Porto Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted; keep a little cash for small cafes and markets.
• Language: Portuguese. English is widely spoken in the center and at major sights.
• Time zone: Western European Time (WET/WEST), the same as the UK.
• Power outlets: Type C/F, 230V. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
• Tipping: Not mandatory. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.

When to go

Late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) bring mild weather and fewer crowds than midsummer.

July and August are warm and busy. Late June is lively too, with the São João festival around June 23-24.

Winters are mild but wet, so pack for rain. It is a quieter time to see the main sights.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes with grip - the streets are steep, cobbled, and slippery when wet.
• A light rain jacket or umbrella, even outside winter.
• A layer for the evening; the river breeze can be cool after sunset.
• A small day bag, a refillable water bottle, and sun protection for summer.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Porto Airport (OPO) is about 11 km from the center. Metro Line E runs to the city, a trip of roughly 30 minutes, and taxis and rideshare are also available.
• Metro and buses: The metro and buses cover most of the city. The Andante card works on both, and the metro crosses the river on the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
• On foot: The historic center is compact but hilly, and most sights are within a short walk of one another.
• Taxis & rideshare: Taxis are inexpensive, and Uber and Bolt operate in Porto. Both are useful for the steepest climbs and late nights.

Good to know before you go

• Livraria Lello requires an entry ticket, so buy it online to avoid a long queue at the door.
• Restaurants often put bread, olives, and cheese on the table. These are charged if you eat them, and you can politely decline them.
• Many museums close one day a week, often Monday, so check opening days before you plan.
• Tap water is safe to drink, and the city is generally safe for visitors; take the usual care with pickpockets in crowded areas.

Neighborhoods to know

• Ribeira: The riverfront at the foot of the old town, with narrow lanes, tiled houses, and terraces facing the Douro.
• Vila Nova de Gaia: Across the river, where the port wine lodges offer tours and tastings.
• Clérigos and the Baixa: The busy upper center, with the tower, bookshops, cafes, and shopping streets.

Don't miss in Porto

• Livraria Lello: A neo-Gothic bookshop with a carved interior and a famous red staircase.
• Palácio da Bolsa: A 19th-century stock exchange palace, with the gilded Arab Room on its tour.
• São Bento Station: A working railway station with a hall covered in blue tiles.
• Dom Luís I Bridge and the Douro River Cruise: The best views of the city, on foot and from the water.