10 Things NOT To Do in Porto
Porto, is a city of vibrant culture, rich history, and captivating charm. As you embark on your journey through this Portuguese gem, it’s essential to navigate its nuances with care and consideration. In this guide, we’ll delve into the “10 Things Not To Do in Porto,” helping you make the most of your visit while respecting the city.
Whether you’re wandering through historic alleyways, savoring the iconic Port wine, or simply soaking in the picturesque landscapes, keep these tips in mind to truly relish the magic that is Porto. Here are Activities In Portugals top 10 things NOT to do in Porto
Whether you’re wandering through historic alleyways, savoring the iconic Port wine, or simply soaking in the picturesque landscapes, keep these tips in mind to truly relish the magic that is Porto. Here are Activities In Portugals top 10 things NOT to do in Porto
10 Things Not To Do In Porto
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Don’t Speak Spanish
Sure, Portugal and Spain are neighbours but overall the countries and the language are very different. There is also an anceint rivelry between the two neighbouring nations.
So don’t speak Spanish and expect it to be fully understood by Portuguese, unless of course Spanish is your native language. Some locals will find it offensive if you believe them to be Spanish! If you don’t speak Portuguese, some locals prefer English as a go between language but ideally learn a little Portuguese and the locals will adore your effort.
Bom Dia – Good Morning
Boa Tarde – Good Afternoon
Boa Noite – Good Night
Adeus – Goodbye
Por favor – Please
Obrigado/a – Thank you
De nada – You’re welcome
Saúde! – Cheers!
Com licença – Excuse me
Sim/não – Yes/no
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Don’t Order Sagres
The rivelry in Portugal between Porto and Lisbon even reaches to the beer the locals drink. In Porto, they drink Super Bock and definately not Sagres. Super Bock is brewed in Leça do Bailio in Matosinhos and Sagres is brewed just outside Lisbon. The rivelry between the two brands is almost as legendary as Coke and Pepsy, although to date both brands still have very large fanbases.
I will be honest I prefer Sagres to Super Bock ….Sorry tripeiros
Don’t Ask For An Imperial
Following on with a beer theme if you would like a small beer ask for a “fino”.
In Lisbon a small beer is called an imperial, but why a “fino”?
The word “fino”, most probably originated in Coimbra, not Porto, in the 1940s, thanks to Toninho Saraiva, who was an interesting bohemian from the city.
In the memoir of Boémia Coimbrã, by A. Nicolau da Costa, his friend Toninho would always ask for “a fine glass of beer!”. The fine glass would be the pilsen and the word was chanted so much that it took root.
Don’t Drive
Here are 8 reasons not to drive in Porto.
Narrow Streets: These streets can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles.
Traffic Congestion: Navigating through heavy traffic can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Parking Challenges: Finding parking in Porto can be extremely difficult.
One-Way Streets: Porto has a significant number of one-way streets hard to navigate.
Public Transportation Options: Porto boasts an efficient and well-connected public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro.
Pedestrian Zones: Some areas of Porto are pedestrian-only zones.
Cobblestone Streets: Many streets in Porto’s historical center are paved with cobblestones, which can be uneven and challenging to drive on.
Local Driving Habits: Adapting to local driving practices can be intimidating for some visitors.
While taking photos is a great way to capture memories, be respectful and avoid taking pictures of people without their permission, especially in sensitive areas or religious sites.
Portugal has a very specific law on “Image Rights”
The portuguese constitution says everyone has personal image rights (artº. 26º). Second, the law (Código Civil – Dec. Lei 47344 – artº 79º) basically you can take pictures of places where people are present, and without their consent, but you cannot take a picture of a specific person without their consent.
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Book Activities in Porto
Not Respecting Queues
When waiting in line for attractions, public transport, or other services, always respect the queue and wait your turn.
Courtesy and respect are very important qualities in Portugal and queues are a way to maintain order and fairness in public spaces. Respecting queues shows courtesy and respect for other people’s time and personal space.
Being Unprepared for Weather Changes
Porto’s weather can be unpredictable.
Summers tend to be warm and dry, while winters are cooler and wetter. Having an umbrella, a lightweight rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience. Being prepared ensures that you can fully enjoy all that Porto has to offer, rain or shine. In Spring, Autumn and Winter the weather can change many times in one day from blue sky, to wind and rain.
Things not to do in Porto – Forget your brolly!
Don’t Say That You Prefer Lisbon to Porto
This is one of the most important things not to do in Porto.
Don’t say that you prefer Lisbon to Porto to a local!
There is a constant quarrel between the two main towns in Portugal and both cities are very proud of their home towns.
People in Porto take pride in their city and its culture. Expressing a preference for Lisbon could be seen as dismissing or belittling Porto’s own merits, which might not be well-received by the locals. Don’t do it !
Don’t say that you prefer Lisbon to Porto to a local!
There is a constant quarrel between the two main towns in Portugal and both cities are very proud of their home towns.
