Porto on a Budget: What 5 Weeks Actually Cost (2025)

Porto has a reputation for being “good value” compared to the rest of Western Europe, but that’s only useful if you know what it actually costs to be here day to day. I spent five weeks in Porto in August 2025 (peak summer, no special deals) and tracked everything I spent – from Airbnb and metro passes to pastel de nata, Douro Valley tours, and café work days.

Most days I ate out for dinner, worked from cafés a few times a week, did a mix of free walks and paid activities, and stayed in mid-range neighbourhoods rather than hostels. On that kind of mid-range trip, my costs averaged around 50–60 euros per day including accommodation. If you’re backpacking, sharing dorms and cooking most of your meals, you can comfortably come in much lower.

In this guide I’ll break down my full 5-week Porto budget, then translate it into daily numbers for different travel styles – backpacker, mid-range, and more comfortable stays. I’ll also share where I think Porto is genuinely cheap, where costs quietly add up, and some easy ways to trim your budget without feeling like you’re on a strict “budget trip.”

My 5-Week Porto Budget Breakdown

I spent one month in Porto as a digital nomad in August 2025 (peak summer season), so my costs reflect high-season pricing. If you visit in shoulder season (April-May or September-October), expect to pay 15-20% less across the board.

Here is what I actually spent over 5 weeks:

Accommodation: 850 euros total (170 euros per week average)

I stayed in four different neighborhoods during my time in Porto: Bonfim (Heroísmo area), Baixa near Clérigos Tower, North Baixa near Praça da República, and briefly in Cedofeita.

Bonfim (2 weeks): 280 euros total

• Spacious one-bedroom Airbnb with a sunny terrace
• More local vibe, farther from Old Town but just 20 minutes on foot
• Supermarkets nearby, cheaper than Baixa
• Major downside: brutally steep hill to climb back home every day

Baixa near Clérigos Tower (2 weeks): 420 euros total

• Smaller studio apartment in the heart of Old Town
• More expensive but ultra-convenient for sightseeing
• Loud until midnight (brought Loop earplugs, which helped)
• Limited supermarket access (closest full supermarket was 16-20 minute walk)

North Baixa (1 week): 150 euros

• Best value for money and favorite neighborhood vibe
• More authentic, fewer tourists, lower prices
• Close to metro, supermarkets, and great local restaurants on Rua da Conceição

If you want detailed breakdowns of each neighborhood, check my full guide to where to stay in Porto.

Food and Dining: 650 euros total (130 euros per week average)

I ate out for most dinners because Porto restaurants are incredibly affordable compared to other Western European cities. Here is how I structured my food budget:

Breakfast (3-5 euros per day):

• Pastel de nata from local bakery: 1.20-1.50 euros
• Coffee: 1-1.50 euros
• Occasionally bought fresh bread and fruit from Mercado do Bolhão or local supermarkets for homemade breakfast (much cheaper)

Lunch (8-12 euros per day):

• Deli sandwich from A Sandeira do Porto: 8-10 euros
• Salad bowl from Honest Greens: 10-12 euros
• Pita from Cult of Pita: 8-10 euros
• Supermarket meal prep when working from accommodation: 4-6 euros

Dinner (20-30 euros per person):

• Traditional Portuguese restaurants (Bilha Nova, Porta4, Taberna dos Carris): 25-35 euros including wine
• Vegetarian restaurants (daTerra, Venn Canteen): 20-28 euros
• Pizza at Farinha (takeaway): 12-15 euros
• Sharing plates and wine at Folios de Baco or Babel: 30-40 euros

Drinks and wine bars (10-15 euros per outing):

• Wine at Bonita Wine Bar, Funq, or Art and Wine: 3-5 euros per glass
• Beer at Aduela or Base: 3-4 euros
• Craft beer at Musa das Virtudes: 4-5 euros

If I had cooked every meal at home, I estimate my food budget would have been around 250-300 euros for 5 weeks (50-60 euros per week for groceries). Porto supermarkets are very affordable.

For restaurant recommendations, see my guide to the best restaurants in Porto or best vegetarian restaurants if you want budget-friendly healthy options.

