bus city tour porto portugal

Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Porto has various city sightseeing bus tours . The most famous are Yellow Bus and the City Sightseeing Portugal. Practical information on their routes, prices, and timetables.

All sight-seeing open-top double-decker buses for tourists include individual headphones with commentary in English and other languages.

City Sightseeing Portugal

The City Sightseeing buses in Porto are red. A bus tour ticket is valid for 48 hours after you first validate it and you can hop off and back on as many times as you want.

This Hop-On Hop-Off company has two routes: Red and Blue with 57 conveniently located bus stops . The company also offers an exclusive route for groups. The Redline departs from Ribeira and the Blue line from Torre dos Clérigos.

• Red Line : The route includes 33 stops and takes one hour and 50 minutes to complete.
• Blue Line : The route includes 24 stops and takes one hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Operating hours

Timetables depend on the time of year and the route. The first departure in the summer months for the red route starts at 9:15 am and finishes at 6:45 pm. In winter they start at 9:30 am and the last departure is at 5:30 pm.

The first departure of the blue route in summer is at 9:30 am and the last departure is at 6 pm. During the winter months, they start at 10 am and finish at 4 pm.

The price of a ticket is € 18 ( US$ 19.30) for adults and € 9 ( US$ 9.60) for children from 4 to 12. There are also discounts available for groups.

You can buy your tickets directly through the website at this link:

• Porto tourist bus

Yellow bus, Official Sightseeing Tours

As the name indicates, these sightseeing tourist buses are yellow. You can either get a 24h or 48h ticket and hop off and back on as many times as you want during the validity of your ticket, as well as switch routes. The Yellow Bus ticket is also valid for the STCP buses in Porto .

The Yellow Bus has two different routes: Historical Porto and Porto Castles.

• Historical Porto : The route through the city center of Porto takes one hour and 50 minutes and you can hop off at any of its 33 stops .  In winter and summer, a tour departs every 30 minutes from Torre dos Clérigos.
• Porto Castles : This itinerary includes the riverside road of Porto to Foz do Douro and Matosinhos. The duration of the full route is one hour and 50 minutes with 32 stops . A tour departs every 60 minutes from Torre dos Clérigos.

In winter (between the months of October and May), the first bus leaves at 9:30 am, and the last bus is at 5:30 pm. In summer (between June and September), the first tour starts at 9:15 am and the last is at 6:15 pm.

The Yellow Buses run every day.

The price of the 1-day ticket for the Yellow Bus is € 16.20 ( US$ 17.40) for adults and € 2 ( US$ 2.10) for children between 4 and 12.

The 2-day Yellow Bus ticket costs   € 18 ( US$ 19.30) for adults and € 2 ( US$ 2.10) for children between 4 and 12.

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Taxis in Porto are relatively cheap and are a good alternative if you get around the city at night or for longer journeys.

Rabelo Boats

Rabelo boats are the traditional Portuguese cargo boats which back in the day were used to transport Port wine from the vineyards to Vila Nova de Gaia. Nowadays, they are used as tour boats for sightseeing.

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Hop On Hop Off Porto - Bus Tours

Porto sightseeing bus tours.

Experience Porto in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Located in the northwest of Portugal, Porto is an urban town yet one of the oldest European centres. The Historic Centre of Porto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The name Porto also finds mention in one of the city’s most famous exports – Port wine.

Porto bus tours will be the best bet for exploring the city and its numerous treasures. Check out the Bolsa Palace, Porto Cathedral, Casa da Música, and all of the other Porto points of interest. You can also combine your sightseeing tour with other experiences, like wine tasting, a river cruise, or a castle tour. Or, try pairing your tour with a tram ride and Guindais funicular trip. You can even find a tour that includes a visit to the famous Calem Port. Add to that, audio commentary in Audio commentary in languages such as Portuguese, Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, etc. is like icing on the cake. Either way you go, you’ll soon discover why a bus tour is one of the smartest things to do in Porto if it’s your first time visiting the city!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a porto hop-on hop-off tour.

The coastal city of Portugal, Porto can be best explored during late spring or early autumn. The weather is glorious during the months of May and June. Also, several festivals take place from June to September so you can plan your trip accordingly to make the most of the festivities.

Q: How does it work?

Porto bus tour offers you the convenience and flexibility to get off at the nearest designated stop. No tour guide, you set your own itinerary. You’ll find all the stops are located strategically at all the major attractions, making your touring as hassle-free as possible. And then, when you’re ready to continue, return to a designated bus stop, show your pass, and hop back on the bus and onwards towards your next attraction. So, go ahead and make a whole loop of the route once you have your tour ticket, get familiar with the city and pick out your favorite places to visit and then return to them during your stay.

Q: What is the validity of the ticket?

There are several ticket options available to you, depending on your length of stay. Each bus tour will have validity from 24, 36, 48 to 72 hours. And the great thing is you can plan ahead as the vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 1 year and can be used at any point during that period. Check the product page or bus tour operator for complete details.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Porto hop-on hop-off tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops, and timings change frequently.

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No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

City Sightseeing: Porto Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

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• Enjoy audio guide commentaries in 9 languages.
• Customize your itinerary to explore historic sites and renowned wine cellars.
• Experience minimal waiting time with buses passing every 30 minutes.
• Enjoy 360º panoramic views of Porto’s beauty.
• Access 2 bus tour routes covering Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted, no need to take the print !

City Sightseeing Porto offers a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Porto's beauty. With strategically located bus stops, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour allows you to discover the city at your own pace. Immerse yourself in Porto's rich history and culture with audio guides in multiple languages. Enjoy 360º panoramic views, switch between routes effortlessly, and savor the essence of Portugal's northern charm. From iconic landmarks like Torre dos Clérigos to hidden coastal gems, Porto has something for everyone.

• 24/48-hrs Hop on Hop off Bus Ticket
• Audio Guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese, Ukrainian
• Access to 2 bus routes
• Port Wine Tasting (any one of the given options-Espaço Porto Cruz, Quinta da Boeira, Real Companhia Velha, Museu 1º Demarcação)
• Hotel Transfers
• Entrance Fees

Redemption Info

Know before you go, useful downloads, cancellation policy, other porto bus tours.

Gray Line: Porto Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour | 24h

Gray Line: Porto Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour | 48h

Gray Line: Porto Hop On Hop Off & River Cruise | 48 Hrs

Gray Line: Porto Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour with River Cruise & Port Wine Cellars

Yellow Bus: Porto Hop-On, Hop-Off Vintage Bus Tour

Yellow Bus: Porto Hop-On Hop-Off with Six Bridges River Cruise

Yellow Bus: Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Boat & Wine Cellar Combo

Yellow Bus: Porto Hop-On, Hop-Off Vintage Bus with Burger

Other cities in portugal.

Warnings and Important Information

Porto Hop-on Hop-off

Discover porto on hop-on hop-off buses and combine a boat trip and wine cellar..

• Tag Hop-on Hop-off
• Hour Glass 24h , 48h

Hop-On Hop-Off

Hop aboard our panoramic bus and discover the city of Porto with a 24h or 48h ticket. Discover Porto your own way with only one ticket. 2 walking tours are also included in your ticket!

• Tag Boat tour
• Hour Glass 48h

Hop-On Hop-Off and Boat Ride

Experience the best of Porto and the Douro River with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour and a 60-minute boat ride.

• Tag Wine tour

Hop-On Hop-Off and Wine Cellar Visit

Discover the city and the Port Wine tradition. Get to know Porto in a hop-on hop-off bus for 48 hours and visit a wine cellar.

• Tag Boat tour , Wine tour

Hop-On Hop-Off, Wine Cellar Visit and Boat Ride

The best of Porto in a single ticket: hop-on hop-off, cruise on the Douro River and visit to the wine cellar. Use the ticket for 48 hours and enjoy the fantastic landscapes of Porto.