People in Porto take pride in their city and its culture. Expressing a preference for Lisbon could be seen as dismissing or belittling Porto’s own merits, which might not be well-received by the locals. Don’t do it !
Do Not Wear A Benfica’s Shirt
Here we are back to rivelry again. Portuguese absolutely love football and they are very passionate for their local teams.
Wearing a Benfica shirt is Porto is really a huge no-no. Porto supporters are fierce and this will put a target on your back as soon as you enter the city limits.
Do Not Litter
Porto is beautiful city lets keep it that way.
Keeping Porto clean is a shared responsibility. By not littering, you contribute positively to the community and set a good example for others.
Littering shows disrespect for the city and its residents. Treating public spaces with care demonstrates appreciation for the local culture and the efforts made to maintain the city’s beauty.
Litter can harm the environment, especially in a city like Porto with its historic charm and natural beauty. Rubbish can damage the landscape, pollute waterways, and disrupt ecosystems.
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Have I missed anything NOT to do in Porto?
Have I missed anything NOT to do in Porto?
How To Get To Porto
By Air✈️
* Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is the main airport in Porto.
* Direct flights from major cities in Europe and international flights.
* Take the metro (Line E), a bus, or a Uber from the airport to the city center, the cost is about 15 euros.
By Train 🚆
* From Lisbon, Algarve, Northern Portugal: Take the Alfa Pendular (AP) or Intercidades (IC) train.
* From Spain: The Celta train connects Vigo (Spain) to Porto in about 2 hours.
By Bus 🚌
* There are many bus companies like FlixBus, ALSA, Rede Expressos that offer routes to Porto from various European cities.
* Buses from Lisbon take about 3.5-4 hours.
By Car 🚗
* From Lisbon, take the A1 motorway (the journey takes about 3 hours).
* From Spain, the motorway A28, A3, and A4 connect Porto to cities like Vigo, Madrid, and beyond.
By Boat 🚢
* Cruise ships stop at Leixões Port, which is about 9 km from Porto’s city center.
* River cruises on the Douro River can also get you to Porto from places like Régua and Pinhão.
* Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is the main airport in Porto.
* Direct flights from major cities in Europe and international flights.
* Take the metro (Line E), a bus, or a Uber from the airport to the city center, the cost is about 15 euros.
By Train 🚆
* From Lisbon, Algarve, Northern Portugal: Take the Alfa Pendular (AP) or Intercidades (IC) train.
* From Spain: The Celta train connects Vigo (Spain) to Porto in about 2 hours.
By Bus 🚌
* There are many bus companies like FlixBus, ALSA, Rede Expressos that offer routes to Porto from various European cities.
* Buses from Lisbon take about 3.5-4 hours.
By Car 🚗
* From Lisbon, take the A1 motorway (the journey takes about 3 hours).
* From Spain, the motorway A28, A3, and A4 connect Porto to cities like Vigo, Madrid, and beyond.
By Boat 🚢
* Cruise ships stop at Leixões Port, which is about 9 km from Porto’s city center.
* River cruises on the Douro River can also get you to Porto from places like Régua and Pinhão.
When To Visit Porto?
What are the Best Months To Visit trying to avoid our top 10 things NOT to do in Porto.
Late April, May, June & July
* The weather is warm but not too hot: May (18-22°C), June (20-25°C), July (25-30°C).
* You will get sunny days with little rain, that are perfect for walking around the city and enjoying the Douro River.
* São João Festival (June 23-24): Is the biggest party in Porto, with fireworks, street concerts and people hitting each other with plastic hammers! It is so much fun!
* Sunsets in Porto during these months are around 9 PM meaning more time for sightseeing, boat tours and enjoying rooftop bars Porto.
Late April, May, June & July
* The weather is warm but not too hot: May (18-22°C), June (20-25°C), July (25-30°C).
* You will get sunny days with little rain, that are perfect for walking around the city and enjoying the Douro River.
* São João Festival (June 23-24): Is the biggest party in Porto, with fireworks, street concerts and people hitting each other with plastic hammers! It is so much fun!
* Sunsets in Porto during these months are around 9 PM meaning more time for sightseeing, boat tours and enjoying rooftop bars Porto.
Porto Itinerary Ideas 1 Day
1, Visit the São Bento Railway Station. Admire its blue-tiled murals.
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River.
7, Grab a cocktail at one of our rooftop bars Porto and spend a lazy evening enjoying the night sky
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River.
7, Grab a cocktail at one of our rooftop bars Porto and spend a lazy evening enjoying the night sky
Porto Itinerary Ideas 2 Days
Day One
1, Visit the São Bento Railway Station. Admire its blue-tiled murals.
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River. You will have a day full of amazing things to do in Porto, avoiding our list of things not to do in Porto.
Day Two
1, Visit Livraria Lello. One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
2, Climb the Clérigos Tower It gives you an amazing view of Porto
3, Visit Serra do Pilar for The best views in the city
4, Check out the Church of Carmo. Impossible to miss
5, Church and Museum of São Francisco do Porto for Amazing history and beautiful tiles.