Activities and Experiences: 180 euros total

Douro Valley Day Trip: 89 euros

• Booked through GetYourGuide
• Included boat tour, farm-to-table lunch, two winery visits
• Worth every euro (my favorite experience in Porto)

Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: 40 euros

• Booked through GetYourGuide
• Made pastel de nata from scratch, ate 3 warm from the oven
• Class size was perfect, bonded with others in the group

Port Tasting at Quevedo: 20 euros

• 4-port tasting (I wish I had booked the cheese and port combo for 25 euros)
• Mixed tables with other travelers, very social

Douro River 6 Bridges Cruise: 15 euros

• 50-minute boat tour under Porto’s iconic bridges
• Great views, especially at sunset

Escape Room (The Sacrifice at Exit Games): 16 euros per person

• Split cost with 3 friends
• Did not finish despite getting help multiple times!

Free Activities (0 euros):

• Walking through Jardim da Cordoaria and Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
• Sunset views from Jardim do Morro and south side of Luís I Bridge
• Exploring Ribeira and the Old Town
• Porto Cathedral (interior visit is free, though tower climb costs a few euros)
• Wandering the colorful streets and discovering local bakeries
• People-watching at Base and Aduela bars

Porto has so many free things to do that you can easily fill multiple days without spending a cent on activities. The city itself is the attraction.

Transport: 45 euros total

Metro and Bus Pass: 40 euros

• Bought a monthly Andante pass for unlimited metro and bus travel within Porto zones
• If you are staying less than a month, buy single Z2 tickets (1.30 euros) or a 24-hour pass (7 euros)
• The metro worked perfectly even with suitcases when arriving from the airport

Andante Card (one-time purchase): 1.50 euros

• Reusable card for all public transport in Porto
• Load tickets onto this card at any metro station

Taxi from airport (return trip): 22 euros

• Only took a taxi once when leaving Porto very early in the morning before the metro started running
• Otherwise always used the metro (2 euros per trip from airport to city center)

For full details on getting from the airport, read my guide on Porto airport to city center.

Coffee and Cafés: 90 euros total

As a digital nomad, I spent a lot of time working from cafés. Porto has incredible coffee culture, and most cafés are very affordable.

Typical café costs:

• Espresso or flat white: 1.50-2.50 euros
• Iced matcha at Kiwa: 4 euros (rare find in Porto!)
• Granola bowl at Mesa: 6 euros
• Salad bowl at Honest Greens: 10-12 euros

I estimate I spent around 18 euros per week on café drinks and occasional meals while working. If you are visiting as a tourist and not working from cafés daily, you will spend much less.

For café recommendations, see my guide to Porto work cafés for digital nomads.

Miscellaneous (SIM card, toiletries, etc.): 50 euros total

Mobile data (Airalo eSIM): 15 euros

• Bought a Portugal eSIM through Airalo with 5GB data for the month
• Activated instantly on arrival, no need to find a SIM card shop

Toiletries and essentials: 20 euros

• Bought sunscreen, shampoo, and basic toiletries at local Pingo Doce supermarket
• Much cheaper than buying at airport or tourist areas

Souvenirs: 15 euros

• Bought a beautiful Porto skyline wall art from a local artist at Ohana Market
• Canned fish from Casa Chinesa (best prices in town for gourmet Portuguese tinned fish)

Total 5-Week Budget: 1,865 euros

Here is my complete breakdown:

• Accommodation: 850 euros
• Food and dining: 650 euros
• Activities: 180 euros
• Transport: 45 euros
• Coffee and cafés: 90 euros
• Miscellaneous: 50 euros

Daily average: 53 euros per day (including accommodation)

Daily average (excluding accommodation): 29 euros per day

This budget reflects mid-range travel with a mix of eating out, doing paid activities, and working from cafés. I was not trying to travel as cheaply as possible, but I also was not splurging.

