Two Days in Porto on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Walking Tour of the City Centre
    Starting at São Bento Railway Station
    Estimated Time: 4 hours
    Estimated Distance: 4.8 km

    Begin your trip with a walking tour of Porto's historic city centre. Marvel at the stunning Baroque architecture, visit the iconic Lello Bookstore or the bustling Mercado do Bolhão. Stroll along the scenic Ribeira district and catch a glimpse of the traditional Rabelo boats on the Douro River.

  • Day 2: Day Trip to Guimarães
    Starting at Porto-Campanhã Station
    Estimated Time: 2 hours (round trip)
    Estimated Distance: 100 km

    Spend your second day visiting the charming town of Guimarães, often referred to as the "birthplace" of Portugal. Wander the ancient streets of the city centre which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the historic Guimarães Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • São Bento Railway Station (Free)
  • Lello Bookstore (30 minutes, €5)
  • Mercado do Bolhão (1 hour, Free)
  • Ribeira (1 hour, Free)
  • Guimaraes Castle (1-2 hours, €8)
  • Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (1-2 hours, €5)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €18

Transportation

To get around Porto, we recommend using the excellent public transport network. Taking the bus or metro costs €1.50 per journey. A day pass is available for €4.15. For the day trip to Guimarães, take the train from Porto-Campanhã Station. The round-trip fare is approximately €9 with a journey time of 1 hour each way.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Porto, take a cruise down the Douro River or visit one of the many Port wine cellars. If you have less time, focus on exploring the city centre and its many attractions. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, such as the famous "Francesinha" sandwich.

Airports

The main airport in Porto is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is located around 11 km north of the city centre.

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