Portugal
Porto: itinerary & travel tips
Porto lies on the north bank of the Douro, just before it flows into the Atlantic. The old town climbs steeply up the hillside, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is easy to explore on foot. Azulejo façades, bridges and port wine cellars are all close together, so you can see a lot in a few days.
There are direct flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with a flight time of around 3 hours. Prices are lower than in many Western European cities. Beaches, wine estates in the Douro Valley, and Braga or Guimarães make good additions to the city.
Ready-made itineraries
3 days · 28 stops
Porto in 3 days
Three relaxed days in Porto: arrival and Ribeira on Thursday, architecture and history in the Baixa and Cedofeita on Friday, port wine in Gaia and local cuisine on Saturday before departure.
- Day 1Arrival and a stroll through Ribeira
- Day 2Architecture, azulejos and history
- Day 3Port wine and farewell
Weekend like a local · 13 stops
Porto: weekend like a local
A relaxed weekend in Porto with local cafés, markets and small galleries: Saturday arriving in Bairro das Flores and Cedofeita, Sunday Bolhão and Massarelos, then the journey home.
- Day 1Arrival and the Cedofeita art district
- Day 2Markets, coffee and the riverside
What to see
Ribeira
The riverside district on the Douro, with narrow lanes, cafés and views of the Dom Luís I Bridge, is the classic starting point.
Ponte Dom Luís I
The two-level iron bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, and you can walk across on both the upper and lower decks.
Livraria Lello
The neo-Gothic bookshop with its curved staircase is worth seeing for its architecture, but it requires a ticket and advance planning.
Estação de São Bento
The station's entrance hall features large azulejo panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history.
Torre dos Clérigos
From the tower of the Baroque church you get a great view over the rooftops of the city.
Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
At tastings in cellars such as Sandeman, Graham's or Taylor's, you can get to know the different styles of port.
Where to stay
Ribeira
For those who want to stay right by the river and value atmosphere over peace and quiet; it is lively in the evenings and in season.
Baixa and Aliados
Central, with good metro connections, cafés and hotels, ideal for a short stay with little travelling around.
Cedofeita and Miguel Bombarda
For people who like galleries, concept stores and cafés and are looking for a less touristy neighbourhood.
Foz do Douro
For walks along the beach and a quiet neighbourhood at the Atlantic mouth of the river, slightly outside the centre.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from April to June or in September and October, when it is mild and less busy than in high summer. July and August are warm and crowded, and accommodation prices rise. In winter it often rains, but it is quiet and cheaper. Around the São João festival on 23 and 24 June, the city is very crowded and expensive.
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Getting there
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is about 11 km north of the city centre and has direct flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Metro line E (violet) takes around 30 to 35 minutes to reach the centre, and the ticket costs just a few euros. A taxi or ride-hailing trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes and usually costs 20 to 30 euros. Long-distance trains stop at Campanhã station; the journey from Lisbon takes about three hours.
Getting around
The best way to explore the old town is on foot, but expect plenty of steep climbs. For longer distances, the metro and bus are good options; for these you need the reusable Andante card, onto which you load single journeys. The old trams and the cable car in Gaia are meant more for the experience than for everyday travel.
Daily budget
budget
€45
mid-range
€90
per person, without accommodation. Food and public transport are inexpensive, while accommodation in high season and guided tours or Douro excursions make up the biggest expense.
Local tips
- Book tickets for Livraria Lello and the port wine cellars in advance, especially at weekends, and go early in the day.
- Cross the bridge on the upper level, where the metro runs, and enjoy the sunset from Jardim do Morro in Gaia.
- Try the francesinha, a baked sandwich with sauce, and eat lunch at a place serving a dish of the day, which is usually much cheaper.
- Good footwear is important, as the cobblestones are slippery when it rains and the hills are steep.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Porto?
Two full days are enough for the main sights of the old town and Gaia. With three to four days, there is time for Foz, a beach day or a trip to the Douro Valley.
Where is the best place to stay in Porto?
For a short visit, Baixa, Aliados and Ribeira are practical because you can reach a lot on foot. Cedofeita is a good choice if you prefer somewhere quieter and more local.
Is Porto expensive?
Compared with Germany, Austria or Switzerland, Porto is inexpensive for food, drinks and public transport. Accommodation is noticeably more expensive in the summer months and at weekends.
How do I get from Porto airport to the city?
The easiest way is Metro line E, which takes around 30 to 35 minutes to reach the centre. Taxis are faster but cost several times as much.
Is Porto safe for tourists?
Porto is considered safe, but you should still watch out for pickpockets in crowds and on the metro. Tipping is not obligatory; in restaurants, rounding up or about 5 to 10 percent is common.
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