What to Prebook and What to Book Last Minute: A Guide to Porto

What to prebook and what to leave flexible—learn how to strike the right balance so you can save money and stay spontaneous on your Porto adventure.

As a budget traveler — or a ‘middle traveler,’ as they say these days — finding the right balance between pre-booking and leaving room for spontaneity can make or break a trip. Overplanning can feel restrictive, while being too spontaneous might lead to missed opportunities or overspending. On my recent trip to Porto, I mastered the art of knowing what to prebook and what to book last minute—saving money while still enjoying a flexible, adventure-filled experience. Here’s my guide to help you plan your own Porto trip like a pro.

Why Prebooking and Waiting Matter

Prebooking certain aspects of your trip can guarantee availability, save you money, and give you peace of mind, especially for popular attractions or peak travel times. On the other hand, leaving some things to book last minute allows you to embrace local recommendations, discover hidden gems, and even score last-minute deals.

When planning a trip to a vibrant city like Porto, where there’s so much to see and do, this balance becomes even more important.

What to Prebook in Porto

Here’s what I recommend locking in before you arrive:

Accommodations

Budget-friendly hostels and hotels in Porto can fill up quickly, especially in popular areas like Ribeira or near São Bento Station. Prebooking ensures you get the best rates and locations. Look for accommodations with free cancellation policies to keep some flexibility.

Popular Attractions

Some of Porto’s iconic spots are in high demand, and prebooking can save both time and hassle:

• Livraria Lello: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and a must-see for book lovers. Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance.
  
• Clérigos Tower: Prebook to skip the lines and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
  
• Palácio da Bolsa: A guided tour of this historic stock exchange building is worth booking ahead.
  

Wine Tastings and Douro Valley Tours

Porto is synonymous with port wine, and cellar tours at places like Graham’s or Sandeman are incredibly popular. If you’re planning a day trip to the Douro Valley for wine tasting, booking in advance is essential to secure your spot. The Douro Valley tour I took wasn’t the most budget-friendly — in fact, I skipped it on my first trip and saved up to do it this time around. If it’s on your wishlist too, I’ve linked the exact tour I did (along with a more affordable tasting and river cruise option in the city) in the booking toolbox at the top of this post.

Transportation

If you’re traveling to Porto by train or bus, book your tickets early for the best deals. For day trips to nearby cities like Braga or Guimarães, prebooking transportation can also save you money and stress.

What to Book Last Minute in Porto (With Some Exceptions!)

Not everything needs to be planned ahead—here’s what you can leave for when you arrive:

Local Restaurants (Discretionary Prebook or Wait to Book)

One of the joys of visiting Porto is discovering its incredible food scene. From the famous Francesinha sandwich to fresh seafood dishes, you’ll find plenty of affordable, delicious options. For most casual dining experiences, waiting to book is perfectly fine, as you can explore local recommendations or stumble upon hidden gems.

However, there are exceptions where prebooking might be necessary:

• Splurge Restaurants: I had one place I wanted to try—a bit of a splurge—and it filled up fast. To ensure I didn’t miss out, I prebooked a table in advance.
  
• Popular Spots Likely to Sell Out: During your research phase, check apps like GetYourGuide or Google reviews for restaurants marked as “likely to sell out.” If one catches your eye and fits your budget, it’s worth reserving ahead.
  
• Same-Day or Next-Day Reservations: For especially popular spots with rave reviews, try booking the day you discover them or the following day. If it’s impossible to get a spot, that’s a sign it’s worth prebooking next time. Keep in mind the season, holidays, and weekends—all can affect availability.
  

By balancing these approaches, you can enjoy a mix of planned dining experiences and spontaneous culinary adventures.

Back to the list of those typically no need to prebook items:

Public Transportation

Porto’s metro, trams, and buses are easy to navigate and don’t require advance bookings. You can buy tickets on-site as needed.

Walking Tours

Porto offers a variety of free walking tours, from historical explorations to street art adventures. These often don’t require prebooking, and you can decide on the day which one suits your mood. GuruWalk is a great place to find local guides, and I’ve linked that above in the Booking Tools Box, along with a more in-depth guided tour option. If you’re short on time or want a more personalized experience, the guided tour is one you may want to reserve in advance to secure your spot—especially during the busier seasons.

Markets and Shopping

Places like Mercado do Bolhão are best explored at your own pace. Whether you’re hunting for fresh produce, local treats, or unique souvenirs, it’s all about soaking in the atmosphere. The market can get busy, but that’s part of the charm—and it’s best experienced without a rigid plan.

Tips for Finding the Right Balance

• Know Your Priorities: If there’s something you absolutely don’t want to miss—like a wine tasting or a specific attraction—prebook it.
• Use Smart Tools: Travel apps and booking platforms can help you find last-minute deals or flexible options. I’ve listed some of my favorites over on my resource page.
• Budget for Spontaneity: Set aside a portion of your budget for unplanned experiences—you never know what you’ll discover!
• Check Cancellation Policies: Many accommodations and tours offer free cancellation, giving you the best of both worlds.

My Personal Experience in Porto

For my trip, I prebooked my accommodation and a few key activities, like a Douro Valley excursion for a port wine tour. It was definitely a splurge (and a sold-out experience!), but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The tour included transportation, a scenic boat ride along the Douro River, an amazing guide, a full lunch, visits to two wineries with tastings, and breathtaking views of the valley. I’ve linked the exact GetYourGuide tour I took below, along with a few photos. The weather wasn’t perfect, but hey—no whining when there’s wine!

Prebooking this gave me peace of mind while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous adventures. We also prebooked Livraria Lello just a day in advance, but if you’re visiting during peak season, I highly recommend locking in tickets early—it’s a hot ticket for a reason.

Some of my favorite moments, though, were completely unplanned—like lunch with ocean views at a TikTok-recommended spot that happened to be near our Airbnb. It worked out perfectly because we had some time to kill before check-in. This is what I mean by flexible magic.

That balance of planning and spontaneity helped me stick to my budget while still indulging in a few foodie splurges—and fully soaking up everything Porto has to offer.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect balance between prebooking and last-minute planning can truly transform your travel experience. In Porto—where history, culture, and incredible food collide, this strategy helps you save money, reduce stress, and leave room for unforgettable surprises.

Everyone has their own travel style—some like to plan it all out, others love to go with the flow. Whichever camp you’re in, this guide can help you make the most of your trip.

👉 Need help building your Porto itinerary? Don’t miss my post: Your Ultimate Porto Guide: 2 Itineraries for Budget & Midrange Travelers— complete with day-by-day suggestions and local tips to match your travel vibe.

✨Freebie Alert!

Want a handy checklist for your next trip? Download my Prebooking vs. Last-Minute Travel Checklist to help you plan smarter and travel better! [get freebie]