Porto Travel Hacks: Save Money While Exploring the City in Style

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s a city that can be explored on any budget, and over the course of my visit, I discovered plenty of ways to experience the best of Porto while keeping costs low. From affordable accommodations to insider tips on transportation, food, and activities, this guide will help you save money while enjoying everything Porto has to offer in style.

1. Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Stay in Style Without Breaking the Bank

Finding affordable accommodation in Porto is surprisingly easy, with many options available depending on your preferences. During my stay, I opted for a boutique hostel called The Passenger Hostel, located right inside the iconic São Bento Railway Station. The hostel is stylish, modern, and incredibly convenient due to its central location. Here’s what I loved about it:

Price: Dorm beds start at around €20 per night, and private rooms are available for those seeking more privacy.
Location: São Bento is a major hub in Porto, with easy access to public transport and many of the city’s attractions within walking distance.
Ambiance: The hostel is housed in a historic building with beautifully preserved interiors, yet it features all the modern comforts you’d expect from a high-end hotel.

For those who prefer a little more privacy, there are plenty of affordable guesthouses and hotels in Porto’s city center. Some other excellent options include:

Moov Hotel Porto Centro: Located near Batalha Square, Moov Hotel offers clean, modern rooms with prices starting at around €60 per night.
Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu: A boutique guesthouse with charming rooms and a cozy atmosphere, located in the heart of the city. Prices here start at around €80 per night, and it’s a great value for the quality of service and location.

2. Getting Around Porto: Affordable Transportation Tips

Porto is a city best explored on foot, but when you need to cover longer distances, there are several ways to save on transportation costs:

Public Transportation: Porto’s public transportation system is reliable and budget-friendly. I purchased an Andante Card, which can be used on the metro, buses, and trams. A 24-hour unlimited travel card costs just €7, making it a great option for getting around the city without spending too much. You can purchase the card at any metro station or selected shops.
Tram Rides: One of Porto’s most iconic experiences is riding the vintage trams. The trams are a little more expensive than regular public transportation (€3.50 per ride), but they are worth it for the nostalgic journey along the waterfront. I recommend taking Tram 1, which runs from the city center to Foz do Douro, offering beautiful views of the Douro River.
Walking Tours: Porto’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, and there are several free walking tours available. I joined a walking tour organized by Porto Walkers, which operates on a tips-only basis. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and the tour covered major landmarks like Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello, and the Ribeira district.
Biking Around Porto: For those who enjoy cycling, Porto offers bike rentals at affordable rates. I rented a bike from a local shop called Biclas & Triclas for around €10 per day, which allowed me to explore the city at my own pace. Biking along the Douro River was one of the highlights of my trip, with scenic views of the river and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

3. Dining on a Budget: Savor Porto’s Best Flavors Without Overspending

Food is one of the highlights of any trip to Porto, and luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy delicious meals. Here are some of the best ways I found to eat well without breaking the bank:

Francesinha: Porto’s most famous dish is the francesinha, a hearty sandwich filled with layers of meats, cheese, and a rich beer-based sauce. While many restaurants serve francesinha, I found one of the best value-for-money options at Café Santiago, where a francesinha costs around €10. The portion is generous, and the flavors are authentic, making it a great choice for a filling meal.
Local Taverns: One of my favorite dining experiences was at a traditional tavern called Taberna dos Mercadores, located near the Ribeira district. The menu features classic Portuguese dishes like bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with potatoes and eggs) for around €12. The atmosphere is cozy, and the food is fresh and full of flavor.
Markets: For a truly budget-friendly meal, I recommend visiting the local markets. The Bolhão Market is a must-visit for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and traditional Portuguese snacks. I picked up some fresh fruit, cured ham, and cheese for a picnic lunch by the river. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a meal while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Street Food: Porto’s street food scene is growing, and one of the best ways to experience it is by visiting Mercado Bom Sucesso. This modern food hall offers a variety of stalls serving everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine. I tried the famous bifana sandwich (pork sandwich with mustard) for just €4.50, and it was delicious!

4. Affordable Attractions: See Porto’s Best Sights Without Spending a Fortune

Porto is filled with incredible sights and experiences that don’t require you to spend a lot of money. Here are some of the top attractions I visited that offered great value:

Livraria Lello: This stunning bookstore is one of Porto’s most famous landmarks, known for its beautiful woodwork and ornate design. While there’s a small entry fee of €5, it’s worth it for the experience of walking through one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Plus, the entry fee can be deducted from the price of any book you purchase.
Clérigos Tower: For just €5, you can climb to the top of the Clérigos Tower, which offers some of the best views of Porto. The 240-step climb is a bit challenging, but the panoramic view of the city and the Douro River is absolutely breathtaking.
Palácio da Bolsa: The Stock Exchange Palace is another must-see in Porto, and the guided tour is priced at €10. The palace is an architectural masterpiece, with its Arab Room being a particular highlight. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Porto’s history and the wealth of its merchants.
Free Walking Tours: As mentioned earlier, I joined a free walking tour that provided a comprehensive introduction to Porto’s history, culture, and major landmarks. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the city without spending much, and you can choose to tip the guide based on how much you enjoyed the tour.
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: For a peaceful escape from the city, I spent an afternoon exploring the Crystal Palace Gardens. Entry to the gardens is free, and they offer stunning views of the Douro River. It’s the perfect spot to relax, have a picnic, or simply take in the natural beauty.

5. Money-Saving Tips for Flights and Transportation

Flying to Porto can be affordable if you know where to look for deals. I booked my flight using Skyscanner, a great tool for comparing prices and finding the cheapest dates to travel. Here are a few tips I found helpful when booking my trip to Porto:

Book in Advance: The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find a good deal. I booked my flight about two months in advance and managed to get a return ticket for under €100.
Travel Off-Peak: Traveling during off-peak seasons (spring or fall) not only means cheaper flights but also fewer crowds at popular attractions. I visited in late September, and the weather was still warm, but the city wasn’t as busy as in the summer.
Use Public Transport from the Airport: Once you arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, there’s no need to spend money on expensive taxis. The Porto Metro system connects the airport to the city center, and a one-way ticket costs just €2.60. I found it easy and convenient to use, and the ride takes about 30 minutes.

6. Exploring Porto in Style: Free and Low-Cost Experiences

One of the things I loved most about Porto is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to experience its charm. Here are some of the stylish yet affordable experiences I enjoyed:

Wine Tasting in Gaia: A visit to Porto isn’t complete without tasting the city’s famous port wine. While many of the larger wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia charge for tours, I found a small family-run cellar that offered a free tasting with the purchase of a bottle. The wine was delicious, and I got to learn about the winemaking process without spending too much.
Street Art Tour: Porto has a thriving street art scene, with murals and graffiti decorating many of its walls. I joined a street art tour for just €15, and it took me through some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, showcasing the work of local artists. It’s a great way to explore Porto’s artistic side while supporting local creatives.
Sunset at Miradouros: Porto has several miradouros (viewpoints) where you can watch the sunset over the city. My favorite was Miradouro da Vitória, which offers a stunning view of the Douro River and the red-tiled rooftops of Porto. Best of all, it’s completely free!

Porto is a city that offers so much charm, culture, and history without requiring you to spend a fortune. By following these budget-friendly travel hacks, I was able to explore the city in style while keeping my costs low. Whether you’re dining on delicious Portuguese food, exploring historic landmarks, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Porto is a destination where you can truly experience the best of both worlds – style and savings.