Things You Must Know When Traveling to Porto

Porto, Portugal's charming and colorful second-largest city, boasts numerous attractions. Here, you'll find medieval streetscapes along with a wealth of delicious food and wine. While it's a relatively laid-back place, learning a few essentials can help ensure your trip is successful, from how to use public transportation to what to wear based on the weather. Porto has an efficient public transportation network with six metro lines connecting various parts of the town. You can also take the metro to the beach and directly to and from the airport. The network also includes buses, trams, and even funiculars. For convenience, purchase an Andante card (€0.60) and top it up for use on the metro and buses. Trams have special fares (single/round trip €3.50/€6), and tickets can be bought on board. The Dos Guindais funicular also requires a separate ticket (€3.5 one way), offering a short but super fun ride from the riverside near the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Rua Augusto Rosa near the Church of Santa Clara. Don't forget your swimsuit! Porto's western communities are adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, and many wide beaches are easily accessible by metro or bus. The water is cold, but in the hot summer months when temperatures can reach up to 30°C, it provides a delightful relief. Porto's hills and uneven sidewalks will give your legs a workout. Make sure to bring walking shoes to avoid spraining your ankle. Bring a raincoat and a scarf to prepare for the variable weather. Porto, located on the chilly Atlantic, has a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Even if you visit in July or August, you should bring a raincoat for the occasional shower. In winter, expect a few days of wet weather followed by pleasant, sunny skies. No matter when you visit, dress in layers as the weather can start off cold and then become quite warm. Porto's waterfront also has strong breezes, so be sure to bring a scarf. If you get the chance, try Francesinha in Porto, a beloved local dish. It's not fancy at all, made with thick bread stuffed with ham, Portuguese sausage, steak, and cheese, then topped with more melted cheese and a slightly spicy sauce made from tomatoes and beer. You might even add a fried egg on top to keep your cholesterol in check. Make sure to eat light before indulging in this delicious, high-calorie meal.