Budget Breakdown by Travel Style

Here is what you can expect to spend in Porto based on different travel styles:

Backpacker Budget (30-40 euros per day)

Accommodation: 15-20 euros per night

• Hostel dorm bed: 15-25 euros per night
• Budget Airbnb or guesthouse: 25-35 euros per night

Food: 10-15 euros per day

• Supermarket breakfast (bread, coffee, fruit): 2-3 euros
• Supermarket lunch (sandwich, snacks): 4-5 euros
• Budget dinner at local restaurant: 8-12 euros
• Cook most meals to save even more

Activities: 5-10 euros per day

• Focus on free activities (parks, viewpoints, walking tours)
• Splurge on one paid experience like the 6 Bridges River Cruise (15 euros)

Transport: 3-5 euros per day

• Walk as much as possible
• Use metro only when necessary (1.30 euros per trip within city center)

Total: 30-40 euros per day

Mid-Range Budget (50-70 euros per day)

Accommodation: 30-50 euros per night

• Private room in guesthouse or budget hotel: 35-50 euros
• Mid-range Airbnb in Bonfim or North Baixa: 40-60 euros

Food: 25-35 euros per day

• Breakfast at café: 3-5 euros
• Lunch at casual restaurant: 10-12 euros
• Dinner at traditional Portuguese restaurant: 20-30 euros

Activities: 10-20 euros per day

• Mix of free activities and paid experiences
• Budget for one major experience like Douro Valley day trip (89 euros, amortized over your trip)

Transport: 5-10 euros per day

• Daily metro use or occasional taxis

Total: 50-70 euros per day

This is the category I fell into during my 5 weeks in Porto.

Luxury Budget (100-150+ euros per day)

Accommodation: 80-150+ euros per night

• Boutique hotel in Baixa or Ribeira: 100-180 euros
• Upscale Airbnb with river views: 120-200 euros

Food: 50-80 euros per day

• All meals at mid-to-high-end restaurants
• Wine with every dinner
• Splurge on fine dining like Venn Canteen: 60-80 euros per person

Activities: 30-50 euros per day

• Private tours and premium experiences
• Port tastings with cheese pairings: 25-30 euros
• Cooking classes and guided food tours

Transport: 10-20 euros per day

• Taxis and Ubers instead of metro
• Private transfers

Total: 100-150+ euros per day

How to Save Money in Porto

1. Stay in Bonfim or North Baixa Instead of Old Town

Accommodation in the touristy parts of Baixa (near Clérigos Tower) and Ribeira costs 30-40% more than neighborhoods like Bonfim or North Baixa.

I paid 210 euros per week for a spacious one-bedroom in Bonfim versus 210 euros per week for a tiny studio in central Baixa. The Bonfim apartment was twice the size with a terrace.

North Baixa (near Praça da República and Rua da Conceição) offers the best value: you are still central and close to everything, but prices are much lower because it is less touristy.

For full neighborhood breakdowns, read my guide to the best neighborhoods in Porto.

2. Eat Where Locals Eat

Tourist restaurants in Ribeira and around Clérigos Tower charge 20-30% more than local spots just a few streets away.

Budget-friendly local favorites:

• Cult of Pita (Rua de Passos Manuel): Pitas and healthy fast food, 8-10 euros
• A Sandeira do Porto (Rua de Passos Manuel): Sandwiches, 8-10 euros
• Honest Greens (Rua de Santa Catarina): Salad bowls and healthy meals, 10-12 euros
• Mercado Beira-Rio (south of river): Food court with local vendors, 12-18 euros for fresh seafood

Avoid the restaurants along the Ribeira waterfront. They are pretty to look at, but the food is average and overpriced.

3. Buy Pastel de Nata from Local Bakeries, Not Tourist Cafés

Tourist spots like Manteigaria charge 1.50-2 euros per pastel de nata. Local bakeries charge 1-1.20 euros for the same quality (sometimes better).

My favorite local bakery, Castro, charged just 1.20 euros per pastel and was better than Manteigaria. Read my full guide to the best pastel de nata in Porto to find the top spots.

4. Skip Majestic Café

Majestic Café is beautiful, but it is one of the biggest tourist traps in Porto. A coffee costs 4-5 euros (compared to 1.50 euros at a local café), and you will wait in line for 20-30 minutes.

Save your money and go to a local café like Mesa, Combi Coffee Roasters, or Von and Vinnie Microroasters instead.

5. Visit in Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

I visited Porto in August, which is peak summer season. Accommodation prices were 20-30% higher than shoulder season, and restaurants were packed (many required booking 3-5 days in advance).

If you visit in April, May, September, or October, you will pay significantly less for accommodation and have a much more relaxed experience.

6. Book Day Trips in Advance Online

If you book day trips like the Douro Valley tour directly through GetYourGuide or Viator, you often get better prices than booking through hotel concierges or tour operators in Porto.

