If you are looking for a city that blends historic charm, stunning landscapes and incredible cuisine, all blended with a laid back vibe, then Porto should be at the top of your travel list. Nestled along the Douro River, this Northern Portuguese city offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
While I had the option of choosing between Lisbon and Porto, I chose the northern part of Portugal to experience a city with relaxed vibes that has preserved its tradition while embracing modern facilities.
Wandering through Porto during my solo trip felt like stepping back in time. The medieval streets of Ribeira, the stunning azulejo tiled churches like Chapel of Souls, and the iconic Dom Luis bridge all combined to create an enchanting atmosphere. The city has a plethora of spots that offer stunning views. Be it the sunset from Jardim do Morro, the Douro riverfront, the beaches by the Atlantic or the view after climbing the Clerigos tower.
While the architecture left me enchanted, the foodie in me relished the unique combination of seafood delights like bacalhau and inland selection like Francesinha sandwich, along with desserts like Pastel de Nata. No description of Porto’s gastronomy is complete without mention of the famous Port wine. Whether you prefer Ruby, Tawny, or White Port, this city is heaven for wine lovers.
Porto: The Charming Portuguese Gem You Can’t Miss
Compared to other European cities, Porto is budget-friendly without compromising on experiences. It’s also one of the safest cities in Europe, making it a great choice for solo travelers. The locals are warm and welcoming, and getting around is easy with the integrated Andante transport card. Although Porto is a city of steep inclines, accessibility is not a concern due to well built sidewalks and the evolved transport system.
As a solo traveler with a locomotor disability, my initial apprehensions were quashed fast and I enjoyed my walking trip in the city. Never did I feel unsafe in its streets, neither was any monument inaccessible.
Besides the above charms, the city also serves as a gateway to several day trips like the Douro valley and underrated gems like the towns of Braga and Guimeraes. Did you know that Guimeraes is the birthplace of Portugal?
Let me share some travel tips for Porto with you based on my time in the city.
Portuguese Made Easy: Simple Phrases to Boost Your Trip
The locals of Porto are very friendly and accommodative. They are willing to help tourists and I received detailed guidance from them whenever I asked about recommendations on food, transport options or places to visit. However, it always helps to converse with locals if you know basic Portuguese phrases. While many locals in Porto speak English, knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases can make your trip smoother and help you connect with the friendly locals.
Here are some basic Portuguese phrases that will ease your time in Porto
- Basic greetings like Ola (Hello), Bom dia (good morning), Tchau / Adeus ( Bye / Goodbye), Por favor (Please), Obrigado (if you’re male) / Obrigada (if you’re female) Thank you, De nada (You’re welcome) and Desculpe (Sorry) are great ways to break the ice with anyone.
- Asking for directions and getting around. These are probably the most important phrases to learn. Onde fica a estação de metro? (Where is the metro station?), Como chego a…? (How do I get to…?)Fala inglês? (Do you speak English?)Preciso de um táxi. (I need a taxi)
- Some phrases that are handy during shopping are Tem troco? (Do you have change) and Só estou a ver, obrigado/a. (I am just looking, thank you)
- And God forbid, if there are any emergencies phrases that come in handy are Chame uma ambulância! (Call an ambulance!) , Onde é a farmácia mais próxima? (Where is the nearest pharmacy?) Perdi-me. (I’m lost) and O meu telemóvel foi roubado. (My phone was stolen.)
During my time in the city I just knew a few words and used Google translate for the rest. The locals are very helpful and I did not once face any challenge due to language barrier while going around. I would also recommend having the Google lens app installed to translate signages written in Portuguese.
The Sweet Spot: When to Visit Porto for the Best Weather & Vibes
The cliched best time to visit Porto is the summer months (June to August), but every season has its own nuances. I visited in March, when the city has a lower tourist inflow. Let me share the season wise breakdown and then you can decide for yourself how to make the most of your time.
Spring (March to May) is known for mild weather, blooming landscapes and fewer crowds. Pleasant temperatures (15-22°C or 59-72°F) make it ideal for sightseeing, wine tours, and coastal walks. Tourists can expect lower hotel tariffs before the typical summer rush.
Summer (June to August) is the cliched tourist season as the city becomes warm and sunny (25–35°C or 77–95°F), making it perfect for river cruises and visiting Foz do Douro beaches. The famous São João Festival (June 23) lights up the city with fireworks, street parties, and grilled sardines. Overall, Porto wears a lively vibe during the summers.
Autumn (September to November) is the season for the Douro Valley grape harvest, offering wine lovers unique experiences. There are fewer tourists and one can explore the city at ease. There might be occasional rainfall in late October though.
Winter (December to February) has a festive vibe. Christmas lights and markets add a magical charm, especially in Aliados Avenue and Mercado do Bolhão. This is the season for great deals on hotels and flights.
Every season has its own charm and you should decide as per your preferences and what you want to experience the most out of your trip to the city.
Popular Tours in Porto
Spend Smart in Porto: Currency Tips Every Traveler Should Know
It is always recommended to be smart with money while visiting any city and Porto is no different. During my time in the city, I used a mix of cash (Euro) and my Visa credit cards as per convenience. Let me share some Porto money tips with you.
