What Solo Travelers Should Know Before Visiting Porto

Traveling alone to Porto in the coming months? My experience was that it’s mostly really good. Like 90% good, easy, walkable, sit-down-for-a-while good. And maybe 10% stuff you just want to be aware of so nothing catches you off guard.

Porto is a city I genuinely feel fine recommending for solo travelers, even women traveling alone for the first time. But Porto is still Porto. The riverfront gets packed, São Bento gets packed, and that’s where the petty theft stuff happens.

I’m also very opinionated about accommodations here, because I think where you stay in Porto makes or breaks the experience. So I’ll point out hotels that are actually in good areas, not just “nice” on paper. I’m not the “everything is magical” kind of solo traveler, and I don’t sugarcoat destinations.

This guide offers a realistic look at what to expect, so you can decide whether Porto solo is right for you, especially if good food and a well-chosen hotel matter to you.

What You NEED To Know Before Booking a Trip to Porto!

I feel I should mention immediately that Porto is a city of hills and steep inclines! Before visiting, I hadn’t really considered how challenging it would be to stay a bit away from all the attractions in the old town. 

If hills are going to be a problem for you, you need to plan for that upfront. Because Porto will humble you. Quickly.

Exploring both sides of the riverfront is easy, as it is flat, but several attractions in Porto require a climb on foot.

Ideally, you want to avoid visiting Porto in the off-season unless you like dreadful rainy weather. Consider visiting during the best month, which is August.

Don’t Forget to Download All The Helpful Portugal Specific Apps Before You Arrive!

How to Get to Porto 

Getting to Porto is easy, whether you fly into its international airport or take the train from Lisbon.

If you are arriving by plane, traffic from the airport to the city can be pretty annoying during rush hour.

GOOD TO KNOW: So keep that in mind and avoid flights landing between the morning rush 7:30 to 9:30 am and the evening rush 17:00 to 19:00. 

Arriving by Plane

If you land at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport OPO you can reach the city center by car in 30 minutes (with no traffic) or by public transport train in just under 1 hour. 

Follow the airport signs to the train, and take the E line to Trindade. 

If this is one of your first solo trips and you are nervous about navigating the transit alone with all your luggage, I recommend booking a pick-up with a trusted company. I always use  Welcome Pickups. 

I’ve never regretted spending money on airport pick-ups if it’s going to mean I’m going to arrive at the hotel stress-free.

Arriving by Train

Another popular route to Porto that I know well is by taking the train from Lisbon. Since you could technically see a lot of Porto in one day, people make it either a day trip or their next destination on their trip. 

There are many daily direct trains between these 2 cities. The duration is typically 3 to 3 and a half hours. 

The trains are in decent condition, some better than others, and offer somewhat reliable wifi aboard. 

Ticket prices vary, but I typically find tickets for around €30 to €45, depending on the date and time. 

When you arrive in Porto from Lisbon,  you will arrive at the Campanhã Station (Estação de Campanhã).

The station is close but not directly in the city center, which confused and slightly stressed me when I first arrived. 

To travel to the city center of Porto from the Campanhã Station station, you can take the orange, blue, green, or red train one stop that goes one stop to the São Bento stop. 

Or you can take a cheap Uber as I often do as I frequently travel to Porto alone after moving to Lisbon. 

Expect to pay around €5 for your ride, depending on where exactly in Porto you are staying. 

Is it Safe for Solo Travelers in Porto? 

Yes. Porto is a safe city to travel alone, even for women. I felt comfortable walking around by myself, even at night. 

Just don’t do anything dumb. Don’t leave your phone on a café table. Don’t walk around with your bag wide open in the busiest areas.

And I always recommend keeping alcohol to a minimum when out exploring alone. But overall, you shouldn’t need to be on high alert or concerned for your personal safety in Porto. 

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Best Way To Get Around in Porto

When it comes to getting around in Porto, it’s best to explore by foot! The city center is small, and the main attractions are all within walking distance. 

BUT…you will need some stamina and comfortable shoes to survive the mighty hills in Porto. 

I recommend you plan your day accordingly so you don’t burn yourself out. 

If you have mobility problems, I would recommend you consider Uber, which is very affordable. 

The local bus system also takes you from one side of the city to another. You pay 2€ as you board, or you can purchase an Andante card. 

Visitors can purchase Andante Tour passes, which are valid for 24 or 72 hours. Passes can be purchased at stations where Andante tickets are sold, at the airport, or at kiosks and tourist offices throughout the city.

You can find the bus schedule on the official website here. 

Where to Stay in Porto ( Best Neighborhoods)

I recommend staying within the city center, near the Ribeira district. Though some of the areas close to the river can be a bit noisy, so i am going to recommend a few hotels I have stayed at. 

Staying within a few minutes of walking distance of any of my recommendations would be a great area for solo travelers. 

• Cale Guest House
• Exmo Hotel by Olivia
• Pousada do Porto – Rua das Flores

Expect to find many smaller guest houses and accommodations rather than large chain hotels. 

