Some valuable tips about Porto
Porto is a fairly easy-going place, but you can help ensure your trip is a success by learning a few essentials – like how to get around on public transport and what to wear for the weather. You’ll also learn that asking someone if they are a tripe-eater is OK, but saying "gracias" is generally not. Below are our top tips for a successful trip to Porto.
1. Pick your neighborhood well in advance
Near the riverfront, the Ribeira is a popular choice for its historic architecture and lively dining and drinking options. However, it can feel a bit touristy and places tend to book up months in advance. Just up from Ribeira, the neighborhood of Aliados puts you in the heart of the city center and has great lodging and dining.
As with Ribeira, you’ll have to move fast to book your preferred spot. For more of a seaside feel, consider Foz do Douro, which lies near beaches on the Atlantic and is an easy hop (by bus or tram) from the center.
2. Make restaurant reservations
Porto has some excellent dining rooms, including over a dozen places listed in the Michelin guide. If you hope to enjoy a meal at Pedro Lemos, Antiqvvm or one of Porto’s other celebrated restaurants, reserve several weeks in advance – or at least one month ahead if booking during the high season (May to September).
3. Don’t drive in the center of Porto
Porto’s narrow, one-way streets, heavy traffic and challenging parking situation can be quite nerve-wracking even for local drivers. Add in hills, trams, lots of pedestrians and bikes, plus the odd construction zone with detours, and you have the makings of a stressful day indeed. If you’re arriving by car, it’s best to park on the outskirts and take a metro into the center of town.
4. Get an Andante Card and travel on public transportation
Porto has an efficient public transportation network with six metro lines that link districts across town. You can also take the metro out to the beach and get to, and from, the airport (violet line E). In addition, there are buses, trams and even one funicular. For convenience, purchase an Andante Card (€0.60) and load it with credit for use on the metro and buses.
Trams have a special rate (€3.50/6 one-way/return) and tickets can be purchased on board. The Funicular dos Guindais, also charged separately (€3.50 one-way), runs from the riverfront near the base of the iconic Luís I bridge up to Rua Augusto Rosa near the Igreja de Santa Clara.
5. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit (on summer of course)
Porto’s western neighborhoods border the Atlantic, with some wide sandy beaches easily reached by metro or bus. The water is chilly, but a welcome relief on the hottest of summer days when temperatures can reach upwards of 33C (93F).
6. Fork into a francesinha
The francesinha is to Porto what poutine is to Québec. Or a "upgraded" croque madame in France. It’s a much-loved if decidedly un-fancy dish made of thick bread topped with ham, linguiça (Portuguese sausage), steak and cheese, then topped with yet more cheese (this time melted) and a mildly spicy sauce (made of tomatoes and beer) with perhaps a fried egg thrown in for good measure.
Try it in Porto when you have the chance as you’ll rarely find the francesinha outside of the city. And make sure you’re well fasted before partaking of this deliciously high-calorie meal. Brasão serves up one of the best.
7. Try the tripas
Calling someone a tripe eater (tripeiro) might seem like a fine prelude to a fistfight. But in Porto, locals have adopted the moniker as their own, and proudly call themselves tripeiros. Why, you might ask? Quite simply because of their love for tripa (tripe), in particular, the somewhat enigmatically named dish tripas à modo do Porto (meaning Porto-style tripe).
Carnivores will delight in this stew-like delicacy made from veal tripe, white beans, sausage, carrots, paprika and various other spices. Nearly every tripeiro has their own favorite place to eat the signature dish, though you can’t go wrong with the authentic, home-style cooking at O Buraco.
8. Learn how to say "bom dia" and other essential Portuguese phrases
Many people speak English in Porto, especially those who work in hotels, restaurants and shops. Learning to say a few phrases in Portuguese, however, can help you during your stay. If nothing else, locals appreciate the effort to speak their language, never mind the rudimentary accent. When entering a room, it’s polite to say "bom dia" (good day) or "boa tarde" (good afternoon) to those around you. "Muito obrigada" (many thanks) or "muito obrigado" (if you’re a man) will also earn you respect.