The second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, Porto is a budget traveler’s paradise. Eating and drinking, even in more upscale, sit-down restaurants is still substantially cheaper here than elsewhere in Europe, and centrally-located, comfortable accommodations can be had for less than a nice meal out in London or Paris.

While Porto proper reaches further than you might imagine, its historic old town, Ribeira, is easily explored on foot. If you want to wander beyond the center, city transit options (trams, buses, and metro) are reasonably priced and relatively easy to use if you buy an Andante ticket — which is valid for all three.

Getting There

From Lisbon, Porto is an hour and twenty minutes via plane, 2 hours and 50 minutes on the train, or between four and five hours on the bus.

Flights: Budget airlines fly direct to Porto from all over Europe and Lisbon, and start at around €70 round-trip.

Train: From Vigo, Spain, or Lisbon, you can also catch the train to the lovely São Bento Railway Station in Porto from about €25-30. You can search for tickets on the official train site, Comboios de Portugal.

Car: If you’d rather rent a car, expect to spend €70 or less (not including gas) for a two-day rental. For groups traveling together and planning on exploring the countryside, renting a vehicle is probably worthwhile for flexibility and cash savings. Just remember, Portuguese drivers are notoriously aggressive on the road, and centrally-located budget accommodations don’t usually include free parking, so it might be best to rent a car just for trips out of town.

Hop on one of Porto’s historic trams. Photo: jocelyn777

Getting Around

The city is great for walking (and even biking), and Porto is well-connected with a modern metro system, a few tram lines, a light rail, and buses.

Andante Ticket

If you plan on using transit to get around the city, go for an Andante Tour ticket. At €7 for a one-day pass or €15 for a three-day pass with unlimited trips on buses, metro, and train, it is well worth the investment. You also won’t have to worry about figuring out the zone system.

However, if you’re only planning to grab the metro to and from the airport, grab an Andante card for €0.60 and charge it up with one Zone 4 (Z4) trip. Wait to add a return trip until you’re ready to leave Porto, as each Andante card can hold only one type of zone ticket at a time. For example, if you wanted to use the bus to get around the city center on a rainy day, you’d either have to waste a Z4 ticket, or buy another Andante card to keep track of it.

Whatever Andante ticket you choose, make sure to validate it — the fines can be steep, to say the least.

Historic trams

The city’s historic tram lines are popular with visitors, but they are not included in the Andante ticket. You can buy tickets on board for €6 or combine with a visit to the Museu do Carro Eléctrico for a slight discount.

Stroll the shops and stands at the Mercado do Bolhão. Photo: celine181

Free and Cheap Entertainment and Attractions

Your number one free option in Porto is touring its charming old town, Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy great people-watching in the city’s sun-soaked plazas and venture into free attractions as you go. Don’t miss the city’s massive Sé Cathedral and the stunning golden interior of São Francisco Church or tile murals at São Benton Train Station.

Shopping

The recently renovated 19th-century Mercado do Bolhão is a great place to buy olives, local sweets, sample local cheeses and charcuterie, and eat freshly caught fish on the cheap. The market features a mix of traditional stalls and modern eateries, offering an interesting blend of old and new Porto. Browse a wide range of local wares (everything from soap to sneakers) on display at A Vida Portuguesa.

Later on, continue to Avenida Miguel Bombarda to get a glimpse of some of the city’s coolest graffiti and galleries full of work by local artists and artisans. Peruse the ancient shelves at the stunning Lello & Irmão Bookstore, considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful bookstore. Note that there’s now an entrance fee of €8, but it’s redeemable against book purchases.

Douro River Walk

Another great option is a walk along the Douro River, snapping shots of the colorful houses along the banks and the city’s iconic bridges.

The most famous is the Ponte D. Maria railway bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), often confused with the strikingly similar Ponte Dom Luís, designed by one of Eiffel’s former partners. There’s a trick to distinguishing the two: The Ponte D. Maria is a one-level bridge whereas the Ponte Dom Luís is a double-decker. Head to the pedestrian walkway on top for views of the city’s old town from above.

Porto’s Green Spaces

Get away from the traffic and noise in the center. Pack yourself a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring the city’s green spaces. Head to Portugal’s biggest urban park, City Park, designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal or the Pasteleira Urban Park to see a few of Portugal’s famous Cork trees.

