Traveling to Porto, Portugal: Pro Tips and Practical Info

- What to know before you travel to Lisbon:

Feeling the urge to explore a new and enchanting European city? Porto, Portugal awaits you! As the nation's second-largest city, Porto enchants visitors with its rich culture and stunning architecture. Growing in popularity, it's a top choice for travelers seeking both charm and adventure. Discover Porto's vibrant waterfronts, indulge in its sumptuous seafood and wander through cobblestone streets lined with historic cathedrals and scenic vistas. To enhance your visit, we've gathered expert tips and essential information. Dive in and prepare for an unforgettable journey in Porto!

Currency in Porto - In Portugal, the Euro (EUR) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available in Porto, and most merchants accept credit cards. However, it's advisable to have some cash in Euros for situations like paying cash-only vendors, using public transportation, tipping, or handling small expenses. You might get a better exchange rate from your home bank than in Portugal, so consider exchanging some money before your trip. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure a smooth financial experience during your stay in Porto.

Porto Government and Constitution - Portugal, a democratic nation, strongly upholds values like equality, freedom of speech, and political tolerance. Consequently, travelers to Porto can anticipate a warm welcome. Nonetheless, visitors should respect local laws and customs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in this wonderful country.

Porto Electricity/Voltage - In Portugal, the standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Visitors from the U.S. might need an adapter or transformer for their appliances. Most hotels in Porto offer adapters on request or have transformers for purchase or rent. If you're staying in a Porto Airbnb or similar accommodation and need an adapter, you can easily find them in stores across central Porto.

Language in Porto -  In Porto, Portugal, the primary language is Portuguese. However, English is widely spoken, particularly by those in tourism-related services such as restaurants, hotels, and shops. For the convenience of travelers, signs and menus are often available in both Portuguese and English. Nonetheless, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience and is usually appreciated by the friendly locals, who value the effort regardless of your fluency in their native language.

Wi-Fi/Internet Access in Porto - For all you digital nomads, business travelers, or those simply wanting and needing to stay connected as you visit Porto, we have excellent news. Wi-Fi access is widely available throughout the city of Porto, with most cafes, stores, and hotels offering free public Wi-Fi hotspots. Several privately owned Porto Wi-Fi networks offer fast internet connections at reasonable rates throughout the city center, as well as various other parts of town, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a reliable connection wherever you are staying during your Porto visit!

- What To Pack for Your Porto Trip

When packing for Porto, consider the city's varied activities and often unpredictable weather. Essentials include:

1. Comfortable Footwear: Expect lots of walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Layered Clothing: Weather can change, so pack layers like t-shirts, sweaters, and a light jacket.
3. Rain Gear: A compact umbrella or waterproof jacket is a must.
4. Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen for sunny days.
5. Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged while exploring.
6. Travel Adapter: For Portugal’s Type F power outlets.
7. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated as you tour the city.
8. Camera: Capture the stunning architecture and scenic views.
9. Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag: For daily essentials and souvenirs.

- Public Transportation In Porto, Portugal

Public transportation in Porto, Portugal, is efficient, diverse, and a great option for getting around. The city boasts an extensive public transport system, offering ease, convenience, and affordability. When planning your visit to Porto and intending to use public transportation, it's crucial to be aware that different transport operators have varying operating hours, which can change. To ensure a smooth travel experience in Porto, Portugal, always check the latest schedules of the public transport operators before starting your journey. This proactive approach will help you avoid any unexpected disruptions and make your travels in Porto more enjoyable and efficient.

Porto's public transportation includes:

• Metro: The oldest in Portugal, the Porto Metro provides frequent service across the city, making it a fast and efficient way to travel.
• Trams: A well-established tram network connects downtown Porto with major suburbs, offering a scenic and traditional mode of transport.
• Buses: With a wide range of bus routes, traveling to various attractions within the city is easy. Buses cover extensive areas of Porto, ensuring accessibility to different neighborhoods.
• Trains: Ideal for longer journeys or day trips outside the city, Porto's trains connect the city center to surrounding destinations like Braga, Guimaraes, and Aveiro.
• Ferries: For a unique perspective or to visit beaches and fishing towns, ferry services operate from Porto's riverfront. These ferries provide easy access to Vila Nova de Gaia and other locales along the Douro River.

- Porto's Public Business Schedule

Banks - Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 15:00 

Porto banks are closed on Saturdays and official holidays.

Post Offices - Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 18:00

Pharmacies -  Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 13:00 / 15:00 – 19:00

Some Porto pharmacies are open 24 hours a day.

Shops - Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 19:00

- Useful Contacts During Your Stay in Porto, Portugal

Porto Taxi Contact Information:

Invicta Radio Táxis do Porto: +351 225 076 400

Radio Táxis Os Unidos: +351 225 029 898

Taxis Pinheiro, Lda: +351 919 970 672

Emergency / S.O.S Contact Information

The Portugal Getaways Customer Care team is available 7 days a week to answer your concerns by phone, email, or chat. In the event of an emergency, you can dial 112 – the national emergency service – free of charge. If you require medical assistance, you should go to the local Porto Health Center.

Local Porto Police: +351 222 081 833

Porto Hospitals, Porto Doctors, and Porto Pharmacies

Santo Antonio General Hospital: +351 222 077 500

Foz do Douro Health Center: +351 226 167 510

Bonfim Health Center: +351 225 898 560

Local Fire Department: +351 223 322 787

Are you already in love with Portugal? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate Portuguese adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Portuguese experts so that you don't need to worry about any details - just enjoy your trip!