Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Porto
Despite being Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Many tourists only spend a day or two here before rushing south. And while you can tick off the highlights in 24 hours, there’s so much to experience that you could easily spend 3 days or more — and not regret a single moment.
From the very first visit, it’s hard not to fall in love with Porto’s atmosphere. The city has a bit of everything — world-class wine, cosy local eateries, stunning architecture, rich cultural experiences, and even beautiful nature. It feels like Lisbon’s more walkable, authentic (and thankfully, less hilly!) sister.
Below, we’ve put together everything you need to know before visiting Porto — tips on getting around, where to stay, what to do, and the local dishes you absolutely shouldn’t miss. We hope it inspires you to spend at least a couple of days exploring this incredible city!
How to Get Around Porto
Porto has a well-developed public transport system, with buses, metro, trams, funiculars, and even a cable car.
If you’re arriving by train, São Bento Station is right in the city centre, so you probably won’t need public transport straight away. If you’re flying in or arriving by bus, the metro is the easiest way to reach the centre.
For historic trams, the Funicular dos Guindais, and the Teleférico de Gaia (cable car), you’ll need to buy tickets separately — either on board or at the station. For everything else, you’ll need an Andante card.
Andante Cards
To use Porto’s metro, buses, and most trains, you’ll need an Andante Azul (blue) card. Here’s what you need to know:
• The card costs €0.60 and can be recharged by tapping it on the card reader at the station.
• Each person must have their own card.
• You can load it with single tickets or a 24-hour pass for specific zones.
• You can’t mix ticket types — use up one zone’s tickets before loading another (or buy a second card).
• Zone 2 (Z2) tickets are usually enough for getting around Porto, but from the airport you’ll need Zone 4 (Z4).
• You can transfer between metro, buses, and trains for up to 1 hour on a single ticket, within your zones.
For unlimited travel over 24 or 72 hours across all zones, get an Andante Tour card instead. Once activated, it works for exactly 24 or 72 hours — not just the calendar day. You still need to tap before every journey, but you don’t need to tap out.
Bus tickets bought directly from the driver cost twice as much and require exact cash — so unless you have no other option, the Andante card is far cheaper and more convenient.
Where to Stay in Porto
Most tourists stay in Ribeira, the riverside district. It’s lively and scenic, but it’s also the most touristy part of Porto — packed with visitors at all hours. Another popular area is Bolhão, closer to the centre, which offers a slightly more local feel.
That said, there’s much more to Porto than just these two districts, and where you stay can really shape your experience — especially when it comes to navigating the city’s famous hills.
If you’re staying right behind Dom Luís I Bridge, be prepared: you’re either taking the funicular up (€4 per ride) or tackling some seriously steep stairs. Even though Porto is generally flatter than Lisbon, this climb is no joke. So factor in either the funicular cost or a longer, flatter walking route.
Best Things to Do in Porto
Dom Luís I Bridge
The Dom Luís I Bridge is the iconic landmark of Porto — impossible to miss, and absolutely worth experiencing properly. This massive metal arch connects Ribeira with Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the city’s famous port wine cellars.
Both levels of the bridge are pedestrian-friendly, and we’d highly recommend walking across the top for breathtaking panoramic views. The top level is also a short walk from Jardim do Morro, a botanical garden where locals and tourists alike gather each evening to watch the sunset. Just near the bridge entrance, the path called Pedra dos Gatinhos offers an incredible view of the bridge itself.
Igreja do Carmo
For photography lovers, Igreja do Carmo is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Porto — arguably even better than the Chapel of Souls, with softer light and fewer crowds at most times of day.
The building has a fascinating story too. What looks like one church is actually two — Igreja dos Carmelitas and Igreja do Carmo — separated by a tiny 1.5-metre-wide house. The reason? Back in the 18th century, monasteries and convents weren’t allowed to share a wall, so a small house was built between them. Incredibly, someone actually lived in that house until the 1980s! Today it’s part of Carmo Church and open to visitors for a small extra fee, along with a tower offering great city views.
If you’d rather not pay, the Carmelite Church on the left is free to enter — and absolutely stunning.
Chapel of Souls
Also known as the Chapel of Santa Catarina, this is the second church in Porto famous for its white and blue azulejo facade. It’s more touristy than Igreja do Carmo, and getting a clean photo can be a challenge — you have to shoot from across the street, with traffic and crowds to contend with.
Entry is free, but the experience can feel a little overwhelming during busy hours. If you’re looking for a quieter azulejo fix, Igreja do Carmo is the better bet.
Porto Cathedral
One of our favourite spots in the city, Porto Cathedral combines stunning architecture with genuinely great value. Entry to the cathedral itself may be free (though queues at the ticket office suggest otherwise), but visiting the cloisters and tower costs just €3 — exceptional value for what you get.
The Gothic cloisters are breathtaking, lined with intricate blue azulejo tile murals. The queues can look intimidating, but they move quickly — and there’s often live music to make the wait more enjoyable. Once inside, the crowds thin out considerably, making it easy to explore and take photos.
Port Wine Tasting
If you enjoy wine, trying port is an absolute must in Porto. You can book a guided day trip to the Douro Valley to visit the vineyards where it all begins, or head to Vila Nova de Gaia — just across the river — where the famous port cellars are located.