I saved 10-15 euros by booking my Douro Valley tour online instead of through the tour desk at my accommodation.

7. Use the Metro, Not Taxis

The metro in Porto is incredibly efficient and costs just 1.30 euros per trip within the city center. A taxi for the same journey costs 6-8 euros.

Buy a 24-hour metro pass (7 euros) or 3-day pass (15 euros) if you plan to use public transport frequently. It pays for itself after 5-6 trips.

8. Cook Breakfast and Lunch, Eat Out for Dinner

Porto restaurants are so affordable that it is worth eating out for dinner (20-30 euros per person). But if you want to save money, cook breakfast and lunch and reserve eating out for the evening.

Supermarkets like Pingo Doce and Continente are very affordable:

• Fresh bread: 0.80-1.20 euros
• Local cheese: 2-3 euros
• Fruit: 1-2 euros per kilo
• Pasta and sauces: 3-4 euros total

A week of supermarket breakfast and lunch costs around 20-25 euros, compared to 70-90 euros if you eat out for every meal.

9. Drink Wine at Local Bars, Not Wine Bars

Wine bars in Porto charge 4-6 euros per glass. Local bars like Aduela and Base charge 3 euros per glass for the same quality wine.

I loved going to Aduela in North Baixa, where wine and tap beer started at just 3 euros. The place was always buzzing with locals, and the atmosphere was incredible.

10. Take Advantage of Free Activities

Porto has so many free things to do that you can easily spend multiple days without paying for activities:

• Walk through Jardim da Cordoaria and Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
• Watch the sunset from Jardim do Morro or the south side of Luís I Bridge
• Explore the colorful streets of Ribeira and Old Town
• Visit Porto Cathedral (free to enter, small fee for tower climb)
• Discover street art south of the river
• People-watch at Base or outdoor bars in the evening

If you are on a tight budget, you can have an incredible Porto experience without spending much on activities.

Is Porto Cheaper Than Lisbon?

Yes. Porto is 15-25% cheaper than Lisbon across accommodation, food, and activities.

I have spent time in both cities, and here is how they compare:

Accommodation:

• Porto: 35-60 euros per night for mid-range
• Lisbon: 50-80 euros per night for mid-range

Meals:

• Porto: 20-30 euros per person for dinner with wine
• Lisbon: 25-40 euros per person for dinner with wine

Coffee:

• Porto: 1.50-2 euros for espresso
• Lisbon: 2-3 euros for espresso

Day trips:

• Porto (Douro Valley): 89 euros
• Lisbon (Sintra): 60-70 euros

Porto also feels less touristy than Lisbon, which means fewer tourist-trap restaurants and more authentic local experiences.

Is Porto Expensive Compared to Other European Cities?

No. Porto is one of the most affordable cities in Western Europe.

Here is how Porto compares to other popular European destinations I have visited:

Daily budget comparison (mid-range travel):

• Porto: 50-70 euros per day
• Barcelona: 80-100 euros per day
• Paris: 100-130 euros per day
• Amsterdam: 90-110 euros per day
• Rome: 70-90 euros per day
• London: 120-150+ euros per day

Porto offers incredible value for money. You can eat at excellent restaurants, stay in great neighborhoods, and do amazing experiences without breaking the bank.

3-Day Porto Budget Breakdown

If you are visiting Porto for just 3 days (the most common trip length), here is what you can expect to spend:

Budget Traveler (3 days)

• Accommodation: 45-60 euros (15-20 euros per night in hostel)
• Food: 30-45 euros (10-15 euros per day, cooking some meals)
• Activities: 30 euros (river cruise + free activities)
• Transport: 15 euros (3-day metro pass)
• Total: 120-150 euros for 3 days

Mid-Range Traveler (3 days)

• Accommodation: 120-150 euros (40-50 euros per night in guesthouse or Airbnb)
• Food: 75-105 euros (25-35 euros per day eating out)
• Activities: 104 euros (Douro Valley day trip 89 euros + river cruise 15 euros)
• Transport: 25 euros (metro pass + occasional taxi)
• Total: 324-384 euros for 3 days

This aligns with the budget breakdown in my 3-day Porto itinerary, where I estimated 350-400 euros total for a mid-range 3-day trip.

