Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and the one that gave the country its name. Since 1996, its historic center has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a city filled with historical monuments, centuries-old bridges, parks, and, of course, our magnificent Douro River. Get ready to eat well and plenty, starting with Francesinha, moving on to Tripas à Moda do Porto, and finishing with the famous Bacalhau.
These are more than enough reasons for the many accolades it has received in recent years: Best European City Break Destination in 2020 and Best European Destination in 2017, for the third consecutive time!
For all this and much more, we’ll tell you everything about Porto: the best time to visit the city, entry requirements, the cost of living, the most important festivals, and more. You’ll become an expert on Porto!
Climate: What is the best time to visit Porto?
Porto is a city that can be visited at any time of the year. However, if I had to recommend a specific time, it would be from mid-April to the end of October (June is our favorite month in Porto), avoiding the colder and rainier months. In July and August, it’s not as hot compared to other parts of the country, but it’s still warm, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C. It gets dark around 9 PM.
For more information, consult this website.
Documentation and Entry Requirements
Do you need a passport or visa to travel to Porto? What documents are necessary? Learn about the required documentation for traveling to Portugal based on nationality in this article.
Cost of Living
On average, you will need about €900 per month to live in this city, including housing rent.
Housing
Room – most will range between €300 to €500/month.
Food
Supermarket shopping: about €300/month
Meal at a restaurant: €10/dish
33cl Beer – €1.50
Water – €1
Coffee – €0.90
Menu at McDonald’s, Burger King, or similar: €7
Transport
Metro/bus ticket: €1.20 (purchased in advance); €1.95 (on the bus)
On average, you will spend about €30/month on transportation, depending on whether you have a monthly pass and your age.
Business Hours
Street Shops: Monday to Friday from 9 AM or 10 AM to 7 PM. Some are open on Saturdays, and a few on Sundays, during regular business hours.
Shopping centers: daily from 10 AM to 11 PM.
Restaurants: lunch from 12 PM to 3 PM / dinner from 7 PM to 11 PM.
Pharmacies: Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM / Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. There are also 24-hour pharmacies.
Tourism: Most museums in the city are closed on Mondays.
Important Days in Porto: Festivals and Events
From traditional celebrations like our S. João to the more popular festivals of today (Primavera Sound), there’s always something exciting happening in the streets of Porto. We have a dedicated article on this topic for you to discover everything about the most important days of Porto, which you can consult here.
Language and Typical Expressions of Porto
Porto is known for its funny expressions, such as “Lots of years turning chickens” and “Waking up with my ass in the air.” Want to know their meanings? Don’t miss our complete article on this topic.
Other Information
- What is the population of Porto?
According to the latest data (2024), the population of the city of Porto is around 240,000 people (237,559), and the metropolitan area (Porto, Gaia, Gondomar, etc.) is approximately 1.75 million people (1,737,395).
Porto is quite a safe city, both day and night, regardless of the type of tourist you are (solo traveler, families, couples, LGBT+). As in all cities, it’s important to take care of your belongings, but I consider it to be relatively safe compared to other European cities.
- Can you drink tap water in Porto?
Yes, tap water in Porto is safe to drink.
- Should you tip waiters in Porto?
Tipping is not expected as it is in the U.S., but leaving a few extra euros after a meal will certainly be appreciated! Rounding up the bill, such as from €78 to €80 or tipping 5%-10% for excellent service, is a good rule of thumb.
- Essential items to bring: Comfortable shoes and clothing. Regardless of the season, the best way to explore Porto is on foot—especially from the river to Foz, where the river meets the sea. Take a break for a drink, a meal, or a visit to a museum along the way, and continue walking until you reach the sea.
- Voltage and Outlets: Voltage of 230/400 volts and 50 Hz. Type C plug.
