Is Porto a hilly city?

Porto and Lisbon have much in common – both are hilly cities, with attractive riverside quarters and winding warrens of old lanes and alleyways. Portugal's two main cities both have fantastic restaurants – with a good mix of traditional and Michelin-starred cuisine – plus great bars and nightlife.



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I liked Lisbon better, and as a larger city, there's more to see and do. However, both cities are quite hilly; Porto is even hillier than Lisbon.

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Even with the acceptable width of the historic center, the streets here are hilly and tiring. Many times people with strollers or back and/or knees problems find that even though Porto is walkable, sometimes it is just extremely tiring to do so. So here are some tips to survive the hilly streets of Porto.

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We recommend spending at least two days in Porto for a slightly more relaxed pace. You can take your time to explore the city's charming streets and neighbourhoods, visit some of the top museums and cultural attractions, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby towns or beaches.

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The centre of the Porto is safe to walk around at night but always stay to well-lit areas and avoid dark cut through or alleys. Being severely intoxicated by alcohol does dramatically increase the risk of petty theft and if a little worse for-wear (often from Port tasting tours) take a taxi home.

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The best way to get around Porto is by metro, by bus or on foot. Porto boasts an extensive public transportation system operated by the Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto (which includes the metro, buses and trams) that helps visitors reach the top attractions in and around the city.

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Porto is very different from Lisbon and the coastal towns It offers a very old-world vibe. Lisbon attracts visitors from around the world whereas Porto seems to be more popular with Europeans. Porto feels a little more authentic. Yes, there are touristy areas, but it's just not as pronounced as other areas in Portugal.

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The language spoken in Porto is Portuguese but English is widely spoken by all individual who work within the tourist industry. There will be no language barrier for travellers who are visiting Porto or the north of Portugal.

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Shorts are fine on the beach, but if you wear them around the city, you'll quickly brand yourself as a tourist. At nicer restaurants, bars and nightclubs, you'll want to follow the local lead and dress things up a bit.

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The best time to visit Porto is from mid-spring in April until the end of October, when it is still warm and sunny. Nonetheless, the best months are undoubtedly May and September.

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The average journey time by train between Lisbon and Porto is 4 hours and 8 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

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Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is located in the north of the country. It's a historic city with plenty to see and do, as well as being a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The food is fantastic, and the people are known for being extremely friendly.

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Porto is more compact. So it's a good choice for long weekends. Larger Lisbon needs longer to explore. Alternatively, do both.

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