1. Currency: Euro (€) is the official currency of Portugal, including Porto. It’s best to use euros for most transactions. While US Dollars are not accepted widely at shops and restaurants, you can easily exchange them for Euro at currency exchange stores. Please avoid airports for currency exchange, the rates are always unfavorable!
2. ATMs are widely available throughout Porto, especially in tourist areas, shopping districts, and near train stations. However most banks charge a small fee for withdrawing cash, and foreign banks may also apply additional fees. I strongly recommend that you check withdrawal charges with your home bank before traveling. When withdrawing money, choose to be charged in euros rather than your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion) to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.
3. Credit and Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Porto, especially in restaurants, major hotels, and shops in tourist areas. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees when using your credit or debit cards abroad. Some cards offer fee-free international transactions, so consider using one of those if you have it.
However, always carry some cash with you, as cards might not be accepted at smaller establishments or rural areas.
4. Mobile Payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile payment options are becoming increasingly popular in Porto. Many places, especially larger businesses, accept mobile payment options, so carrying a physical card may not always be necessary.
Ride Like a Local: Your Guide to Getting Around Porto
To optimize my travel costs in Porto I used the famous Adante card. It’s a smart travel card used for public transportation in Porto. It’s designed to make traveling around the city more convenient and cost-effective for both tourists and residents. The card can be used on multiple modes of public transport, including the metro, buses, trams, and even some regional trains. It is a rechargeable card and can be purchased at metro stations, ticket machines, newsstands and tourist information centers.
Although a city of steep inclines, Porto is extremely accessible. I used a mix of metro, taxis and walked on the well designed sidewalks to explore the city. As a traveller with a locomotor disability, I did not face much of a challenge navigating the streets of Porto during my day trips.
Let me share a few tips on how to get around Porto.
Metro
Porto’s metro system is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. The metro has six lines (A, B, C, D, E, and F) and connects popular areas like the city center, the airport, and the beach areas. You can choose a single-journey ticket or opt for a Andante card for multiple journeys, which offers discounts for frequent travel.
Bus
The bus system is extensive and covers areas the metro might not, including some smaller neighborhoods or scenic routes. You can buy tickets onboard or at metro stations (the Andante card works for buses as well). I used Google Maps and Citymapper for real time information regarding bus schedules.
Trams
Porto’s trams are a charming way to explore the city, offering scenic routes especially along the riverfront. However, trams are mainly a tourist attraction for sightseeing rather than a daily transportation option. Be sure to check the tram’s schedule on Google before planning a trip.
Taxi Rides in Porto
Taxis in Porto are relatively affordable compared to other major European cities. They are metered, and the base fare typically starts at around €3.50. You will pay a little extra for luggage or rides during the night. You can use Uber like I did or download local apps like Taxi Porto or Free Now.
Safety Tip: Only take official taxis, marked with a green light on the roof, indicating they are available. Avoid accepting rides from unmarked vehicles.
Walking Around the City Center
Porto’s city center is very walkable, and many of its key attractions, such as Ribeira, Livraria Lello, São Bento Station, and the Dom Luís I Bridge, are within walking distance of each other. I myself explored most of the city’s landmarks on foot.
The city’s hilly terrain (the areas away from the riverfront) can be a bit challenging, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially in the warmer months.
While I walked around the city myself, you can consider joining a Porto walking tour to discover Porto’s history and hidden spots. Many tours are available for free, and guides often share fascinating local insights.
Book a hotel in Porto
When in Porto: Local Customs & Etiquette You Should Know
While the locals of Porto are very warm and welcoming, it’s helpful to be aware of local etiquette and customs to ensure you respect the culture. Let me share some Porto customs with you based on my experience.
For starters, a firm but not overly strong handshake is the common greeting in Porto, especially when meeting someone for the first time. In formal settings, use polite forms of address like “Senhor” (Mr.) or “Senhora” (Mrs.), followed by the person’s last name. First names are used more casually once a rapport is built.
Tipping is not mandatory in restaurants, but a tip of 5-10% is customary if you are happy with the service. For taxis, you can choose to round up the fare as a nice gesture.
While Porto is a stylish city, it’s not overly formal. Most locals choose smart casual attire, so wearing something neat and presentable is a good idea. For religious sites, choose to dress respectfully, like covering shoulders and avoiding shorts.
While using public transport, please allow passengers to get off the bus or metro before boarding. People generally form queues and wait their turn, whether at the metro, bus stops, or ticket counters. It’s polite to wait your turn and avoid cutting in line.
Smoking is common in Porto, however look out for the designated smoking areas before lighting your cigarette.
By observing these common etiquettes, you will make a great impression while respecting the local culture in Porto.
Porto Awaits: Pack Your Bags for an Unforgettable Adventure
In conclusion, Porto is a vibrant and enchanting destination that offers a rich blend of culture, history, and modern charm.
With its stunning architecture, world-renowned wine, and welcoming locals, it is a place that captivates visitors at every turn. Whether you are navigating the city’s efficient public transport system, savoring the flavors of local cuisine, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Ribeira district, Porto has something to offer every traveler. By keeping in mind the essential Porto vacation tips about the best times to visit, local etiquette, and practical travel advice, you will be well-equipped to experience this beautiful city to the fullest. So, pack your bags, embrace the charm of Porto, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in one of Europe’s most delightful hidden gems!
Personally, I never understood where my time flew by while in this city, and I am positive you will have a similar experience.
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