PORTO FOR FREE
1. Fortaleza de São João Baptista da Foz
Free art exhibitions take place in this formidable, turreted castle by the sea (see Fortaleza de São João Baptista da Foz), where visitors can wander at leisure within the stern grey granite ramparts that took a century to build. Inside the walls, the serene 16th-century church of São João Baptista (St John the Baptist) contrasts with the militaristic setting.
2. Walking Tours
Porto Walkers: Praca do Liberdade; tours daily at 10:45am; www.portowalkers.pt
Knowledgeable local guides from Porto Walkers lead small groups on free three-hour walks that meander through the historic centre. Tours cover most of the major highlights, and guides tend to point out some lesser-known hidden gems too. This is a great way to get your bearings in the city before striking out alone.
3. Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
No ticket is required to stroll around the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal. The palace itself is no longer there, but the fountains, lawns and tree-lined paths offer a pleasant break from the city bustle (see Jardim do Palácio de Cristal).
4. Sandeman Hall
Largo Miguel Bombarda 47 • Open Mar–Oct: 10am–8pm daily; Nov–Feb: 10am–6pm daily • www.sandeman.eu
Paintings, prints, ceramics, bottles and early photographs tell the story of one of Vila Nova da Gaia’s leading port dynasties from the late 18th century to the present day at the free-to-enter Sandeman Hall.
5. Banco de Materiais
Set up by Porto’s municipal government to help preserve the city’s architectural heritage and its iconic azulejo tiles, this combined design centre, artisan studio and shop (see Banco de Materiais) is the perfect place to see these colourful ceramics and learn about their history.
6. Centro Português de Fotografia
Photography-buffs abound at this free museum (see Centro Português de Fotografia) set inside an impressive old prison building, with exhibits on show in iron-barred cells. Interesting vintage photographic equipment is displayed throughout the building, and temporary exhibitions of historic and contemporary photography are also held here.
Free photography exhibition at the Centro Português de Fotografia
7. Ponte Dom Luís I
Avenida de Vimara Peres
It costs nothing to walk across the soaring Ponte Dom Luís I, an engineering triumph that is as impressive today as when Theophil Seyrig – partner of Gustave Eiffel – designed it in 1816. The view of the city centre and Vila Nova de Gaia from the upper deck, which carries the metro line, is spectacular.
Walking across the Ponte Dom Luís I
8. Estacão de São Bento
The interior of Porto’s palatial main railway station (see Estacão de São Bento) is a riot of colourful scenes picked out in painted tiles created by famed tile artist Jorge Colaço. Built in 1916, the station is a veritable free museum of splendid azulejo art.
9. Porto Symphony Orchestra
It is possible to listen to the Porto Symphony Orchestra for free during their rehearsals at up to 14 performances in the Casa da Música’s auditorium each year, normally between January and July.
10. Casa-Museu Teixeira Lopes
The grand former home and studio of architect José Teixeira Lopes contains an exemplary collection of contemporary art, fine Asian porcelain, sculptures, and African masks and statuary (see Casa-Museu Teixeira Lopes).
TOP 10 BUDGET TIPS
1. City Card
The Porto Card (www.portocard.city) includes admission to 11 museums, discounted entry to other attractions and unlimited use of public transport for up to 92 hours.
2. Douro River Taxi
The old-fashioned passenger ferry (www.dourorivertaxi.com) that shuttles across the Douro is fun and much cheaper than a tour boat.
3. Brunch on a Budget
Browse food stalls at Mercado Bom Sucesso for good-value tidbits.
4. Visit in Low Season
Save money on airfares and accommodation by visiting the city between October and March.
5. Churches
Porto’s churches are free to visit, but donations and buying votive candles is always appreciated.
6. Street Art
Enjoy the art murals for nothing on streets like Rua Miguel Bombarda and Rua de Restauração (see 21st-Century Street Art).
7. Work Out in the Park
Many of Porto’s parks have free-to-use gym equipment and running trails.
8. Avoid fado restaurants
If on a budget, avoid casas de fado as they often charge a hefty premium. Better to find a local tasca or taberna.
9. City Museums
Museums under the charge of Porto’s municipality are free all the time.
10. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Save money on sightseeing, a port lodge tasting tour and a Douro mini-cruise with the Hop-On Hop-Off combined bus and cruise ticket (www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com).
A Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