Hotel Vs Airbnb in Porto

I’m a hotel girly. When I am traveling alone, I would much rather there be an actual human at the desk to give me a room key. I don’t want to be looking for some hidden lockbox when I’m tired and just want to drop my bag.

In Porto, you will find a lot of Airbnbs, often cheaper, but my advice is to splurge on the hotel. You will be glad you did.

If a hotel really isn’t in your budget, at least do a quick Street View check first. Just make sure you’re not booking something down a tiny, dark alley that’s going to make you feel weird every time you walk home.

Neighborhoods in Porto Safe for Solo Travelers

• Ribeira: gorgeous, touristy, busy. super convenient, can be loud.
• Baixa: easiest “first time in Porto” base. You’ll be close to everything.
• Cedofeita: cooler/artsier, less touristy energy.
• Miragaia: quieter, pretty, feels more local.
• Foz: beachy, nicer, more spread out.
• Bonfim: good value, still close enough.
• Vila Nova de Gaia: great for wine cellars + views, you’ll cross the river a lot.

Search Neighborhoods to stay in Porto here!

Top Things to Do Solo in Porto

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There are a million and one things to keep you busy when you are exploring Porto by yourself. 

Below is a list of the best places to put on your Porto itinerary. And if you are short on time, I really recommend you join a tour so you can efficiently see all the city has to offer!

If you want not only a tour of Porto but also want to learn about analog photography, I highly recommend this tour!

Visit The Famous Churches

In Porto, there are three major historical churches you want to plan on visiting. 

Of the three, I loved the Clerigos church the most because of the tower you can climb for a sweeping view of the city: 

Clérigos Church and Tower:

The Clérigos Church is an iconic Baroque church in Porto, known for its stunning architecture and the tall Clérigos Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city. 

The church was built in the 18th century and is a masterpiece of the architect Nicolau Nasoni.

The climb to the top of the tower does take some stamina, and if you are claustrophobic, you might want to skip it since you will be in a tight circular staircase winding to the top. 

Where, When, and How Much: 

• Address: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
• Daily Opening Hours:
  • Summer (April to October): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Winter (November to March): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• General Admission: Approximately €6 per person
• Discounted Tickets: Around €5 for students, seniors, and children under 10 years old

São Francisco Church (Igreja de São Francisco -Porto)

This gothic church, with its baroque interior, is famous for its elaborate gold leaf decorations. The church’s interior is adorned with intricate woodwork covered in gold, making it one of the most opulent churches in Portugal.

Don’t miss the catacombs and the museum located in the church’s former cloisters.

Where, When, and How Much: 

• Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto, Portugal
• Daily Opening Hours:
  • Summer (April to October): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Winter (November to March): 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• General Admission: Approximately €8 per person
• Discounted Tickets: Around €6 for students, seniors, and children under 12 years old / Free for children under 6 years old

Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto):

One of the city’s oldest and most important monuments, the Porto Cathedral is a must-visit for its Romanesque architecture and historical significance.

The cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, has been modified over the centuries, showcasing a mix of architectural styles.

The cloisters, with their beautiful azulejo (blue and white) tiles, are particularly noteworthy.

Where, When, and How Much: 

• Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
• Daily Opening Hours:
  • Summer (April to October): 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Winter (November to March): 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Cathedral Entrance: Free
• Cloisters and Museum: Approximately €3 per person /seniors and students at around €2.50 / Kids under 10, Free

Go Port Wine Tasting 

If you travel to enjoy food and wine (like me) there is a couple places you want to make note of in Porto! 

Joining a small group tasting tour at one of the wineries across the river is a fun way to be a little social when you are traveling alone. 

The tour I enjoyed was at Calem! 

If you don’t feel like doing a winery tour, you can just plant yourself at the cafe across the street from the winery and do a tasting with a view. 

I ate here at Uva by Cálem, as shown in the photos below.

Another Port Wine Tasting Spot Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau! 

At Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau you can purchase a glass of port wine and their specialty, pastel de bacalhau (codfish cake). 

Eat Your Way Through the City on a Food Tour

I won’t lie; traveling alone can get a little boring after a few days, so joining something like a food tour is a great way to meet new people. 

Check out this tour that allows solo travelers to join!

Livaria Lello

As I mentioned, Porto is full of mystical charm, and visiting Livraria Lello will only enhance that experience.

It’s often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, with its gorgeous wooden staircase, colorful stained glass ceiling, and tall bookshelves.

To visit, you MUST book tickets in advance or wait in a long queue! Book tickets here on the official website.

People Watch at Cafe in Cais da Ribeira

If you visit Porto during football season, be prepared to meet some rowdy and excited crowds at the cafes in Cais da Ribeira! 

It is a great spot to people-watch and enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or port! 

Walk the Famous Dom Luis I Bridge Designed by Gustav Eiffel

Walking the double-decker Dom Luis I Bridge is quick, like 5 minutes. Cars and motorcycles drive on the top and bottom of this bridge, while pedestrians have separate lanes.

