Planning a trip to Porto? Here are 13 tips you'll find helpful

Whether you're visiting for a short getaway or a longer stay to craft your bestseller, Porto, Portugal, is truly captivating.

This city offers a blend of contemporary art, medieval architecture, and a delightful array of delicious food and wine. It's a relaxed destination, but knowing a few key tips—like navigating public transport and dressing for the climate—can enhance your experience.

For instance, it's perfectly fine to ask if someone enjoys tripe, but using gracias isn't usually appropriate.

Continue reading for these insights and more that will ensure your trip to Porto is memorable.

1. Avoid driving in the city center

Navigating Porto's narrow, one-way roads, heavy traffic, and tricky parking can be stressful, even for locals. With hills, tram tracks, many pedestrians and cyclists, and construction detours, driving can quickly become overwhelming. If you're coming by car, it's wise to park on the outskirts and use public transport to reach the city center.

2. Choose your neighborhood early

Located by the river, Ribeira is a favored spot known for its historic buildings and vibrant dining scene. However, due to Porto's rising popularity, it can feel quite touristy, and reservations are often made months in advance. Just a short walk from Ribeira, the Aliados neighborhood places you in the city's center with excellent lodging and dining options.

Like Ribeira, you'll need to act quickly to secure your desired accommodation. If you're looking for a more coastal vibe, Foz do Douro, situated near the Atlantic beaches, is just a 40-minute bus or tram ride from downtown.

3. Book restaurant reservations early

Porto boasts outstanding restaurants, including over a dozen featured in the Michelin guide. If you want to dine at Pedro Lemos, Antiqvvm, or other renowned spots, make your reservations several weeks in advance—or at least one month ahead during the peak season (May to September).

4. Obtain an Andante Card for public transport travel

Porto features a well-organized public transportation system, boasting six Metro lines that connect various neighborhoods. You can also take the Metro to the beach and directly to and from the airport. The network includes buses, trams, and a funicular. For ease of use, buy an Andante Card (€0.60) and load it with credit (“titulos”) for rides on the Metro and buses.

Tram fares are €0 for a one-way trip and €6 for a return, with tickets available on board. The Funicular dos Guindais requires a separate ticket (€0 one-way) and offers a short yet thrilling ride from the riverside near the iconic Luís I bridge up to Rua Augusto Rosa close to the Igreja de Santa Clara.

5. Remember to pack your swimsuit

The western neighborhoods of Porto line the Atlantic coast, featuring numerous wide sandy beaches that are easily accessible by Metro or bus. While the water may be brisk, it provides refreshing relief on sweltering summer days when temperatures can soar above 33°C (93°F).

6. Bring comfortable footwear and a smart-casual wardrobe

Porto’s hilly terrain and uneven sidewalks will give your legs a workout, so ensure you have sturdy walking shoes to avoid any ankle mishaps. Reserve high heels for dining and nightlife.

Beyond footwear, locals typically favor a smart-casual style. While shorts are acceptable at the beach, wearing them around the city may earn you a tourist label. When dining at nicer restaurants, it’s best to dress up a bit.

7. Pack a raincoat and scarf to be ready for unpredictable weather

Despite its location by the chilly Atlantic, Porto enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate, featuring warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Even if you're visiting in July or August, it’s wise to bring a rain jacket for the occasional downpour. In winter, expect some rainy days followed by lovely sunny weather. No matter when you go, layers are essential, as mornings can be cool before warming up significantly. Additionally, strong breezes from the ocean are common, so don’t forget a scarf.

8. Indulge in a francesinha

The francesinha is Porto's answer to what poutine is for Québec. This beloved yet decidedly unpretentious dish consists of thick bread filled with ham, linguiça (Portuguese sausage), steak, and cheese, then generously topped with melted cheese and a mildly spicy sauce made from tomatoes and beer, often crowned with a fried egg for an extra cholesterol boost.

Be sure to try it in Porto, as you’ll seldom find the francesinha elsewhere. It’s advisable to eat lightly beforehand, given the dish's rich caloric content. One of the best places to enjoy it is at Cafe Santiago.

9. Sample the tripas

While calling someone a tripe eater (tripeiro) might spark conflict elsewhere, in Porto, locals embrace the term. You may wonder why? It’s due to their fondness for tripa (tripe), especially the dish known as tripas à modo do Porto (Porto-style tripe).

Meat lovers will savor this hearty stew made with veal tripe, white beans, sausage, carrots, paprika, and a blend of spices. Almost every tripeiro has their favorite spot for this iconic dish, but you can't go wrong with the authentic home-style cooking at O Buraco.

10. Know when to tip (or not)

Like in many regions of Portugal, some locals in Porto do not tip at all or simply round up their bill when paying for meals or taxi fares. In tourist-friendly places, tipping is more customary, typically around 10%, and may even be included as a service charge.

Tipping isn't generally expected in cafes or bars. However, if you're at a high-end venue, consider tipping about €1–2 for each specialty cocktail.

11. Master phrases like “bom dia” and other key Portuguese expressions

Many residents in Porto speak English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Nevertheless, knowing a few Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience. Locals appreciate any attempt to communicate in their language, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. When entering a room, it’s courteous to greet those present with “bom dia” (good day) or “boa tarde” (good afternoon). Saying “Muito obrigada” (thank you very much) or “muito obrigado” (if you're male) will earn you respect.

12. Don’t assume Spanish will suffice

If you know Spanish, you might think you can easily navigate Porto. After all, Portuguese and Spanish share similarities (just like English and Dutch), and their histories intertwine in some ways.

However, Spanish isn’t commonly spoken here. In fact, more Portuguese people communicate in English (around 30% of the population) or even French (15%) than in Spanish (10%). Some locals may take offense if you start speaking in Spanish, so it’s wiser to begin with English—maybe after trying out a few Portuguese phrases.

13. Stay alert to petty theft

Porto is generally a safe city with a low crime rate. However, you should be mindful of pickpockets and bag snatching, especially on trams and the Metro. It's wise to avoid crowded peak hours and refrain from being distracted by your phone in public. At night, exercise caution in the dimly lit alleys of Ribeira and around the São Bento train station. Opting for a taxi is a safer choice in these areas.