You can also follow one of the themed learning trails from the Romantic gardens at Palácio de Cristal to the riverside to find interesting factoids about the city plus sweeping views of the river Douro and Porto. If you’re after avoiding the crowds, midweek is best.

Related: The perfect Cheapo day in Porto

Cheap eats in Porto

Local restaurants serve up hearty traditional fare, like the ubiquitous Francesinha, a Portuguese take on a Croque monsieur, as well as Italian, Chinese and Turkish options. The Francesinha is made with local sausage, steak, and ham with a thick tomato and beer sauce, and usually served with fries or tripe and bean stews (if you’re not a fan, avoid dishes listing tripas among the ingredients),

As in the rest of Portugal, creamy pasteis de nata pastries and bacalhau (salt cod) are ever-present, and portions are generous, to say the least. Order up a “Prato do Dia” (dish of the day) at small local cafes from €6, or a multi-course menu at upscale establishments for as little as €12.

Wine in restaurants and bars is very cheap, particularly if you stick to Vinho Verde whites and Douro reds. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a glass of the heady local drink famous the world over, Port. You can sample this fine fortified wine at one of the city’s oldest makers, The House of Taylor’s.

For the freshest fish and seafood at the best price, take the metro to Mercado station in Matosinhos and choose from dozens of restaurants that grill fresh fish in the area around Rua Herois de França. For the best Francesinhas in town, head to Capa Negra (Rua Barros Lima 487), but expect to set down between €12-18 for your Francesinha and fries with a beer or two. (That said, it’s totally worth it, as chances are you’ll be so stuffed you’ll want to skip your next meal.) Or you could always learn to share and split the plate with a friend.

The Moov Hotel Porto Centro

Sleeping cheap in Porto

Comfortable mid-range budget hotels can be had from around €55 a night. Like neighboring Spain, Portugal has plenty of clean, basic accommodations at rock-bottom rates. Want to go even cheaper? Dorm rooms in hostels start at around €12 per night.

A few hotel suggestions:

• We like the clean, and stylish Moov Hotel Porto Centro –within walking distance to historic sights in Porto’s city center. Make sure to request a room on an upper floor facing away from the Praça de Batalha for a quieter night.
• Traveling with a big group of friends? For a slightly more expensive but infinitely cooler hostel experience, we recommend CATS Porto Hostel. It’s centrally located and bright and airy with a boutique feel.

Want more suggestions? Search over 700 hotels in Porto on EuroCheapo.

The Porto Card

Starting at €7.50 per day, the Porto Card can be a good deal if you’re really interested in seeing many of Porto’s museums. The basic card covers free entrance to five museums, and depending on the card, may also cover transportation.

Have fun!

The post Budget travel guide to Porto, Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That said, the savviest Cheapos are always looking for new ways to save a few extra euros. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place!

Related articles:
• 10 Days in Portugal: A budget-friendly itinerary through Lisbon, Porto Braga
• Saving in Sintra, a perfect day trip from Lisbon
• How to save on dining out in Lisbon

Portugal budget travel guide

Here are 10 of our best tips to stretch your budget even further in Lisbon, Porto and beyond.

1. Embrace the off-season

For the best prices on flights, accommodations and pretty much everything else, try to plan your trip to Portugal any time other than peak travel dates. If you can, avoid June through September along with the Easter and Christmas holidays. Generally speaking, late January through mid-March (depending on when Holy Week and Easter fall) bring lower prices and fewer crowds.

2. Book last-minute hotels

For the best prices on many aspects of travel, plan way ahead (months, not weeks) or wait until the last possible moment to book. In our experience, this works better with accommodations and package deals than with airfare. For the most extreme savings on hotels and hostels, the best prices are quite often found at the last minute, when rates tumble as push comes to shove. Search EuroCheapo to find a deal on Portugal hotels.

TAP flies non-stop to Portugal from the US. Photo: Miguel C.

3. Keep flight costs down

Because Portugal is already a very budget-friendly destination when it comes to food and lodging, the best way to cut your expenses way back is to spend less on your airfare to Europe. While flying to Porto will usually save you some cash, TAP Portugal flies direct to Lisbon from the US, while Iberia makes one stop in Madrid.

Serious Cheapos should consider flying into another major European hub (think Paris, Dublin or London) and then hopping on a low-cost flight to Lisbon, Porto or Faro. Since low-cost flights on carriers like Vueling and Ryanair are priced each way, to save time and money on ground transportation, consider flying into Porto in the north and back from Lisbon in the South or vice versa.

