The famous tram 1 in Porto runs along the Douro river from the city center to the ocean. However, it can be over crowded and have long lines. Not to mention the price! Skip the queues, the high price, and the limited seating by taking the public bus 500. It follow the same route (and even goes into the city a bit more and up the coast), so it is a great alternative for the tram if you want to see more of the city, have limited time, or want to experience something different on your return route to Porto city center.
We first took the tram 1 from the starting point in Porto city center, and got off at the last stop, near Foz de Douro, and then walked along the beach trail a bit north. We were tired and hot after walking for a couple hours so we headed to the nearest bus stop. The 500 bus has many stops along the coast and then back to the city center. It is a double decker bus so go up to the top level and enjoy the view! It also has AC and is a lot cheaper than the tram, and we loved taking it back after already taking the tram.
Ride along with us as we take the 500 so you can see it for yourself. We sped up the video 4x from the original. The video was filmed during a weekday afternoon/early evening in June 2023. Enjoy!
The tram 1 was definitely nice, but we would recommend if you are also going to Lisbon, take the Tram 28 there and skip the one in Porto (unless Porto is your only stop, then a historic tram ride in Portugal is a great memory). The whole route of tram 1, one side will see the Douro and the other side will see the buildings, so choose the side you want to see.
#drivingporto #porto #driveinporto #portotour #portoinsummer #drivingtourporto #europetrip #portugaltravel #travelportugal #travelprofessional #traveltourportugal #publicbusporto #publicbusportugual #bus550porto #portosightseeing #portotouristattractions#portoportwinecellars #portopublictransportation #portobudgettravel #portodouble-deckerbus #portohop-onhop-offbus #portothingstodo #portomust-see #portotraveltipsportoportugal #portugaltravel #dourovalley, #dourorivercruise #dourorivervalley #portugalwine #portwine #portugaltourism #portotourism #portugaltravelguide #portugalvacation