What a wonderful city, what culture, what food, what atmosphere, how beautiful Porto is and how many things to do.
How many lists have you already read of things you MUST do in this wonderful city? Of course, of course, it’s a great place. But how many publications have you read about what NOT to do under any circumstances?
It’s very important to know how to discover this city and how to make the most of it, but almost more important is to know what NOT to do.
So here we bring you some tips so that you can have a great experience in this unique city, without any shocks or unpleasant surprises. Enjoy!
Pickpockets
The first problem you’ll encounter in the city is exactly the same as in any other city; pickpockets. Pickpockets prowl the city centre and the busier tourist areas. One of the peculiarities of this area is one of the methods they use; that of the Don Luis I bridge jumpers.
What you have read, the jumpers are the hook. When you get to this touristy spot in the city, you’ll see some guys jumping off the bridge into the river and ask for a couple of euros as a fee to watch them jump.
First of all, the show is not that big deal. You can skip it. But if your curiosity gets the better of you, be aware that you are being watched by pickpockets who take advantage of the hubbub to rummage through your pockets.
Of course, our advice is not to carry anything in the back pockets of your trousers. Also, put your backpack in front of you in crowded places and on public transport.
Roses are roses…
No, we’ll leave the poetry for another time. Here we are talking about a big scam, a classic scam that you can suffer in the city centre. Surely you are familiar with it, some people offer flowers, or herbs like rosemary, for free. They even read the future in the palm of your hand.
You don’t have to be a fortune teller to know that this is going to end badly. What seemed free is not, nothing is, and you end up arguing with someone who has nothing to lose, in a language that is not your own and making a scene.
In the end, everything is solved by paying whatever they ask for that rose or whatever. Tip, nothing is free, ignore those people and move on.
If you want a souvenir, go to normal shops. One more thing, and now that we are talking about free stuff. When something seems like a real bargain and it’s too good to be true, it is. It’s not true.
This can happen with nights out in the city centre. Places where they offer unbelievably cheap alcohol. Run away from that because it will be less quantity than expected, watered down drink (hopefully) or just lousy quality.
So remember you’re on holiday, spend a little more but make sure it’s quality. Let nothing stop you from making the most of your Porto experience.
Watch out with the car
If you decide to hire a car to get around Porto and its surroundings, beware of incredible offers. Hire a well-known company and be careful when parking. Don’t gamble, either park in official car parks or far from the centre.
If you don’t, you will find people who will show you places to park that aren’t designated for parking. So they will charge you for a fake ticket and you will end up with a parking fine from the police. And there’s nothing fake about that.
And speaking of tickets, be careful where you buy tickets for the city’s main attractions. They can be used or even fake. Go only to official and authorised sites.
Taxi Driver
While we’re on the subject of cars, we can’t miss the opportunity to remind you not to gamble with transport. If you are going to take a taxi, make sure it is an official one.
With its taxi plate, and keep an eye on the meter. One suggestion is to go to trusted companies like Uber, where you know what you’re going to pay and you won’t have any surprises.
That said, you are now more than ready to enjoy your getaway in Porto without any surprises. Of course, as long as you stay in the best hostel of the city. Exactly! CATS Hostel Porto.