5, Palácio da Bolsa. The stunning 19th-century neoclassical building
6, Enjoy a Francesinha A hearty local sandwich
7, End your trip a the Ferro Bar one of the best rooftop bars Porto
1, Visit the São Bento Railway Station. Admire its blue-tiled murals.
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River. You will have a day full of amazing things to do in Porto, avoiding our list of things not to do in Porto.
Day Two
1, Visit Livraria Lello. One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
2, Climb the Clérigos Tower It gives you an amazing view of Porto
3, Visit Serra do Pilar for The best views in the city
4, Check out the Church of Carmo. Impossible to miss
5, Church and Museum of São Francisco do Porto for Amazing history and beautiful tiles.
5, Palácio da Bolsa. The stunning 19th-century neoclassical building
6, Enjoy a Francesinha A hearty local sandwich
7, End your trip a the Ferro Bar one of the best rooftop bars Porto
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Best Hotels in Porto
Accommodation
Star Rating
Top Reviewed
Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection by IHG
Torel Palace Porto
Altis Porto Hotel
Hotels 705 Porto Prime
Hotel Tipografia do Conto by Casa do Conto
Village Aparthotel By BOA
Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel by Shiadu
Casa D’Almeida by Porto Stories
Casual Raízes Porto
Ribeira Douro Hotel
Moov Hotel Porto Norte
Seculo Hotel
Torel Palace Porto
Altis Porto Hotel
Hotels 705 Porto Prime
Hotel Tipografia do Conto by Casa do Conto
Village Aparthotel By BOA
Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel by Shiadu
Casa D’Almeida by Porto Stories
Casual Raízes Porto
Ribeira Douro Hotel
Moov Hotel Porto Norte
Seculo Hotel
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5 Star
5 Star
4 Star
4 Star
4 Star
3 Star
3 Star
3 Star
2 Star
2 Star
2 Star
5 Star
5 Star
4 Star
4 Star
4 Star
3 Star
3 Star
3 Star
2 Star
2 Star
2 Star
9.6
9.6
9.5
9.5
9.5
9.5
9.2
9.2
9.1
9.7
8.7
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8.7
Things to Know Before You Go
The Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Porto has a temperate climate, but the weather can be quite unpredictable, especially during the winter months. For example, I am writing this in March and the morning was cold and grey but the afternoon was sunny and warm.
Things not to do in Porto is forget your umbrella. Always carry an umbrella or light jacket, even if the forecast is sunny, to be prepared for sudden changes and wear layers.
Porto is Walkable, But Be Ready for Hills
Porto is a very walkable city, but it is also known for its steep hills! You’ll find yourself walking up and down many cobblestone streets and staircases, especially in areas like the Ribeira district and Vila Nova de Gaia. So, pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a little leg workout.
Tipping is Appreciated but Not Obligatory
In Porto, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is common, especially if the service is good. In cafes and bars, leaving a few coins is also a nice gesture, given the minimu wage in Portugal is still under 900 euros in 2025.
Credit Cards Not Widely Accepted
While Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, American Express, UnionPay, and Discover may not be accepted at smaller shops or restaurants. It’s a good idea to carry cash or use payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay as alternatives.
Public Transport is Convenient
Porto has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. You can use the Andante card for easy access to all these modes of transport. It’s an affordable card you can purchase at metro stations. It makes traveling around the city, especially between districts like Ribeira, Boavista, and the airport, simple and hassle-free.
Porto has a temperate climate, but the weather can be quite unpredictable, especially during the winter months. For example, I am writing this in March and the morning was cold and grey but the afternoon was sunny and warm.
Things not to do in Porto is forget your umbrella. Always carry an umbrella or light jacket, even if the forecast is sunny, to be prepared for sudden changes and wear layers.
Porto is Walkable, But Be Ready for Hills
Porto is a very walkable city, but it is also known for its steep hills! You’ll find yourself walking up and down many cobblestone streets and staircases, especially in areas like the Ribeira district and Vila Nova de Gaia. So, pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a little leg workout.
Tipping is Appreciated but Not Obligatory
In Porto, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is common, especially if the service is good. In cafes and bars, leaving a few coins is also a nice gesture, given the minimu wage in Portugal is still under 900 euros in 2025.
Credit Cards Not Widely Accepted
While Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, American Express, UnionPay, and Discover may not be accepted at smaller shops or restaurants. It’s a good idea to carry cash or use payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay as alternatives.
Public Transport is Convenient
Porto has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. You can use the Andante card for easy access to all these modes of transport. It’s an affordable card you can purchase at metro stations. It makes traveling around the city, especially between districts like Ribeira, Boavista, and the airport, simple and hassle-free.
Written by Clara R.
“I’ve been lucky enough to call Portugal home since 2011, living in the Algarve, Lisbon, and the Porto area. Every year, I make it a mission to travel around this beautiful country, discovering new places, hidden gems, and the best local spots. Portugal never stops surprising me!.”
