Eating in Porto for Under €10 a Day: A Budget Traveler’s Food Map

Porto may be known for its rich wines and historic charm, but it’s also one of Europe’s best cities for eating well on a budget. For backpackers and thrifty travelers, the city’s food scene offers amazing local flavors that don’t require a big wallet. Whether you’re after traditional Portuguese dishes, hearty sandwiches, or freshly baked pastries, it’s entirely possible to eat your way through Porto without spending more than €10 a day.

In fact, eating well in Porto for under €10 a day: a budget traveler’s food map is not just a concept—it’s a real, achievable plan. With the right spots, a little local knowledge, and a willingness to skip the tourist traps, you can enjoy a full day of meals without sacrificing taste or authenticity. Below, you’ll find our curated list of wallet-friendly eats that prove Porto is a paradise for budget-conscious food lovers.

Where to Eat in Porto for Less Than €10 a Day

Here are the best budget-friendly spots to help you stick to your daily goal. From bakeries to tascas, these gems make eating well in Porto for under €10 a day not just doable but delicious.

• Padaria Ribeiro (Breakfast)

  Start your day with a pastry and a coffee at this beloved local bakery. For under €2.50, you can grab a freshly baked croissant, pão de Deus, or pastel de nata, paired with a strong Portuguese espresso. It’s cheap, filling, and perfectly local.

• Café Progresso

  Located near the university, this café has student-friendly prices and hearty breakfast options. A sandwich and coffee combo can cost as little as €3, making it a great first stop on your food map.

• Gazela – Cachorrinhos da Batalha

  Try Porto’s take on the hot dog—the famous cachorrinho—at this iconic snack bar. You can get one or two spicy mini dogs plus a beer for around €5. It’s a local experience that’s big on taste and low on cost.

• A Pérola do Bolhão

  This old-school grocery shop doubles as a takeaway heaven. Pick up cheese, cured meats, and fresh bread for a picnic-style lunch near Bolhão Market. A full DIY lunch here can cost around €4 and easily feed two.

• Casa Guedes

  Famous for its pork sandwich with Serra cheese, Casa Guedes offers one of Porto’s most iconic bites for under €5. Grab it to go or eat at the counter—either way, it’s great value and extremely tasty.

• Supermercado Continente or Pingo Doce

  If you’re on a strict food budget, local supermarkets offer great takeaway options like rotisserie chicken, salads, and fresh bakery items. A full meal here can be as low as €3–€5, especially if you’re sharing or planning ahead.

• Bufetes and Tascas (Lunch menus)

  Many small, family-run restaurants in Porto serve “prato do dia” lunch specials, often with soup, main dish, drink, and coffee for €5–€7. Look for chalkboard signs or ask locals for the best nearby tasca. It’s the heart of eating well in Porto for under €10 a day.

• Confeitaria do Bolhão

  This classic confeitaria serves everything from sandwiches to pastries and coffee at unbeatable prices. You can easily get a light dinner or afternoon snack here without exceeding €3–€4.

• Mercado do Bolhão (New Food Court)

  While some stalls can be pricey, others offer affordable meals like bifanas, snacks, or soups. It’s worth exploring for quick bites under €5, and it’s a great spot to feel the energy of local food culture.

• Tasca da Badalhoca

  Off the tourist trail, this small tavern offers sandwiches, cheap wine, and a super local vibe. Try the presunto (cured ham) sandwich and vinho verde—all for under €6. A must-visit for authentic and affordable eats.

How to Stretch Your Food Budget in Porto

If you’re serious about eating well in Porto for under €10 a day, a few habits can make a big difference. First, take advantage of bakeries and cafés that serve food all day—many offer affordable breakfast and snack deals that can substitute for larger meals. Pastéis, toasts, and coffee combos are filling and rarely cost more than a few euros.

Second, always keep an eye out for the “menu do dia” at small local restaurants. These daily lunch specials are the backbone of affordable eating in Portugal. They’re meant for locals, which means they’re priced fairly and come with generous portions. You’ll often find grilled fish, stews, or roast meat served with rice and salad for around €6–€7, sometimes even including a drink and dessert.

Lastly, don’t shy away from grocery stores or markets. Even high-quality cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit are affordable and perfect for assembling your own meals. Portable food also means you can eat on the go, which is ideal for budget travel days full of sightseeing or hiking.

When to Eat, and Where to Splurge (Just a Little)

Porto follows traditional meal times: breakfast is light and early, lunch is often the main meal, and dinner tends to be late. If you’re aiming to keep your costs down, plan a larger lunch using a daily special and have a lighter dinner like soup, a sandwich, or market snacks. This strategy aligns with local habits and helps you manage your budget without skipping meals.

Occasionally, it’s worth splurging €1–€2 extra for a food experience that defines the city. A francesinha might cost more than your daily limit, but if you split it with a friend or skip a larger lunch, it can still fit your budget. Porto’s food culture is part of the travel experience, so flexibility is key.

There’s also no shame in mixing and matching—grab a cheap breakfast, picnic for lunch, and enjoy a drink and light dinner at a tasca. That way, you’re always balancing out costs across the day. The point of eating well in Porto for under €10 a day: a budget traveler’s food map isn’t to restrict, but to guide your spending wisely.

Final Thoughts

Porto is one of those rare European cities where budget dining doesn’t mean missing out. From traditional sandwiches to fresh pastries and hearty daily specials, you can easily enjoy a day’s worth of meals for under €10 if you know where to go and what to look for. The city rewards those who venture off the tourist trail and into the local neighborhoods where authentic flavors come with friendly prices.

Whether you’re grabbing a bifana on the go or sipping a coffee in a corner café, eating well in Porto for under €10 a day is all about being curious, adaptable, and a little adventurous. With this food map in hand, your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.