Lisbon got expensive. Porto, somehow, mostly didn't. It remains the budget reunion of Western Europe - 6 EUR glasses of port, 10 EUR sit-down dinners, and a city you walk because it's faster than the tram half the time.
Where To Sleep Without Crying
Gallery Hostel Porto in Cedofeita has design-led private rooms around 45-70 EUR. Selina Porto for the bigger-brand hostel option. Apartments in Bonfim (one tram stop east of the center) start around 60-80 EUR for two, and Bonfim is actually one of the nicer neighborhoods to wake up in.
Avoid Ribeira hotels unless you got a deal - the river views cost double for the same room you'd get two blocks uphill.
The Cheap Eats
Cafe Santiago for the classic francesinha around 11 EUR (split one between two, the portions are aggressive). Tasca Expressinho for grilled fish lunches around 10-12 EUR. Mercado Bom Sucesso for a casual food-court evening where everyone picks their own and the wine is 3 EUR.
Pasteis de nata at Manteigaria are 1.30 EUR and worth every cent. Coffee anywhere is under 2 EUR.
Cheap Days, Real Memories
Walk the Dom Luis Bridge upper deck for free - it's the city's best view. Sao Bento station tile hall is free. The Crystal Palace gardens are free. Tram 1 to Foz costs 3.50 EUR and gives you the Atlantic coast for the afternoon.
For the Douro: a budget small-group tour with two winery tastings, lunch, and transport runs around 80-110 EUR per person - splurge once on this, save on everything else.
Practical Notes
- Daily budget
- 55-80 EUR per person
- Stay area
- Cedofeita or Bonfim
- Recommended stay
- 3 nights
