Porto

Porto [25] is Portugal's second largest city and the capital of the Northern region.

North side of Douro

North side of Douro, at night

View of Porto houses

Understand

Porto is a busy industrial and commercial center. The city itself isn't very populous (about 240,000 inhabitants), but the Porto metropolitan area (Greater Porto) has some 1,500,000 inhabitants in a 50 km radius, with cities like Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia, Gondomar, and Espinho.

The city was built along the hills overlooking the Douro river estuary, and its historical center was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1996. It has been continuously inhabited since at least the 4th Century, when the Romans referred to it as Portus Calle

Porto has a semi-Mediterranean climate, although it's strongly affected by the Atlantic ocean, which makes it cooler than other cities with this climate. However, temperatures can rise as high as 40ºC in August during occasional heat waves. Winters are mild and humid, with occasional cold nights where temperatures can drop below 0ºC.

Porto has always been a mercantile city, and this is evident in the style of the buildings lining the Avenida dos Aliados, the core of the downtown area. The center of town, unlike other major Portuguese cities, which tend towards the baroque, is granite and monumental. Residents of Porto are known as Tripeiros (tripe eaters) allegedly due to the fact that the city went without meat in order to provision the fleet that left to conquer Ceuta in North Africa in 1415 (which left from Porto) and had to subsist on tripe soup, still a specialty of the city.

Citizens of Porto, while definitely Portuguese, hold themselves apart culturally from the rest of the country, as is expressed in the often heard phrase "o Porto é uma nação" (Porto is a nation). Outsiders often consider Porto to be more crass and mercantile than the rest of the country, and the inhabitants to be somewhat lacking in social graces. This is likely due to the fact that the city has historically been dominated by Portuguese bourgeoisie and English trading factions rather than the nobility. Tripeiros of course, disagree, regarding themselves (with some justification) as being the economic heart of the nation. As the saying goes, "Porto works, Braga Prays, Coimbra studies, and Lisbon gets the money."

The city is officially styled "a muito nobre, sempre leal e invicta cidade do Porto" (the very noble, always faithful, and invincible city of Porto). This is usually shortened to "a Cidade Invicta" (the invincible city) a title won because of Porto's unparalleled resistance against Napoleonic troops during the Peninsular war.

The city is quite varied architecturally, with medieval as well as modern living side by side. Porto's geography is hard on the feet, but pleasant to the eye. The city is extremely hilly, with many buildings built into a cliff face that overlooks the river. Stairs cut into the stone run up and down the cliff face and offer a laborious but rewarding walking tour. Across the river from Porto proper, in the suburb of Gaia, are located the warehouses of notable companies dealing with Port Wine, such as Cálem, Fonseca, Sandemans, Kopke, and others.

Whilst the local attitude is friendly, to outsiders it is worth noting that locals can respond literally to questions, which may seem slightly off-putting to the uninitiated. An example of this would be to ask in a bar if they have a menu (for food) and to receive a straight 'no' as a response; it's after further questions that one can find out that the establishment doesn't sell food - such a response is not considered rude, it is merely direct and literal.

If you speak in Spanish to a local, you will be largely understood and as a rule they will freely converse with you, but from time to time, more so with the older generation, you may be politely reminded that you are in Portugal and the native language is Portuguese.

Get in

By plane

Sá Carneiro Airport, (IATA: OPO), Pedras Rubras,Maia (+351) 229 432 400, [26]. Also known as Aeroporto do Porto or Aeroporto de Pedras Rubras this is the third busiest airport in the country and is about 15 km from the city centre. Just outside of the airport is the AeroBus which for €4 - 2005 - takes you to Praça da Liberdade (city center) or will drop you off at the Pousada da Juventude. A similar taxi trip will cost €20. The Metro line connects the Airport to the city centre, offering a fast and peaceful ride into the heart of the city, for €2,20 + €0.50 for the rechargable ticket.you can buy 24 hours pass for Metro and busses for €6.00 (z4 - inlcudes the airport). At night, between 1.30 and 6.00, there is no regular connection, so using a taxi or spending a night at the airport is the only possibility.

Ryanair offer cheap flights from several cities like London Stansted, Liverpool, Dublin, Dusseldorf-Weeze, Eindhoven, Brussels-Charleroi, Frankfurt-Hahn, Maastricht, Paris-Beauvais, Milan-Bergamo, Marseille, Bologna, Pisa, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Marrakesh and Valencia. easyJet also flies to Geneva, Lyon, Basel, Milan and London-Gatwick.

TAP flies from most European airports but tends to be more expensive.

By train

The city is served by two major train stations, the "São Bento" (Saint Benedict) station, and the "Campanhã" station. Trains from and to Madrid and Paris are regular, other non-domestic destinations vary according to demand and time of year. Domestic trains are very frequent and usually on time. Be careful on the train from Madrid. On at least one route, the computer systems will say you need to change trains at Guillarei in northern Spain. However, Guillarei has stopped trains through Portugal since 2004. Instead, you will need to transfer to a station named Tui which is a few miles from Guillarei. The computer system hasn't been updated even though this change occurred in 2004 for some reason. You can go into Guillarei but you will need to take a taxi (cost me €5) to Tui to connect. Sao Bento station is right in the city center.

By car

The city is served by five major highways: A1, which connects Porto to Lisbon, A29 which connects Porto to Aveiro, A3 connects Porto to Braga, A28 connects Porto to Viana do Castelo and the northern Portuguese border, and A4, which goes eastwards from the city towards Vila Real. The IC29 connects Porto to the neighboring city of Gondomar. The city is also served by 2 ring highways, the A41 (still incomplete) which is the outer ring, and VCI/IC23 or A20 which connects all the main places inside the city. The A20/VCI, A28, A29 and A41 are all free highways at the moment, but there are plans to install tolls in the the latter three, sometime in the future. Generally speaking, the traffic is usually chaotic and very intense, especially during rush hours.

By bus

There are many companies providing direct bus trips from major European countries and also for most of the northern cities of the country. Try Rodonorte [27] for timetables. Visit also Porto Bus Service [28], Renex, Rede Expresso...

By boat

There is a cargo and recreational harbor called Leixões in the neighboring city of Matosinhos. Modest-sized cruise ships can dock just outside a drawbridge to the inner harbor. Beneath the south approach to the bridge is a station for the light rail system (see "By Metro" below) that goes to Oporto.

There is also a very small recreational harbor in the river Douro. As far as a major method of getting to the city, however, sea transport is not really feasible. However, you can use tour boats based along the river (especially in Oporto) to go up the Douro River, one of the most scenic short trips you'll ever make.

Get around

Porto Valley

By car

Porto, like most Portuguese cities, is a nightmare to drive in. Roads vary in conditions - from fully paved to cobbled lanes that can make even the most shortest of distance seem like a go-kart rally. With that said, keep in mind that the touristic part of the city (the Ribeira and Baixa) are a never ending maze of narrow streets, short tempered drivers and snakelike alleys. Better to walk (despite the fact that it's very hilly). Also, drivers seem to have forgotten how to drive (apart from pushing the pedals) - therefore, they make their own rules of the road (however, this generally does not apply to young drivers). Be prepared to lose your patience several times whilst driving.

By metro

The Porto Metro is an incredibly advanced, state of the art light rail / subway system. Developed in 2001 (for the Porto2001 - European Capital of Culture), the metro is still under construction. It has 5 lines, that run across the center of Porto, and down to some suburban areas. It is quick, and probably the most efficient way to get around Porto. Some major areas of the city, however, are not that well served by the metro, although new lines are planned and should start being built soon.

Tickets must be purchased beforehand. They can be sold at the machines in the station (note: if there are no tickets in the machine that day, take the metro to the next station and buy it there!). The ticket is printed in a card called "Andante", and you can purchase as many rides (or travels) you want, in the zone you are staying in (Porto and surrounding are Z2. Matosinhos Z3. Airport Z4). One travel will take you anywhere your zone, and you can travel as many times as you want within one hour. If you plan on using it again, Do Not throw away the card! The card can be re-charged (the card itself costs around €0.50). You can also buy daily passes, which is more convenient.