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24h Porto Sightseeing Tour - Blue Bus

Introduction

Discover every nick and cranny of Porto with our Hop-on Hop-off buses!

Get to know the Invicta City and fall for its charm . See amazing views over the Douro River, see some of the best beaches , admire historic and emblematic buildings and the city's historic center .

Book your ticket now!

Discover Porto's landmarks and historical heritage on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Travel from the charismatic Ribeira to the city's historic center and then accompany the shore.

Admire incredible views over the Douro River and marvel at the busy Aliados Avenue.

Go from the beautiful Crystal Palace all the way to Castelo do Queijo on a comfortable bus.

Audio guide with 16 languages available

PT, EN, ES, FR, FI, NO, NL, RU, IT, DE, SV, PL, CN, UK, JA, DA

MEETING POINT

Se Cathedral/S. Bento or any other Porto Sightseeing stop

2 hours each line

Check the "Additional Information" below

Full description

Our buses depart from the picturesque Ribeira and will take you through the streets of Porto showing you its emblematic buildings and sites . Aboard each bus you will have at your disposal an audio-guide with 16 languages to choose from, just adjust to the one you prefer and enjoy the ride.

From the riverside to the city center and down to the seafront , we'll go through the city's historic center considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, pass along the Aliados Avenue , admire the Crystal Palace and then reach Casa da Música . We'll continue to Serralves Foundation and accompany the shore line seeing Castelo do Queijo ( Cheese Castle) and the S. Miguel Lighthouse .  After this we'll return to our starting point where the tour finishes.

With our hop-on hop off service you can board in and out of the bus at any stop and as many times as you want , giving you the opportunity to visit each site at your own pace!

Discover the secrets of Porto from a comfortable bus!

Ticket validity: 24 hours after validation.

Hop ON Hop OFF: hop on and off at any stop along the route, while your ticket 

Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Finnish, Norwegian, Dutch, Russian, Italian, German, Swedish, Polish, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Japanese, Danish, Portuguese, Spanish  

Orange Line Stops : 

Se Catedral / S Bento(Terminal) |Batalha | Cordoaria | Carmo | S. Francisco | Ribeira de Gaia | WOW | Quinta da Boeira | El Corte Ingles | Camera de Gaia | Jardim do Morro. 

Blue Line Stops :

Se Catedral / S Bento(Terminal) |Batalha | Cordoaria | Carmo |Palacio de Cristal | Casa da Musica | Belos Aires | Fundação Serralves | Parque da Cidade | Matosinhos sul | Castelo do Queijo | Foz do Douro | Lardo do Ouro | Massarelos.

• Ticket valid for 24 hours.
• Discounts on tickets to monuments, museums and leisure activities.
• Pick-up and Drop-off at the hotel.
• Food and drinks, unless specified.
• Gratuities (optional).

Cancelation rules

No cancellation fees will be applied if you cancel the tour at least 48 hours prior to the tour date.

Less than 48 hours or No Show: 100%.

Additional info

• Blue Line : 09:50; 10:40; 11:30; 12:20; 13:10; 14:00; 14:50; 15:40; 16:30; 17:20; 18:10.
• Orange Line : 09:25; 10:15; 11:05; 11:55; 12:45; 13:35; 14:25; 15:15; 16:05; 16:55; 17:45. *There may be schedules changes without prior notice.
• Deliver the voucher to the bus driver or at the kiosk to exchange it for a ticket.
• There are no marked or guaranteed places, subject to the capacity of the vehicle.
• Tickets are open, without reservation.
• On Christmas, New Year's and St. John's  Eve the bus operates from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. On Christmas, New Year's and St. John's D ay the first departure is at 2 p.m.
• Children under 4 years old are free of charge as long as accompanied by a responsible adult.
• We recommend the use of comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.
• The ticket is valid for 24 hours after validation.
• You can hop on and off at any designated stop, as many times as you want.
• To request additional information about the program by email or telephone.  Contact Living Tours:  [email protected]  / +351 228 320 992

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Porto Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour + Winery Visit

• 7.70 / 10 461 reviews | 6,270 travellers The two yellow lines are very beautiful and informative. I recommend them to everyone. 10 Anonimo
• Free cancellation up to 1 hours before the service starts

The tourist bus is perfect for enjoying the most important sights in Porto hassle-free! The bus has two routes with different stops, allowing you to get to know the city and be entertained in comfort thanks to its two floors and an open top. It also includes a visit to a winery with wine tasting !

Description

The Porto sightseeing bus has two different routes. You'll be able to get on and off the buses on either route, and the ticket will be valid for 48 hours. These are the stops on each route:

Porto Castles Route

Leaving from Praça da Batalha, you'll embark on a route covering significant sites like Castelo do Queijo and Parque da Cidade.

You can consult the complete route using the following link:

• Route & stops of the purple line (castles route)  

Please note that stops 5, 7 and 8 on this line will not be operational until further notice.

Historical Route

Pariendo de la descubriréis emblemáticos lugares de Oporto como el o la Torre de los Clérigos

Leaving from Praça da Batalha, this route will take you through Porto's most significant landmarks like  Jardim do Morro, the Calem wineries, the House of Music, the Crystal Palace, and Cleric Tower.

• Route & stops of the orange line (historical route)  

Timetables & departures

The schedules of the different routes are as follows:

• Porto Castles Route : departures from Praça da Batalha stop at 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, and 5 pm.
• Historical Route : departures from Praça da Batalha stop at 9:30 am, 10:15 am, 11 am, 11:45 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm, 5 pm.

Winery visit & wine tasting

A visit to a wine cellar with wine tasting is also included with the Porto sightseeing bus ticket. The winery is Boeira Garden Hotel Porto Gaia , and the opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm.

More Information

The activity takes place with recorded commentary in English.

Unlimited use of the buses for 48 hours

Recorded commentary in English

Visit to a winery with wine tasting

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Carristur Show more

Corporate name: CARRISTUR, Inovação em Transporte

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Are dogs allowed?

A - Dogs are permitted as long as they are in a carrier.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

São Bento Station

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Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

Porto Sightseeing: 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Porto

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• This hop-on hop-off pass gives you unlimited access to various parts of the second-largest city in Portugal!
• Choose between a 24 or 48-hour ticket to explore the iconic spots of Porto with carefully mapped out routes and an audio guide in 16 languages.
• Discover emblematic places like the Crystal Palace, Dona Maria Bridge, the Clérigos Tower, Ribeira Riverside, São Bento train station, and the City Park.
• Get the chance to roam down the quaint alleys of Santa Catarina street and Bom Sucesso Market.
• 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tickets in Porto
• Access to 2 routes
• Audio guide in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Swedish, Polish, Chinese, Ukrainian, Japanese, Norwegian, Korean, Danish, Dutch & Russian
• Entry to museums
• The first bus is at 9:15am from Porto Cathedral.
• Last bus is at 5:45pm.
• Frequency: 30 mins.
• Popular stops: Serralves Foundation, Massarelos.

Orange Line

• The first bus is at 9am from Porto Cathedral.
• Last bus is at 6:20pm.
• Frequency: 40 mins.
• Popular stops: Crystal Palace, El Corte Ingles.

Please click here for the detailed route map.

• Tip: Want to try authentic Portuguese food? Visit the Adega São Nicola eatery near stop #15 at the Ribeira riverside.

Porto Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Porto is a historic city located along the Douro River, it is known for its historic center, colorful buildings, and famous port wine cellars. Certain famous attractions in Porto include the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the charming Ribeira district, and the historic Porto Cathedral.