4. Sleep cheap in pensions

For a charming (and budget-friendly) local experience, stick to pensão, small, family-run inns. Some also offer inexpensive but authentic home-style meals, too. Hostels and apartments are also very reasonable, and if you plan to stay in one place for two or more nights, you may even be able to negotiate a discount.

In bigger urban areas like Porto (Search over 4,000 hotels in Porto) and Lisbon (search for budget hotels in Lisbon), pick something central to save time and money on transportation.

Related: Search for affordable hotel rooms across Portugal

5. Walk

Pack comfortable shoes and walk as much as you can. It’s free, and Portuguese towns and cities are wonderful for pedestrians. If you must, take the odd joy ride on one of the old-fashioned cable cars, but after that, stick to your own two feet whenever possible to keep your transportation costs down.

6. Skip the taxis

Good public transit options, rideshares and reasonably priced rental cars make splurging for a taxi seem silly. Take the trip from Lisbon Airport to the city center, for example. Whereas a taxi fare will cost you around €10 to €15, public transit costs only €2, while a shuttle or rideshare option starts at about €5.

Related: How to save on your rental car in Portugal

7. Spend less on dining out

For the best way to save on dining, go for the fixed price menus at lunchtime. Many restaurants offer a menu of the day, “prato do dia,” “menu do dia” or sometimes “menu fixo” in Portuguese. When dinner rolls around, opt for snacks on-the-go from bakeries or supermarkets.

In restaurants, just say no to the bread and olives the waiters bring out unless you really want them. They’re an added charge on the bill at most establishments.

And don’t overtip. In Portugal, as in many European destinations, tips are a bonus, not part of your server’s salary, so most of the time a few euros are more than enough. Generally, you shouldn’t even think about leaving more than 10% on top of the bill. Also, check to make sure a service charge hasn’t already been tacked on to your bill.

8. Pick up a fresh meal at a local market

While eating and drinking out is cheaper in Portugal than in other parts of Europe, it’ll still save you money to pick up fresh produce, bread, and snacks at outdoor markets and supermarkets. Grab a nice Vinho Verde, some local cheese and charcuterie, and a few pasteis de nata (traditional egg custard tartlets) for dessert, and you’re all set — no complicated cooking skills or formal kitchen required.

9. Some of the best sights are free

You’ll find that many popular activities that normally charge admission are free some of the time. Wherever you are in Portugal, it’s pretty likely that local museums have a free morning, afternoon or day, so asking around is well worth the effort. For example, the first Sunday of the month, you can take in major museums in Lisbon (like the Tile Museum and Jeronimos Monastery) without paying admission.

Related: Free attractions and things to do in Lisbon

Porto’s sweetened the pot for tourists even further — every Sunday morning from 10 am to 1 pm, museums and cathedrals are free. We recommend the Port Wine Museum (although it is currently under renovation) or the Serralves Foundation’s modern art collection.

Want someone to show you the sights on the cheap? In both of Portugal’s major cities, there are free walking tours (tips are encouraged). Check out these walking tour options in Porto and Lisbon.

10. Slow down

Spending more time in one place is a sure-fire way to keep your budget in check and stay sane. Instead of rushing around on an organized bus tour, or driving from one city to the next, consider making a temporary home base in a small town, renting a nice room or apartment and exploring an area in a leisurely fashion.

Don’t overbook your time with activities. Instead, take your time and wander — it’s free. You’ll save money on transportation and have a much more relaxing trip.

The post 10 ways to save on a trip to Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But what do you need to know about driving in Portugal before you hop in your rental and hit the road? To stay safe and on the right side of the law during your time in Portugal, consider the tips below.

Related
• How to save on your rental car in Portugal
• 10-day budget itinerary to Portugal
• 10 ways to save on your trip to Portugal

Portugal driving tips

1. Get an International driver’s license before your trip

Consider getting an international driver’s license before you arrive. While most rental companies don’t require one for U.S. drivers license holders, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Be smart about parking

Be careful about where and how you park your car in Portugal. Locals aren’t an example to follow — leaving your car running with emergency lights in a no-parking zone won’t save you from a ticket. Also, when parking roadside, always be sure to park in the same direction as traffic.