If you plan on living in Porto, or staying for more than three weeks, it is recommended you get the "Andante Gold". The card costs €5, and will allow unlimited travel, without time limit. However, the zoning system is a lot different in the "Gold" version then in the "Blue version". There around around 11 zones in Andante Gold (C1, C2, S11, etc.) The centre is C1. When you buy the card, you must purchase another zone (C1 is automatically included). The Andante Gold can be used in all metro lines, the funicular and all buses . When you are buying the Andante Gold, you must have a picture of yourself (your passport photo will do. They can amplify the image from the passport to the card in seconds).

An important note: your andante must be validated before you enter the metro, bus or funicular. There are no barriers to stop you at the metro, but the Metro police enter the cars and check your Andante to make sure you have validated it, and are travelling within your zones.

More info at Metro do Porto [29]

By bus

STCP [30] is the best way to move around if you don't want to waste money on taxis. It's the public bus operator in the region, and the only one operating inside city borders. Suburbs are served either by STCP or private companies. STCP buses are the largest eco-friendly fleet in europe, modern, comfortable, and lines cover the entire city, as well as major suburbs. Buses colors are white and blue. Line numbers are a 3-digit code. First digit is assigned according to the destination zone (2-west porto, 3-north porto, 4-east porto, 5-matosinhos, 6-maia, 7-valongo, 8-gondomar, 9-vila nova de gaia). For example, line nr. 906 has its destination in vila nova de gaia (9). You can use two kind of tickets: Andante (see "Metro" above) or STCP own tickets. Andante tickets are recommended: you can also use them on metro and suburban trains, plus they're easier to buy and recharge on any metro station or newspaper seller with "payshop" symbol. Andante blue card costs 1€ and can be charged with how many journeys you like. Every bus stop has at least a timetable and lines served. There's also a code so you can get a (paid) SMS showing minutes left to next arrivals updated in real time. The busiest ones have electronic displays with timetables and city maps. Every bus inside has a display showing the name of next stop, so it's easy to keep track of them.

By taxi

A fast way of getting around the city, although traffic congestions near the city center might be a problem. However, be expected to pay a high price for these services, especially compared to the other public transportations such as bus and subway.

• Porto Taxi Transfer [31]

By boat

There are ferry boats that connect Porto to the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia, although you can easily walk or travel by car, metro or bus to the other side. Also the are numerous tourist boats which travel up the Douro river, where you can get fantastic views of the green landscape the region has to offer.

By helicopter

Not exactly a public transportation, but its a wonderful way to see the city from above. Near the Douro there is a heliport with a helicopter available for people to use to get to know the city as a whole. Travelling accompanied will make the flight cheaper.

By Funicular dos Guindais

This is a cable railway system. Use this if you don't wish to walk up the steep streets of Porto. This system connects the Ribeira to the Batalha square, in the city centre, it also has a panoramic view of the River Duoro. As of February 2007, a single trip cost €1. However, if your Andante card (see "Metro" above) has been recently validated (in less then one hour), that you can ride it for free

By Ascensor da Ribeira

This panoramic elevator runs from the Largo da Lada, and is visible behind the buildings of the Ribeira, close to the Ponte D. Luís.

See

The first place to begin with is the Ribeira, the part of the city near the river, which is also a good place to start visiting the World Heritage area; to the other side of the river you will see the Ribeira de Gaia, a similar area from the city of Vila Nova de Gaia (the two are only separated by the river) and where you could find the Port Wine Cellars. Next go up to the São Francisco church and the Stock Exchange palace nearby, where you can visit the most impressive Arab room in the country. The world known Modern Art museum at Serralves and the Casa da Música (House of Music) concert hall live in the area known as Boavista. From there you can reach the amazing ocean front drive, known as "Foz". Go back to the center of the city and visit Mercado do Bolhão, a traditional market of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Next the Aliados and the City Hall and finally the 6 bridges connecting Porto to Gaia over the Douro river, many of them providing an excellent view to the river. Porto is a mysterious city that reveals its charm to the visitor through time. Take your time, wander through the mazes and alleys of the city. Take in the old, bohemian spirit of the city. Hike through the Ribeira and Foz do Douro regions (the latter, at sunset). Porto may not be in every tourist's Iberian Peninsula itinerary, but it's well worth a visit if you want to see a city that has changed economically, but that has kept its old traditions, something that is being forgotten in Europe today.