One of the most comprehensive ways to explore Porto is through Hop on Hop Off Buses . Simply hop on a bus, explore Porto’s streets and hop off at any point of interest. Read on to learn more about Porto hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Why Choose Porto Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit the Top Attractions: The hop on hop off bus tours take you to all the most important attractions in Porto, such as the Crystal Palace, Dona Maria Bridge, the Clerigos Tower, Sao Bento Train Station, The City Park and more. 
• Informative Commentary: Learn about the city's history, culture, and landmarks with fascinating commentary available on the buses.
• Easy & Efficient: Save time and energy by traveling between attractions on comfortable, open-air buses, without the stress of figuring out public transportation or parking.
• Save Money: Choosing a hop-on-hop-off tour can often be more cost-saving than individual transportation fees, especially considering petrol and parking costs. Plus you can hop on and hop off as many times as you want.

Please check your tickets for more information on the features and inclusions.

Porto Hop On Hop Off Routes & Timings

The Porto sightseeing bus has 2 routes and an audio guide in 16 languages. The Blue Line takes you to Serralves Foundation, Massarelos and more. The Orange Line takes you to the Crystal Palace, El Corte Ingles and more.

20+ Attractions

Your Porto Hop On Hop Off Tour Highlights

Clerigos Tower

The Clerigos Tower was built in the 18th century. This  Baroque bell tower is part of the Clerigos Church complex and is accessible via a narrow spiral staircase that offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking vistas of Porto's historic center and the Douro River.

Serralves Foundation

The Serralves Foundation in Porto is a cultural institution known for its contemporary art exhibitions, gardens, and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the modern art museum housed in a striking pink Art Deco building, wander through the extensive gardens featuring sculptures, and participate in various cultural events and educational programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porto Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Yes, you can get on the Porto hop-on hop-off tour at any stop on the route.

When you go to the stop locations along the tour, you will find signs for the relevant bus operator and route.

Yes, the Porto hop-on hop-off buses are child friendly.

Yes, the Porto hop-on hop-off tours are suitable for senior citizens.

No animals are not permitted on the buses.

Yes, the Porto hop-on hop-off buses are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

There are no food options available and neither is there a restroom, but you can use the facilities available at any of the attractions you stop at.

No, any luggage larger than a backpack is not allowed on the buses.

No, the Porto hop-on hop-off buses do not offer hotel pickups or drop offs.

The Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Porto, Portugal 2024 [Review]

Heading to portugal and thinking about doing a hop-on hop-off bus in porto.

Well, you’ve come to the right place as I will give you all the information you need to know before you go!

🚌 Ready to book your Hop-On Hop-Off Bus now? We went with the 48-Hour Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Porto and had a grand time! We had unlimited hops on and off, were able to spend 2 days on the bus, and saw everything we wanted on our list!

I get it if you’re hesitant–I was too at first!

In fact, Porto was the first city I actually decided to try out a Hop-On Hop-Off tour and I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would! Read more below so you can be convinced, too!

best hop-on hop-off bus Porto

Where is porto and why you need to visit.

Porto is a beautiful city located in northern Portugal. The city has a laid-back atmosphere with several restaurants, bars, and cafés to enjoy. With so many structures dating from the 12th century, the city is gorgeous.

There are several attractions worth seeing which include museums, churches, and the Duoro river.

If you only have a couple of days to spend in Porto , you’ll want to see as much of it as possible! One of the best ways to do this is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours for Porto !

Overview: Yellow Bus Porto Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours are a great way to see a city if you’re limited on time. These bus tours typically have several stops at different attractions within the city so that you can hop off and explore as you please.

Then, when you’re done seeing what you want, you can hop back on the next bus and continue your journey!

The ticket was really good value. Bus tour was good, easy to locate the stops, buses were on time and commentary was good (a few of the headphone sockets were broken but plenty of other seats to move to). Friendly staff. Wine cellar tour was really interesting – tour guide was excellent. Boat trip was excellent too. Commentary was very clear and boats departed at regular times Would definitely recommend purchasing this ticket. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Verified Booking from the United Kingdom, Tour Reviews

Note: I was not paid to take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. I paid full price and Yellow bus did not know I would be writing a review after the tour.

Key Highlights Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Unlimited hop-on and hop-off on the bus with the ability to switch routes anytime
• Double-decker bus with an open-air top
• Visit Porto’s top sites with an audio tour, earphones included
• Purchase a 48-hour pass, with access to port wine tasting and Duoro River cruise
• Smartphone voucher accepted

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How Does the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Work in Porto?

The Yellow Bus in Porto will have designated signs and bus stops for its users to hop on and off the bus. These stops are usually marked with the Yellow Bus sign, but you can also get a PDF map as well!

You can hop on and off as many times as you’d like and choose to sit anywhere on the bus as there are no assigned seats.

Once you purchase your ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus tour , you can redeem your voucher when you step on the bus for the first time (which is what I recommend) or you can do it at a store, Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 53, and get a physical ticket.

However, the buses are equipped to scan your smartphone for your mobile voucher.

>> Book Your 48-Hour Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Porto! <<

What are the Routes of the Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?

In Porto, one of the best options for this type of tour is the Yellow Bus Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus . The bus has 2 different routes that will take about 2 hours to complete without hopping off.

The Orange Line will take you around historical Porto to see all the touristy sites of museums and cathedrals. The Purple Line will take the riverside road through Matosinhos, a beach area, and back around to the riverfront in Porto.

Both of the lines will start with Stop 1 at the Sao Bento Bus station , which is located across the street from the Sao Bento Train Station. The Orange Line starts at 9:30 am, with buses coming around every 45 minutes. The Purple Line starts at 9 am with buses coming around every hour.

The Yellow Bus runs every day but shuts down operations at 5 pm. Keep in mind that the timetable may change according to winter and summer times, so check the website before you head out!

Both routes are great options for seeing all the sights in Porto, but the best one for you will depend on your travel itinerary and what you prioritize on your visit to Porto.

Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Stops

The Historical Porto route (Red Line) has 13 stops whereas the Port of Castles (Blue Line) has 20 stops. You can download the Yellow Bus Porto map in a PDF , too!

Historical Porto Route (Orange Line) Bus Stops

• Estação de S.Bento
• Sé Catedral
• Praça da Batalha
• Cais de Gaia / Caves Cálem
• Porto viewpoint / Yeatman / Caves Cálem
• Lg. dos Aviadores / Boeira Garden
• El Corte Inglês
• Câmara Municipal do Porto
• Jardim do Morro
• Alfândega / Caves Cálem
• Cordoaria / Clérigos
• Igreja do Carmo
• Ribeira / Cruzeiro 6 pontes / Palácio da Bolsa / Caves Cálem

Port of Castles (Purple Line) Bus Stops

• Praça da República
• Pavilhão Rosa Mota – Suspensa
• Casa da Música
• Av. Boavista (Hotéis)
• Fundação de Serralves
• Parque da Cidade
• Castelo do Queijo / Sea Life Porto
• Matosinhos Restaurantes
• Posto Turismo / Terminal Cruzeiros
• Praias Matosinhos
• Castelo do Queijo / Sea Life
• Passeio Alegre
• Museu do Elétrico
• Ribeira / Cruzeiro 6 pontes / Palácio Bolsa / Caves Cálem

How Much Does it Cost for the Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?

When you search for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, you may find multiple listings, and one for a 24-hour pass as well.

I would highly recommend purchasing the 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus because you’ll have 2 days to do both routes as well as enjoy the port wine tasting and the river cruise rather than trying to do it all in one day.

The price difference is within a $10 difference, so we decided it was worth it to purchase the 48-hour ticket and get all the extra fixings!

The cost for the 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is $30 and includes 48 hours of unlimited hopping on and off, a Duoro River Cruise voucher, and a port wine-tasting session in Calém Cellars.

Note: The hop-on hop-off bus tickets do not include entrance fees to any of the sites. Those will be paid separately when you hop off the bus and decide to visit a site on your Porto itinerary .

Pros and Cons of the Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

As with any tour, there are always pros and cons. Listed below are a few thoughts that may help you make a decision before buying a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Porto .