3. Protect your car and valuables

Lock the car when you park and secure your valuables in the trunk. Even if you’re just stopping off for a moment to get a picture of an amazing view along the way. Portugal isn’t dangerous but petty theft is unfortunately quite common. Don’t make yourself an easy target.

4. Lost? Don’t panic.

Be prepared to get a little lost when driving around Portugal. The trick is staying calm and being prepared. Be sure to bring a paper map, and either rent a GPS with your vehicle or use Google Maps on your smartphone or tablet — learn how to switch out your US sim card with a local sim card.

5. Keep an eye out for gas stations

Fill up whenever you see a station — running out of gas in a foreign country is even less fun than it is at home (even if it has the makings of a great story to tell at dinner parties). And be sure to fill up with the right fuel. Learn the name of the type of fuel your car uses in Portuguese.

Note: Diesel is “gasóleo” (or “diesel”) and unleaded gasoline is “gasolina.”

6. Don’t speed

Follow the speed limit, even if the rest of traffic is speeding along over the limit. In Portugal, there are flashing orange speed traffic lights that operate using a sensor, and if you’re over the limit (or the person in front of you is), they’ll turn red and you’ll have to stop.

7. Put that smartphone down

Don’t use a cell phone while driving unless it’s hands-free. It’s illegal, unsafe and could get you a big fine.

8. Use turn signals (even if others don’t)

Turn signals might seem to you to be optional in Portugal — which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them, just that you can’t expect other drivers to do so. So give yourself a little extra distance between you and the car ahead of you, and pay close attention so you can brake hard when the person in front of makes an unexpected turn or maneuver.

9. Watch it on the sharp turns and ramps

On and off ramps are usually very short — you’ll want to slow down a little before you exit the main road or highway you’re on.

Your Portugal driving tips

Have some driving tips to add to our list? Leave them in the comments section below!

The post Portugal Driving Tips: How to stay safe and legal when driving in Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Related: Search for hotel rooms across Portugal

Add to that a mild, sunny climate and events to interest any type of traveler year-round (everything from traditional medieval fairs to massive music festivals), and you’ve got a can’t-miss destination in Europe that won’t break the bank.

Need a little more convincing before you book your flights? Read on!

Our top 10 reasons to visit Portugal in 2017

1. Strong dollar to euro exchange

Portugal’s been a dream destination for budget travelers forever. Even when the euro traded higher, prices were cheaper here than almost any other destinations in Western Europe.

Now, in 2017, it costs $1.06 to buy €1 (at the time of writing), which means you can easily estimate Portugal’s already very reasonable prices for hotel rooms, food, and activities at almost a 1 to 1 ratio.

Related: 10-day budget-friendly itinerary starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto

2. Cheap flights from the US

At the time of writing, there are round-trip flights from JFK to Porto on offer for $600 or less (sometimes less than $400) from late January through September. Check TAP Portgual, Iberia Airlines and Royal Air Maroc. Flying into Lisbon is a little pricier, but if you choose your dates wisely, it’s still easy to get there and home again for under $700.

Fly TAP Portugal from the US for low fares, especially in the offseason. Photo: Oliver H.

Cheap flights between Porto and Lisbon: Whichever city you fly into, budget carrier Ryanair has made it cheaper to travel between the country’s two largest airports with flights starting at an astonishing €20.

It should also be noted that if you want to add Portugal to your trip, round-trip flights on European budget airlines like easyJet and Vueling from cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam and Munich can be had for €100 or less when booked far enough in advance.

For the best possible deal on airfare, be flexible with times and dates, willing to make at least one connection in Europe and book as soon as you can. Use our Cheapo Flight Search to find the latest prices.

3. World-renowned musicians and music festivals

Beyond Fado, the traditional music Portugal is known for worldwide, destinations throughout the country will feature big names in music at concert halls and major festivals in 2017.

Lisbon will host Bruno Mars on April 4, Simple Minds on May 3, and Aerosmith on June 26. The Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline the Super Bock Super Rock Festival in Parque das Nações. The Foo Fighters and Depeche Mode will play at the Nos Alive Festival (July 6-8) in the community of Algés. If urban and electronic music is your tune, there is also the Sumol Summer Fest.

4. Carnival in Madeira

The city of Funchal in Portugal’s Madeira region has one of the liveliest carnival celebrations in Europe — Carnaval da Madeira. There are two main parades visitors should try to catch: The more formal parade on the Saturday of Carnival Weekend (February 25) featuring samba musicians and dancers in costumes like those in Rio de Janeiro and the free-for-all Fat Tuesday Parade (February 28) wherein locals and visitors alike can dance and parade through the city center in wild and daring costumes.

