porto

Wondering the best way to navigate the streets of Porto!? We’ll uncover the insider tips and tricks that will turn your exploration of Porto into a seamless adventure, from mastering the subway system to finding the best transportation options from the airport.

Airport to City

There are a few different ways to get from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) to the city center. The distance between the airport and the city center is about 12 km. From budget-friendly options to the most comfortable method of transport, we outline the options below.

Metro: The most efficient way to reach the city is by metro, with the Violet line (Line E) connecting the airport to downtown in around 25-30 minutes for €2-3.

Taxis: Taxis are also available outside the terminal and cost €20-30, depending on traffic. The fare could increase relative to traffic which may result in you paying more.

Bolt—Bolt is a convenient rideshare service app that can be downloaded from the app store. After picking up luggage, exit the doors and follow the signs for Bolt. If you haven’t used Bolt before, you can take advantage of 75% off your first ride using my code HUNGRYPURSUIT.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

Bolt App (Like Uber): When arriving at the airport arrivals check for signs that will give users a promo code for first-time users! USE CODE HUNGRYPURSUIT to save 70% off your first Bolt ride! We love using Bolt when traveling in Portugal because it efficiently tracks routes and you can use discount codes! Some prefer that the fee is fixed before you depart providing more certainty despite any traffic you may experience.

Public Transit

Porto has a reliable and affordable public transportation system, including metro, buses, and trams.

Metro: The metro is the most convenient option, with six lines covering the city 37 miles and 60 stations. The rate starts at 1.60 euros and increases depending on the different zones you travel through.

Buses: The buses are operated by STCP, and serve all parts of the city

Historic trams: The trams offer a charming way to explore Porto’s old neighbourhoods along the Douro River.

Are you someone who loves the convenience of having attractions and transportation bundled into one card? The Porto Card provides unlimited public transport and discounts at many attractions. You receive free entry to 7 museums and attractions. The card can be used between 1-4 days.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis in Porto are affordable and can be hailed on the street, booked at taxi stands, or via apps like Uber and Bolt.

Fares start at €3.25, with additional charges for late-night trips or luggage.

Car rentals are available but may not be ideal due to narrow streets and limited parking.

We used Bolt everywhere traveling between Vila Nova De Gaia and the Porto city center. However, Porto is a very walkable city with many of the top sights within walking distance of one another. There is something special about walking the sights you see along the way and taking in the pure beauty of the streets! It was only late at night, and when our legs needed a break when we used Bolt.

Having the option of Bolt makes things very easy to get around especially if you have physical limitations.

Travel Itineraries for Porto

Wondering how you should plan your days in Porto? We have created detailed travel itineraries that cover everything you need! Travel guides on the top sights, and attractions, to restaurant and cafe recommendations. These itineraries take the stress and uncertainty out of planning, so you can enjoy the best of Porto. Porto is such an incredible place to stay with many wonderful day trips you can take from Porto. Whether you’re exploring the city or looking for the best day trips from Porto, check out these guides to make the most of your visit!

Join us for an exciting journey through the lively streets of Porto with our guide to the best attractions. From the beautiful Ribeira District to the famous Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, each blog post shows off the charm of these must-see places.

Explore the lively Livraria Lello, try a delicious Francesinha, or enjoy the great views from the Clérigos Tower. Be sure to check out our guide to the coolest wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can taste Porto’s famous port wine!

Top Attractions Porto

Porto is a city full of interesting sights and history. The Dom Luís I Bridge is a famous landmark that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and gives great views of the Douro River. The Ribeira District is a lively area by the river with colorful streets, cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy the local culture. One of the most beautiful places to visit is Livraria Lello, a famous bookstore with a stunning staircase and design.

For a view of the whole city, you can climb the Clérigos Tower, although it has many steps. In Vila Nova de Gaia, you can visit the port wine cellars to learn about and taste the wine while enjoying views of the city. São Bento Railway Station is another must-see with its beautiful blue and white tiles that show scenes from Portugal’s history. Finally, Palácio da Bolsa is a grand building with amazing rooms, including one inspired by Moorish design. These places help tell the story of Porto’s rich past and culture.

Our Thoughts

Visiting Porto is an unforgettable experience filled with stunning sights and delicious food, but there are a few things we wish we had known before our trip.

First, the city is quite hilly, so be prepared for some steep walks and wear comfortable shoes!

The weather in Porto can be all over the place for a city that rains a lot. We visited in June and experienced only 2 rainy days out of 7 days.

Nonetheless, we recommend bringing umbrellas just in case you get caught in an unexpected downpour.

We recommend visiting popular attractions early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially at places like Livraria Lello and the Clérigos Tower. Livraria Lello was a lot busier than we could have ever imagined with non-stop lines. Therefore, we recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets for the earliest time slot of the day. This was you can ensure you get to experience the bookstore with the least number of people for that day.

Lastly, explore beyond the main tourist spots; some of the best local restaurants and hidden gems are a short walk away from the busy tourist areas. Trust us, getting lost in the charming streets of Porto can lead to some of your best memories. Porto isn’t as big as some may think making it a very walkable, but yet, hilly city. You have to save time for some of the best day trips in Porto. From the city of Aveiro to Duoro Valley, and Braga & Guimaraes!

Andrew & Melissa

@HungryPursuit

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Love, Andy & Mel

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The Ultimate Porto Travel Guide (2024)

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