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Porto A–Z Itinerary: A Weekend Budget-Conscious Guide
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items From where to stay and eat to how to get around and what to see, this A–Z itinerary is designed to help you plan your Porto adventure with ease, without breaking the bank for a weekend adventure.
Sections
5
Where to Stay in Portugal
Transportation
Activities Day 1
Activities Day 2
Day 3
Where to Stay in Portugal
From a literal art gallery to a hostel conveniently connected to the train station, these three spots each offer free breakfast and bring their own unique charm. With a mix of shared and standout amenities, they’re all solid picks for where to stay i...
Want to step into a work of art? This unique space blends an art gallery with a hostel—and it just might be the stay you didn’t know you needed. Beautifully decorated yet still reasonably priced, Gallery Hostel has a lot going for it. It’s about a 10...
Gallery Hostel Porto | Accommodation in the center of Porto! Hostels!
The staff here goes above and beyond to make your stay feel special. Free breakfast is a big win (something I always look for when recommending a hostel), and if you’re trying to save money by cooking, there’s even a BBQ area available. Socially, the...
Porto Spot Hostel
Looking for an eco-friendly stay with an unbeatable location? The Passenger Hostel might be the one for you. It’s actually inside São Bento Train Station, which makes it incredibly convenient, but that unique location does come with a few trade-offs....
The Passenger Hostel
Transportation
Getting around Porto is simple and budget-friendly. This section focuses on transportation to and from the airport, but once you're in the city, you’ll find that Porto is very walkable (even with the hills!) and well-connected by public transit. Metr...
Take metro line E (purple) Stops at: Airport to Trindade Station (in the city center)
Duration: ~25–30 minutes
Cost: ~€2.75 (Z4 ticket + €0.60 reusable Andante card if it’s your first time)
Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
Tip: Great if you’re staying in central areas like Trindade, Aliados, or Bolhão.
https://www.metrodoporto.pt/
Duration: ~25–30 minutes
Cost: ~€2.75 (Z4 ticket + €0.60 reusable Andante card if it’s your first time)
Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
Tip: Great if you’re staying in central areas like Trindade, Aliados, or Bolhão.
https://www.metrodoporto.pt/
Metro do Porto (Best Budget Option)
I've actually spent as little as €15 to get to the city center but I think that may have been time of day and out of peak hour. Bolts are an affordable option.
Look for signs for ridesharing as there is a zone for pickup at the airport.
Duration: ~20–30 minutes
Cost: Usually a bit cheaper than taxis (~€20–30 depending on time and traffic)
Tip: Use the app to compare pricing in real time.
Look for signs for ridesharing as there is a zone for pickup at the airport.
Duration: ~20–30 minutes
Cost: Usually a bit cheaper than taxis (~€20–30 depending on time and traffic)
Tip: Use the app to compare pricing in real time.
Option 1: Bolt Ridesharing
Ubers are affordable in Porto, after a day of walking having the app can come in handy.
Look for signs for ridesharing as there is a zone for pickup at the airport.
Duration: ~20–30 minutes
Cost: Usually a bit cheaper than taxis (~€20–30 depending on time and traffic)
Tip: Use the app to compare pricing in real time.
Look for signs for ridesharing as there is a zone for pickup at the airport.
Duration: ~20–30 minutes
Cost: Usually a bit cheaper than taxis (~€20–30 depending on time and traffic)
Tip: Use the app to compare pricing in real time.
Option 2: Uber Ridesharing
STCP and Resende provide bus connections from the airport to various areas of the city. Follow sign for these options in the terminal once you arrive.
Option 1: Nº 120: Guifões - Airport (stcp.pt)
Option 2: Nº 120: São Gens - Airport (resendeturismo.com)
Option 3: Flixbus (flixbus.pt)
Option 1: Nº 120: Guifões - Airport (stcp.pt)
Option 2: Nº 120: São Gens - Airport (resendeturismo.com)
Option 3: Flixbus (flixbus.pt)
Public Transportation
Activities Day 1
These daily plans are just a guide; feel free to mix and match activities from any day to fit your pace and travel style!
Kick off your Porto adventure with a free walking tour, especially if you haven’t done much planning or aren’t sure what to see yet. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground while learning the rich history and hidden stories behind the city’s most i...
Main Free Tour. Porto #1 from Revolutours
Stop 1 after your walking tour. A classic pastry stop just steps from the Mercado. Swing by before heading in or after browsing the stalls for a flaky treat and a cozy pick-me-up. Grab a coffee and a pastel de nata (or two) and soak in the old-school...
Confeitaria do Bolhão | Porto
Stop 1 or 2 after your walking tour your choice. I say stop 2 after the pastel de natas. Bustling, authentic, and full of flavor. This historic market is where locals shop and chat over fresh produce, flowers, and seafood. Come for the vibe, stay for...
Mercado do Bolhão
The postcard view you came for. With its colorful facades, lively cafés, and the sounds of street musicians, Ribeira is the perfect place for a stroll, a glass of Port, or simply soaking up Porto’s riverside charm. Don’t limit yourself to one visit, ...
Explore The Ribeira waterfront
You’ve probably heard about this hearty sandwich before arriving, and yes, it is worth the hype. Café Santiago is one of the most famous spots for the iconic Francesinha: cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. If you're craving comfort food that trul...
CAFÉ SANTIAGO, Oporto - Rua de Passos Manuel 226 - Menú, Precios y ...
