💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Porto: card acceptance by neighborhood, where to find ATMs, how to pay for the metro and trams, and what to carry for wine cellars and day trips. For Portugal-wide ATM advice, Multibanco details, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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Barely. Porto is extremely card-friendly. Portugal is one of Europe's most digitally advanced payment countries, and Porto reflects this perfectly. Contactless payments are the norm at restaurants, cafes, shops, wine cellars, museums, and on public transport. You could go an entire trip without using cash. Carrying €10–20 in small bills is a sensible backup but rarely needed.
Where You Might Need Cash
Very small traditional tascas (old-school taverns) in residential neighborhoods. Some Bolhão Market stalls for purchases under €5 (though most now take cards). Street performers and buskers along Ribeira. Small tips at restaurants (easier in cash). Public restrooms at a few tourist sites (€0.50). These situations are rare enough that €10–20 will last days.
Where Cards Work Fine
Restaurants and cafes across all neighborhoods. Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia (Sandeman, Taylor's, Graham's, Calém). Hotels of all levels. Museums (Serralves, World of Discoveries, Casa da Música). Metro, bus, and historic tram. Supermarkets (Continente, Pingo Doce, Lidl). Pastelerias (including the famous pastéis de nata spots). Compared to Lisbon, card acceptance is equally excellent.
Paying by Card in Porto
Card acceptance in Porto is outstanding. Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. Amex is accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and some shops. Contactless (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is the default payment method at most businesses. Portugal has no minimum spend requirement for card payments.
Ribeira & Riverside
The UNESCO-listed riverside district has excellent card acceptance. Restaurants lining the Cais da Ribeira take cards. The Ponte D. Luís I bridge is free to walk. Palácio da Bolsa (€12, card accepted) and the Igreja de São Francisco (€8, card accepted) are nearby. Even the small bars and cafes tucked into the narrow alleys accept contactless.
Vila Nova de Gaia (Wine Cellars)
Across the river, the port wine cellars are fully card-friendly. Sandeman (€15–25), Taylor's (€15–20), Graham's (€15–25), Calém (€15–20), and Ferreira (€15) all accept cards for tours, tastings, and bottle purchases. The Teleférico de Gaia cable car (€7 one way, €10 return) accepts cards. Restaurants along the Gaia waterfront take cards.
Baixa & Aliados
Porto's downtown around Avenida dos Aliados is fully card-friendly. Livraria Lello (€8 voucher, card accepted) and São Bento train station (free to admire the azulejo tiles) are here. Restaurants, cafes, and shops along Rua de Santa Catarina and Rua das Flores all accept cards. The Mercado do Bolhão is a block away.
Mercado do Bolhão
Porto's iconic market reopened in 2022 after a major renovation. Most vendors now accept cards, including the fishmongers, butchers, cheese stalls, and flower sellers. The upstairs food hall with prepared food stalls is fully card-friendly. Some very small traditional vendors may prefer cash for purchases under €5, but this is the exception. A great card-friendly market experience.
Cedofeita & Miguel Bombarda
The arts and gallery district has excellent card acceptance. Cafes, restaurants, vintage shops, and galleries along Rua de Miguel Bombarda and Rua de Cedofeita all take cards. The Serralves Museum (€20 for museum + park, card accepted) is a short bus ride away. This neighborhood has some of Porto's best third-wave coffee shops, all card-friendly.
Foz do Douro (Beach)
The upscale coastal neighborhood where the Douro meets the Atlantic. Beach cafes, seafood restaurants along the promenade, and the Pergola da Foz area all accept cards. The Farol de Felgueiras (lighthouse) area has restaurants with ocean views that take cards. Bus and tram from the center accept Andante cards (loaded by contactless).
ATMs in Porto
For Portugal-wide ATM advice and the Multibanco system, see the Portugal guide. This section covers where to find machines in Porto.
Look for the Multibanco sign. All Portuguese bank ATMs use the same network and charge no fees to foreign cards.
CGD
Millennium BCP
Novo Banco
BPICentral Porto
Multibanco ATMs are everywhere. You will find them on Avenida dos Aliados, Rua de Santa Catarina, near São Bento station, and along the Ribeira. Any ATM with the blue and red Multibanco logo works identically regardless of the bank name. Portuguese Multibanco ATMs do not charge fees to foreign cards (your bank may still charge). Always decline DCC when the ATM offers to convert.
⚠ Avoid Euronet ATMs
Standalone Euronet machines appear near São Bento station, in Ribeira, and at the airport. They charge €3–5 in fees and push DCC aggressively. Multibanco ATMs (from any Portuguese bank) are free and never far away.
Paying for the Metro, Buses & Trams
Metro, Bus & Historic Tram
Porto's public transport uses the Andante rechargeable card system. Buy an Andante card at metro station machines (€0.60 for the card, then load trips). A Z2 zone ticket (covers central Porto including Gaia) costs €1.55. A 24-hour Andante Tour pass costs €7.50 for unlimited metro, bus, and tram. Machines accept cards and contactless. The metro connects the airport (line E) to the center in 30 minutes. The historic Tram 1 runs along the Douro to Foz (€3.50 on board, or Andante card).
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Porto taxis are metered (cream or black). A ride across the center costs €5–10. From the airport, metered fare is €20–30. Taxis accept cards by law. Uber and Bolt operate in Porto with card payment through the app and are often cheaper than metered taxis. An Uber from the airport to the center costs roughly €15–20.
