Built on the hillsides of the Douro river, Porto is famous for its Port Wines, charming riverfront, and its UNESCO Heritage Historic Center. It is no wonder Portugal’s second largest city was elected European best destination to visit in 2017.
With Port wine cellars to visit, inviting cafes to enjoy petiscos, a unique gastronomy, Porto has much to offer culinary explorers.
The tourism board of Porto invited us to discover and taste Porto with their 3-day Porto Card. With the Porto Card in hand, we were ready to walk, eat and drink our way through Porto in 72 hours.
If you are curious about getting a Porto Card for 2 days or 3 days in Porto, read our Porto card review to help you decide.
What Is the Porto Card?
The Porto Card is an official city pass that offers discounts and several benefits to over 170 attractions and cultural sites in Porto and the region.
Among others, you have access to:
- Free entrance to 9 museums
- Free public transportations (only for the transport option card, tramways not included)
- 10 to 50% discount to 21 other museums and monuments
- 10% to 40% discount on Port wine cellars, wineries and wine tasting
- 10% to 15% discount on local restaurants
- 10% to 15% discount in various Portuguese, traditional gourmet shops and wine stores
- 10% to 25% discount on tours and cruises
- Complimentary booklet and Porto map
We were pleasantly surprised to read that the Porto Card offers many benefits beyond the traditional cultural attractions. With discount for wineries, gourmet stores and restaurants, we were hooked.
Porto cards and complimentary booklet with all the benefits offeredTypes of Porto Cards
Two types of Porto cards are available. There is a Porto Card Walker and a Porto Card with Transport.
Both cards are available in 1, 2, 3, 4 consecutive days options.
Costs for the respective Porto cards vary based on length of time and whether you choose the Walker or Transport option.
The Porto Card Walker is less expensive and prices range from €6 to €15. The Porto Card with Transport included costs more and prices range from €13 to €33.
Each Porto Card is valid for one person only is not transferable. Children under the age of 4 years old do not need to get a Porto Card. The card’s validity starts from the date written on the back of the card or when you pick it up at the tourist office
With our 3 day Walking Porto Card we chose to focus on the culinary experiences.
Where to Stay in Porto
To make the most of your stay in Porto, we recommend the following accommodations from our article, where to stay in Porto for food lovers.
Budget Friendly
The House of Sandeman – Hostel & Suites
Mid Range
Luxury
See our full guide where to stay in Porto for food lovers to help you find the perfect base on your Porto visit with your Porto Card.
Top Porto Food Stops with a Porto Card
Discover Porto and the Wines
Porto has been at the center of wine commerce since the 18th century, creating the first demarcated wine region in the world.
To better understand the history and taste Port wines, here are three amazing places worth visiting worth visiting with your Porto Card.
Instituto Do Vinho
Start at the Instituto do Vinho which has a small museum with a detailed exhibition about how Port wines are made. This is a great way to start your journey to Port Wines including Douro Valley wines.
After seeing the exhibit, taste unique Port Wines. The Porto Card gives you a 25% discount on the tasting of Port Wines and anything you purchase in the store.
Address: Rua de Ferreira Borges 27, Porto.
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Porto Card discount: 25% off on any Port Tasting (between €2 and €6 per tasting)
Museum entrance at Porto Wine InstitutePalácio Da Bolsa Y Sala De Provas Vinhos De Portugal
After the visit to the formal Instituto do Vinho, head to the Palácio da Bolsa, one of the most visited monuments in northern Portugal.
It was formerly the stock exchange of Porto and today this historic building is home to the Commercial Association of Porto. Palácio da Bolsa serves multiple functions including being a museum, restaurant, tasting room and also used for wine auctions.
Don’t miss the highlight of the visit, the Arab Room. Built with Moorish decor of the 19th century, find beautifully stained glass and intricate designs.
This room was used as a reception hall by the Nobles of the time. Today, this magnificent room is used for official events and dignitaries visiting Porto.
Beautiful details on door in the Arab Room, Palácio da BolsaAt the end of your visit, taste the wines from the Douro Valley at the Sala de Provas Vinhos de Portugal. The Porto Card offers you a 25% discount on any wine tasting.
Address: Rua de Ferreira Borges, Porto, Portugal
Hours: Everyday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, except from November to March 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Guided tours duration: 45 mins
Porto Card discount: 50% off on the €9 entrance fees
Pro tip: The Palácio da Bolsa can only be visited with guided tours. Tours are offered in different languages every hour. We recommend going early in the day to book your Palacio da Bolsa tour in the language of your choice. If your tour is not available right away, go visit the Instituto do Vinho first and then come back to the Palacio after.