Pros of the Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The greatest advantage of purchasing the bus tour is being able to see all of Porto in about 2 hours’ time and orient yourself to the city.

If you only have a short time to spend in Porto, then the hop-on hop-off bus will help you save time, even if you spend more than 2 hours hopping on and off.

You’ll have access to cathedrals, museums, monuments, and even the beach, which is about 40 minutes away from the city center of Porto. Without having to walk up and down hills or long distances, the bus tour is convenient as you’ll also save your feet from hurting.

The bus hopping is also unlimited so you can get on and off anytime, which makes the affordable cost of the tour worth the purchase.

Since the buses stop running after 5 pm, you’ll still have a long evening to explore other areas in Porto or have a nice dinner–most people don’t start eating dinner until 7 pm anyways.

Cons of the Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Although everything sounds great for touring the beautiful city of Porto, taking the hop-on hop-off bus also has some disadvantages.

During high season, meaning summertime, it can get really hot to sit on the top deck for 2 hours. You will most definitely get sunburned if you don’t hop off or move below stairs.

Another con to the bus tour during high season is the crowds. There may be times when the buses are crowded making it hard to find a seat or truly be able to look out the windows.

Because of this, I would recommend visiting Porto during its low season in late spring or early fall.

One last disadvantage to the Yellow bus hop-on hop-off tour is that sometimes the audio isn’t working as it should. The screens for us were very dim and it was hard to see and navigate the screen.

Additionally, our jacks were working properly, but there were a few others who had to hop seats a little to find one that produced sound.

What to Bring on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Porto

🎒 A Day Bag or Backpack

If you decide to sit through the whole 2 hours without hopping off, like us, then you may not necessarily need a backpack.

However, if you do hop off, you’ll want a day bag to pack some necessities and snacks with you as you’ll be doing some walking to the monuments, museums, and attractions.

Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe?

🚰 Water Bottle

Porto can be hot and there are A LOT of hills. You’ll want to bring a water bottle with you and keep hydrated. There are also water fountains around the city for you to refill your water bottle when needed.

☀️ Sunscreen

You will be on the bus for a long time. If you are wanting to sit in the open-air top deck, then it’s necessary to bring sunscreen with you — you WILL get burned. Even if you are just walking around Porto between bus stops, you’ll also want to apply sunscreen.

🧢 Hat or Cap

Sitting on the top deck is no joke – seriously N had major leg burn. I had major shoulder burn. Bring a hat to keep your head cool and your face from being a super bright shade of red.

You’ll also want to have a camera ready for all the beautiful scenery in front of you! You can take pictures from the top deck or once you get off and do some exploring on foot!

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Porto: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you need to make a reservation for the port wine tasting.

Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation for the Caves Cálem Tour for port wine tasting. If you miss out on making a reservation, you may not be able to do the tour due to the availability of the guides.

Once you purchase your ticket , you’ll receive an email with a number to call to make your reservation.

The hours for Caves Cálem are 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. 

Note: Since we do not drink, we did not take a tour of the port wine tastings. However, many of the reviews say that you will receive 2 different ports to try, with the possibility of purchasing more.

Do you need to make a reservation for the Duoro River Cruise/Six Bridges Cruise?

No, you do not need to make a reservation for the riverboat cruise, but the boats will depart every 30 minutes. It is highly recommended to show up about 15 minutes before boarding so you can be first in line to board.

You can show up with your mobile voucher and they will scan that for you. The departure port will be down in the Ribeira area of Porto from 10 am – 12 pm and from 2 pm – 6 pm. The Six Bridges Cruise will take 50-minutes with a commentary guide.

What languages are the audio guides in?

The Yellow Bus offers 12 different languages for the hop-on hop-off bus tour guide: Portuguese, Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese from Brazil, Mandarin, and Polish.

The Six Bridges Guide only offers Portuguese, English, and French.

The Caves Cálem Tour offers Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish.

When does the Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus run?

You can check the timetable for daily times as they are subject to change. Generally speaking, the Yellow Bus will run every day starting at 9:00 am for the Port of Castles route (Purple Line) and 9:30 am for the Historical Porto route (Orange Line).

The Yellow Bus does not run on Christmas day.

What is the cancellation policy for the hop-on hop-off bus in Porto?

You are able to cancel the tour up to 24 hours before the tour date for free and receive a full refund.

When is the best time to visit Porto?

The best time to visit Porto is between April and June or September and October. The weather is milder during these months and there are fewer tourists.

We visited in the middle of May and the weather was perfect. We had a few days of rain, but for the most part, it was sunny with mild temperatures in the low 80s!

Final thoughts: The Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Porto, Portugal

If you’re looking for a great way to see the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal, and are short on time then I would highly recommend purchasing a ticket for the 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour .

For those of you who are still on the fence, consider the time you are visiting Porto, the crowd meters, and the weather. With this being my first time on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, I found it to be fun and relaxing!

More Portugal Content:

• 2 Days in Porto: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
• 39 Beautiful Photos to Inspire Your Portugal Trip
• 31 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Lisbon, Portugal [Tips for First-Timers]
• How to Spend One Day in Braga, Portugal

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My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources

Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page .

• Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
• For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
• When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
• For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas .
• Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
• Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars . They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
• Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
• Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio .
• Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa .
• Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire .
• Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
• Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide .
• Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze !
• Tech : Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
• Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
• What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack . For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

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Bus tours in Porto: everything you need to know

Once in a while I get emails asking what is the best Hop On Hop Off Bus tour in Porto.…

Once in a while I get emails asking what is the best Hop On Hop Off Bus tour in Porto. I decided to write an article with everything you need to know about the two best Hop On Hop Off Bus tours in Porto – schedules, prices and tickets, etc. I hope you enjoy the ride! 🙂

How to save money on the Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Porto

If you already decided to take a bus tour in Porto, I recommend you to buy the Yellow Bus Combo Ticket as it allows you to do three activities with one ticket: Hop On Hop Off bus tour + wine tasting at a Calém’s Port wine lodge + 6 bridges cruise. This ticket costs 35€ / adult and 17,50€ / kid (between 4 – 10 years old) and it saves you A LOT of money.

Let’s do the math:

• 6 bridges cruise in Porto : 15€ / person
• Hop On Hop Off bus tour : 22€ / person
• Wine tasting at Calém’s port wine lodge : 18€ / person

The total value of these three activities is 55€ / person. Therefore, when you buy the Yellow Bus Combo Ticket , that costs 35€ / person, you are saving 20€!

The bus tours in Porto are worth it if you:

• … have little time in the city. This way you’ll get an idea of the main attractions in Porto.
• … have a few days in Porto, but would like to have a first look before deciding which monuments to visit.
• … are coming to Porto with kids: it’s always a joy to climb to the second floor of the bus to see the world from up there!
• … would like to visit places further away from the city center, like the beaches in Matosinhos and the Port wine cellars in Gaia.

1st option – Yellow Bus Combo Ticket :

Hop on hop off bus tour for 2 days + boat cruise + visit to a port wine cellar.

This is the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour in Porto that I like the most because with a single ticket you get to do three must do’s in Porto: the bus tour, the famous 6 bridges cruise in the Douro river (a pleasurable 50 minutes boat ride) and a visit to a Port wine lodge. Let’s do the math: the Classic Hop On Hop Off Bus tour costs 22€, the river cruise costs 15€ and a visit to a Port wine lodge costs around 15 / 25€. So in total, you would pay at least 52€ for these three activities. Therefore, it really pays off to buy the Yellow Bus Combo Ticket for just 35€, as you will be saving at least 17€ / person. It is a lot of money!

Itineraries of the Yellow Hop On Hop Off Bus tour in Porto

The first itinerary is called Historical Porto and it goes through downtown Porto to Foz neighborhood (by the riverside), and then to the Port wine lodges in Gaia. It is really nice for those of you who would like to get a view over the most important monuments in Porto, but also check out the Port wine cellars across the river.

