Cheap city break Porto

When is the best time to go?

May, June and September are ideal for a Porto city break: 20 to 25 degrees, sunny and without the summer crowds. July and August are warm and busier, but Porto stays milder than southern Portugal. In late June the city celebrates the Sao Joao festival with fireworks and plastic hammers, one of the best street parties in Europe. Even in winter it is mild at 14 degrees, and flights are cheapest then.

The best areas in Porto

• Ribeira The historic heart on the Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with lanes, terraces and the Ponte Dom Luis I.
• Cedofeita A trendy area with concept stores, galleries and the famous Livraria Lello.
• Baixa (centre) Around Sao Bento station and the Clerigos tower, with shops and the Mercado do Bolhao.
• Vila Nova de Gaia Across the river, with the port cellars, the best skyline views and good hotel prices.
• Foz do Douro Where the river meets the ocean, with beaches, seaside terraces and sunsets.

Top 5 things to do in Porto

• Ribeira and the Ponte Dom Luis I Wander through the UNESCO quarter and walk the upper deck of the bridge for the best view, free.
• Port tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia Visit a cellar such as Taylor's, Graham's or Sandeman; a guided tour with tasting starts around 15 to 20 euro.
• Livraria Lello One of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, 5 euro (deductible against a book), book a time slot in advance.
• Torre dos Clerigos Climb the baroque tower for a 360 degree view, 6 euro including the museum.
• Sao Bento station and Mercado do Bolhao The station with 20,000 azulejos is free; the renovated market hall is perfect for local treats.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

Ryanair flies daily direct from Eindhoven to Porto (OPO) in 2 hours 35, from about 46 euro one way; from Schiphol TAP and Transavia fly direct in 2 hours 45. From the airport metro line E (purple) takes you to Trindade in 25 minutes for 2.50 euro plus 0.60 euro for the reusable Andante card, where you change for Sao Bento or Ribeira. An Andante Tour day pass costs 7.50 euro, three days 16 euro. The historic centre is easy to explore on foot.

What does a Porto city break cost?

A Porto city break is good value for Western Europe. Hostels from 18 euro, mid-range hotels 60 to 110 euro, apartments around 80 euro per night. Food is affordable: a francesinha (the famous Porto toastie) 9 to 12 euro, a glass of port 3 euro, a pastel de nata 1.30 euro. Insider tip: taste your port across the river in Gaia and take tram 1 along the Douro to the beach at Foz. Budget from 330 euro per person for 3 days including a flight.