Why go
A taxi makes most sense when luggage, limited mobility or a late connection changes the day. For short journeys within the congested centre, the city's narrow streets and slopes can make another mode more straightforward. It can also simplify an airport transfer with bags.
The full story
Taxis are a useful fallback in Porto when the trip does not suit the public-transport network or when bags make the city's hills less manageable. Their strongest role is usually a point-to-point journey across a larger distance, not a hop between nearby historic-centre sights. Around the centre, congestion and the fine-grained street layout can erase the time saved by a car. For shorter distances, walking can reveal more of Porto's streets; for longer planned journeys, metro and buses may be better aligned with the route. Fares and booking arrangements are current operational matters, so confirm the estimated cost and payment method before departure. Allow extra time for road traffic if you are travelling to a station, airport or distant accommodation.