The other Yellow Bus tour in Porto also wanders a bit in the city center and by the riverside, but then it heads to Matosinhos, a nearby city that is phenomenal for fish lovers, as it has some of the best seafood restaurants in the region. This second itinerary of the Yellow Bus tour in Porto is called Porto Vintage and it stops in front of the beach of Matosinhos and then in front of Parque da Cidade, the largest city park in Porto, ideal for walking or riding a bike.

Important information about the Yellow Bus tours in Porto

Audio languages: there are currently 16 languages available. Average duration: 1h50. Schedule: During Summer (June to September): everyday from 9h15 to 18h15. During Winter: everyday from 9h30 to 17h30. The Historical Tour of Porto departures from Avenida Dom Afonso Henriques (near São Bento train station) at 9h15, 10h15, 11h15, 12h30, 13h15, 14h15, 15h15, 16h15 and 17h15. The Porto Vintage Tour also departures from Avenida Dom Afonso Henriques at 9h, 10h, 11h, 12h, 13h, 14h, 15h, 16h and 17h. Frequency: The Hop On Hop Off bus departures every 60 minutes. Cancellation policy: You can get a full refund if you cancel the ticket up to 24h before the date that you booked it for.

Where to buy the tickets

The simplest way is to get the online combo ticket for the Yellow bus tour in Porto, because these bus tours get full very quickly, specially during the high season (spring, summer and beginning of autumn). This way you don’t need to worry about the queues to buy the tickets. Then you just need to print it and show it at one of the bus stops, so just get the online combo ticket for the Yellow Bus and enjoy the ride! Obviously, if you are not interested in visiting a Port wine cellar nor the 6 bridges cruise, it makes no sense to get the combo ticket to the Yellow Bus tour in Porto. In that case, the Classic 2 Days ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour in Porto, of the Yellow Bus company, is more than enough and it costs 22€.

Would you like to include a tram ride?

I recently found out a really cool combo ticket that combines the Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Porto + tram ride + Funicular ticket. It is slightly cheaper than the other combo tickets (adult: 26€ and children: 13€) and it gives you access not only to the bus tour but to two ancient transports in Porto, the tram and the picturesque Guindais’ elevator. You can get the online combo ticket online for the hop on hop off bus + tram + Guindais’ elevator .

2nd Option CitySightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus tour (red Bus tours)

CitySightseeing is another provider of Hop On Hop Off Bus tours in Porto. I simply call it the Red Bus due to its colour 😛 It also has two itineraries. Unfortunately, CitySightseeing does not provide combo tickets for the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour in Porto, Port wine cellar and the 6 bridges cruise, so you can only get a 1 or 2 days ticket for the bus itself.

Itineraries of the Red Bus tours in Porto

The red line itinerary is very similar to the Vintage Porto itinerary from Yellow Bus. The Blue Line, on the other hand, heads to Vila Nova de Gaia (the city across the douro river), onto Real Companhia Velha (a wine museum owned by a large scale producer) and to El Corte Ingles, as in the Historical Porto of the Yellow Bus tour.

Should I buy a 1 day or a 2 day ticket for the Red Bus tours in Porto?

The difference in price for a 1 day or 2 day ticket is really small: 1 day ticket – Adult: 22€  | Children: 11€ 2 days ticket – Adult: 24€ | Children: 12€ Therefore if you don’t have a fixed plan for your days in Porto it might pay off to buy the 2 day ticket for the Red Bus tour, as you can use it as a regular bus tour that lasts for 48h!

Important information on the Red Bus tours in Porto by CitySightseeing

Important tips on Hop On Hop Off Bus tours in Porto

• Don’t forget to check the attractions discounts that come with your ticket! For instance, both the Yellow and the Red Bus offer a 25% discount on the ticket to Serralves’ contemporary museum and 30% discount on the ticket to SEA LIFE. In order to know what are the attractions discounts that you’re entitled to when you buy your ticket, simply get the map at the entrance of the bus. On the back of the map, there is a list with all the attractions discounts. On the back of the map, there is a list with all the discounts.
• If you are not sure if you are at the right bus station, just look above: all stations with a bus tour in Porto have the plaque of each bus tour company!

A word of caution regarding the Hop On Hop Off bus tours in Porto

Porto is a small city with a very compact city centre. Moreover, there are currently some construction work going on, mainly in Avenida dos Aliados, also near São Bento train station, Avenida da Boavista and Praça da Galiza. This basically means that there is A LOT of traffic jams, particularly during the high season (May to October). Therefore, taking the hop on hop off bus tours in Porto might not be the best option, particularly if you are in a hurry.

Other means of transportation in Porto’s city centre

Now that you know everything about Porto’s bus tours , find out more about other modes of transportation within Porto. Like our guide to the train stations , our tips for car rental and bike rental , our tips for taking the metro and our complete guide to airport transfers to get you from the plane to the center of the city in no time! 😉

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Porto Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours: Are They Worth the Money?

If you’re visiting Porto for a weekend or just a few days, then hop-on, hop off city bus tours can be a great way to ensure you squeeze in all the main sights.

Porto has so much to offer, and if you aren’t sure which attractions are worth visiting, then a hop-on, hop-off tour can help you see it all.

The best hop-on, hop-off tours in Porto

The most famous sightseeing bus tour options are: City Sightseeing Portugal and Yellow Bus tours.

Option 1: City Sightseeing Portugal

The City Sightseeing buses in Porto are big red double-decker buses. Once you’ve hopped on, you can hop on and off as many times as you like.

The City Sightseeing buses operate all year round except on Christmas and New Years Day in Portugal .

The first tour departs at 9am and the last at 6.45pm, with buses departing every 30 minutes.

What language is the audio tour in?

An audio guide is available in eight different languages on board: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Japanese.

What route does this bus take in Porto?

This bus company has two routes: the Red Line (33 stops), which departs from Ribeira and the Blue Line (24 stops), which departs from Torre dos Clérigos .

How much does it cost?

A one-day pass costs €15 for adults and a two-day pass costs €17 and is valid for 48 hours from when you first validate it.

You can buy a ticket with City Sightseeing or our friends at Get Your Guide . You may also be interested in other tours of Porto , they have so many to choose from.

Option 2: Yellow Bus Official Sightseeing Tours

A Yellow Bus Official Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off tour is a great way to discover the city in three different ways – by bus, by boat, and inside a Port wine cellar!

The buses operate everyday from 9.15am until 6.15pm in summer and from 9.30am to 5.30pm during the winter.

An audio guide is available in eight different languages on board: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Russian and Japanese.

The Yellow Bus tour offers two different routes: Historical Porto, which takes you through the city centre, and Porto Castles, which includes the riverside and Matosinhos (northern Porto).

This can also be a great way to save money, since a bus ride, boat cruise and visit to a Port wine cellar will cost you more than the Yellow Bus Premium 3-in-1 ticket for €23.40 (for an adult).

Alternatively, a one-day bus ticket costs €13.50 for adults and a two-day ticket costs €15.30.

You can buy a ticket with  Yellow Bus Official Sightseeing or our friends at Get Your Guide .

Join a hop-on, hop-off bus in Porto

The simplest way to buy a ticket is to book online, especially because these tours sell out quickly.

If you buy in advance, there is no need to worry about long queues or missing out. You can also get a full refund for your ticket if you cancel up to 24 hours before.

The best stops on your hop-on, hop-off tour of Porto

The porto cathedral.

The Porto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the historical centre of Porto. It is one of the city’s oldest and most important Romanesque monuments.

Torre dos Clérigos

Part of the Clérigos Church, a Baroque church in Porto, the bell tower (Torre dos Clérigos) is visible from all over the city and is one of Porto’s most iconic symbols.