• Centro Português de Fotografia (Portuguese Photography Museum), [32], housed in a beautiful building in the centre of the city.

City center

Baixa (downtown)

• Mercado do Bolhão. A traditional market of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat

West Baixa

• Livraria Lello,[33]", near Praça dos Leões and the Universidade do Porto. It's an old bookshop with an amazing interior and spiral staircase, where you can also have a coffee or glass of port. Voted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in Europe

• Torre dos Clerigos (Clerics' Tower).

• Soares dos Reis, [34]. for Art.

Sao Nicholau

South city center

• Ribeira (Riverfront).

• Museum of Sacred Art and Archaeology of The Higher Seminary of Oporto, Largo Dr. Pedro Vitorino, 2 (Located in the Church of St. Lawrence (known as the Cricket Church (Igreja Grilo) after the nickname of the religious order that took ownership in 1780). Beginning at the riverfront, head north on R de Mercadores and look for the Igreja Grilo signs directing you into the delightfully narrow streets that lead to the church. Best approached on foot.), ☎ (+351).223.395.020.

West of city center

• Pavilhão Rosa Mota, A multi purpose pavilion with nice gardens to rest, also known as "Palácio de Cristal". Nearby there is the

• Museu Romantico, a house where the king of Italy stayed while on exile.

Boavista

West of city center and north of the Douro River"

• Casa da Música (House of Music), Avenida da Boavista, 604-610, [1]. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and OMA. Guided tour available in English at 16:00 for €4/person, kids <12 free.

• Fundação de Serralves (Modern Art Museum), [2]. A contemporary museum designed by the famous architect Álvaro Siza, with a huge garden/park and an Art Deco Villa. When visiting this foundation you can visit the exhibitions, relax at the park, have lunch at the restaurant, bar or tea house and explore the shops or the library.

Foz do Douro

Coast just north of the mouth of the Douro River.

• Castelo de Sao Joao da Foz.

Do

• Take a cruise upriver - the cost is about 10€ and takes about 50 minutes, or you may also choose a day-long cruise for a higher price. Go at least as far as Pinhão - the landscape is absolutely stunning. If you choose to do this in the summer, don't forget your factor 50 sun screen! Look for cruises picking up on the Vila Nova de Gaia side (the same as where the port caves are located), as some of them may offer discounts for cave tours or port purchases. [35].

• Take a port wine tour and visit the various wine caves! This is a must as Porto is the port wine capital. The cellars are in Vila Nova de Gaia, a 5 minute walk from Ribeira across the Douro river, and there are extremely convenient bus pick-ups from easily accessible areas to take you up the winding hills to the cellars. Tours vary in price but generally cost 3-5€ and include a tasting. Most all have English speaking tours along with Spanish, Portuguese, and French. There are also quite a number of cellars offering free tastings.

• Go on a self-guided walking tour of the city of Porto. [36].

• Visit the Dragão Stadium, home of FC Porto. The team has a rich history, having won the World Club Championship or Intercontinental Cup twice, Champions League twice, UEFA Cup once and UEFA Supercup once - and the stadium is worth a visit on the architecture alone. If you are lucky you might get to see a game of the Champions League... also, just across from the stadium you have a large shopping center, according to a joke built to block the wind from affecting the stadium.

• If you feel creative and up to an artistic challenge, take this opportunity to participate in a workshop oriented by local artists and craftspeople. Be sure to take home, not only the memory of the moment, but also the sense of accomplishment through the work produced. Tile painting | Glass Fusing | Gilding | Seat Weaving | Printmaking | Creative Sketching Oporto | One day with an artist [37]

Learn

Basic Portuguese language is very much appreciated. English, French, Galician, Catalan, Italian or Spanish may be spoken or understood at major hotels/resorts. For major tourist attractions such as river boat rides or Port Cellar tours, generally the chosen language for a given tour slot is granted on a first-come-first-served basis, if you want a tour to be guaranteed to be in your language, turn up early and request it.

