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The official porto tourism page has been moved to https://www.introducingporto.com/ . You will find all the information about porto here.
Porto was chosen as “The City to Visit This Year” by Forbes in 2017 and is a definite must-see city in Europe, even if it is just for a weekend break.
Located in the north of Portugal by the outlet of the Douro River, it has a unique atmosphere with elegant neighbourhoods and large villas sitting on narrow cobbled streets. This soulful city was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
Some examples
We’ve written up a list with prices of some of Porto’s products:
Food and beverages
- A large coffee: € 1.20 (US$ 1.40)
- A traditional pastry: € 0.90 (US$ 1)
- A restaurant’s daily menu in an average priced restaurant: € 4.50 (US$ 5.10)
Transportation
- Metro single ticket: € 1.20 (US$ 1.40) (depends on the zone you travel to).
- 1-Day Andante Card: € 7 (US$ 8).
- 3-Day Andante Card: € 15 (US$ 17.10).
- 3-Day Tourist Pass (Porto Card): € 25 (US$ 28.50).
- Taxi from the Airport to the city centre: € 30 (US$ 34.20) (approximately).
Accommodation
- One night in a centrally-located hotel: € 70 (US$ 80) (approximately).
The official language spoken in Porto is Portuguese, like in the rest of Portugal. If you don’t speak Portuguese, don’t fret because English is widely spoken and you won’t have any problems getting by.
If you want to learn a little Portuguese before getting to Porto, we have come up with a list of useful words:
Courtesy
Hello, HiOlá,OiByeTchau, adeusGood morningBom diaGood afternoonBoa tardeGood nightBoa noiteWelcomeBem-vindoSiSimNoNãoPleasePor favorThanksObrigadoYou’re welcomeDe nadaExcuse-meDesculpe-me
Days of the week
MondaySegunda feiraTuesdayTerça feiraWednesdayQuarta feiraThursdayQuinta feiraFridaySexta feiraSaturdaySábadoSundayDomingo
Means of transport
CarCarroMetro/SubwayMetrôBusAutocarroPlaneAviãoTrainComboioParkingEstacionamentoAlquiler de cochesAlugar um carroAirportAeroportoDeparturesPartidaArrivalsChegadaBus stopParagem de autocarroMetro stationEstação de MetroTaxi rankPonto de táxiTrain stationEstação Ferroviária
Meals and food
BreakfastPequeno AlmoçoLunchAlmoçoDinnerJantarMenuEmentaWaiterEmpregadoBillContaForkGarfoKnifeFacaSpoonColherMedium rareMal-passadoMediumAo pontoMedium wellBem-passadoBreadPãoChickenFrangoPorkPorcoVealVacaFishPeixeCheeseQuesoEggOvoBeerCervejaJuiceSumoMilkLeiteTeaChá
Porto, as the second largest city in Portugal, has a wealth of things to do and see. Here are some of the main attractions and museums in the city.
Parallel to the river runs Avenida de Diogo Leite. Along the boulevard are several stands that sell different cruises on the Douro. Sometimes, the ticket also includes a free visit to one of Porto’s renowned wine cellars.
Once you get back down, turn right on Rúa San Filipe de Nery and at the end of the street, turn left down Rúa das Carmelitas. One of the world’s most spellbinding bookstores is situated in Rúa das Carmelitas, 144. The Livraria Lello & Irmão was used for inspiration by Harry Potter’s bestselling author. It is definitely worth visiting its interior.
Continue along Rúa das Carmelitas until you get to Rúa do Carmo. Here take the vintage tram nº 22, which runs past the beautiful Carmo Church.
The tram’s last stop is Praça da Batalha. Get off here and head to the eighteenth-century Igreja de Santo Ildefonso with its peculiar façade adorned with thousands of white and blue tiles.
Leave Rúa 31 de Janeiro on your left and head to Rúa Santa Catarina, one of Porto’s main shopping streets. Stroll down the street while you enjoy the colourful window displays and stop at the Majestic Café, an elegant “Belle époque” coffee house. Step inside this unique café for something to eat if you’re feeling a little hungry.
Next, stroll a little further along Rúa Santa Catarina and you’ll see a remarkable shrine called Chapel of Souls, completely decorated with blue and white hand painted tiles.
Take the street Rúa de Fernándes Tomás that houses the Bolhão Market, a nostalgic building were locals come to sell fresh produce including fruit, meat and vegetables.
Leave the Mercado and walk down Rúa Formosa to Avenida dos Aliados. Stroll down the Avenue, Praça da Liberdade and Rúa de Mousinho da Silveira until you come across Rúa da Bolsa. We strongly suggest you take a guided tour of the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) to discover its fascinating history.
Turn the corner and step into the Church of São Francisco and admire its Baroque inner decoration and catacombs.
