Eléctrico Porto
The vintage ride
Marta from Porto
Lots of cities have tram lines that take you from A to B. Porto's tram (or 'eléctrico', as we call it) is a vintage affair. It's slow, the routes are limited and the tramcars probably date back to my grandparents' youth.
I have very fond memories of my first tram ride. My school took the students on a guided tour to Museu do Carro Eléctrico (a museum dedicated to trams and other public transportation vehicles - it's also worth checking out, by the way). We saw the old tramcars and what not, then rode on one of the vintage trams. At the time, there were no active lines except that one, which was part of the museum visit.
I clearly remember the tour guide telling us about how, in the early 20th century, the ladies used to hate the seats in the trams because they were all made of straw, which meant holes and runs in their delicate stockings. I was wearing a skirt and wool tights and while seated on one of the dreaded straw benches, I worried the whole time and kept pulling my skirt down. Still, it was an amazing experience. I remember feeling like a busy 40's woman, so dainty and chic!
Today, there are four active lines, including a touristic one. To experience the 'eléctrico' like a local take the lines 1, 18 or 22 – all of those will take you on a nice (slow) tour around Porto. It's sightseeing done right, if you ask me!
Porto Spotter Marta
About this spot
Our Porto City Guide
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Casa Expresso
All aboard Sarrabulho train!
"Casa Expresso" is a very traditional tasco in Porto, the kind that more and more of die off every year. Go there and try my favorite papas de sarrabulho!
by
Tiago
Magalhães
Foz Velha
A village inside Porto
"Foz Velha" Porto used to be a village but now it's the posh part of the city. It has kept its charm. Perfect if you feel getting lost during a walk!
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Convivio
Special francesinha
"Convivio", next to Boavista in Porto, is a restaurant I go with my friends and wife for francesinha. I love their sauce. Also try their meaty croquettes!
by
Rúben
Pinto
Portarossa
Little Italy
"Portarossa" in Porto is a thoughtfully decorated restaurant with a glimpse of modern Italy - cozy and familiar. Whenever possible I try to stay outside...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Cruel
How cruel can one get?
"Cruel" is a themed restaurant in Porto where I can get my adventure level tested - there are three sorts: the fearful, the cautious and the cruel ones...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Bonaparte
Perfect pub
"Bonaparte", a typical Irish pub in Porto is what we can almost call an institution among locals. I honestly don't remember when I first visited it...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Pimenta Rosa
Home baked cake heaven
"Pimenta Rosa" in Porto is a cafe that has a homely feel to it; it makes me lose track of time. My favorite cake is the cinnamon and apple and the nut one.
by
Sofia
Kendall
7g Roasters
But first... specialty coffee
"7g Roasters" in Porto is an old coffee warehouse that's turned into one of the coolest alternative rustic places. Their roasted coffee is second to none.
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Mercado de Matosinhos
A typical local market
"Mercado de Matosinhos" in Porto is great for lovers of seafood. Nice prices, local lifestyle... that's why you're here, right? Prepare for a feast!
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Café Museu Soares dos Reis
An artsy retreat
"Café Museu Soares dos Reis" is my favorite place in Porto to spend an afternoon and maybe do some reading, while enjoying an espresso and an apple pie.
by
Marta
Macedo
O Porto dos Gatos
All you need is love (and cats)
"O Porto dos Gatos" in Porto is our very own cat cafe! Vegetarian menu, great workspace environment and of course cats you can support. It's meow or never!
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Heading to Porto?
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 136 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Porto
Get to know our other Spotters from Porto
As featured on:
