Porto City Guide

Local dishes include Francesinha, Bacalhau, and Tripas à Moda do Porto. International options are broad, with Italian, Asian, and Brazilian cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan places are growing. Some spots stay open late, especially near nightlife.

Porto has lively nightlife in Galerias de Paris, Ribeira, and Cedofeita. You’ll find wine bars, pubs, nightclubs, and traditional Fado houses.

Porto has both traditional espresso cafes and a growing third-wave coffee scene with specialty roasters.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Restaurants usually round up or tip 5-10%. Taxis often get the fare rounded up. Small tips for services are welcomed.

Buy local SIMs at Vodafone, MEO, or NOS stores at the airport or city center. Coverage is good. ID is needed for registration. eSIM options are growing.

Overall clean, especially tourist areas. Some older neighborhoods show wear but sanitation is good.

Some pharmacies rotate 24/7. Minimarts have extended hours. Night clinics and late food options exist mainly in the center.

Supermarkets like Continente, Pingo Doce, Lidl, and Auchan carry international and local products. Traditional markets like Mercado do Bolhão offer fresh produce. Most stores open till 9-10 PM, some close earlier or on Sundays.

Card payments work in most places, but some small shops prefer cash. Keep some cash for markets and small cafés.

ATMs from the Multibanco network are common and work well. You’ll find them at banks, malls, and main streets. Watch out for fees from your own bank.

International schools include Oporto British School and CLIP, both teaching in English and Portuguese. Local schools follow the Portuguese system. Apply early for international schools.

Porto has a growing digital nomad scene with meetups, co-living, and good Wi-Fi cafés. Online groups and events help connect visitors.

City parks like Parque da Cidade and Palácio de Cristal offer green space for walking and running.

Popular routes include the coastal Foz do Douro promenade and large city parks. Running is safe and scenic.

Gyms range from budget chains to premium options with various workout options.

Several tennis and padel clubs around the city offer courts, rentals, and coaching options.

Padel courts are common alongside tennis clubs with bookings and equipment rentals.

Multiple yoga studios offer varied classes. Many instructors speak English, with drop-in classes widely available.

Schools teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, and local styles. Classes often have English-speaking instructors.

No nearby ski resorts. Serra da Estrela is the closest, about 3 hours away, with basic facilities and variable snow.

Activities like kayaking and paddleboarding on the Douro River, sailing and windsurfing on the coast, mainly in warmer months.

Matosinhos Beach is popular for beginners with consistent waves. More challenging spots exist nearby. Water is cool year-round; wetsuits are needed. Surf schools and rentals are available.

Limited diving near Porto due to currents and visibility. Some dive centers offer wreck and reef dives, mostly in summer.

Private clinics often have English-speaking staff. Public care is good but slower. Pharmacies are easy to find and some staff speak English. EHIC covers public care for EU citizens.

Tap water meets EU standards and is safe to drink.

Playgrounds like Parque da Cidade and Palácio de Cristal are great for kids. Attractions include World of Discoveries and SEA LIFE Porto. Baby supplies and kid-friendly cafés are common.

The city is generally LGBTQ+ friendly with safe venues and annual Pride events. Acceptance is good especially in urban areas.

Pets are welcome in many places, especially outdoor cafés. Veterinary clinics and pet stores are common. Parks exist for walking dogs.