Luxury Traveler (3 days)

• Accommodation: 300-450 euros (100-150 euros per night in boutique hotel)
• Food: 150-240 euros (50-80 euros per day at high-end restaurants)
• Activities: 200 euros (private tours, premium experiences)
• Transport: 60 euros (taxis and private transfers)
• Total: 710-950 euros for 3 days

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need per day in Porto?

For mid-range travel (eating out at local restaurants, staying in guesthouses or Airbnb, doing a mix of free and paid activities), budget 50-70 euros per day including accommodation. Backpackers can get by on 30-40 euros per day if cooking most meals.

Is Porto expensive to visit?

No. Porto is one of the most affordable cities in Western Europe. It is 15-25% cheaper than Lisbon and significantly cheaper than cities like Paris, London, or Amsterdam. You can have an excellent meal with wine for 20-30 euros and stay in a nice Airbnb for 40-50 euros per night.

How much does food cost in Porto?

A typical meal at a local Portuguese restaurant costs 15-25 euros per person. Add wine and you are looking at 20-30 euros. Breakfast (pastel de nata and coffee) costs 2.50-3.50 euros. Lunch at a casual spot costs 8-12 euros.

How much does accommodation cost in Porto?

Mid-range accommodation (private room in guesthouse or Airbnb) costs 35-60 euros per night. Hostel dorm beds cost 15-25 euros. Boutique hotels cost 80-150+ euros per night. Prices are 20-30% higher in peak summer (July-August).

Is Porto cheaper than Lisbon?

Yes. Porto is 15-25% cheaper than Lisbon across accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range Airbnb in Porto costs 40-60 euros per night compared to 60-90 euros in Lisbon. Restaurant meals are also cheaper in Porto.

What is the cheapest neighborhood to stay in Porto?

Bonfim offers the best value for money. Accommodation is 20-30% cheaper than Baixa or Ribeira, and you get more space. North Baixa (near Praça da República) is also affordable while still being central and well-connected to metro and supermarkets.

How much does the Douro Valley day trip cost?

The most popular Douro Valley day trip costs 89 euros and includes transport, lunch, wine tastings at two wineries, and a boat tour. It is worth every euro and was my favorite experience in Porto.

Can I visit Porto on a budget?

Absolutely. Porto is one of the best cities in Europe for budget travelers. Focus on free activities (parks, viewpoints, walking tours), eat at local restaurants instead of touristy spots, stay in Bonfim or North Baixa, and use the metro instead of taxis. You can easily visit Porto on 30-40 euros per day.

How much does public transport cost in Porto?

A single metro ticket within the city center (Zone 2) costs 1.30 euros. A 24-hour unlimited pass costs 7 euros. A 3-day pass costs 15 euros. The metro is the best way to get around Porto and is incredibly affordable.

What should I budget for a week in Porto?

For mid-range travel, budget 350-500 euros per week including accommodation, food, activities, and transport. Backpackers can do it for 210-280 euros per week by cooking meals and focusing on free activities.

Final Thoughts

Porto is one of the most affordable and rewarding cities I have visited in Western Europe. You can eat incredible food, stay in great neighborhoods, and do amazing experiences without spending a fortune.

My 5-week budget of 1,865 euros (53 euros per day including accommodation) reflects mid-range travel during peak summer season. If you visit in shoulder season and are willing to cook some meals, you can easily cut that budget by 20-30%.

The key to saving money in Porto is staying in local neighborhoods like Bonfim or North Baixa, eating where locals eat, and taking advantage of the many free activities the city offers.

For more Porto planning tips, check out my 3-day Porto itinerary to see how to structure your days and budget for recommended experiences

Related Porto Guides

Planning your Porto trip? These guides will help:

• Porto Travel Guide: 5 Weeks Living in Portugal – Complete hub post
• Where to Stay in Porto: 5 Best Neighborhoods – Budget vs mid-range areas
• Porto in August: Weather, Costs & What to Expect – Peak season realities
• Best Restaurants in Porto: Where Locals Eat – Avoid overpriced tourist traps
• Douro Valley Day Trip: Is It Worth €90? – Cost-benefit analysis
• 3 Days in Porto Itinerary – Budget-friendly day plans