11 tips for visiting Porto on a budget and 4 of the best low-cost restaurants
May 28, 2025 • 6 min read
The River Douro, Porto. ESB Professional / Shutterstock
Home to thriving industries such as fishing, wine, and textiles, Porto has always catered to the working folks. And while this northern Portuguese city has seen a boost in five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants, you’ll still find wallet-friendly stays and tascas (taverns) dishing out anything from grilled fish to classic sandwiches.
A lot of what makes this city attractive is free to enjoy, from its riverside promenade to the endless tiled facades and viewpoints that welcome the crowds at sunset. But there are also ways to save up on paid attractions, public transportation, and even wine, if you know where to look. Follow these travel hacks to help you stay within budget on your trip to Porto.
Daily costs
Hostel room (dorm bed): €35–50 (US$40–57)
Basic hotel room for two: €80–100 (US$91–114)
Self-catering apartment: from €100 (US$114)
A metro ticket to Matosinhos (Zone 3): €1.80 (US$2.05)
A simple breakfast at Confeitaria do Bolhão: from €2.50 (US$2.85)
The staple francesinha from Café Santiago: €10.70 (US$12.15)
A signature cocktail from Torto: €12 (US$13.65)
A glass of Douro wine at Prova: from €6 (US$6.80)
A round of petiscos (tapas) for two with wine and dessert at Trama: €47 (US$53)
Average daily cost: €70 ($80)
Find the cheapest entry point
You can fly to Porto from most European cities through budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. If you’re coming from Lisbon, it’s worth looking into the train or the bus, which takes about 3½ hours. Rede Expressos and FlixBus operate daily connections between the two major cities, with tickets starting at €7 (US$7.95). Meanwhile, CP runs trains from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia station to Porto for around €20 (US$23). The sooner you purchase the journey, the more likely you are to get a discount.
Take the metro from the airport
Save money on your airport transfer by hopping on the metro. Buy an Andante Card (€0.60/US$0.68) from the ticket machines and charge it with one zone 4 trip (€2.25/US$2.55). You can then top up this card during the rest of your journey. Note: You only need zone 2 for the city center.
Visit in the shoulder seasons to save on accommodations
Summer is by far the most expensive time to visit Porto. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, consider booking your stay for spring or fall. There will be fewer crowds, and the accommodation rates will be up to 25% cheaper. From November to February, the rates can drop even further to 50% less. Be sure to bring extra layers, as it can get cold inside (don’t count on central heating here).
Skip breakfast at the hotel and head to a confeitaria
Before you add that breakfast fee to your hotel tab, try the local cafe or confeitaria (pastry shop) around the corner instead. Places like Confeitaria do Bolhão have counters filled with savory and sweet treats for under five bucks, while Confeitaria Belo Mundo is famous for its lanche misto, a ham and cheese pastry that will tide you over till lunch.
Take advantage of the meal deals
Come lunchtime, many restaurants will offer a fixed daily menu (menu do dia) for a cheaper rate, including some high-end restaurants. For dinner, it’s worth looking into platforms like TheFork, which provides exclusive restaurant discounts for bookings made through its website.
Go for the sandwiches
Another way to save on meals is to tuck into some of Porto’s iconic sandwiches. There’s the francesinha, which is more like a hearty meal with all kinds of meat and cheese squashed inside. But that’s not all. Try the loaded cured ham and cheese bun from Casa dos Presuntos O Xico, the bifana (pork steak sandwich) from O Astro, or the juicy prego (beef sandwich) from Venham Mais 5, which literally translates as "bring five more". Or hunker down at Cervejaria Gazela for a cachorrinho (hot dog) and a fino (small beer).
Explore the city on foot or use public transport
Porto is a relatively small city that you can easily explore on foot. If you want to skip the hills, there’s always public transport. A one-way trip on the metro or bus costs only €1.40 (US$1.60) around downtown (zone 2). If you’re driving, you’re best off leaving the car on the outskirts to save the hassle of manoeuvring through narrow streets and skip the pricey parking lots.
Enjoy Porto’s free sights
Some of the best things to do in Porto don’t cost a penny. You can go tile-hunting across the city, photographing the facades of places like the São Bento Train Station or the Capela das Almas. Take a walk along the Douro River and watch the sunset from Jardim do Morro. Visit free museums like the Centro Português de Fotografia or the Banco de Materiais. And if the sun is out, head to the beaches in Foz do Douro and Matosinhos for a change of scenery.
Save money on attractions with a discount pass or visit after hours
Most museums offer free entrance for children under 12, while students and those over 65 usually have a 50% discount rate. If you’re planning to visit several attractions, it may be worth looking into the Porto Card. Beyond discounts on museum tickets, you’ll also get cheaper rates on wine tastings, river cruises and some restaurants. Other attractions like Torre dos Clérigos have a half-priced night rate (7–10:30pm) for €5 (US$5.69).
Scour the supermarket for wine bargains or hit the cellars
Fancy trying some Port or a bottle of Douro wine back at your hotel? Hit the supermarket and take your pick. The same bottle of wine you had at a restaurant can cost less than €5 at the supermarket. Can’t find the brand you’re after? Try Garrafeira Nacional, which sells scores of bottles from all over the country, including natural wines like NatCool. Another way to save up is to go directly to the cellar.
Time your visit for Serralves em Festa and other local events
Portugal’s largest contemporary art festival is the Serralves em Festa. In early June, the Serralves park welcomes 50 hours of non-stop cultural activities, from dancing, concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances. The best part? It’s all free. Art lovers should also keep an eye on the Inaugurações Simultâneas, a series of gallery openings at Rua Miguel Bombarda. Then there’s São João, the city’s biggest street party on June 23, when Chinese lanterns fill the skies, followed by fireworks and a whole lot of dancing.
4 budget places to eat in Porto
Vegana by Tentúgal
Porto’s staple dishes are not exactly vegan-friendly, but thankfully, there are places like Vegana that has tweaked the classics for everyone to try. The francesinha here looks just like the original, but everything you see is vegan (bacon, cheese, and all). There’s even vegan pastel de nata for dessert. Bring cash as it only accepts Portuguese cards.
Universal Porto
This restaurant may be small, but its portions are nothing short of generous. Expect a wide selection of meat dishes, ranging from Brazilian picanha to breaded chicken and pork cutlets, plus a selection of codfish dishes, all for under €15 ($17).
Taberna Santo António
After watching the sunset at Jardim das Virtudes across the road, head to this cozy tavern for a feast of Portuguese dishes. Start with a plate of codfish cakes, then move on to some juicy pork cheeks or try the Tripas à Moda do Porto, a traditional tripe and bean stew.
Salta o Muro
If you want to find the best fresh fish in town, head west to Matosinhos. The Rua Heróis de França is packed with seafood restaurants, and Salta o Muro is among them. This low-key tavern is famous for its fried sardines and octopus rice. The fish of the day is cooked right in front of you on the outdoor grill, and depending on the size, it can easily be shared among two people.
Plan with a local