The Fast Forward Language Institute[38], in the centre of town, offers a variety of courses in Portuguese language and culture including 3 hour "Portuguese for survival", aimed at foreign visitors to the city.

Work

Porto is a business/financial centre. Some hotels have conference rooms, some with internet.

Buy

For shopping, take a stroll around the Mercado do Bolhão which has a food market and handicrafts stores, and Santa Catarina street (highly recommended, even if only to stroll), which is near Bolhão. Cedofeita street is also a busy shopping street, as well as Boavista. Porto and the suburbs have plenty of shopping centers, including Norte Shopping, Arrábida Shopping, Parque Nascente, Gaia Shopping and Mar Shopping (the biggest IKEA group shopping in Europe). Apart from these you also have less populated shops that are smaller but still great ( Shopping Cidade do Porto, Via Catarina, etc). Almost all the shops are open every day, but are usually overcrowded during the weekends and rainy days.

Port wine, of course. This is the right place for it, in the city of Gaia, just south of the Douro river.

You can also find great deals on clothes and shoes, especially during discount seasons.

MUUDA, Rua do Rosário, 294-4050-522, (email: [email protected]), [39]. "Art, food and design". This concept store offers a great variety of products signed by Portuguese designers. Fashion, objects, books, jewelery, shoes, gourmet and arts. You can have lunch at MUUDA, experience a wine or sushi workshop, learn how to make tricot, the newest painting techniques, photography... and much more.

Eat

Porto has some of the finest restaurants in Portugal.

It is said that if you like to eat, you should go to Porto because it is a place where you eat well in terms of quality and amount (even Lisbon citizens say that in Porto is where they eat the best food). The best restaurants of the city are mainly located in Matosinhos near the beach and the seaport called "Porto de Leixões".

Expect hearty meals, and if you can, try "Tripas à moda do Porto". Be aware, however, that this is a tripe dish. Citizens of Porto are called tripeiros (tripe-eaters) on account of this dish. Also try the salted codfish "Bacalhau" - in any way it is cooked - there are hundreds of different dishes with salted codfish!

Don't forget the traditional dish called "Francesinha", which literally translated means little French lady. This city is just about the only place in the world where you can find it. However, in many other northern Portuguese cities you can find a low quality version of it. Essentially it is a toast with layers of meat inside (beef, pork meat, ham...). It is covered with cheese and a spicy sauce, with the option of including french fries on top. Most importantly, this dish must be accompanied by beer and not wine. The "Francesinha" has been considered one of the 10 best sandwiches in the World.

A good tip is taking the bus or subway to Matosinhos in July, there will be the fish festival. Freshly caught fish is being served the same day at barbecues lined up in the streets just a few blocks from the main beach. You choose a fish (only whole fish) and they prepare it on the streets for you - not a fancy restaurant, but together with the local people you are eating the best tasting fish you ever had! Try a dourada, it is delicious.

Porto is dotted with thousands of different bakeries (Pão Quente) and pastry shoppes (Pastelarias). Apart from serving delicious (and quite inexpensive) goods, they are also equipped with a side-cafe that serves all sorts of coffees (Pingo, Meia de Leite, etc.) and sandwiches (Tosta Mista-ham and cheese toastie). Note that, unlike the other river side cafes in the city, these establishments do not have picturesque views of Porto (that's expensive, and in the end, you'd be the one paying for that bill). Instead, they attract tourists by offering good food at very cheap prices.

Most locals drink black coffee (espresso).

There is at least one fully vegetarian restaurant in Porto, Paladar da Alma (Rua de Santo Ildefonso 293/5), and some other restaurants which offer vegetarian dishes alongside non-vegetarian options, such as Capa Verde (Rua da Nossa Senhora de Fatima). Vegans may have to ask for dishes to be specially prepared for them, even in vegetarian restaurants.

