Essential Tips for Visiting Porto

• March–June (spring): mild temps, camellias in bloom, golden light. My favourite for walking films.
• September–October: warm evenings, softer crowds, wonderful sunsets on the Douro.
• July–August: busier & warmer; start early, siesta after lunch, go back out for golden hour.
• December: festive lights downtown; pack a layer for crisp nights.
• São João (≈ 24 June): the city’s biggest night, fireworks & street parties; book accommodation early.

From the airport (OPO)

• Metro (Line E) to Trindade / Bolhão / Aliados: simple & affordable; buy an Andante card once and top up.
• Rideshare / Taxi: good with luggage or late arrivals. Ask to drop on a side street near your destination to avoid one-way loops.

Inside Porto

• Walking: the core is walkable but hilly and cobbled; comfy shoes change your day.
• Andante card: works on metro, bus, suburban trains. Validate at the start of each ride.
• Historic trams: scenic, not the fastest; queues on weekends. Treat as an experience.
• Funicular dos Guindais: great shortcut between Ribeira (river) and Batalha (uptown).
• Driving/Parking: avoid in the historic centre; use paid parks near Aliados or Trindade.

Little time-savers

• For viewpoints on windy days, choose Serra do Pilar over exposed bridge decks.
• To cross the Douro quickly, walk the lower deck of Luís I and return by metro D over the upper deck.

• Ribeira: riverfront, tiles, sunsets; busy at peak times, magical at blue hour.
• Baixa / Aliados: grand avenues, cafés, São Bento station, perfect central base.
• Clérigos & Cordoaria: tower, gardens, history; great for golden-hour shots.
• Bolhão: market culture, local bites; go morning for produce & bustle.
• Cedofeita: creative shops & cafés, a calmer local vibe.
• Vila Nova de Gaia (other side): Port wine cellars & hilltop views (Serra do Pilar).
• Foz: oceanfront boardwalks, sunsets, wind in your hair.

• Popular interiors (e.g., Lello, some cellars): book slots in advance; go early morning or late afternoon.
• River cruises: shoulder hours = softer light & fewer groups.
• Restaurants: prime spots fill Thu–Sun evenings; reserve or aim for lunch.
• São João week: accommodation & tables need early planning.

• Cards widely accepted; carry a little cash for small cafés and markets.
• Tipping appreciated (≈5–10%) but not mandatory; round up for cafés.
• Shops open Mon–Sat; many close Sunday or open reduced hours (malls open daily).
• Tap water is drinkable; bring a reusable bottle.

• Generally safe: watch belongings in crowded areas (Ribeira, trams, busy bridges).
• Night: stick to lit streets; ride-hailing for late returns is convenient.
• Emergencies: call 112 (EU emergency number).
• Healthcare: pharmacies are helpful; keep travel insurance info handy.

• “Olá”, “Por favor”, “Obrigada” go a long way (use Obrigado if you’re male).
• Queue politely, lower voices indoors, and greet before asking questions.
• Some menus default to Portuguese; staff are happy to help in English.

• eSIM / local SIM: easy at the airport or downtown shops; hotels/cafés have solid Wi-Fi.
• Power: Type C/F plugs, 230V. Carry a compact adapter + small power bank for long filming/walks.
• Maps: download offline areas; GPS can flutter in narrow streets.

• Shoes: grippy, comfy soles for cobbles & hills.
• Layers: even in summer, evenings by the river can be cool.
• Rain: a light foldable umbrella or hooded jacket saves the day.
• Sun: sunglasses + SPF, the light can be bright near the water.

• The historic core has slopes and cobbles; plan gentler routes via Avenida dos Aliados → São Bento → Ribeira (downhill).
• Use the funicular between Ribeira and Batalha to skip a steep climb.
• Many major sights have step-free alternatives; staff are generally helpful if you ask.