Porto works well with a dog if you plan three things before you arrive: where you sleep, how you get around, and where your dog can run. This guide covers all three, from the team that runs 19 pet-friendly apartments in Bonfim.
Are pet-friendly apartments common in Porto?
Less common than you would expect. Most short-stay places either refuse pets or decide case by case, and in the busiest tourist streets the apartments tend to be small, up narrow stairs, with crowds outside from morning to night.
So choose the area first, then the apartment.
Which area of Porto works best with a dog?
Look for quieter streets, green space nearby and quick access to the centre.
Bonfim has all three. It is a residential freguesia just east of the historic centre, with calmer streets than Ribeira or Aliados and metro stations at Campo 24 de Agosto and Heroísmo, 10 to 15 minutes from the centre.
It also has Porto's first dog park (see below), and Avenida de Rodrigues de Freitas, on the edge of the neighbourhood, has several cafés where dogs are welcome.
Dog parks in Porto
Dogs must be on a lead in Porto's public spaces, so the fenced dog parks are where they can run free:
- Parque Canino do Jardim Paulo Vallada (Bonfim, near Avenida Fernão Magalhães). Porto's first dog park, opened in 2019. It has separate areas for small and large dogs, agility obstacles, a sandpit and water fountains (Imovirtual).
- Parque Canino da Quinta do Covelo (Paranhos, north of the centre). Opened in 2020, about 3,800 m² (Porto City Council).
For long walks on a lead, Parque de São Roque is east of Bonfim in Campanhã: a romantic garden of over four hectares with a box-hedge maze, open 9:00–18:00 from October to March and 9:00–19:00 from April to September (Visit Porto).
Getting around Porto with a dog
Metro. Pets travel free on the Metro do Porto. Your dog must be with you and restrained so it cannot bite or cause damage (a lead and a muzzle, or a carrier). On weekdays animals are allowed between 10:00 and 17:00 and between 19:00 and 01:00; at weekends and on public holidays, at any time. Breeds classed as dangerous or potentially dangerous are not allowed (Metro do Porto). Check the current rules at the station before you travel.
Buses and trains. The national rules (Portaria 968/2009) apply on public transport: the dog on a lead with a muzzle or in a carrier, on the floor and not on a seat, healthy and clean. For trains, CP publishes its own conditions (CP).
Beaches with dogs near Porto
On concessioned beaches (with lifeguards and a beach bar) dogs are usually banned during the bathing season. Read the notice at the entrance. Non-concessioned beaches can generally be used with a dog all year, unless a sign says otherwise. Everywhere: lead, clean-up bags and up-to-date documents (DECO Proteste).
In Matosinhos, the 2026 bathing season ended on 13 September (Renascença), so outside summer the beach is far easier with a dog.
Dog-friendly cafés and restaurants
Porto Secreto keeps a list of places where dogs are welcome (updated May 2025). The closest to our apartments are on Avenida de Rodrigues de Freitas: Porto dos Gatos (no. 93), Terraplana (no. 287) and The Happy Nest (no. 293). Elsewhere in the city: Two Poodles, Protest Kitchen, A Certain Café and Apuro. Opening hours change, so check before you go.
What to check before booking with a dog
Before you book any apartment in Porto, confirm:
- The pet policy is written in the house rules, not only in a message.
- Size or breed limits. Some places accept only small animals.
- Outdoor space. A balcony or terrace helps, especially in summer.
- Floors. Washable floors make life easier for everyone.
- The street. Check the map for parks and quiet streets nearby.
- Who to call if something happens during the stay.
If a listing is vague about any of these, ask before you pay.
Pet-friendly apartments in Bonfim
All 19 Vibrant Host Solutions apartments accept pets, at no extra fee. It is a written house rule in every apartment, together with no smoking and no parties. We only ask that pets stay off beds and sofas.
The apartments are in three buildings, all in Bonfim:
- Campo 24 de Agosto (Rua do Duque de Saldanha 651), next to Campo 24 de Agosto metro station. From one-bedroom apartments to a four-bedroom duplex for groups.
- Bonfim (Rua do Bonfim 318), in the middle of the freguesia: one-bedroom apartments with balcony and duplexes with terrace.
- Heroísmo (Rua Barão de Nova Sintra 476), near Heroísmo metro station: mostly two-bedroom apartments, several with balcony.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out until 11:00. Every apartment has 24/7 self check-in with a keybox (the code is sent the day before), which helps when you arrive with luggage, a carrier and a tired dog.
See all options: apartments in Porto.
Why book directly when travelling with a dog
Booking directly lets you confirm your dog in writing before you pay, ask about the exact apartment (floor, balcony, stairs or lift) and get walk suggestions from people who know the street. Our team answers on WhatsApp every day from 8:00 to 22:00, before and during the stay.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog on the Porto metro?
Yes, for free. The dog must be with you, on a lead and muzzled or in a carrier. On weekdays animals can travel between 10:00 and 17:00 and between 19:00 and 01:00; at weekends and on public holidays, at any time. Dangerous breeds are not allowed.
Are there dog parks in Porto?
Yes. The first one is in Bonfim, at Jardim Paulo Vallada (opened in 2019), and there is a larger one at Quinta do Covelo in Paranhos (2020). Elsewhere in the city dogs must stay on a lead.
Can dogs go to the beach near Porto?
On concessioned beaches dogs are usually banned during the bathing season; check the notice at the entrance. Non-concessioned beaches generally allow dogs all year unless a sign says otherwise.
Which area of Porto is best for staying with a dog?
A residential area close to the centre. Bonfim has calmer streets, Porto's first dog park, dog-friendly cafés on Avenida de Rodrigues de Freitas and metro access to the centre in 10 to 15 minutes.
Do Vibrant Host Solutions apartments accept pets?
Yes. All 19 apartments in Bonfim accept pets as a written house rule, at no extra fee. Tell the team on WhatsApp (every day, 8:00–22:00) when you book, and your pet is confirmed in writing before you pay.
