Porto in a weekend: the practical guide
Airport to centre for €2, where the port wine is actually worth it, and the two things everyone over-books.
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Porto is small, hilly and absurdly good value compared with Lisbon. Two days is enough if you do not waste half of one in a queue.
Getting in
Metro line E from the airport to Trindade takes about 30 minutes and costs a couple of euros on a rechargeable Andante card. A taxi is 25 to 30 euros; only worth it after midnight.
Where to stay
Cedofeita or Bonfim for a quieter base with good coffee. Ribeira is beautiful and loud; you are paying for the view and the noise.
What to pre-book
Livraria Lello sells timed tickets and the queue is real. Port cellar tours in Gaia fill up on Saturdays. Everything else, including the river cruise, you can do on the day.
Eat
Francesinha once, for the story. Pick a place locals queue at, not the one on the square.
Tripas à moda do Porto if you are brave.
Pastel de nata from a bakery, never from a kiosk.
Is Porto walkable?
Yes, but steep. Comfortable shoes and the occasional metro ride are the plan.
How many days do I need?
Two full days for the city, three if you want a Douro Valley day trip.
Written by
Editorial team
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