Wine Tasting Room at Palácio da Bolsa Museu Do Vinho Do Porto
With a rich history in wines, Porto has a Port Wine Museum called the Museu do Vinho do Porto.
On our first day with our Porto Card, we were eager to visit this museum which includes a free entrance for Porto Card holders.
Unfortunately, the museum was closed at the time of our visit. The only indication on the door mentioned that the museum will be relocated to a different building and re-opening sometime in 2018.
Ideally, we would recommend starting at this museum before visiting any other monuments. Check with the tourist office and find out if the museum has reopened.
Address: Closed at time of visit. Re-opening and new location to be announced in late 2018.
Porto Card discount: Free
Museu do Vinho scheduled to re-open sometime in 2018Related: Read how to taste amazing Port Wines in Porto
Taste Porto’s Local Specialties
To taste the local flavors of Porto, the Porto card offers a selection of restaurants at different price points and experiences.
While there are several options to choose from, the following are popular spots to taste some specialties from the region.
Mercearia Mosaico de Sabores
This traditional grocery store has over 500 craft products that showcase the best of Portugal. In addition to local cheeses, sausages, wines, olive oil, and cod, it’s also a great place to pick up gifts for your friends back home.
You can also sample petiscos, Portuguese small bites served with local wines and beers.
Address: Mercearia Mosaico de Sabores, Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes ,67, Porto
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sunday, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Porto Card discount: 15% off any purchase
Regional product at Mercearia dos Sabores (photocredit: Facebook Page Mosaico de Sabores)Chez Lapin
With its beautiful terrace right next to the Douro River, this French-named restaurant serves local Portuguese food. You’ll find local specialties like bacalhau a lagareiro (cod with potatoes), sardines, octopus and beef medallions cooked with port wine.
Request a waterfront table and enjoy amazing port wines while taking in the magnificent views. If you plan to have dinner, book a reservation in advance.
Address: Chez Lapin, Rua Canastreios 40-42, Porto
Hours: Daily: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Porto Card discount: 10% off cash payment or 5% off credit card payment
Chez Lapin and the beautiful terrace on the Ribeira DOP by Rui Paula
If you are looking for a high-end restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine, look no further than DOP, by Michelin Starred Chef, Rui Paula.
Located in the historic Palace of Arts building, expect to find a contemporary twist on traditional Portuguese dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood.
While we didn’t eat at DOP, we recommend taking advantage of their “executive” lunch menu, where you can get three courses for €20. This offer is available only on weekdays and reservations are highly recommended.
Address: DOP,, Largo São Domingos 18, 4050-292, Porto
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm, Closed on Sunday
Porto Card discount: 10% off only for lunch
Entrance to the Michelin star DOP restuarantRelated: Read about the top 10 authentic foods you want to delight in Porto
Visit the Port Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto is synonymous with Port wines, and learning about the wines and visiting the port lodges is a must do.
The Porto card offers discounts to several Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is right across the Douro River from Porto city.
Following are three Port lodges we visited. The Porto Card offers visits to more Port cellars but unfortunately we didn’t have the time to visit more.
Real Companhia Velha – Oldest Port House
Founded by the King of Portugal and the Prime Minister, Marques de Pombal, in 1756 this historic port house is worth visiting. It’s a little off the beaten path, but the intimate tours and tastings makes it worth the visit.
With the Porto Card, your tour and tasting are free. Take advantage and visit this historic port wine cellar.
Address: Real Campanhia Velha, 4431-952, R. Azevedo Magalhães 314, Vila Nova de Gaia
Hours: Tours offered Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Porto Card discount: Free tour and tasting with your Porto Card
Real Companhia Velha founded in 1756 Cálem – Easily Accessible Port House
You’ll not miss the huge Cálem sign as you make your way across the Douro River. This popular port house offers organized tours for up to 40 people at a time and in different languages.
Despite the massive operation, Cálem has a wonderful small and interactive museum that shows each step of the Port winemaking process.
With the Porto card, you get a 20% off discount on certain tours and products. Take your time at the museum and enjoy the port tastings at the end.
Address: Cálem, Av. Diogo Leite 344, Vila Nova de Gaia
Hours: Tours offered daily: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Porto Card discount: 20% off discount from November to March on select visits and products
Tasting room at CálemEspaço Porto Cruz – Interactive Experience
For great views overlooking the Douro River, and a sampling of different Port wines paired with cheese or charcuterie, relax at Espaco Porto Cruz.
