Inflation, the rising cost of living, price rises… in recent times, this reality has become increasingly present in the media and in everyone’s daily lives. The truth is that life is getting more and more expensive, but that doesn’t stop you from enjoying it all the same. So, with a little ingenuity and creativity, in this article you’ll find a list of cheap and/or affordable things to do in Porto.
On another occasion, we’ve already talked about some free (or almost) options. Now, however, the aim is to show you that there are plenty of plans waiting for you, without emptying your wallet. From cinema to gastronomy, not forgetting music and even ‘out of the box’ experiences, take a look at our suggestions.
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Enter Porto’s most ‘eccentric’ house
The Casa-Museu Fernando de Castro is one of those (almost) secret places in the city that is worth visiting. However, you can’t just decide to drop by.
For that, you have to book a guided tour… but don’t worry, the price is affordable, as tickets cost just 5€.
Although from the outside the building may go unnoticed, be prepared to be surprised!
💸5€, online registration required
📍Rua de Costa Cabral, 716
Watch quality movies at affordable prices
Batalha Centro de Cinema and Cinema Trindade are two different venues, but equally emblematic for those who appreciate the Seventh Art. In both places, you’ll find interesting cultural proposals, with a focus on independent and cult works.
Sometimes there are themed programs and cycles, so it’s worth paying attention to the agenda of these places. What’s more, the prices are also an invitation to enjoy a good session, whether alone or on a romanticdate.
💸From €5 at Batalha Centro de Cinema; and from €7 at Cinema Trindade
📍Batalha Centro de Cinema,Praça da Batalha, 47; Cinema Trindade, Rua do Almada, 412
‘Devouring’ puppies Porto style
Few things taste as good as ‘devouring’ a puppy and drinking a fine, Porto style drink. Without a doubt, one of the best places to get your stomach satisfied without emptying your wallet is Gazela.
Here you’ll find “the original cachorrinhos”, which need no introduction to those from Invicta. These morsels of toasted bread, fresh sausage and melted cheese are a ‘wonder of the gods’ and one of the cheapest and most delicious things to try in Porto.
💸From €4.20
📍Various locations
Enjoying a Candlelight Concert
Candlelight Concerts are already part of Porto’s cultural agenda, regardless of the season. Performed in hundreds of cities around the world, the shows have a classical music format, but are dedicated to different styles and artists.
Abba, Queen, Pink Floyd and Vivaldi are just some of the many candlelit concerts you can attend in Invicta… And best of all, Candlelight always takes place in some of the city’s most emblematic venues, such as the Pestana Palácio do Freixo and Caves Ferreira.
💸From 18€
📍Various locations
Visit the “Most Beautiful House in Porto” and taste wine
Palacete Silva Monteiro, currently known as the “Casa do Vinho Verde”, as it is the headquarters of the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes, was one of our favorite ‘discoveries’ this year. What’s more, this is another of the cheap (and different) things you can do in Porto.
With its origins in the 19th century, you can book a guided tour of this historic building, getting to know every nook and cranny, exploring its gardens overlooking the Douro and at the end you’re even entitled to a Vinho Verde tasting.
💸From 5€
📍Rua da Restauração, 318
Climbing the Arrábida Bridge
As you’ve already realized, we wanted this list of recommendations dedicated to cheap things to be as comprehensive as possible. So now it’s time to mention an ‘out of the box experience’, perfect for adventurers, or for those without vertigo.
With the Porto Bridge Climb you can climb the arch of the Arrábida Bridge. At the top, 65 meters above the River Douro, you can enjoy a unique view. To finish, there are more than 260 steps to descend, a scenario that reveals the scale of this monument.
💸From 17,5€
📍Rua do Ouro, 680