Quick answer: Porto runs about EUR 80 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: May–June or September (warm, fewer crowds).
What things actually cost
| espresso at a counter | 0.80 EUR |
| pastel de nata | 1.30 EUR |
| francesinha | 11 EUR |
| glass of port | 4 EUR |
| metro ride in the center | 1.40 EUR |
| lunch menu do dia | 9-11 EUR |
Eat well for little
- FrancesinhaPorto's meat-stuffed sandwich drowned in beer sauce and cheese, 10-12 EUR at Cafe Santiago or Lado B
- Bifana at Conga on Rua do Bonjardimspicy marinated pork sandwich for about 3 EUR
- Pastel de nata warm from Manteigaria or Fabrica da Nata: about 1.30 EUR each
- Mercado do Bolhaothe restored market hall, eat sardines, cheese and oysters at the counters for 5-10 EUR
- Port tasting at a Gaia lodge like Taylor's or Grahamsflights from 15-20 EUR with cellar tour
Money mistakes to avoid
- Not booking Livraria Lello aheadbuy the timed ticket online or you will queue an hour on the street
- Driving into the centerthe streets are narrow, one-way and parking is scarce; arrive by train or metro instead
- Doing only the Ribeira stripthe riverside restaurants are the weakest and priciest; walk ten minutes uphill for better food at half the price
- Packing only for sunshinethe Atlantic wind is real, evenings are cool even in July, bring a layer
Transport without the tourist tax
Metro line E runs from the airport to the center in about 25 minutes for around 2.50 EUR including the reusable Andante card. The center is walkable but steep; single metro or bus rides cost about 1.40 EUR and the historic tram to Foz is a scenic 3.50 EUR.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 3-day Porto itinerary.