Port Wine Museum

The Port Wine Museum is the perfect stop for wine lovers! You’ll learn all about where Port wine comes from, how it is made, and how the process has developed over time.

The advantages of hop-on, hop-off bus tour

We really love these bus tours as there is less waiting time because a bus passes each stop every 30 minutes and there are two different bus tour routes with over 50 stops around Porto. You won’t get lost because you can’t miss these brightly coloured, easy to identify buses and the stops are clearly signposted around the city.

Your ticket gives you access to the tour bus for up to two days, with unlimited “Hop-On, Hop-Offs” and they are good value for money, usually costing around €20 for 24 hours.

A seat on a tour bus means you will enjoy 360° panoramic views of the city with an audio guide in eight different languages so you can learn all about Porto’s history and culture .

Finally, you have the option of creating your own itinerary to explore the city at your own pace and leisure.

To summarise, the Porto hop-on, hop-off bus tours are:

• Convenient;
• Affordable;
• Informative; and
• Lots of fun.

But there can be some disadvantages

Because of all the reasons above, these buses are extremely popular with tourists. That means that the buses can be busy, especially in summer and at key times of the day. You might find yourself without a seat or waiting for the next bus to come along, which could affect you if you are short for time.

Another disadvantage, depending on your itinerary, can be that the bus stops at all the major tourist sites. If you are simply trying to move from point A to B, and not interested in all the stops between, public transport, a taxi or even walking might be a better option.

The hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Porto: Are they worth it?

If you have little time in the city, you can easily knock out all the major city sites in 24 or 48 hours by hopping on a bus.

It’s also great if you want to get your bearings first and if you want to see what the city has to offer before deciding which attractions will get your attention, then the bus tour could be the way to go.

Are you coming to Porto with kids?

It can be hard travelling with children, but it can be a fun adventure for kids to climb to the second floor of a bus and see the city from high up.

Top 3 tips for hop-on, hop-off tours in Porto

Tip 1: 24 hours can be enough to discover porto.

While 24 hours can be enough to discover the sites of Porto, you can better explore the city with a 48-hour pass. An extra day can give you more freedom and a chance to relax at each bus stop, rather than rush through the city, given you have the time, of course.

Tip 2: Tickets include discounts for attractions

Your ticket also comes with discounts to many of the city’s attractions, so be sure to make full use of this! For example, the Yellow Bus offers discounts at the Zoo Santo Inácio in Gaia, Sealife and the Serralves Museum (just to name a few) and the City Sightseeing bus offers free visits to Quinta da Boeira,  Quevedo or Porto Cruz wine cellars.

The list of included discounts can be found on the city map on board your bus.

Tip 3: Pay attention to bus stops

If you are unsure you are at the right bus station, just look up! All bus stations with a bus tour in Porto display the plaque of the company.

The hop-on, hop-off bus tours make visiting Porto both easy and fun

With over 50 conveniently located stops all around the city, simply hop off to see the destinations you wish to explore up close and hop back on to move to the next one!

Don’t lose your ticket, and above all, make the most of all Porto has to offer.

If you are planning a day trip to cities outside of Porto, this can take time away from the city’s centre. A hop-on, hop-off  bus tour can get you around the hot spots of Porto while giving you time to take a day trip to the coastline or wine regions.

Enjoy Porto!

Did you have any questions about the hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Porto? Just ask below and we’ll be happy to let you know.

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Hop On Hop Off Tours Porto

This post covers each of the best hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Porto, including information about locations you can visit and opportunities to save money on these services.

• Yellow Bus Tours
• Blue Bus Tours
• City Sightseeing

There are currently three different tour companies offering hop on hop off bus tours in Porto, and each offers a somewhat similar service.

The main differences to note are the number of languages provided through their audio guides and ticket prices for each service, which can vary by a few euros depending on which one you choose.

The advantage of these tours is that you can jump off at any of the included stops and take some time to explore the city at your own leisure before getting back on the bus to continue your journey.

These companies also use a double-decker bus with an open top, allowing visitors to enjoy excellent views of the city while on board.

You can expect hop-on hop-off tours to take between 1 ½ - 2 hours to complete if you don’t get off the bus.

This means you should have time to hop off at 4-5 different sites on an average day to spend some time looking around.

Two of the bus tour companies in Porto offer either a 1-day or 2-day ticket, and the other only provides 2-day tickets.

You’ll always save more money per day by picking the longer ticket with an average savings of about €5-€8 ($5.50-$8.50).

Needless to say, if you choose a 2-day ticket, you’ll have more time to hop off at even more stops and explore the city at your own pace!

There are several discounts for Porto hop-on hop-off tours, and some of them actually offer additional savings at popular attractions and/or restaurants throughout the city.

For more information about these deals, please read our discounts section .

YELLOW BUS TOURS

This hop on hop off bus tour company certainly gives its competitors a run for their money, as they offer essentially the same service but for a slightly lower price.

Yellow Bus Tours also has several combo packages and offers quite a few deals with each ticket.

This allows you to save even more money on a variety of activities which we will cover in our discount section.

In addition to these offerings, all ticket holders will also have free access to Espaço Porto Cruz and Poças Junior Port Wine Cellars.

Their base ticket option is actually a 2-day service which includes 2 different tour routes and a total of 27 unique stops in Porto.

The audio guide included with this tour is available in the following 12 languages:

English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Mandarin, and Japanese.

In addition to their 2 routes, Yellow Bus Tours also offers a 3-in-1 service which includes both their hop on hop off tours and a Porto tram city tour.

Notable Stops

• Sé Cathedral
• Praça da Batalha
• El Corte Inglés
• Carmo Church
• Rosa Mota Pavillion
• Parque da Cidade
• Castelo do Queijo
• Matosinhos Beaches
• Clérigos Tower
• Ribeira / Palácio da Bolsa
• And other monuments

Ticket Prices (each lasts for 2 days)

• €22 ($22.50) Adults | €16.50 ($16.90) Youth [11-16] | €11 ($11.25) Children [4-10]

Purchase tickets or learn more .

• €26 ($26.60) Adults | €13 ($13.30) Children

Although these tickets are already cheaper than some of their competitors, you can get them for even less by using the Porto Card.

Check our discount section for more details on this service.

If you decide not to take the tour for any reason, you can return your tickets up to 24 hours before they become valid for a full refund.

Tour Routes

Each of the routes provided by Yellow Bus Tours provides stops every 30 minutes from about 9 am - 17:30 (5:30 pm).

During the summer, you can expect your ticket to last for approximately half an hour longer than usual!

The Porto Castles line provides the most stops (20) and includes some locations that you can’t visit on their other line, including the Parque da Cidade, Castelo do Queijo, Anémona, Rosa Mota Pavillion, and more.

Although it’s a bit shorter, the Historical Porto line covers most of the popular landmarks in the city, including a few locations exclusive to this route such as El Corte Inglés, Jardim do Morro, Ribiera, and 13 other sites.

BLUE BUS TOURS  

Not to be outdone by their competitors, this hop-on hop-off bus tour is actually run by the popular international tour company Gray Line.

They set themselves apart from other services not only by color but also with additional activities.

Blue Bus Tours currently offers one route with 25 different stops at several popular locations and their audio guide is available in the following 19 languages:

Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Greek, Dutch, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, Ukrainian, Polish, Arabic, Basque, Catalan, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.

In addition to providing an audio guide in more languages than any of their competitors, this company also offers combo tickets with river cruises and tickets to visit the Port Wine Cellars.

We’ll cover these deals in greater detail in our discount section.

Tickets are available for either 24 or 48 hours, and you’ll save more money per day by purchasing a longer ticket.

• Palacio de Cristal
• Casa da Música
• Guerra Junqueiro
• Casa de Serralves

Ticket Prices

• 24-Hour Ticket: €20 ($20.50) Adults | €10 ($10.25) Children
• Price per day: €11 ($11.25) Adults | €5.50 ($5.65) Children

Purchase Blue Bus Tours Hop on Hop off Tickets .

