I was born and raised in Lisbon my whole life, and like everyone who at
some point has come in contact with this city, I recognise its beauty as an
undeniable fact, and recommend it as a mandatory stop when coming to Portugal.
Nonetheless for some time now I have been
curious to meet its direct cousin that lives a little further north of the
country and that for the past 3 years has been distinguished as European Best
Destination. It was about time to check what the fuss was all about. It goes by the name of Porto and it was the first stop of an 8 day roadtrip through the north of the country.
For those who don’t know or haven’t heard about this mesmerising city, here's a little introduction. Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal
(the first being Lisbon), it’s located in the northwest side of the country,
and it was actually the city that gave the name to the country as it served as
its capital once.
Porto it’s a place of art and tradition, of ancient and contemporary, of a glass of Port at sunset overlooking the riverfront, a soft tune in the warm parting sun.
Porto or Oporto, it’s a city
that I always felt it couldn’t be left unseen- and I was right. I guess some
places just feel like that. A little bit familiar, a little bit like home. Porto
was definitely a place like that for me and I will always recommend it to everyone.
From the moment you walk into the city, you can instantly feel its strong and
unique personality hanging in the air of its beautifully architected streets.
It’s a city that stands tall and is not afraid to be seen or to give itself in to
the ones who seek it, and that becomes rapidly evident.
However, even though the desire to get to know the city was strong, as
it was expected, the weight of the tittle of European Best Destination made
itself feel in the little wallet that usually travels light. So, with
this in mind, here are 5 tips to visit Porto on a budget that allow for a more economic passage in one of the most beautiful cities of the country
and the world.
1. Booking ahead is the best medicine
Although it is the ABC of travel planning, it’s never too much to reinforce it, and it is especially necessary when coming to a metropolitan area such as Porto.
Planning ahead is always the best option for a more economical trip, as it allows for a greater variety of options at the most varied prices, including the lowest ones. This applies to flight bookings, accommodation reservations, restaurants etc, etc, and it is definitely something that will make a difference.
Planning ahead is always the best option for a more economical trip, as it allows for a greater variety of options at the most varied prices, including the lowest ones. This applies to flight bookings, accommodation reservations, restaurants etc, etc, and it is definitely something that will make a difference.
2. Renting an apartment downtown can
save you money
Although the prices in the city center tend to be a bit higher, and the first instinct is to avoid it to the maximum, renting in its peripheries usually results in additional expenses both in transportation and in time. And being Porto a city where the majority of the points of interest are very close to each other, the visit is easily (and almost obligatory) done on foot so, you might as well be close to the historic center.
Now, renting an apartment instead of a hotel room, gives you the flexibility to prepare your meals at home to take during your tour or to simply eat them at home. As for hostels, they do provide kitchen and cheap accommodation, however renting an apartment with some friends not only allows for more comfort and freedom, but also, divided the expenses at the end, the overall cost is practically the same and you’ll have the whole apartment to yourselves.
We stayed two nights at the Porto Downtown Flats in Ferreira Borges Street, near Palácio da Bolsa. The apartment was suitable for 4 people, 1 bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the living room for 2 people. The decor and cleanliness were spotless, and the kitchen just like the whole house was fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. However, the biggest highlight goes to the host, Tim, who shown great sympathy and total availability through the entire process; even helped us carry our bags when we arrived and gave us a list of restaurants and places to visit in the city. Highly recommend it!
Although the prices in the city center tend to be a bit higher, and the first instinct is to avoid it to the maximum, renting in its peripheries usually results in additional expenses both in transportation and in time. And being Porto a city where the majority of the points of interest are very close to each other, the visit is easily (and almost obligatory) done on foot so, you might as well be close to the historic center.
Now, renting an apartment instead of a hotel room, gives you the flexibility to prepare your meals at home to take during your tour or to simply eat them at home. As for hostels, they do provide kitchen and cheap accommodation, however renting an apartment with some friends not only allows for more comfort and freedom, but also, divided the expenses at the end, the overall cost is practically the same and you’ll have the whole apartment to yourselves.
We stayed two nights at the Porto Downtown Flats in Ferreira Borges Street, near Palácio da Bolsa. The apartment was suitable for 4 people, 1 bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the living room for 2 people. The decor and cleanliness were spotless, and the kitchen just like the whole house was fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. However, the biggest highlight goes to the host, Tim, who shown great sympathy and total availability through the entire process; even helped us carry our bags when we arrived and gave us a list of restaurants and places to visit in the city. Highly recommend it!
3. Take part of the city, eat at home
Like it was said above, take advantageous of your apartment and make your meals at home, to go or to eat in.
I don’t know why but there’s just something really magical about going to the market, buying the local products and cooking them at home (even if it is, like in this case, in your “borrowed” home). Don’t worry you don’t have to give up the typical restaurants, after all you’re still the tourist, but if you have the chance, buy a good red wine (which in Porto is not complicated, at all), have a cozy dinner in, and maybe go out for some dessert after or a glass of Port overlooking the river. It sounds like a pretty good night to me.
Taking the time to prepare your own meals will not only give you a sense of belonging and make it all feel a bit more like home, but it will also save you some extra money in the process.
As for restaurants, I recommend Capa da Baixa for a light lunch in D. João I Square near Avenida dos Aliados. It has a great variety of Porto’s traditional dish, the Francesinha, and of course, some meatless options for my fellow reducetarians. The space is very calm, with a decoration that will make you feel like you escaped the city into a spiritual retreat somewhere, and the friendliness of the staff will help you recover from the ceaseless tour of the last hours.
After lunch if you're having a sweet tooth you should definitely make a stop at Leitaria da Quinta do Paço for their heaven made wonderful É'clairs. Seriously do it. You won't regret it!
4. Porto Card
If you’re planning taking a more detailed trip of Porto, or maybe stay for a few days then Porto Card might be a good option for you. Porto Card is an Official City Pass you can buy, that gives you benefits and discounts in varied services such as Museum entrances, restaurants, bike rentals, unlimited travel in the city’s transports, amongst other things. You can buy the card up to 1, 2, 3 or a maximum of 4 days, and its benefits and discounts will be according to the type of Card you buy.
55. Enjoy the little things
That is what life it’s all about right? Porto it’s a beautiful city, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to truly enjoy it. Watching the sunset at the Crystal Palace Gardens with a glass of wine, or a glass of Port in Vila Nova de Gaia’s Wharf on the other side of the river, overlooking the colourful architecture that paints Porto’s waterfront, or climbing to the top of Serra do Pilar, are pure moments of bliss that take very little or anything out of your pocket and can easily be the highlights of your trip.
Other places to visit:
Livraria Lello ($)
Sé do Porto
São Bento Station
Clérigos Tower ($)
Bolsa Palace ($)
Chapel of Santa Catarina
Santo Ildefonso Church
Flowers Street
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