Search for hotels in Funchal

A souk vendor at the Islamic Festival in Mértola. Photo: Jose C.

5. The Islamic Festival in Mértola

Mértola, Portugal (near Faro) was the capital of Taifa, as an independent Muslim-ruled principality, and an important port between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa between the 8th and 13th centuries.

In 2017 (and odd-numbered years), the destination celebrates its heritage during the Islamic Festival of Mértola. Featuring traditional dancers and musicians, a souk full of artisans, and chefs preparing traditional North African dishes such as couscous and mint tea, the festival takes place from May 21 to 24.

Search for hotels in Mértola

6. Marathons and races

If fitness is part of your New Year’s resolution, why not organize your trip to Europe around a marathon? Runners can choose between panoramic views of the country’s capital in Lisbon’s Half Marathon (March 19) or a scenic run through the country’s best-known wine region in the Douro Valley Half Marathon.

To keep the cost of running in the races in check, register as soon as possible, as the Lisbon Half-Marathon is €38 plus tax through January 31, and the Douro Valley Half Marathon is €16 through March 31 (after the cut-off, prices go up).

If you love races, but you’d rather watch (it is a vacation, after all), Portugal’s hosting the Algarve Grandfondo (February 15-19) cycling competition, as well as the Ironman 70.3 competition in the beautiful coastal community of Cascais (September 3).

Visitors arriving at the Shrine of Fatima. Photo: Noel P

7.  100th anniversary pilgrimage to Fatima

2017 marks one hundred years since the Virgin Mary revealed herself to three children in Fatima during a dark time in European and Portuguese history (World War I), converting the tiny town into a pilgrimage site for Catholics. Today, it is one of the largest shrines dedicated to Mary in the world.

It’s a great year to visit, particularly between May 12 and October 13 when special cultural events including concerts and exhibitions will take place in honor of the 100th-anniversary celebration. From April on, visitors can also take part in a nightly candlelight procession at 10 pm. Book your hotel in Fatima early to experience this special celebration.

8. Medieval fairs

There’s nothing quite like a medieval fair in a destination that actually survived the highs and lows of the medieval era. In such towns in Portugal, saints’ days and holidays throughout the year are excuse enough for many locals to dress up in traditional costumes and have a go at working and partying the “old-fashioned” way.

The walled city of Viana do Castelo makes a great setting for locals dressed for the part selling artisan wares and performing medieval music in mid-June.

From August 2 to 13, Santa Maria da Feira returns to its medieval roots as the historic city center transforms into a big medieval fair with knights jousting in tournaments, artisans, blacksmiths, bakers, mule-drivers, tavern keepers, acrobats, jugglers, and fire-eaters.

In Vila Baleira, a medieval festival in September (14-16) is dedicated to medieval maritime culture and Columbus’ time on the island.

Other towns with notable medieval fairs include Castro Marim and Silva.

9. Film festivals

Whether you’re into sci-fi or indie documentaries, if cinema’s your thing, Portugal has plenty on offer in 2017.

February 22 to March 6, 2017, there’s Fantasporto, Oporto’s International Film Festival dedicated to fantasy and science fiction cinema, considered one of the best in the world.

In April (17-23), indie fans can head to Madeira Film Festival for a healthy dose of independent shorts, features, and documentaries, with a focus on nature-oriented films.

Lisbon’s Indie Film Festival from May 3 to 14 makes the perfect excuse for a late spring trip to the Portuguese capital.

The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival. Photo: Ivo A.

10. Óbidos International Chocolate Festival

Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Portugal’s best-known chocolate festival from March 10 to April 2, 2017. Wander the narrow streets of Óbidos, a medieval town in Central Portugal, and taste an array of chocolate and chocolate-themed sweets and cakes. Book your accommodations in Óbidos as early as possible if you want to attend.

There are also chocolate and baked good competitions, cooking classes, chocolate sculptures and even a kid’s chocolate house for young visitors. Check out the official website or Facebook page for more information.

The post 10 Reasons to visit Portugal in 2017 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Porto is days nine and ten in EuroCheapo’s 10-day itinerary for Portugal.

