Exploring Porto on a Budget: Essential Tips

Portugal’s captivating northern city, Porto, has its share of five-star hotels and Michelin-listed restaurants. However, it also offers good-value B&Bs and family-run tabernas where you can feast on Portuguese classics without draining your bank account. In fact, travel here can be surprisingly affordable, even during the high season.

Many of the best things to do in Porto don’t cost a thing, from lounging on beaches near Foz do Douro to watching the sunset from a hilltop miradouro (lookout). Free walking tours and scavenger hunts around town offer fantastic ways to explore. Additionally, you can plan your visit around free festivals, and enjoy Porto’s excellent public transportation network as an economical way to explore the city’s rich culture.

Find the Cheapest Point of Arrival

Discount airlines connect Porto with airports across Europe. Yet, if you’re coming from the US, Australia, or other distant countries, consider flights into Lisbon. The train or bus ride to Porto takes just over three hours. Even with the additional travel costs, flying into Portugal’s capital may result in substantial savings.

Travel Off-Peak for Better Prices

From October to April, Porto boasts pleasant weather and vibrant colors in the parks. Fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices—typically around 25% off high-season rates—make this time ideal for travelers. Visiting from November to February can save you even more since many hotels reduce rates by 50% or more. Remember to pack a rain jacket, scarf, and warm layers due to the potential for wet and chilly weather intermixed with sunny days.

Utilize Public Transportation

The city center of Porto isn’t ideal for driving, considering high parking costs and everyday challenges such as one-way streets and heavy traffic. Parking your vehicle on the outskirts and relying on public transportation is advisable. A one-way trip on the metro or bus costs just €1.25 (US$1.30) in the central part of the city.

Take the Metro from the Airport

When flying into Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro, avoid expensive taxi rides by taking the metro into the city. Purchase an Andante card (€0.60/$0.65), add credit for a zone 4 trip (€2/$2.10), and take the E (violet) line into town.

Enjoy Lunch as Your Main Meal

Eating your main meal at lunchtime allows you to save. Even high-end restaurants offer less expensive options, such as the menu do dia (fixed menu) or prato do dia (daily special), providing great value for your money.

Align Your Visit with Free Events

One of Porto’s celebrated arts festivals, Serralves em Festa, features 50 hours of non-stop cultural programming over a long weekend in June. You can experience music, dance, theater, circus arts, and multimedia exhibitions, making it an excellent time to visit.

Various free events throughout the year, including the festivities for São João (around June 24), offer vibrant street celebrations. Enjoy concerts at the Casa da Música or celebrate New Year’s Eve with street parties and fireworks.

Watch the Sunset from a Miradouro

Porto offers numerous scenic overlooks (miradouros) whereby you can enjoy breathtaking views and refreshing breezes. A local favorite is Passeio das Virtudes, where you can stretch out on the grass and gaze at the rooftops with the Douro River and the Arrábida bridge beyond. Enjoy a drink at nearby terrace cafes, or bring your own to save even more.

Stay in Budget Hotels

In the busy summer months, it’s possible to save significantly on accommodation by sacrificing a few luxuries. At a place like Poets Inn, stylish double rooms are available for under €70 ($74) a night if you can manage a shared bathroom. You can find even more economical options at Hospedaria Boavista, with clean quarters ranging from €45 to €55 ($47 to $58) during high season.

Save Even More in a Hostel

With dozens of beautifully designed hostels that come with upscale amenities, Porto provides several excellent options. Some feature rooftop lounges, terraces, and private gardens, some even hosting in-house concerts. The Passenger Hostel, located inside the historic São Bento train station, is a great option for travelers. Dormitory beds typically cost around €25 ($26) during peak season, while private double rooms range from €60 to €90 ($63 to $95).

Relax at the Beach

An inexpensive outing can be a visit to the beach, easily accessible by bus or metro. The oceanfront district of Foz do Douro has a lovely selection of sandy beaches like Praia dos Ingleses, reachable via bus 1M from the city center (a sub-30-minute ride from Ribeira). If the seas are too rough, head to Praia de Matosinhos (accessible by bus 1M and the metro), which is great for families. The wide sandy beach offers a safe swimming environment with lifeguards present during the summer months.

Discover Porto with a Free Walking Tour

Explore Porto’s rich layers of history with a free tour from Porto Walkers. Experience the city’s evolution while visiting key locations, such as the Sé (cathedral), the breathtaking Dom Luís I bridge, the charming Ribeira district, and scenic viewpoints. These tours generally run most days and are free of charge, although tips are greatly appreciated, as guides depend on them for a living.

Experience Local Cuisine at a Taberna

Porto is home to many classic establishments where you can savor traditional Portuguese dishes at excellent prices. A must-visit is Taberna de Santo António, featuring a rotating menu of delectable plates, including codfish, roast pork, fried sardines, and the iconic local dish tripas à modo do Porto (tripe and bean stew).

Embark on an Azulejo Scavenger Hunt

The blue-and-white tile known as the azulejo is an iconic representation of Porto, adorning many of the city’s significant landmarks. These tiles tell stories of Portuguese history, folklore, and contemporary art. Spend a day hunting for and photographing azulejo-covered buildings without any cost.

Don’t miss these locations: Igreja do Carmo church, the stunning São Bento train station, Porto’s cathedral, Capela das Almas, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, and the vibrant ribera negra artwork near the Dom Luís I bridge. Capture them all and compile your collection at the end of the day.

Understanding Daily Costs in Porto

• Hostel room (dorm bed): €22-28 ($23-29)
• Basic room for two: €55-75 ($58-79)
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €100 ($105)
• Metro or bus ticket to Matosinhos beach: €1.60 one-way ($1.70)
• Um cimbalino (an espresso): €0.80-1.30 ($0.85-1.40)
• Tripas à modo do Porto (Porto’s classic tripe dish): €7-9 ($7.40-9.50)
• Dinner for two: €40-70 ($42-74)
• Glass of wine from the Douro: €3-5.50 ($3.15-5.80)