Airport Transfers
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is 11 km from the center. Metro line E (Violet): €2.60 (Z4 ticket), 30 minutes to Trindade or Aliados (card at machines). Taxi: €20–30 (metered, card accepted). Uber/Bolt: €15–20 (card via app). The metro is the best-value option and runs every 20–30 minutes.
Tipping in Porto
The Portugal guide covers Portuguese tipping norms in detail. Porto follows standard Portuguese customs. Tipping is appreciated but never obligatory. At restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is generous. At cafes, leaving coins from your change is the norm. Hotel porters expect €1–2 per bag. Port wine cellar tour guides appreciate €2–5 per group. Tip in cash when possible.
Prices in Porto
Porto is one of Western Europe's best-value cities. Food, wine, and accommodation are significantly cheaper than Lisbon and a fraction of the cost of Paris or London. Port wine tastings are particularly affordable for the quality.
| Item | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso (bica) | €0.70–1.20 | $0.75–1.30 |
| Pastél de nata | €1–1.50 | $1.10–1.65 |
| Francesinha (Porto's sandwich) | €8–14 | $8.80–15.40 |
| Beer (imperial/fino) | €1.50–3 | $1.65–3.30 |
| Glass of port wine | €3–8 | $3.30–8.80 |
| Lunch (prato do dia) | €8–12 | $8.80–13.20 |
| Dinner (mid-range, with wine) | €20–35 | $22–38.50 |
| Port wine cellar tour + tasting | €15–25 | $16.50–27.50 |
| Metro Z2 ticket | €1.55 | $1.70 |
| 24-hour Andante Tour pass | €7.50 | $8.25 |
| Teleférico de Gaia (return) | €10 | $11 |
| Livraria Lello voucher | €8 | $8.80 |
| Clérigos Tower | €8 | $8.80 |
| Uber airport to center | €15–20 | $16.50–22 |
USD estimates based on approximately €1 = $1.10. Rates fluctuate. Ribeira waterfront restaurants charge 20–30% more than equivalent inland spots.
Day Trips from Porto
Douro Valley (1.5–2 hours by train)
CP train from São Bento or Campanha station to Peso da Régua (€12–15) or Pinhão (€14–17), one of Europe's most scenic rail journeys. Wine estates (quintas) accept cards for tours and tastings (€10–25). Restaurants in Régua and Pinhão accept cards. River cruise operators accept cards. A fully card-friendly day trip. The only cash you might need is for tips at wine estates.
Braga (1 hour by train)
CP train from Campanha (€3.50–6). Braga has excellent card acceptance at restaurants, cafes, and the Bom Jesus do Monte funicular (€2, card accepted). The Cathedral (free, donations accepted) and the university area are walkable. A very affordable, card-friendly day trip.
Guimarães (1 hour by train)
CP train from Campanha (€3.50–6). The birthplace of Portugal has the Castle of Guimarães (€2, card accepted), Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (€5, card accepted), and the Penha cable car (€5 return, card accepted). Restaurants in the historic center take cards. Another easy, card-friendly day trip.
Aveiro (1 hour by train)
CP train from Campanha (€4–8). Known as the "Venice of Portugal" for its canals and colorful moliceiro boats. A boat ride costs €12–15 (card or cash). The famous ovos moles (sweet egg pastries) can be bought at shops that accept cards. Restaurants and cafes along the canal accept cards. Bring €10 in cash for boat rides if paying on the spot.
Porto Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeira dining | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | All riverside restaurants take cards |
| Port wine cellars | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Tours, tastings, and bottles by card |
| Bolhão Market | ✅ Most vendors | €5–10 backup | Renovated market, mostly card-friendly |
| Metro / bus / tram | ✅ Machines | Not needed | Andante card loaded by contactless |
| Museums & sites | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Serralves, Clérigos, Lello |
| Douro Valley trip | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Train, quintas, and restaurants |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Porto?
Barely. Porto is extremely card-friendly. Portugal is one of the most digitally advanced payment countries in Europe. Restaurants, cafes, shops, port wine cellars, museums, and public transport all accept cards and contactless. The only places you might need cash are very small traditional tascas, some market stalls, and street performers. Carrying €10–20 is more than enough.
How do I pay for the metro in Porto?
Buy an Andante rechargeable card at metro station machines for €0.60, then load trips. A Z2 zone ticket (covers central Porto) costs €1.55. A 24-hour Andante Tour pass costs €7.50 for unlimited metro, bus, and tram travel. Machines accept cards and contactless. The metro connects the airport to the center in 30 minutes.
How much does a port wine tasting cost?
Port wine cellar tours and tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia cost €15–25 for a standard tour with 2–3 tastings. Premium tastings cost more. All major cellars (Sandeman, Graham's, Taylor's, Calém, Ferreira) accept cards for tours and purchases. Book online for guaranteed availability.
Is Bolhão Market cash only?
Mostly no. The renovated Mercado do Bolhão (reopened 2022) has modernized significantly. Most vendors now accept cards, including food stalls, butchers, fishmongers, and flower sellers. Some very small vendors may prefer cash for purchases under €5. The upstairs food hall is fully card-friendly.
Which ATMs should I use in Porto?
Portuguese ATMs are part of the Multibanco network, meaning all bank ATMs use the same system and charge no fees to foreign cards. Look for the Multibanco sign. CGD, Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, and BPI ATMs are everywhere. Avoid Euronet standalone machines which charge fees and push DCC.
What currency do I need for a Douro Valley day trip?
Euros, same as Porto. Wine estates accept cards for tours and tastings. The train costs €12–17 (card at machines or online). River cruise operators accept cards. Restaurants in valley towns accept cards. You can do this trip fully cashless.
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