Every city has its perks and Porto is no exception. While walking our streets, exploring our gastronomy and meeting our locals, you’ll be surprised to find out there are some unwritten rules that definitely do not come in your Rick Steves guidebook. Think of these as sacred commandments that will set you apart from the common tourist.
10 UNWRITTEN RULES EVERY VISITOR IN PORTO NEEDS TO KNOW:
THOU SHALT INTERACT WITH THE LOCALS
Photo by: oportoblog
Don’t be shy! The Portuguese are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and Porto natives are considered some of the nicest people inside the country. Even if the elderly do not speak English you are always welcome to approach us and let us introduce you to our beautiful hometown.
THOU SHALT NOT SAY “GRACIAS”
Photo by: oportoblog
We absolutely hate being mistaken for Spanish! We’re the smaller and less developed corner of the Iberian Peninsula that somehow escaped their grasp, and we take pride in that! By the way, we believe the word you’re looking for is “Obrigado”.
THOU SHALT WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES
Photo by: oportoblog
Porto’s UNESCO protected city centre is a maze of cobblestoned streets, steep staircases and rough climbs, and walking here can sometimes be quite challenging. Even if you think you can pull off those shiny new shoes or those stupidly high stilettos, believe us: you won’t!
READ ALSO: Probably The Best Sneaker Shops In Porto
THOU SHALT EXPLORE THE SEASIDE
Photo by: oportoblog
As beautiful as the downtown may be, one should not overlook the city’s amazing coastal towns. Rent a bike and pedal your way through Foz do Douro atmospheric promenade, have a meal in some of the best portuguese fish restaurants in Matosinhos or pay a visit to the spooky Senhor da Pedra Chapel in Vila Nova de Gaia. As you can see, there’s plenty to do outside of the city centre.
READ ALSO: 5 Porto Beaches You’ve Got to Check out This Summer (Porto District)
THOU SHALT TRY LOCAL FOOD
Photo by: oportoblog
Even if part of our traditional ingredients may raise some eyebrows, northern Portuguese gastronomy is absolutely delicious! The extravagant Francesinha is certainly a must, but we suggest that you take it one step further and try Arroz de Cabidela (rice cooked in chicken’s blood), Rojões (a pork cut accompanied by flour-stuffed tripe), and our signature Tripas à Moda do Porto, another great dish with pork tripe (starting to see a pattern here, right?). Don’t be scared though, for lower-risk options you can always give it a go at our codfish and seafood dishes! Whatever your choice may be, remember one basic rule: never ever leave leftover food on your plate.
THOU SHALT TAKE A DAY TRIP
Photo by: oportoblog
Hop on a train and take the day to explore a neighbouring city. In less than an hour you can reach the city and castle where the Portuguese nation was born- Guimarães. Climb the famous staircase at the Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga, or take a boat ride through the canals of Aveiro.
READ ALSO: 5 Hidden Natural Gems Near Porto You Must RoadTrip To This Summer
BOOK A BRAGA GUIMARÃES TOUR (90€/person): click here for more info
THOU SHALT ALWAYS VALIDATE YOUR METRO/TRAIN TICKET
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
This one is a classic. Porto’s metro system has no turnstiles, so many unknowing tourists think they simply need to buy a ticket and that’s it….wrong! After buying your ticket, make sure to always validate it in our yellow scanning machines.
READ ALSO: Get Around Porto By Metro And More
THOU SHALT NOT COMPARE PORTO TO LISBON
Photo by: oportoblog
Unless you’re planning on making us look better than the capital city, comparing us to our rival is a major no-no. Extra negative points if it’s football-related!
THOU SHALT NOT ORDER ANYTHING BUT A BEER ALONG WITH YOUR FRANCESINHA
Photo by: Raphael Alvim
Such a majestic sandwich deserves a suiting partner. No wine, no sodas, and certainly no water. Do it like the locals and order a freezing cold Super Bock.
READ ALSO: 5 Francesinha Spots In Porto You Need To Try
THOU SHALL NOT BE AFRAID
Photo by: oportoblog
This is a crazy world we’re living in, and, according to the news, even travelling can sometimes sound like a risky activity in some European cities. However, there’s really no reason to be afraid in Porto. Portugal was voted 3rd safest country in the world by Global Peace Index in 2017, so pay us a visit and bring your loved ones along!
THOU SHALT LEAVE US A COMMENT. Not really a rule, but we’d be happy to hear your thoughts on this post. Share your opinion below!