Spend your final two days getting to know Portugal’s second largest city. Walkable, well-connected with inexpensive public transportation and visually stunning, Porto is a budget traveler’s paradise.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Porto

Without spending a single euro, walk along the Douro River and snap shots of the colorful waterfront buildings and the city’s iconic bridges (one designed by Gustave Eiffel and the other by one of his cronies). Or gawk at the salt cod and fresh produce on display at Bolhão Market.

Search out your favorite azulejo tiles around town, and don’t miss the stunning tile murals at the São Benton Station. Admire funky art in the galleries and the graffiti outside on Miguel Bombarda Street. Window-shop in the city center, or buy a book at Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops.

Eating and drinking on the cheap in Porto

Shell out a few euros for a tour of a port cellar — beyond learning about this vital local industry, your tour’s likely to include samples that make it worth your while. Wash down Francesinha sandwiches with beer or feast on tripe stew, a local specialty. Hop the light rail to Matosinhos port for the city’s freshest seafood.

Cheap Stays in Porto

Sleeping in Porto shouldn’t cost you more than €50 euros/night for a centrally located, basic accommodation with private bath. For a private room for less, try guesthouses, but be prepared to share a bathroom and walk up a few flights of stairs. Bunks and shared showers at a hostel run €8-15 per night per person. Search over 900 hotels in Porto.

For more on Porto, check out our guide to Porto on a Budget and our article A Cheapo day in Porto.

Our 10-day Portugal itinerary

Porto is days nine and ten of our recommended itinerary for a 10-day trip in Portugal. Click below to see the previous days.

Days 1 and 2: Lisbon

Days 3 and 4: Sintra, Cascais & Coimbra

Days 5 and 6: Valença and Ponte de Lima

Days 7 and 8: Braga and Guimarães

The post Two days in Porto: 10-day Portugal itinerary appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But here the striking scenery is complete with Roman ruins, cobblestone streets, and medieval old towns, blissfully untouched by the San Andreas fault.

Finally, and fortunately for budget travelers everywhere, it’s inexpensive to eat, drink, and sleep in Portugal, not to mention to get around, especially as compared to the most of Western Europe.

Here’s a rundown of how to navigate the country and take off on a 10-day trip through Lisbon, Porto, Braga and beyond!

Budget Basics: Eating, drinking & sleeping in Portugal

Expect to spend on average €50 per night for a centrally located, simple hotel room with a private bath and around €10 for a shared dorm at a hostel. If you like to cook and entertain while you travel, vacation apartments can be had for as little as €40 per night in bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto, depending on the time of year and location.

Search and book over 14,000 hotels in Portugal

It seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes in smaller cities, centrally located basic hotels are more expensive and harder to come by than in metropolises like Porto and Lisbon. Be sure to book hotels in smaller, popular cities like Sintra and Ponte de Lima further in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the busy spring and summer seasons.

Keep an eye out for lunch deals, especially for fresh seafood like these sardines in Lisbon. Photo: islandralm

Food and drink are very cheap in restaurants, especially if you make a point of eating away from the main tourist attractions. For extra savings, feast on a meal out in the middle of the day (12 pm – 4 pm) when hearty one-plate meals called pratos de día can be had for as little as €5.

Keep your booze bill under control by sticking to reasonably priced house wine, served in little clay pitchers. Get the freshest produce at open markets and the cheapest groceries at local and European chains like Pingo Doce, Aldi, and Lidl.

Portugal: Arriving and getting around

Even with a full 10 days to play with, to make the most of your time in Portugal, you’re best off flying into the south (Lisbon) and out of the north (Porto). If you book your ticket carefully, this should cost the same or only marginally more than a round-trip fare out of either of the country’s major international airports.

Once on the ground, you can traverse the highlights in an inexpensive combination of trains and buses for a grand total of €80-120 and 10 hours of travel time in the country.

Of course, if you’re traveling in a group, or just prefer your independence, it might be worth investing in an open-ended rental car (where you pick up a vehicle in one location and drop it off in another). Sure, it means you’ll have to spend time and money filling up and finding parking, but it also means you decide when and where to explore, not the bus or train schedule. In a group, a rental car, from around €20 a day, can even save you money.

Search and book rentals cars throughout Europe

Just make sure to grab an international driving permit ($15 from AAA) before the trip. Another pro tip is to enable the automatic toll readers (Via Verde) on your rental, saving you time, fuss, and spare change.