This multimedia center offers a variety of ways to experience Port wines and the region. Find a wonderful combination of art and interactive presentations that introduce you to the region. A 360-virtual reality tour of the Douro Valley should not to be missed.
The Porto card gets you 2 for 1 Port-based cocktails, which are very popular in Portugal.
Address: Espaço Porto Cruz, Largo Miguel Bombarda 23, Vila Nova de Gaia
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm, Sunday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Closed on Monday
Porto Card discount: 2 for 1 cocktails
Special Porto Cruz anniversary caseWhat Else Does the Porto Card Include?
With the Porto Card, we hit a few cultural sites including Casa do Infante Museu which was used as a custom and mint house. It is said to be the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, famous for his role in building the Portuguese Empire in the 15th century.
There are other museums which you can visit for free. However, most of the main cultural sites offer a 10% to 50% discount with the Porto Card.
If you haven’t had the chance to see a Fado show, discounts are offered at several venues including Casa Da Guitarra. Great for music lovers, this music store sells guitars including handmade traditional Portuguese guitars.
Guided Walking Tours and a sightseeing bus are also available at a discounted price. One famous stop is at the Livraria Lello, one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. Besides being one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, it is also where J.K Rowling got inspiration for the Harry Potter series.
Beer enthusiast will want to visit Casa da Cerveja where you’ll get a 50% off discount on the price of the visit and tasting.
Additional visits and tastings to other wine cellars are also offered at a discount. You can also get discounts for visits to wineries in the Douro Valley.
Keep in mind that the discounts are more significant during the off-peak season typically between November and March.
Stunning views of Porto from the Port cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia Related article: Once you’ve explored Porto, you may want to visit some of the surrounding towns. Read our article the best day trips from Porto for unique places to visit.
In Summary
So, in a nutshell, is the Porto Card worth it?
The Porto Card is relatively inexpensive though it offers limited free sites to visit. What’s impressive is that it can be used at many different kinds of venues including museums, wineries and restaurants, tours and more.
If you combine free visits to the museums with discounted prices at stores, restaurants, and wineries, it can be advantageous and you will definitely save a few euros.
From all our winery visits, we saved about €16. To make the most of the card, we recommend planning your 72 hours itinerary in advance and checking to see if all the places you want to visit are included in the Porto Card.
Keep in mind that overall, the attractions in Porto are quite inexpensive as well as public transportation. Choose wisely when it comes to which places to visit with the card versus without.
That said, 72 hours in Porto with the Porto card offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in local Port wines and taste the local specialties. Meanwhile, you’ll also get an understanding of the historical and cultural background of this charming city.
Do you like Port Wines? Leave your comments below.
Savor the Adventure!
Get Your Porto Card
We recommend getting the Porto Card with transportation included. Even though Porto is a walkable city, it is a hilly city. Wear comfortable walking shoes and explore even more. End your day listening to Fado, the music that is the soul of Portugal. Click the link below and get your Porto Card.
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Disclosure: Our Porto Cards were provided by the Porto Northern Portugal Tourism Board. The opinions expressed in this article are always our own. Full bellies and happy taste buds too.
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Claire is a culinary explorer, digital nomad and engineer brain behind Authentic Food Quest. Together with her partner, Rosemary, they created Authentic Food Quest to help people find the best local food on their travels. For over 5 years they have eaten their way through South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America while sharing the best local food experiences on their website. Authentic Food Quest has been featured on top publications such as Huffington Post, Business Insider, and Honest Cooking. Claire and Rosemary are also authors of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.
Oh wow! What a great guide. I would def consider using the Porto card now, especially after all these pictures of wineries and the cheese. I would be one happy camper for my 72 hours!
Awesome to hear Amy. The Porto Card offers a lot, it’s hard to choose from all the activities. Regardless, 72 hours is plenty to get you going with the flavors of Porto. Thanks for stopping by.
I think it’s so great when a city offers these kind of passes! I used one in Vienna, I love them. Would certainly love to see where Jk Rowling got her Harry Potter inspiration from!
You are right, city cards do offer so much and the discounts can be worth it. Seeing where JK Rowling got her inspiration is great. You must visit Porto, on your next trip to Portugal 🙂 Cheers.
Oh wow! The Porto Cardsounds fabulous. I would love to spend all day (or week) sampling Porto wine!!!
That’s great to hear. With the Porto Card and all the port lodges, you’ll be in good hands 🙂 Cheers.
Oh I had no idea there was a Porto card. Definitely something I’ll consider when I visit later on in the year. I’m not much of a wine drinker unfortunately but the rest looks great!
Perfect timing since you are traveling to Porto later on this year. We recommend the Porto Card and there is much more than the port wines 🙂 Let us know if you have any questions as you prepare for your trip. Cheers.
