I get a lot of questions from travelers.

Some are practical. Others are funny. Some are… surprisingly serious.

Things like:

“Is Porto safe?”
“Is Porto nicer than Lisbon?”
“How do I even order a beer here?”

So I thought I’d answer a few of the questions I hear most often… and tell you a bit about myself and my people along the way.

20+ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PORTO

1. First things first: Porto or Oporto?

Let’s clear this up.

• My real name is Porto. That’s what locals call me.
• But you might also hear Oporto, especially from visitors.

Here’s why: in Portuguese, people usually say “O Porto”, which literally means “The Porto.” The word “O” is just the masculine article, like saying the.

O Porto = The Porto

Back in the 18th century, many English merchants settled here to trade wine. When they heard locals say “O Porto”, they assumed that was the city’s full name. So they wrote it down as Oporto. And somehow… it stuck.

You can call me Porto though. That’s what my people do!

2. When I look my best

Travelers often ask me when the best time to visit is. My honest answer? January through December. I’ve always had a soft spot for travelers.

But if I had to pick a moment I feel particularly proud of myself, it would probably be late spring and early summer.

The weather is warm but gentle.
The gardens are exploding with color.
The beaches nearby start filling with life.

And then there’s São João (June 23rd), the biggest party of the year.

3. Who the heck is Saint John (São João)?

June is the month when many Portuguese cities celebrate their patron saints. Here, we celebrate Saint John on the night of June 23rd… and something special happens:

My streets fill with people: families, friends, strangers who quickly become friends.
There are sardines grilling outside houses, colorful flags hanging across the streets, little basil plants on windows, and fireworks lighting up the river.

My people like to call it the longest night of the year. And honestly… they’re not wrong. Nobody really sleeps!

4. How many people speak English in Porto?

Another thing visitors often notice about my people is that many speak English. From younger generations to many older locals, you’ll usually find someone happy to help you or have a chat. And if someone doesn’t speak English? Don’t worry. There’s almost always someone nearby who does.

5. What’s the name of the airport?

If you arrive by plane, you’ll land at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, my main airport, about 11 km from the city center.

6. How do I get from the city centre to the airport?

The airport is about 11 km from the city centre, and the journey by car usually takes around 20 minutes in normal traffic. The metro is the easiest option. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and Line E (Purple) runs every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time and day. The metro journey passes through four fare zones, so you’ll need a Z4 ticket. You can buy one at the Andante shops or at the automatic ticket machines inside the metro station.

7. Is Uber available throughout the city?

My favorite way for visitors to explore me is on foot. But I also have a solid public transport system — metro, buses, and trams. And yes… Uber works here too.

8. Is Portugal safe for tourists?

Portugal is often ranked among the safest countries in the world, and I like to think I do my part. My streets are lively, my neighborhoods are welcoming, and most travelers feel very comfortable wandering around. But of course — just like anywhere else — a little common sense always helps.

9. Does it snow in Porto?

No. If you want snow in Portugal, you’ll need to head to Serra da Estrela, a winter wonderland in the heart of the country.

10. A serious matter: tapas vs. petiscos

This one matters to my people. You might see “tapas” written on menus here, but what you’re actually eating most of the time are PETISCOS.

– Tapas usually come from Spain, traditionally small bites served on bread.
– Petiscos, on the other hand, are usually smaller versions of traditional Portuguese dishes.

The real beauty of petiscos? You can order several dishes and share them with friends. My people even have a verb for it: PETISCAR, which basically means: eating small dishes slowly, talking, laughing, and enjoying the moment.

11. What kind of food do Porto locals eat?

Visitors often come looking for Francesinha, and I understand why. But my kitchens go much further than that:

• There’s Tripas à Moda do Porto, a historic local specialty.
• There’s bacalhau in more variations than I can count.
• There are dishes like chanfana, moelas, pataniscas, and the famous prego sandwich.

Food has always been one of the ways my people tell stories. And if you sit at the right table long enough, you’ll hear plenty of them.

12. How many days should I stay in town?

Honestly? As long as you can. But if you’re like most travelers, you’ll probably leave wishing you had stayed a little longer. I tend to have that effect on people.

13. What other cities should I explore?

If you have the benefit of time, I recommend that you explore some of my closest companions: Aveiro, Braga, Guimarães, Coimbra and the Douro Valley, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, and one of the most beautiful landscapes I know.

14. What is the national dish in Portugal?

If I had to represent Portuguese cuisine with a single dish (not an easy task), I’d probably choose Cozido à Portuguesa — literally “Portuguese stew.” Don’t let the simple name fool you. It’s a rich and hearty dish made with different meats, sausages, and vegetables, slowly cooked together.

But since you’re visiting me, you should also try my namesake dish: Tripas à Moda do Porto. You’re going to love it!

15. Are there any Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Porto?

While it is true that most restaurants in the city are not vegetarian (or vegan), in fact, a lot of regular restaurants and cafés now offer vegetarian options. I recommend: Kind Kitchen, Essência Restaurante Vegetariano, Em Carne Viva, Época, and Árvore do Mundo.

16. Why do foreign tourists prefer Porto in Winter?

One reason is simple: My winters are milder than in many parts of Europe. In fact, some visitors tell me that winter here feels like summer back home.

17. Where is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and how to get there?

Just an hour and a half away, you’ll find the Douro Valley, one of the most spectacular wine regions in the world. You can reach it in several ways:

• By cruise: Boats depart from Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Ribeira. The journey takes around six hours and passes through the river’s locks — slow, but incredibly scenic.
  
• By train: Another great option is the train from São Bento Station. The Douro Line follows the river and is considered one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Europe.

Each journey shows a slightly different side of the valley.

18. Where is the National Park?

The only Portuguese National Park (Peneda-Gerês) is about two hours away and offers incredible landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

19. When is the rainy season?

Portugal’s rainiest months are usually November and December, though April can also be quite wet. There’s even a saying: “In April, waters one thousand — may they all fit in a barrel.”

20. What is the distance between Porto and Lisbon?

The distance is about 313 km (195 miles). The easiest way to travel between the two cities is by train, with frequent connections throughout the day. The journey takes between 2 hours 40 minutes and 3 hours 10 minutes, depending on the train.

21. What is the main train station in Porto?

Most people think it’s São Bento Station, famous for its beautiful tile panels. But the main train station is actually Campanhã Station. São Bento may not handle the most trains… But it’s definitely the prettiest.

22. How is Port wine different from regular wine?

Port wine is a fortified, sweet wine, usually served as a dessert wine. Many travelers make the rookie mistake of ordering it with their main meal. Trust me: Francesinha and Port wine do not mix well.

If there’s something else you’re curious about, feel free to keep exploring. I have plenty more stories to share. And if you need a soundtrack while doing it, check out this Spotify playlist.

Yours truly,
Porto ❤️