Aveiro, often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal,” is a beautiful city filled with canals, colorful boats, and charming cobbled streets. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this hidden gem, and one thing I’ve realized is that getting around Aveiro is both easy and a bit of an adventure. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or planning to stay a few days, knowing how to navigate the city will make your experience so much smoother.
Aveiro is a relatively small city, and the charm lies in how walkable and accessible it is. The city’s rich architectural history, art nouveau influence, and coastal vibe create an atmosphere that encourages exploration. However, like any new place, there are some transportation tips that can make your visit even more enjoyable. In this guide, I’m going to share 10 helpful tips for getting around Aveiro, so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the city.
1. Walking Is the Best Way to Explore Aveiro
If there’s one piece of advice I can give to anyone visiting Aveiro, it’s to walk as much as possible. The city’s charm is best discovered on foot, where you can take in the intricate tilework on buildings, wander along the canals, and explore hidden corners you might otherwise miss. The city center, with its bustling squares and narrow streets, is perfect for leisurely strolls.
Many of Aveiro’s top attractions, such as the Art Nouveau architecture and the famous canals, are within walking distance of each other. I highly recommend walking around the central area to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of this peaceful Portuguese city. Plus, you can stop for a coffee or some of Aveiro’s famous “ovos moles” (a local sweet treat) along the way.
2. Use the Local Bus for Short Journeys
Although Aveiro is a small city, there are still times when walking just isn’t practical—especially if you need to travel a bit further out. The local bus system is easy to navigate and very affordable. The buses are operated by the S. Jorge Transport Company, and they cover routes that connect the city center with other parts of Aveiro, such as the nearby beaches or the industrial area.
One route that’s especially useful is the bus to Costa Nova, a beautiful beach area known for its iconic striped houses. The buses run frequently, and tickets are inexpensive, usually costing around €1.50 to €2 per ride.
For up-to-date schedules, I recommend checking the S. Jorge Transport website or downloading their app. You can also find routes on Google Maps for easy navigation.
3. Take a Canal Boat Ride to See the City from a Different Perspective
No trip to Aveiro would be complete without experiencing the canals. While walking along the canal banks is nice, you get an entirely different view from the water itself. The iconic moliceiros—traditional wooden boats once used for harvesting seaweed—are now used for tourist rides, and it’s a wonderful way to see the city.
The boat rides are not long, typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour, and they offer a great view of Aveiro’s picturesque waterfront, quaint bridges, and colorful buildings. The boats are operated by several companies, and the prices are usually around €10 per person. Most boats depart from the city center near the canal, and you can book tickets directly at the docks.
I recommend booking your boat ride early, especially during peak tourist season, to secure a spot. You can book in advance on GetYourGuide or Viator, two excellent platforms for booking activities and tours in Aveiro and across Portugal.
4. Rent a Bicycle to Explore More of the City
If you’re looking to explore Aveiro at your own pace but don’t want to rely solely on your feet, renting a bicycle is a great option. Aveiro is a very bike-friendly city with bike lanes in most areas, and the flat terrain makes cycling an easy way to get around.
You can rent bikes from several places in the city, and the rates are very reasonable—around €10 for a full day of rental. Some bike rental shops even offer electric bikes for those who prefer a little help getting around. If you’re staying at a local hotel, they may offer bike rentals as part of their services, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation.
Booking tip: For easy and quick rentals, you can book a bike through BikeRental Portugal or Rent-a-Bike Aveiro, both offering competitive prices and reliable services.
5. Take Advantage of Aveiro’s Walking Tours
If you’re unfamiliar with the city and want to learn more about its history and culture, a guided walking tour is an excellent way to see Aveiro’s main sights. Walking tours typically include stops at the Aveiro Cathedral, Museu de Aveiro, and The Art Nouveau buildings scattered throughout the city.
I took a walking tour during my first visit to Aveiro, and it really enhanced my experience. Not only did I learn about the history behind the stunning buildings, but I also got insider tips from the local guide about places to eat, shop, and visit. Tours typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours, and they’re often reasonably priced at around €15-€20 per person.
You can book a tour in advance through GetYourGuide, Viator, or even check with your hotel, as many accommodations offer tour packages.
6. Use the Train for Day Trips to Nearby Towns
Aveiro is ideally situated for exploring other parts of the region. Whether you’re heading to the beach towns of Costa Nova or São Jacinto, or you want to visit nearby cities like Porto or Coimbra, the train station in Aveiro is well-connected.
The Aveiro Train Station is modern and efficient, with services running frequently to major cities and surrounding towns. For example, you can reach Porto in less than 1.5 hours by train, and Coimbra is just a 30-minute ride away. The trains are comfortable, and tickets are relatively affordable, with one-way fares starting from around €5.
To book tickets, I recommend using the Comboios de Portugal website or app, which allows you to check schedules and purchase tickets easily.
7. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services for Convenience
While Aveiro is a small city, there may be times when a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber is more convenient. If you’re traveling with luggage or prefer not to deal with public transport, taxis are readily available, and Uber operates throughout the city as well.
The fare for a short taxi ride within the city center is usually around €5-€10. While Aveiro’s compact size means you won’t need taxis for everyday travel, they’re a great option for getting to and from the train station, or if you’re heading to the more remote areas of Aveiro that aren’t easily reached by bus.
8. Park Your Car Wisely in the City Center
If you’re driving into Aveiro, parking can be a bit tricky in the city center, especially during the busy tourist season. While there are several parking garages, I suggest parking a little outside the city center and walking or using public transport to get into the heart of the city. Parque de Estacionamento de Aveiro is a popular parking garage near the city center, but space can fill up quickly.
Alternatively, Parkopedia is a useful app to help you find available parking spaces and rates in Aveiro. If you’re staying at a hotel in the city, it’s worth asking about parking options when making your reservation.
9. Explore the Beaches by Public Transport
If you’re a beach lover like me, you’ll want to head to the nearby beaches during your visit. The beaches in Aveiro, especially Costa Nova and Barra, are stunning. The public buses that go to these areas are frequent and affordable, making it easy to get there without needing a car. The ride to Costa Nova, for example, takes only about 15 minutes.
Alternatively, if you enjoy cycling, you can bike to the beaches using the city’s well-maintained bike paths. Renting a bike for a day to cycle along the coast is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.
10. Plan Ahead for Peak Travel Times
Aveiro can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, particularly in the summer months. If you’re visiting during this time, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for transportation. Booking things like train tickets or boat tours in advance can help avoid long queues and ensure that you don’t miss out on your preferred time slot.
To make your planning easier, I recommend using travel platforms like Booking.com for accommodation, Omio for train and bus routes, and GetYourGuide or Viator for booking tours and activities. These platforms allow you to check availability, compare prices, and secure your bookings ahead of time.
Whether you’re strolling along the canals, cycling to the beach, or taking a boat ride through the city, Aveiro offers a wide range of transport options that make it easy to get around. The city’s size, combined with its efficient public transport and welcoming atmosphere, makes it the perfect place for both relaxed exploration and exciting adventure. By using these tips, you can make the most of your time in Aveiro and enjoy all the beauty this charming Portuguese city has to offer.
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