If you’re looking to save some money on admission, it’s worth noting that Blue Bus Tours tickets are 20% off with the Porto Card.

You can learn more about this opportunity in our discount section.

Should you decide you’re no longer interested in the tour, you can return it up to 24 hours before it becomes activated for a full refund.

The route provided by Blue Bus Tours provides stops every 30 minutes.

It runs from 9 am - 18:30 (6:30 pm) during the summer and from 9:30 am - 17:30 (5:30 pm) in the winter.

In addition to stops at popular locations included on competitor routes, you can also expect them to provide stops at or around sites like Porto de Leixoes, Marisqueiras, Estadio do Dragao, Campo Alegre, Teatro Rivoli, Palácio do Freixo and more.

CITY SIGHTSEEING TOURS

This is one of the most well-known hop-on-hop-off bus tour services in the world, so it shouldn’t be too much of a shock to find out that they also offer a tour in Porto!

In total, City Sightseeing Portugal provides 25 stops spread across 2 different routes, and their audio guide is available in the following 8 languages: 

English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, French, Dutch, and Japanese.

Tickets are available for either 24 or 48 hours at a time, and you’ll pay less per day by getting a longer ticket.

City Sightseeing buses are typically air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, and they often provide free wifi.

Admission also includes a free visit to either the Quinta da Boeira, Quevedo, or Porto Cruz wine cellars.

• Torre dos Clérigos
• 24-Hour Ticket: €18 ($21.48) Adults | €9 ($10.74) Children
• Price per day: €10 ($10.75) Adults | €5 ($5.36) Children
• Not currently available as of August 2022.

You can save up to 25% off these ticket prices by using a Porto Card.

Please read our post covering Porto Tourist Attraction Discount Passes for more information.

If for whatever reason you decide not to take the hop on hop off bus tour after purchasing tickets, you can return them up to 24 hours before they become valid for a full refund.

There is both a red line and a blue line in Porto, and while some stops are the same, there are some significant differences to note. Both lines run from 9:15 am - 17:15 (5:15 pm) and make stops every 30 minutes.

The Blue Line has a total of 14 stops including locations such as Largo Dom Luís I, El Corte Inglés, Quinta da Boeira, Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Câmara de Gaia, and more.

The Red Line makes 15 stops, some at different locations such as Casa da Música, Parque da Cidade, Massarelos, Castelo do Queijo, Casa de Serralves, etc.

HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOUR DISCOUNTS

There are several different ways to save money on tickets for Porto hop on hop off bus tours.

This section will cover the best discounts including tourist passes and combo packages.

Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

There is currently only one tourist pass in this city – the Porto Card – and it actually includes the following discounts for all three of the hop-on hop-off bus tours in the city:

• 25% off City Sightseeing Tickets
• 25% off Yellow Bus Tour Tickets
• 20% off Blue Bus Tour Tickets

In addition to these deals, the Porto Card also offers over 150 additional discounts of up to 50% off at popular attractions and on fun tours/activities.

This pass also covers admission to the following locations for free:

• Arqueossítio
• Casa Do Infante
• Port Wine Museum
• Museum Romântico
• Do Papel-Moeda Museum
• Gabinete De Numismática
• Guerra Junqueiro Museum
• António De Almeida Museum
• Casa Oficina António Carneiro
• Marta Ortigão Sampaio Museum

As if that weren’t enough, the Porto Card also provides unlimited access to all public transportation including the metro, buses, trams, and more.

Depending on how you use the pass, you could easily save up to 50% or more off general admission prices.

For more details, please read our post about Porto Tourist Attraction Discount Passes .

The Porto Card is currently only €13, so it's easy to start saving money with this service.

Combo Packages

If you’re not interested in picking up a tourist pass, there are also combo deals that include 2-3 activities for one flat price.

Two of the most popular Porto hop-on hop-off bus tours offer tickets with additional activities, allowing you to save money on all of them.

Most combo deals include a cruise on the Douro River and a visit to the Port Wine Cellars.

Yellow Bus Tours Combo Deals

• 2-Day/2-Route Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Guided Tour of Calém Wine Cellars
• €30 ($30.75) Adults | €15 ($15.35) Children

Blue Bus Tours Combo Deals

• 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• €24 ($24.60) Adults | €12 ($12.30) Children
• Port Wine Cellar Visit

Additional Discounts

Yellow Bus Tours provides additional deals for their customers, allowing them to save money at some of the most popular attractions and restaurants in Porto.

Here are a few of the most notable discounts you may want to consider before purchasing tickets:

• Sea Life Aquarium | 20% off
• Serralves Museum Store | 10% off
• Santo Inácio Zoo | 20% off
• Casa do Infante | 50% off
• Ginjal Restaurant | 10% off
• Hard Rock Cafe | 10% off
• FC Porto Museum | 10% off
• Cockburn’s Port Wine Cellars | 10% off
• El Corte Inglés | 2 for 1 pricing

Check this full list of discounts to see all of the deals provided to Yellow Bus Tour customers, and don’t forget you can save money on tickets for this service by using the Porto Card!

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Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Best things to do in porto portugal.

Porto is… a city torn between the currents of time. On one hand, is firmly rooted in the past with its history and culture in full display. On the other hand, it reaches out excitedly towards the future, complete with all the modern conveniences.

In between, Porto has its unique charm. Whether it’s a rustic view of the river or the countryside, a warm shot of port, or a welcoming smile from one of its locals, there are many things to do in Porto.

Also read: 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

Which is amazing, since it’s Portugal ’s second prime city. And yet it’s not one that’s trapped in the ravages of modernization, its skyline not ruined by the skyscrapers of today’s metropolis. There’s modern architecture, yes, but there’s also the raw street art not too far away from the classic tourist sights of museums and cathedrals.

Like in many other grand cities of the world, you could easily stay here for a week and still be fascinated. But if you don’t have that time, we have curated the best of Porto into this ultimate guide that will get you going!

If you want something a little more relaxed, you can also take a look at these Yoga Retreats in Portugal – some of them are located near beautiful Porto.

Porto Attractions

One of the main reasons why Porto draws a lot of tourists is because of its laid-back environment. Europe can be a pretty hectic place for a tourist (maybe not for a local) because of the many things to see, and Porto allows you an opportunity to just sit back or maybe take a slow stroll while appreciating what it has to offer. Even with a laid-back town like Porto, it’s best to be prepared with the Porto Pass to get you where you need to go.

That does not mean there aren’t a lot of Porto sights, though. Between the beautiful landscapes and the museums, your eyes will have a lot to feast on!

Porto Sights: Sé Cathedral

You don’t have to be a Catholic to appreciate the grandness of the Cathedral otherwise known simply as “Sé”. The stone structure hails back to the 13th century, and has a myriad of architectural influences from the Gothic to the Romanesque.

It’s hard to miss its silver altarpiece and its ceramic-tiled cloister, among the many treasures that lie in its otherwise simple (at least in comparison with other European cathedrals) façade.

Of course, its fortress-like vantage point also gives way to an amazing view of the city below, with its orange-brown roofs. The cathedral’s terrace overlooks this perfectly, giving you some really Instagrammable shots at some quality Porto attractions!

To get to the Sé, alight at the São Bento stop of the D (yellow) rail line. There’s a EUR 3 cost to enter the cloister, but the rest of the Cathedral is free. The Sé is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The name translates to “Crystal Palace Gardens”, and while no Crystal Palace is in sight (it was demolished in 1956) the gardens are really worth your while. The flowers, greenery, fountains, and general ambience feels like the set of one of those Hollywood period films about royalties! There are even peacocks that roam here, though they can be quite shy.

There’s a pavilion here for events, though it’s quite plain. It’s best to stick to the multitude of flower classes here and the priceless view of the Douro River!