Many cellars offer guided tours, but spots at the most popular port houses fill up fast. Taylor’s Port Cellars is one of the oldest founding port houses and an official supplier to the Royal Household — and their audioguided tour is an excellent option. The experience covers everything from grape to glass, including the different varieties and storage methods. A tasting of two port styles plus a port and tonic cocktail is included at the end. And yes — they have resident peacocks roaming the gardens.
Clérigos Church and Tower
Clérigos Tower offers 360° views of Porto and is a popular choice for sunset. The church itself also hosts a spectacular light show — a genuinely mesmerising 30-minute experience if you haven’t seen one before.
One heads-up: the tower viewing deck is very small, and if crowds spill over from previous time slots (which they often do), it can get uncomfortably packed. If you’re sensitive to crowds, consider visiting at a quieter time or choosing a different viewpoint instead.
Livraria Lello
One of the oldest bookshops in Portugal and widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world, Livraria Lello became a major tourist attraction partly thanks to a (since debunked) rumour that it inspired J.K. Rowling while she lived in Porto.
Tickets cost €10 for a regular entry (redeemable against a book purchase) and must be booked for a specific time slot. Even with a ticket, expect to queue outside. The only way to skip the line is a €50 platinum ticket, which also grants access to rare book editions and manuscripts.
It’s genuinely stunning inside — but go in with realistic expectations about the crowds.
Largo da Pena Ventosa
A charming small square lined with colourful houses, Largo da Pena Ventosa fills up with café tables during the day. For photos without the crowds, head there early in the morning before the cafés open. Either way, it’s a lovely spot to stop for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
Passeio das Fontainhas
A lesser-known viewpoint offering a beautiful perspective on the Dom Luís I Bridge. It’s not well marked on maps — set your directions to Escolas Primárias da Sé, or search “Porto view” on Apple Maps. As you walk down the street, look for a small gate on the right; a couple of concrete steps lead down to the viewpoint. Far from the tourist trail, it’s a peaceful spot for photos with a stunning backdrop.
São Bento Railway Station
Even without a train to catch, São Bento is worth a visit in its own right — it’s genuinely one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Inside, around 20,000 azulejo tiles tell the story of Portugal’s history and everyday life across different eras. A must-see.
Go to an FC Porto Game
For football fans, catching an FC Porto match is a memorable experience. Unlike some Portuguese clubs, FC Porto doesn’t require a membership to buy tickets — anyone can attend. Beyond the match itself, there’s a museum and a large club shop worth exploring. Expect a lively, passionate atmosphere.
Best Restaurants in Porto
Breakfast
Zenith
A popular brunch spot with locations in Porto, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Madrid. Expect brunch classics: toast, açaí bowls, sweet and savoury pancakes (including a Francesinha version!), bagels, eggs, and tapiocas. Service is fast despite the crowds. One tip: skip the pastéis de nata here — at €3 each, you’ll find equally good (or better) ones elsewhere for much less.
Lazy Breakfast Club
A more intimate spot with a focused menu of eggs, croissants, bagels, and waffles. Breakfast platters including coffee come in at €10 or under — great value. It’s a small space, so arriving early is a good idea.
Bakeries & Coffee Shops
Confeitaria do Bolhão
A traditional bakery open since 1896, located right opposite Mercado do Bolhão. The original Art Nouveau interior is charming, and the tigelinhas do Bolhão (almond tarts) are a house specialty. Everything behind the counter looks and tastes incredible.
Gelataria Neveiros
A classic local ice cream shop, just down the street. Their port wine and ginja liqueur served in little chocolate cups for just €1 is a brilliant (and very affordable) Porto experience — prices are at least double in Lisbon.
Leitaria da Quinta do Paço
Dedicated entirely to éclairs since 1920, this no-frills spot offers a staggering 42 varieties, most under €2. The standout is the Fios de Ovos (Egg Strands) éclair — a traditional Portuguese sweet made from egg yolks drawn into thin strands and boiled in sugar syrup. A genuine local specialty.
Lunch & Dinner
Mercado do Bolhão
Open since the 19th century and recently renovated, this iconic market is a must-visit. With 79 market stalls, 10 upstairs restaurants, and 38 outside shops, it’s a wonderful place to browse fresh produce, seafood, cheese, cured meats, and traditional sweets. Even if you’re not buying, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
Hamburgueria DeGema
A locals-favourite burger spot. They ask how you’d like your meat cooked (always a good sign), food comes out quickly, and it’s a solid break from traditional Portuguese dishes if you need one.
Café Santiago
If there’s one dish that defines Porto, it’s the francesinha. Layers of bread and mixed meats (ham, sausage, steak), covered in melted cheese, drenched in a rich spicy tomato and beer sauce, topped with a fried egg, and served with chips. It’s indulgent and filling — and Café Santiago is one of the best places in the city to try one. Vegetarian and vegan versions are also available at various spots around Porto.
Get in Touch With Us
Planning a trip to Porto? At PortoTravelAgency.com, we take care of everything — from accommodation and guided tours to port wine tastings and day trips to the Douro Valley. Get in touch and let us help you make the most of this incredible city.
Booking@PortoTravelAgency.com
Address
Maia, Porto
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