How to Travel to Porto, Portugal – A Detailed Guide

Porto is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, making it a popular tourist destination. Located along the Douro River, it’s known for its old-fashioned style and stunning architecture. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the wine culture or explore the sights and sounds of the historical city center, Porto is the perfect place to see. In this guide, we’ve gathered together helpful advice and tips to help even the first-time visitor plan the perfect trip.

Getting to Porto

Since Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, getting there is relatively easy. Visitors from outside of Europe can take a flight directly to Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, located 13 kilometers away from the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle straight to your accommodation. There are also several other options for those who want an affordable and convenient way to get to Porto.

Flights to Porto

Here are some great flight options for getting to Porto:

• Ryanair – direct flights from London (Stansted) and Dublin.
• EasyJet – plenty of flights operating into Porto from major European cities, such as London (Gatwick and Luton).
• KLM – direct flights into Porto from Amsterdam.
• Vueling – direct flights into Porto from Barcelona.

If you’re looking for even more flight options, you can always check with different airlines like Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Iberia, and others. You can usually find great deals on flights to Porto if you book in advance.

Train to Porto

If you’re coming from another city in Portugal or from Spain, you can take a train to Porto. Traveling by train is a great way to enjoy the scenery as you get closer to your destination. International trains arrive in Porto at the Estação de São Bento train station, located right in the heart of the city centre. You can reach expansive Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Fátima in the Algarve region by taking a regional train line. Check out CP – Comboios de Portugal for more information.

Bus to Porto

If you’re coming from another city in Portugal or one of its neighboring countries, like Spain or France, you can take a bus to get straight to Porto. Bus travel is usually much cheaper than flying or taking the train. The Central Bus Station in Porto (called Campanhã) is located right near the Estação de São Bento train station and the subway network so it’s easy to get around the city once you arrive. You can find bus schedules and fares by visiting Rede Expressos.

Getting Around Porto

Once you’re in Porto, getting around is a breeze. The public transportation system includes buses, trams, trains, and subways that will take you wherever you need to go. You can buy tickets at kiosks located around the city or you can use the app “Viva Viagem”. The subway system (called Metro do Porto) is efficient and easy to use. It connects all major parts of the city and it’s the quickest way to get around town. There are also plenty of taxis available and renting a car is an option as well.

Accommodation in Porto

Porto has plenty of great accommodation options for visitors of all budgets. Prices vary depending on the location, type of accommodation, and time of year, but in general, accommodation in Porto is affordable compared to other European cities. Here are some ideas for finding a great place to stay in Porto:

Hotels

Porto has plenty of modern and traditional hotels located near all of the major attractions. For example, The Yeatman Hotel is situated along the gorgeous banks of the Douro River, very close to historic churches and museums and it offers beautiful views of the city. The Pestana Vintage Hotel is another great option that combines modern luxury with the rustic charm of an old-fashioned hotel. For those looking for something smaller and more intimate, Viva Porto Guesthouse offers cozy and comfortable accommodation with a friendly staff.

Vacation Rentals & Apartments

If you’re looking for something understated yet luxurious stay in Portugal, consider booking a vacation rental or an apartment. AirBnb has a range of great options available near all of the major attractions and beautiful spots in Porto. A personal favorite is The Loft: situated just steps away from the iconic Clerigos Tower, it’s one of AirBnb’s top-rated listings in the whole of town!

Things To Do in Porto

No matter how long your stay may be in Porto, you definitely won’t run out of fun things to do! Here are some suggestions for activities that are sure to make your trip extra memorable:

• Taste some port wine. One of Portugal’s best-known exports is its port wine, produced along the Douro River valley which runs through Porto. You can visit many venerable port wineries (called “caves’) and sample some generous glasses of port wine.
• Explore an incredible variety of museums. From the expansive Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art to small niche museums like Casa da Música and Mapafeita, there are plenty of cultural sites waiting to be explored.
• Visit iconic bridges. Stroll across two iconic bridges – Dom Luís I Bridge and Maria Pia Bridge – both designed by famed bridge architect Théodore Fernand de Struve Levêque.
• Discover the old city district. The old quarter (or Ribeira) of Porto is a lively historic district filled with narrow alleyways cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.
• Relax at Praia da Luz. Just outside of Porto city center lies Praia da Luz beach, a great place to escape from it all with its golden beach and calm ocean waves.
• Go shopping. If you want some works made by local designers, shops like Bookágio or A Mina are worth checking out. Galerias Paris also offers quality shopping experiences.
• Try local dishes. Whether you want typical Portuguese dishes like bacalhau or something more modern like fusion cooking, there are plenty of restaurants in Porto that will satisfy your cravings.
• Enjoy some nightlife. If you’re feeling full of energy after dinner, head to one of the many bars or clubs scattered around town for drinks and music.

No matter what your interests are or what kind of lifestyle you lead, Porto will have something for everyone! From historical sites exploring delicious cuisine sipping some local port wine or simply enjoying the sea breeze at Praia da Luz beach–Porto truly has something for every type of traveler! From port wineries and iconic bridges to cozy cafes and exciting museums, this charming city promises unforgettable experiences that will make visitors fall in love with it instantly!