Budget-Friendly Fun: Exploring Porto in a Day

Experience the taste of Porto without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Travelers can explore the charming city of Porto, Portugal on a limited budget by staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses. The city offers a plethora of free or low-cost activities, including visiting the historic Ribeira district or wandering through the stunning gardens at Serralves Museum. Food and drink can also be enjoyed for a reasonable price at local markets or cafes, where traditional Portuguese cuisine is always on the menu.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Heart of Porto

  • Start the day with a traditional breakfast of "pastel de nata" and a cup of coffee at Manteigaria.
  • Walk to Clérigos Tower, an iconic landmark, and climb the stairs to have a panoramic view of the city.
  • Visit the stunning Livraria Lello, an ancient bookstore with a unique staircase that inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
  • Stroll through the colorful and charming streets of Ribeira, where the Douro River flows.
  • Have a tasty lunch of "Francesinha," a sandwich dish with meat and melted cheese at Cafe Santiago.
  • Head to Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a lovely garden park, to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Porto.
  • Porto is a city full of culture, history, and delicious food. With just one day, you can explore its main landmarks, indulge in its traditional flavors, and still have time to soak up its vibrant atmosphere. Get ready for a memorable adventure!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Porto, Portugal by plane is to fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) which is located about 11 kilometers northwest of the city center. Major airlines like TAP Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate direct flights to Porto from major cities in Europe and beyond.

Car

Driving is also a popular way to get to Porto with the A1 highway connecting Lisbon and Porto. The road trip takes about 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Portuguese countryside.

Train

Travelers can also reach Porto by train with its main train station being Campanhã Station, which is located about 5 kilometers east of the city. Trains from Lisbon to Porto are convenient and provide scenic views, but travel time can be up to 3 hours depending on the train you take.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Porto, travelers can arrive at nearby towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos by boat. These towns have marinas and are just a short distance from Porto via public transport. The closest international cruise port is in Lisbon and travelers can take a train, bus or car to Porto from there.

Bus

Travelers who want to reach Porto by bus can take the Rede Expressos bus service which operates throughout Portugal. The trip from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3.5 hours and buses from other major cities in Portugal also operate regular routes to Porto.

Destination

Porto

Welcome to the city that's famous for its wine, its bridges, and its ability to give you a wicked hangover after a night out in the charming Ribeira district. Don't worry, though -- the stunning views of the Douro River will make you forget all about those headaches.

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Budget-Friendly Fun: Exploring Porto in a Day

Travelers can explore the charming city of Porto, Portugal on a limited budget by staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses. The city offers a plethora of free or low-cost activities, including visiting the historic Ribeira district or wandering through the stunning gardens at Serralves Museum. Food and drink can also be enjoyed for a reasonable price at local markets or cafes, where traditional Portuguese cuisine is always on the menu.

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