Do you need a car in Porto?


Do you need a car in Porto? Since Porto is small, congested roads are less than ideal to drive on, renting a car is not your best option of getting around the city. Forget the car unless you plan to do extensive traveling to other regions of Portugal or Spain.


Is Porto a friendly city?

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is located in the north of the country. It's a historic city with plenty to see and do, as well as being a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The food is fantastic, and the people are known for being extremely friendly.


Is it walkable in Porto?

There are many steep hills in Porto, so expect a lot of uphill walking. The steepest hill of the route is just before the Santo Ildefonso church (21), and depending on your energy levels, this may be a convenient location to end the walking tour.


Is it difficult to drive in Porto?

Now, driving through major cities like Lisbon and Porto, especially downtown areas, can be tricky. The streets are incredibly narrow, parking is almost impossible to find, and underground parking spaces are tight. Also, practice your parallel parking skills.


Is it worth staying in Porto?

Yes, Porto is a great city break destination. A short getaway to Porto offers luxury accommodations, and an amazing food and wine scene with a mix of art, culture and time at the beach. And, that's you, be sure to check out the perfect 3 days in Porto itinerary.


Do I need more days in Lisbon or Porto?

To get a well-rounded experience of Portugal, it makes sense to try to visit both places. Ideally, I'd recommend three or four nights in Lisbon (in order to do a day trip to Sintra) and two nights in Porto. On the shortest itinerary I would plan on two nights in each city. Fly into one city and out of the other.


Is Porto expensive to eat and drink?

Generally, prices are cheap in Porto, although they are a little pricier during the summer. We've included lots of examples, so you can plan your budget. Generally, prices in Porto are quite inexpensive, especially eating out and entry fees to museums and attractions.


Is Lisbon or Porto better?

Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.


Is 1.5 days in Porto enough?

This could be condensed into a single day, however, it could feel very rushed. Three days will allow you to explore the city at a more leisurely pace, as well as providing time to visit the museums and lesser-known sights. If you are new to Porto, it is suggested to plan two days in which to fully see the city.


Is it better to stay in Porto or Douro Valley?

Porto has it all, but it may also be quite crowded and noisy during the summer period. Perhaps, the best choice would be to plan a tour to the Douro Valley and stay in this unforgettable place for at least a night.


Is Porto an expensive city to visit?

You should plan to spend around €126 ($136) per day on your vacation in Porto, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €36 ($39) on meals for one day and €21 ($22) on local transportation.


Is 3 days in Porto too much?

For your first trip to Porto, we think three days is ideal. You'll need two days to take in the city's main highlights, and an extra day to explore the nearby Douro Valley. Being a relatively small city, it's possible to pack all of Porto's main attractions into a day (here's our guide on how to do Porto in a day).


Is 2 full days in Porto enough?

Since Porto is fairly compact, you can see all the highlights with 2 days in Porto. Though if you want to really dig into the port wine cellars or have time for a day trip to the Douro Valley, then you might need 3 days in Porto or even 5 days in Porto if you want to go slow!