There are two metro stops near the Jardins — the Aliados stop of the yellow line, and the Carolina Michaelis stop that services all the other lines. There are also bus routes, and you can catch either Bus No. 200 or 207 and get off the Palácio stop.

Dom Luís I Bridge

Bridges aren’t always likely candidates for top things to do in a city, but the Dom Luís I Bridge is especially interesting. Aside from being an important artery of traffic in Porto, the bridge was the product of a student of Gustave Eiffel — the architectural similarities between this and Paris’ top attraction is readily visible. It was also once the longest iron arch bridge in the world.

But what really makes it great is the spectacular view it affords of the Douro River. Pedestrians can walk along the sides of the bridge’s two levels. As a plus, there are also great wineries nearby!

The bridge is on the northern side of Vila Nova de Gaia. If you’re walking, you can take the metro to São Bento or Jardim do Morro stations, serviced by the yellow line.

Sogrape Vinhos Wineries

Speaking of wineries, this is one thing you really should do before leaving Porto ! Port wine is definitely one of the city’s greatest creations. And Sogrape Vinhos is one of the most distinguished in this regard, owning three cellars (Sandeman, Ferreira, and Offley) in Vila Nova de Gaia.

You can visit all three of them, and each one has a distinguished history starting from the 1700s. Aside from the port, keep your eyes peeled for the photographs and other memento from their rich history!

A wine-tasting experience could cost anywhere from EUR 3 to EUR 35 depending on how intimate you want to get with Porto’s beloved export. There’s a basic wine tour across all three that costs around EUR 10.

All cellars can be reached via the Jardim do Morro stop on the metro’s yellow line.

Estacão de São Bento

We’ve been talking about railway stations for some time now, but did you know that there is a station in Porto that is a tourist attraction on its own? This is the São Bento station, with which you can reach southeast of the Avenida dos Aliados (the main tourist avenue of Porto, with lots of cool shops and cafés). This makes it a no-brainer to get here. The station is on the yellow line, and you can enter and walk around for free.

The station is built on the former site of a monastery, and its claim to fame is the painstakingly painted and installed azulejos , blue and white tiles that together make up a mural-esque pictorial history of Portugal. The installation was so momentous it took a decade to finish it!

There’s also the architecture of the station itself, which makes it a really unique and must-see attraction.

Eating like a local in Porto

Most tourists see the food scene of Porto as a never-ending parade of sardines and chouriço. While salted fish is indeed an indelible part of the cuisine (and history) of Portugal as a whole, there are some really good and interesting eats here you should try.

Francesinha

This might be unfamiliar to first-time tourists, which is a shame. This is a sandwich that’s piling on a steak, three different types of sausages, and served with a fried egg and french fries. Oh, did I mention the entire thing is covered in melted cheese? There’s a super secret sauce, too, which they say is made from meat, seafood, and various types of alcohol. Make sure you check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels before you try this! Or maybe don’t bother and just enjoy.

This is one of Porto’s staple dishes, and you would really enjoy it if you choose the right francesinha place. Check out Francesinha Café over at Rua da Alegria. If you want a setting that’s a bit more intimate, there’s Yuko Tavern at Rua de Costa Cabral.

Alheira: Northern Portugal

If you can’t get enough of meat, these white smoked sausages endemic to the North Portuguese regions will give you your fill! The sausages are made from a variety of meats, from poultry to game (the latter including rabbit and venison). While these sausages are found all over Portugal, there’s no better place to have them in than in Porto.

If you want the traditional homemade quality alheira, head over to the Mercado do Bolhão and buy some raw alheira! The place is at Rua da Alegria. Make sure to stop and have a chat with the sellers to know more about the sausage’s interesting history, too!

Tripas à Moda do Porto

While this sounds like the name of a resto, it’s Porto’s other local tradition (maybe even more so than the francesinha). It’s a stew made of tripe (hence the name), cooked with some meat and a lot of white beans. The flavor is given by a generous heaping of cumin. Tripas is such a local staple that Thursday is a de facto tripe day, in pretty much the same way as Friday marks the appearance of ginisang monggo in the carinderias back home!

Tripas is best tasted at Restaurante Pombeiro, on Rua Capitão Pombeiro.

Broa de Avintes

Let’s side-track a bit and move on from meat to bread. This famous Porto bread originally came from Avintes, a town near Porto. Dense yet soft, dark, and flavorful, this is what banana bread would have looked like if it did not have sugar! Broa de Avintes is served with various dishes, along with starters (ham and cheese!), and is a nod to tradition since the cooking process takes a full 6 hours.

High quality Broa de Avintes is sold at the Mercearia das Flores, located at Rua das Flores. Try using it for a sandwich, and you’ll see why it’s so famous!

Açorda: Specialty of Portugal

Seafood is a specialty everywhere in Portugal, and every region has its take. In Porto, it’s the Açorda, a stew brought to life by coriander and garlic, and filled with fish and other seafood.

In fact, a nice bowl of Açorda may be your best bet in eating real fresh seafood during your stay. Most tourists really go for the sardines, but the thing is it’s not in season for the most part of the year (and hence is very expensive). But it you head to the north of Porto, to the village called Matosinhos, and find your way to Rua Heróis da Pátria, then you can take your pick of any of the seafood restos here and enjoy to your heart’s content!

Porto Activities: Drink Your Heart Out and More!

Tour douro valley: attractive porto.

 One of Porto’s most attractive sections, you can easily spend a whole day here. The valley has a slew of wine-tasting opportunities, from port wine to table wine. The area also produces olive oil. For those into sceneries, you can take a slow cruise along the Douro river on a traditional boat.

Douro Valley is best experienced in a tour setting, where you have a guide to show you the best viewpoints. Among these is the Peso da Régua, which gives an amazing view of the whole city!

Do a Hop-on, Hop-off Tour

Those who’ve been to the US and some Asian countries will be familiar with the Hop-on, Hop-off bus . Porto has its own, and there are two routes that will grant you access to some of Porto’s greatest attractions! Turn the buses into your very own tour bus with a day ticket (or two-day ticket) that takes you from the salt-kissed neighborhoods beside the beach to magnificent sights like the Sé Cathedral.

The buses are open-top, so you can get a panoramic view. It’s also great for people watching as you pass through the Central Baixa area, which is the city’s civic center. As a plus, there are also audio guides that will give you the lowdown on the place you are visiting! It really is like a tour of its own.

Do a Guimarães and Braga Day Tour

These two cities are some of the more interesting places in Portugal, and they are close enough to Porto for a day tour! Guimarães is notable for being the land that birthed Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. Of course, there’s a castle and a cathedral to commemorate this important historic fact.

Braga is, similarly, an interesting city with great views, a landmark monastery, and its own twist on Portuguese cuisine!

You can easily reach Guimarães from Porto by leaving through the São Bento station. The trip takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes. From there, you can get to Braga through the Rodonorte (numbers 12, 31, and 2). This trip takes about half an hour.

The best part? All of these activities can be done via tours, through Get Your Guide . They offer top-shelf service and an in-depth look into Porto’s culture! This is also great since you don’t have to worry about catching all the connecting buses and trains.

Other Sightseeing Porto Tours

• Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise, and Wine Cellar
• Douro Valley Wine Tasting, River Cruise, and Lunch
• Porto Card with Transportation
• Torre Dos Clerigos Entrance Tickets
• Porto: 3 Hour Guided Tour
• Fado Show with Port Wine
• 4.5 Hour Porto Pub Crawl
• Porto: Half-Day Food Tour

As always, don’t be afraid to get lost in this city. Each twist and turn will bring you new adventures, new sights, and new things to ponder. Keep an open mind. Let Porto’s laid-back spirit be your travel guide!

Things To Do in Porto Portugal was written by Karla Ramos for EuropeUpClose .

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