The Porto Card seems like a good deal. I was in Porto two years ago and loved it! But I would certainly like a discount on their amazing wines. I had dinner at DOP and it was amazing! I’d go back for a meal any time.
That’s great that you ate at DOP. We didn’t get to it this time, but we hope to on our next trip. The Porto Card can be advantageous. Something to consider for your next trip 🙂 Thanks, Stella.
When I actually saw the prices of the Porto Card I couldn’t believe it. Seems like there’s so much and like you said, not just the standard museum stuff. I haven’t been to Portugal yet, but it’s been on my list!
It’s actually quite amazing how much the Porto Card offers. Definitively do get one when you go to Portugal. Lisbon, the capital, also has one called the Lisbon card. Thanks for stopping by.
I love a good discount card especially one with so many features! Thanks for this awesome tip Im always on the look out for blogs that share these discounted passes!
Sounds like buying a Porto Card while visiting is worth it. I’ve never been to Porto and no ideas what to see there, but with several free entrances to museum, etc., I will take it.
The Porto Card sounds like an amazing deal!! I love how you get discounts beverage discounts with it – not just museum discounts! Sounds like you could easily spend days exploring the local cuisine. Yum!
The discounts for the Porto Card are quite amazing. It’s nice having so many options to choose from. And yes, you could spend days, if not weeks, just exploring the local cuisine 🙂
You’ve won me over! I’m totally buying the pronto card when I go to Portugal. I also loved the oyster card in London. It was so worth it, but looks like one can get so much more with the pronto card
The Porto Card is indeed a great investment with so many options. Highly recommend it when you get to visit Porto. Thanks for stopping by.
After falling in love with Lisbon I’m amped in getting back to explore more of Portugal. I love that the Porto card gets you discounts on wine and food in addition to attractions and transportation. The prices are very reasonable too.
The Porto Card does offer many advantages and certainly worth considering if you visit the region. We fell in love with Lisbon too and are looking forward to our next trip. Glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for stopping by Brianna!
We’re planning a visit to Porto soon so knowing what discounts you can get with the 72-hour Porto Card is really useful. Espaço Porto Cruz sounds good and we love the sound of the Port sampling with the cheese and charcuterie pairing.
That’s awesome to hear that you have an upcoming trip to Porto. Do consider the Porto Card and Espaço Porto Cruz should not be missed. Amazing views too!
I didn’t know that the Porto card existed. We were there last time and we just did all the port wine tasting. We enjoyed the views of porto and they had good cheap wine. Definitely a place I would go back to.
You are right and we totally agree with you, Porto is a place to go back to, over and over again 🙂 For your next trip, keep the Porto Card in mind. You’ll more than likely discover new places to explore. Thanks, Karla.
It can be tricky to know whether or not discount cards are worth their price. I like your advice to look over where you want to visit in advance to see if it is worth it. We have had both good and bad experiences with discount cards, but one of them saved us so much money it paid for every other one we have ever gotten. I like that the Porto card let’s you save on so many different types of places, most discount cards are just for one type of place.
You are right Chris, you really do have to weigh all options when considering a discount card. One advantage of the Porto Card is the variety of experiences offered. So, depending on how much time you have and what kind of experience you are looking for, it is worth considering. Besides, it’s not very expensive for the benefits offered. Cheers.
The Arab Room looks exquisite! Such inspired attention to detail. The Porto Card is a brilliant idea for enjoying fine fare at a sweet discount. Keeping in when if/when we visit. Those savings build up over time. Thanks for the rocking share Claire.
Ryan
Cheers, Ryan!! Indeed those discounts do add up over time and you also get introduced to new places. The Arab room is magnificent, a site worth seeing 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
The Porto card seems really useful if you want to visit lots of attractions and wineries in Porto. However, you need to plan everything ahead, thus you can check if you will save money in the end. Porto has been in my bucket list for so long, and I’ve heard that it’s even more charming than Lisbon. I can’t believe how budget friendly it is, as you may have a three course meal prepared by a Michelin Starred Chef for 20 euros only, as you mentioned above! Can’t wait to go there!
Whatever you’ve heard about Porto is true and probably better than you can imagine. We loved the region and especially the wine and food. We can only recommend that you get there as soon as possible. So glad you enjoyed the article! Cheers.
The Porto card seems like such a great bargain. Something you don’t want to pass up at all. I’ve been reading a lot about Portugal lately and the more I read, the more I want to go. I really need a bigger bank account!