I recommend walking along the bottom to cross over, then to the top of the bridge to return to the Porto city center. 

Ride the Gaia Cable Car

No matter how “touristy” riding the Gaia cable car is, it is totally worth it! For 7 euros, you can get an incredible view of the city of Porto along the Douro River! 

I suggest walking the length of the waterfront first and then taking the cable car back towards the Dom Luis I Bridge. 

If you time this with the sunset, you can enjoy the epic views from a nearby park, Jardim do Morro! 

• Get Your Tickets for the Teleférico de Gaia here.

Go on a Tour Around Town in a Tuk-Tuk & River Cruise

Another touristy yet worthwhile activity when you are alone in Porto is taking a tour around town in a tuk-tuk and by boat along the Douro River!

To get tickets, you can either walk along the riverfront at Ribeira and inquire on the spot or get them in advance.

Advance tickets for a Tour by Tuk-Tuk & River Cruise!

Spend Time in all the Porto Museums

It is no secret that Museums aren’t typically my thing. But Porto does have a few cool ones I would even consider: 

• Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art: A must-visit for art lovers, featuring modern art exhibitions and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis: Perfect for those interested in Portuguese art and history, showcasing everything from sculptures to decorative arts.
• Casa da Música: While technically a concert hall, its modern architecture and guided tours offer a unique cultural experience.
• Visit the WOW District & Museum of Port Wine: Ideal for wine enthusiasts, offering insights into the history and production of Porto’s most famous export.

I recommend exploring the WOW cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia and purchasing the combined ticket. With the ticket, you can choose from six unique museums that showcase the best of Portugal.

Decide which museums to visit on-site, with no need to choose in advance. From wine and cork to chocolate and history, there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy reduced prices and savor delicious food and drinks with stunning views of Porto.

Purchase tickets for the WOW cultural center here!

Hit The Closest Beach to Porto

If you visit Porto in July and August, you just might want to hit the beach! The closest beach to the city center is Praia dos Ingleses in Foz do Douro, which is about 30 minutes away by public transport. 

You can easily get there by taking the historic tram line 1 from the Infante stop, along the scenic riverside route, or catch bus 500 from the city center, both of which offer direct routes.

Once you arrive at the Passeio Alegre, it is a 15-minute walk to the beach. 

Take A Day Trip to Braga and Guimarães

If you have three or more days to spend in Porto, make one of them a day trip! My favorite day trip from Porto was with Get Your Guide, which included visits to Braga and Guimarães.

It was a full-day tour starting at around 8:30 am and returning around 18:00! This very affordable tour took us to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Old Town and Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and the old town!

Check rates and availability for this tour here!

Which is More Solo Friendly, Lisbon or Porto? 

Both Porto and Lisbon are great for solo travelers; it is really a matter of preference when making this decision. 

Lisbon is bigger, sunnier, and likely to have better weather than the other city. Porto has a completely different vibe, but it is equally cool. 

The only downside to Porto is the weather. It is, more often than not, a bit cooler, cloudier, and rainier than Lisbon. 

My advice is to base your decision on your interests and weather preferences. 

Budget Tips for Solo Travelers in Porto

Traveling alone can add up fast if you don’t have a plan. There are a couple of things to consider to keep the costs down:

1. Travel in the offseason! For Porto, this means visiting between November and April. The costs of the accommodations will be significantly lower. But keep in mind you might get a lot of rain
2. Bring your own coffee. If you are an avid coffee drinker, having your own instant coffee can save you a few bucks each day. 
3. Buy snacks/pastries at the local shops! The grocery stores in Porto have affordable items such as pastries, snacks, etc that could help keep your dining bills down. 
4. Consider Housing Sitting: If you get a membership to something like Trusted House Sitters you can stay for free in exchange of caring for a pet. This does mean you will have to balance sightseeing with your responsibility of house sitting, but it could be worth it depending on your budget.

Where to Eat Alone in Porto

Solo dining is one of those things I had to do a few times before getting comfortable with it. 

A quick trick if you are feeling awkward is to find restaurants with a casual setting, which is best if they have bar seating. 

You can really blend in at the bar rather than being a solo diner at a table in the middle of the dining room. 

Here are a few restaurants that I absolutely loved eating alone at in Porto:

• Taberna Dos Mercadores (There will be a line; get there early)
• Cantinho do Avillez (has bar seating)
• Almeja (Best restaurant in town)
• Gruta (Fine Dining)
• Boa-Bao (Casual Thai Restaurant)

Where to Go After Porto

If you want to extend your solo trip beyond Porto, consider taking the train south to Lisbon!

If you are craving a beach vacation, the towns of the Algarve are another safe and sunny destination!

Personally, I love Faro just a little more than Lagos based on its proximity to the airport and the nearby town of Tavira.

But the beaches in Lagos are better; there is no denying it.

The bottom line is that Portugal is a great country to travel alone. There is a lot to see and do, and getting to the major cities is easy by train.