Also, cut down on the number of days and consequently, the cost of renting as well as parking by picking up your car at the end of your time in Lisbon, and dropping it off first thing upon arrival in Porto.

Our 10-day Portugal itinerary

On the following pages, we outline a recommended 10-day journey through Portugal. Click below to get started!

Days 1 and 2: Lisbon

Days 3 and 4: Sintra, Cascais & Coimbra

Days 5 and 6: Valença and Ponte de Lima

Days 7 and 8: Braga and Guimarães

Days 9 and 10: Porto

The post Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days on the cheap through Lisbon, Porto & Braga appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It’s also a great city for those traveling on a budget: it’s cheap, it’s welcoming and it has loads to explore and plenty of cheap hotels. Strapped for time as well as cash? Well, it’s possible to get a good sense of Porto in a day.

Here’s how to tackle the city like a true Cheapo.

Books after breakfast

Heading to a bookshop straight after breakfast may seem a bit eager even for the biggest bookworms, but it’s more than justified when that bookshop is Livraria Lello & Irmão (Rua das Carmelitas). It’s regularly included as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world and, with its ornate carved staircase and glass-fronted bookshelves, it’s easy to see why. J.K. Rowling started drafting Harry Potter while living in Porto, and there’s certainly more than a touch of Hogwarts about this bookshop.

However, it gets so busy that photography is forbidden except for an hour each morning before the shop officially opens. Hence the early start: you’ll need to get there for 9 AM if you want to take any snapshots.

Take a walk through the historic river district. Photo: Frances Ambler

Get to know the city with a free walking tour

Tour buses do wind their way around the city, but a much better—and cheaper way—to get to know the city is on a Wild Walking tour. The tours are completely free (although tips are welcome) and last an impressive 2.5 hours. The morning tour takes you through hundreds of years of history and ticks off many of the city’s must-sees, from the blue tiling of São Bento railway station to the Sé cathedral and through the twisty turning historic backstreets of Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, places where the buses simply cannot reach.

A traditional Francesinha. Photo: Frances Ambler

Sample a local specialty

After all that walking, you’ll be hungry. What better time to sample Porto’s specialty, the Francesinha? Meaning ‘little French girl’, it’s a reinterpretation of a croque monsieur. And by reinterpretation, I mean adding layers of different kind of meats, and a slightly spicy alcohol-infused sauce. This is one place not to scrimp: a good Francesinha will cost around €8 to 12.

The Francesinha’s at Café Santiago (Rua Passos Manuel) come highly recommended (in fact, they are so popular, you’ll probably have to wait for a table) and are €9 a serving. One way of saving money is to share: half a portion (as pictured here) is more than enough for the average appetite.

Sample more specialties

However, when it comes to specialties, Porto is probably best known for its Port wines: fortified wines that started being exported in the 17th century. Made using grapes from the Douro valley, it is in Vila Nova de Gaia that the wine is stored and aged. Although technically a different city to Porto, Gaia is just a short walk over one of the impressive bridges over the river from Porto’s waterfront. The House of Taylor’s is one of the oldest and famous, and their introduction to their port is a definite bargain. For only  €5, you can get a 20-minute tour of their cellars. Even better is that price also includes three different samples of Port that you can enjoy at your leisure in their English-style rose garden: the effect completed by their parading peacocks.

Eat, drink and be merry

Head back over to Porto to enjoy some of their laid-back drinking scene. The bars and restaurants by the riverfront are both overpriced and underwhelming and better bargains can be found elsewhere. Clérigos Vinhos e Petiscos (Rua das Carmelitas) is a great contemporary tapas bar, offering tasty takes on Portuguese classics. If you’ve not yet adapted to local eating and drinking times (i.e. late!), you can take advantage of their happy hour, with two for one on the house wine. You’re also handily situated for exploring the bars that line the Galeria de Paris and Rua Cândido dos Reis and that offer inexpensive cocktails, beers and, naturally, port to a cool, relaxed crowd.

And to bed

From there, it’s just a short stumble to a bed at Yes! Porto, an excellent value for money hostel. Yes! Porto is clean, safe and friendly: in fact, everything you’d want in a hostel. Needless to say, booking ahead is advised. And, if a night here isn’t enough to make you want to stay for at least another day in Porto, I’m not sure what is….

The post Portugal on a Budget: A Cheapo day in Porto appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.