It’s no surprise you’ve been reading about Portugal, it is a magnificent country and worth exploring. You’ll be pleased to know Kathleen that Portugal is one of the lesser expensive destinations in Europe. It may not be as expensive as you think 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I had no idea Porto was Europe’s best destination to visit in 2017! That’s a good reason to make a plan right away 🙂
I love the idea of the Porto card too – one card that does it all! Also good to know that Portugal isn’t as expensive…
Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed learning new tidbits about Porto. It is certainly a city not to miss on your travels to Portugal. Thanks for stopping by!
It gives you discounts on wineries and wine tasting? No way, that’s actually fantastic. Sounds like a great investment (I don’t care as much about museums as I do about food and wine hehe).
Then this is the perfect card for you…lol. Hope you make it to Porto soon and experience all the delicious bites with the Porto Card. Cheers!
I know of Port wines and I have heard of city of Porto but never imagined the two were connected. Porto Card looks like it is worth the money with so many free and discounted things to do. 3 courses by Michelin Star chef at 20Euros is a steal. I have not been to Portugal yet but I guess Porto is worth a few days.
Oh yes, a few days in Porto is certainly worth it. The Porto Card offers a lot including the amazing Port wines. Hope you get to Portugal soon 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Hey – this seems like a great deal. Not only it allows some free entries but the discounts at these classy places does make a world of a difference. And the price of the card also, does not seem much. I like the various options in terms of the days and transport it gives. Thanks for sharing it with us
So glad you enjoyed the article Ami. The Porto Card does have a lot of benefits and worth considering for your travels to Porto, Portugal!
We often debate getting the tourist cards for cities we visit. We did not get one in Porto. So glad to hear that this worked for you. If we go back and want to see the museums, this looks like a great option. Funny that the trams are not included. But we did find the subway worked well to get around. Thanks for the reminder of why we need to go back to Porto.
We can say without a doubt that the Porto card is a great investment. Even though we didn’t have the one with the transportation option, we still got a lot of value from it. Something to keep in mind for your next trip to Porto. Cheers, Linda.
I find the city pass cards in Portugal are probably the best for value in Europe. I have used the Lisbon card and the Porto card and the amount of attractions which comes with it is amazing, discount or free entry. With all the transport included, I find that Portugal defo offers the best value for money and most usage out of the cards compared to other cities in Euroland.
Great point, Danik. Completely agree with you. The Porto City card is a great deal and a worthy investment in Porto. Thanks for stopping by.
The Porto card sounds like a good deal, especially since it includes discounts on food, wine, and port. Plus the 50% discount at Casa de Cerveja! Bummer that the Port Wine Museum was closed when you visited.
We are often skeptical of city cards, but we were pleasantly surprised by all the benefits offered by the Porto card. It is certainly worth getting if your travels take you to Porto. Cheers.
I did not even look into the Porto Card when I visited, sound like that was a mistake. Very low investment for all the discounts you get. The Arab Room at Palácio da Bolsa is incredible, I can’t believe Hollywood hasn’t used it as a prime filming location yet
You do get more than you think from the Porto Card, and with the low investment, it is certainly worth getting. Now you know for next time 🙂 Not sure about the rights to use the Arab Room. Regardless, it is quite stunning!
The Arab Room was a marvel, and my fave spot in all the monuments. Porto is such a stunning city. For those who want to see most of the attractions, the Card is definitely the best idea.
Could not agree more, Punita. The Arab Room is magnificent 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
I am not a drinker, but I think I could still use the Porto Card very well, with the restaurants and the cultural places. Portugal is on my list of places to visit, so I will keep Porto in mind if I’m ever fortunate enough to get there. I seriously love the door in the Arab House. It’s just beautiful.
Yes, there is more than discounts for drinks with the Porto card. You still have huge savings at a number of restaurants and cultural sites. It is a good deal worth considering when your travels take you to Porto. Thanks for stopping by.
I love passes like the Porto Card in a new town. Great innovation having a card for walkers and one that includes transportation. It would be great to check out all the spots they highlight one day.
You are right, Elaine, the Porto Card offers so many benefits. It is a good deal no matter your length of stay in Porto. Thanks for stopping by.
The Porto Card certainly sounds like an epic deal! Thanks for bringing it up because I’d definitely pick one up if/when I’m Porto. Very convenient too and with the 25% off wine tasting discount, is something I wouldn’t pass up!
You are right Adonis, you don’t want to miss out on the convenience of the Porto card. Do you have plans to visit Porto soon?
I don’t drink much at all, but I would try out their wines. I also like that you get to learn more about the area. The pass sounds great. I would love to take a boat ride.