Things to Know Before Visiting Porto 🇵🇹
Porto is one of those cities that instantly feels like home — charmingly weathered, full of character, and unapologetically relaxed. Built on hills tumbling into the Douro River, it’s a place where cobblestones, azulejos, and sunsets all compete for your attention. Whether you’re here for the port, the pastries, or the postcard-perfect views, Porto delivers (and then some).
Where Is It?
Porto sits in northern Portugal, on the Iberian Peninsula, along the banks of the Douro River and just a few kilometres inland from the Atlantic coast. It’s Portugal’s second-largest city, after Lisbon — but we'd argue, it's more charming. The surrounding Norte region is known for its rolling vineyards, rugged coastlines, and hearty food.
How to Get There & Get Around
As with most European cities, getting to Porto is a breeze. Porto's airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO), is well-connected to most European cities, and low-cost carriers make it a budget traveller’s dream. This is the route we took, flying from London Gatwick to Porto, a short 2 ½ hour journey.
If you're arriving from Lisbon, land travel (by bus or train) is cost-effective, simple, and offers a scenic route through pastel-tiled villages that flash past your window.
Once in Porto, walking is the best way to see it, but its hills will give your calves a workout. If that's not your style, no worries, try one of these transport options instead:
🚌 Buses — cheap and part of an easy-to-use public transport system.
🚆Trains — fast, clean, and an easy way to reach the city centre from the airport.
🚃 Trams: nostalgic fun; jump on Line 1 along the Douro river.
🚕 Taxis — a lifesaver when you're trying to lug those suitcases up cobblestone hills.
Seasons & Best Time to Go
Porto enjoys a mild Atlantic climate — imagine warm summers and cool, rainy winters.
We visited Porto in late-August and enjoyed nearly perfect weather — long, sunny days with cooler, dry evenings. Here’s what to expect through the year:
Spring (Mar–May): blooming flowers, breezy, and beautiful.
Summer (Jun–Aug): long sunny days, lots of events and lively nightlife — but crowds are larger, and prices are higher.
Autumn (Sep–Oct): fewer tourists, warm weather, and a perfect season for wine tasting.
Winter (Nov–Feb): quieter and cheaper, though expect rain and cooler temperatures.
☀ Best for weather: May to September.
💸 Best for budget: November to February.
How Long to Stay
Porto's compact size makes it easy to see the highlights in 2–3 days. But, if you can, stretch it to 4–5 days — slow down, and sneak in a visit to the Douro Valley. We stayed 3 days, but wished we had more time (and another pastel de nata).
Best Area to Stay
Choosing your base in Porto is half the fun — each area has its own spark. Here are the top places to narrow down your search:
Ribeira: the postcard-perfect riverfront, packed with restaurants and old-world charm (but expect crowds).
Baixa: central, full of shops, cafés, and nightlife.
Cedofeita: trendy and quieter, filled with boutiques and cool bars.
Vila Nova de Gaia: across the river — technically another city, but home to the famous port wine cellars and killer skyline views.
We stayed in the Baixa area due to our unusually short stay (for us). It made for the perfect location to explore, given its central location. For first-timers, choose either Ribeira or Baixa to be close to the action.
What to Do
Porto is one of those cities that rewards wandering. Follow the sound of church bells, the smell of grilled sardines, and you’ll find magic at every turn. Here are a few of our fav’s to add to your list:
Ribeira District: colourful riverside houses, lively restaurants, and sunset views over the Douro.
Dom Luís I Bridge: walk across the upper level for panoramic views — best at golden hour.
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: leafy escape with peacocks and perfect picnic spots.
Jardim do Morro: come at sunset, grab a beer, sit on the grass, and watch the city glow.
Mercado do Bolhão: take your time browsing the market; it's lively, local, and totally photogenic.
Port Wine Cellars (Gaia): tours, tastings, and temptation. Plan your route carefully — they all end with samples.
Useful Tips
🗣️ Three words to learn: Olá = hello || Obrigado/Obrigada = thank you || Saúde = cheers
💳 Money: Porto is very card-friendly, but keep some Euros for small cafés and markets.
📱eSIM: Airalo offers easy-to-use eSIM plans.
💡Bonus tip: don't miss the evening buskers at Jardim do Morro — an unbeatable experience.
Our Real Costs
($AUD based on two people over 3 days — 2025)
✈️ Getting there: $461 (one-way from England)
🏠 Accommodation: $117 per night (Airbnb)
🍽 Food: $76 per day
🚇 Transport: $17 total
🎟️ Activities: $30 total
📱 Data: $3 total (eSIM)
Our Thoughts
Porto stole our hearts faster than a glass of tawny port disappears at sunset. It’s laid-back but lively, steeped in history without feeling staged, and oozes character from every azulejo tile.
We loved how easy it was to settle into a rhythm here — sipping coffee by the river, strolling through narrow lanes, watching the world go by with a glass of wine (or beer) in hand. The food is indulgent, the people warm, and the views unforgettable.
If you’re chasing a European city that feels familiar but still full of wonder, Porto is it. Pack good shoes, come hungry, and be prepared to expand your drawstrings.