Activities Day 2
These daily plans are just a guide; feel free to mix and match activities from any day to fit your pace and travel style!
Have breakfast at your hostel — the three suggested stays should include it in the price. Prefer to venture out? Stop by a nearby bakery or check out my Porto A-Z Itinerary: Mid-Range guide for more breakfast spots.
Suggestion: Breakfast at your hostel
Located on Rua de Santa Catarina, Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) is famous for its massive blue-and-white tile mural depicting scenes from the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine. It’s one of the most iconic facades in the city. This...
Visit Chapel of Souls - Porto
Located on Rua do Carmo, Igreja do Carmo is known for the stunning azulejo panel that covers its entire exterior side wall. Interestingly, it appears to be connected to Igreja dos Carmelitas, but they’re actually two separate churches, with the narro...
Visit Igreja do Carmo, Porto
Grab a juicy pork sandwich at Casa Guedes fast, local, and only about €6. Located at Praça dos Poveiros 130, this no-frills eatery is famous for its roasted pork leg sandwiches (sandes de pernil), arguably the most iconic street food in Porto. The po...
CASA GUEDES TRADICIONAL (Lunch)
Cross the Dom Luis Bridge and choose a Port Tour. Calém is one of Porto’s most iconic port houses; Calém offers guided tours through historic cellars, tastings (often with chocolate pairings!), and a small on-site museum. Want to level it up? For abo...
Choose a Port Tasting: Choice 1: Caves Calém (Afternoon)
Cross the Dom Luis Bridge and choose a Port Tour. Tucked just near the bridge with dreamy Douro views, Burmester is a cozy spot for port lovers. Sip aged tawny and ruby ports in a sleek, relaxed setting, it’s a gem with a rich history dating back to ...
Choose a Port Tasting: Choice 2: Caves Burmester (Afternoon)
Depending on whether you’ve just finished a port tasting or simply crossed the bridge for photos, you can either walk (5–10 minutes) or hop on the Vila Nova de Gaia cable car to reach Jardim do Morro, perfect if you’re not up for the uphill climb.
Here’s how it works:
Most of the iconic port wine houses (like Burmester, Graham’s, and Sandeman) are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, the southern side of the river. Jardim do Morro sits just above them, perched at the top of the hill near the upper level of the Dom Luís I...
✨ Grab a bottle of wine, some cheese, bread, and charcuterie from a nearby shop, and enjoy a casual picnic while the sun sets over the city skyline.
Here’s how it works:
Most of the iconic port wine houses (like Burmester, Graham’s, and Sandeman) are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, the southern side of the river. Jardim do Morro sits just above them, perched at the top of the hill near the upper level of the Dom Luís I...
✨ Grab a bottle of wine, some cheese, bread, and charcuterie from a nearby shop, and enjoy a casual picnic while the sun sets over the city skyline.
Gaia cable car + Sunset in Jardim do Morro
No sunset? No problem, chase cozy vibes instead at Museu d'Avó, an eclectic hidden gem of an eatery. While the exterior may not stand out, the interior is full of character and charm. Order the garlic shrimp (a must-try!), and dive into their wide se...
Museu D'avo (Dinner)
Day 3
These daily plans are just a guide; feel free to mix and match activities from any day to fit your pace and travel style! This is the last of the weekends activities see the Mid-Range list (maybe in progress)
Have breakfast at your hostel — the three suggested stays should include it in the price. Prefer to venture out? Stop by a nearby bakery or check out my Porto A-Z Itinerary: Mid-Range guide for more breakfast spots.
Suggestion: Breakfast at your hostel or with a view see suggestion 2
Miradouro da Vitória is one of Porto’s best-known (and free!) lookout points. Grab a coffee and a pastel de nata (or your pastry of choice) and head there for peaceful morning views overlooking the Douro River.
Need-to-know info:
• Location: Tucked in the Vitória neighborhood, just a short walk from Clerigos Tower and Livraria Lello.
• View: Offers sweeping views of the Douro River, the Ribeira district, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and across to Vila Nova de Gaia with its iconic Port wine cellars.
• Vibe: Simple and unfussy—a small open area with a low wall, but the view is stunning, especially at golden hour or sunset.
Need-to-know info:
• Location: Tucked in the Vitória neighborhood, just a short walk from Clerigos Tower and Livraria Lello.
• View: Offers sweeping views of the Douro River, the Ribeira district, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and across to Vila Nova de Gaia with its iconic Port wine cellars.
• Vibe: Simple and unfussy—a small open area with a low wall, but the view is stunning, especially at golden hour or sunset.
Views & Pastries at Miradouro da Vitória
Before you head to the airport, make time for one of Porto’s best-known steals: the spicy mini hot dogs at Gazela Cachorrinhos da Batalha. I know—hot dogs? But trust me, this iconic local spot does them differently. These aren’t your average dogs: sp...
Need to know info:
Location: Near Praça da Batalha and the São João National Theatre
🌭 What to order: The classic cachorrinho and a cold fino (draft beer) – approx. €6
Vibe: Fast-paced, lively, and full of locals—grab a seat at the counter if you can.
Need to know info:
Location: Near Praça da Batalha and the São João National Theatre
🌭 What to order: The classic cachorrinho and a cold fino (draft beer) – approx. €6
Vibe: Fast-paced, lively, and full of locals—grab a seat at the counter if you can.
GAZELA CACHORRINHOS DA BATALHA