Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and a popular destination for visitors. It has a rich culture with stunning architecture and nature scenes, thus a top choice for people looking for adventure and charm. You get to indulge in Portuguese seafood cuisines as you enjoy the vibrant waterfronts. Here are a few travelling tips you need to have in mind for your Porto trip.
How to Get to or From the Airport
Porto has a well-established transportation system running up to the airport. Whether you want to get to or from the airport, you can use the Metro Line E (purple) that runs every 20 to 30 minutes from the airport to the Trindade stop which is at the cener of Porto.
Upon arriving at Trindade, you will need to change to different metro lines depending on your hotel or accommodation.
Get the Porto Card
As mentioned above, Porto has efficient public transportation. It works with six metro lines that link the districts across town. Besides the metro lines, there are also buses and trams including one funicular.
The catch is you need to get an Andante Card and load it with credit for use on the buses and metro.
Be Aware of the Weather in Porto
The city has an average temperature just like other coastal regions of Portugal. It is usually cold and rainy from autumn to spring and this may give it a London feel.
From April to September, the temperatures begin to rise once more and the rain reduces giving way to cloudless and clear sunshine.
During this time, you can enjoy natural sunshine and warm nights in Porto. Depending on your visiting time frame, ensure you pack adequately to be comfortable.
Visit Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is a popular bookstore in Porto and one of its most interesting facts. It is the inspiration behind some of the most famous Hogwarts scenery in Harry Potter.
The best time to visit the place is early in the morning or an hour before closing. Ensure you arrive early enough so you have ample time for your tour. Your highlights should be the staircase and the glass ceiling here.
Get Ready for the Hills
Porto is popular for its hilly streets that wind to offer you the perfect views. If you have a healthy body with no mobility issues, you should have some time exploring the hills on foot.
However, if you have issues or are unaccustomed to steep walks, you can use the public transport system and avoid most of these hills. Either way, you still get these amazing views.
Visit Port Wine Cellars
Portugal has a growing reputation for wines. While most people only know of red, white, and rose wine, Porto introduces a new variety; green wine. It may not be green-coloured but has an acidic, young, and sparkle to it.
To learn more about these wines, consider taking wine tours at Porto wine cellars, one of the most entertaining activities to do in Porto. Most of them have wine tour packages that include a lunch and a river cruise. Don’t forget to take photos during your trip.
Get a Proper Accommodation if You Are Looking for a More Local Feel
Like most cities, Porto has various options when it comes to accommodation. Regardless of the time you intend to stay, you can always get a good place, well-connected in order to get immersed in the essence of the city.
We will talk about this in detail in the next paragraphs.
Where to Stay in Porto
Even though there are many hotels in Porto, none beats the elegance of Catalonia Porto. It comprises of a group of buildings that date back to the 18th century and are designed with the time’s Porto architectural style.
As such, they are protected as the old town’s historical elements of value. Similar to the Ribiera Porto neighborhood, it was declared a World Heritage Site. When staying at this hotel, you have 10 minutes’ walk access to Se Cathedral and the Sao Bento Station, the only station with close to 20,000 tiles made of murals.
The 4-star luxury hotel has a range of rooms available to guests depending on preferences. It is located at the heart of Porto next to Praca da Batalha and the San Ildefonso church.
Considering its location, it is perfect for a couple, business travellers, or family looking to get to know the city better and explore. With a focus on Portuguese gastronomy, you have the chance to explore a wide range of cuisines in the comfort of your room.
Travelling to a faraway destination can be a rewardingly exciting step. Porto is a fairly easy-going destination with a whole lot of activities for you to engage in. Whether you love nature, tasting wine, or just walking on gloriously golden beaches, Porto has it all. With the above tips, we know you will make the most of your trip to the city.