Budget

• Âncora d'Ouro (the golden anchor), between the Cordoaria park and the Praça dos Leões.

The third oldest cafe in Porto, it is commonly known as "O Piolho" (the Louse). The cafe looks out on the street facing a faculty of the Universidade do Porto, and had been a meeting place for students since the 19th century. Plaques donated by graduating medical classes from the early 20th century onward decorate the walls. During the fascist period (1926-1974) it was a regular meeting place of "undesirables" (according to the regimes point of view), and was accordingly under regular surveillance by the secret police. On one occasion it was raided by the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) who have a post nearby, and they charged their horses into the cafe itself. It is uncertain if the place's current disorder results from this or more recent activities. Service is surly, the place isn't at all fancy, but it is usually stuffed to the gills with students. Its also quite cheap.

• Casa Adão Avenida Ramos Pinto, 252 VILA NOVA DE GAIA.

Located on the other side of the Douro river, is a restaurant that serves generous plates serving one hungry person or two who eat normal.

• Tà-se Bem Largo Sampaio Bruno 25, Vila Nova de Gaia

As one of the last restaurants along the river in the Gaia area,it was a great place to stop and have a lengthy lunch before heading out to do some port tasting. With delicious and hearty selections for a good price, it is also very popular with the local crowd-- during lunch it was completely full of people who work in the area. Skip the touristy cafes and head here for a authentic experience.

Mid-range

• Mauritânia Grill - Avenida Combatentes Grande Guerra 50,Leça da Palmeira 4450 MATOSINHOS

Nice restaurant with excelent views over the Leça Beach. The space is very light with many windows and it has is own parking lot. The decoration varies along the year (one of the few restaurants that does that) for eg. Summer, Christmas, Halloween, Easter etc. The employees are usually kind and funny. They care about the client. Sometimes they prank you, so don't be surprised if they simulate that are spilling coffee on you.

• Casa Da Foz Rua Padre Luís Cabral - Porto 4150-461 PORTO

Excellent Italian restaurant. Wide variety of dishes. Extremely small, so it's best to call ahead and reserve a table.

• Varanda Da Barra Rua Paulo Gama 470 4150-589 PORTO

Great restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese, Italian and "International" food. Nice riverside view.

• Galeria de Paris Restaurante Bar, 56 Rua Galeria de Paris.

Splurge

• O Filipe - Avenida Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco 36-r/c 4450-110 MATOSINHOS. One of the best restaurants to eat fresh fish. Small but cozy, it can be expensive but depends on what you order. Parking is difficult to find in this area but you may park in front of the restaurant and they will take care of the car when needed (e.g. Parking Available, obstructing the road, etc).

• Marisqueira de Matosinhos - Rua Roberto Ivens, 7174450-255 Matosinhos[40] Another great restaurant; if you like shellfish this is one of the best places in Porto.

Drink

Porto is home to port wine of course, and there are many wineries around the city where port wine is brewed. Strictly speaking, port wine can only be called port wine if the grapes are grown in the Douro valley, and the wine is brewed in Porto. Port wines come in many styles, with vintage port being the most expensive.

Mid-range

• Solar Vinho do Porto, Rua de Entre-Quintas 220, tel: +351 226094749. [41]. A villa with port samples and a great view of the Douro. Open M-Sa 2PM to midnight. This is the perfect place to sit in soft chairs or outside in the garden and enjoy a few glasses of the finest ports. You can also have cheese with your port.

Beware however of the area, as it tends to be a haven for car-break ins.

Dance clubs

Dance clubs here always start very (very) late, around 1AM-2AM, and end up from 6AM-7:30AM. You have a nice choice to pick from.

• POP Rua Padre Luis Cabral, 1090. One the best discos in the city. Consumption around 15€. Open at Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Twins Rua do Passeio Alegre 1000 [42]. One the best discos in the city. Consumption around 15€. Open at Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Creme - Edifício Transparente, (between Castelo do Queijo and Matosinhos) Foz, Porto, Portugal, 4100
• Pitch R. de Passos Manuel 34
• Industria Avenida do Brasil nº 843, Foz, [43]. "local heroes and international superstars" - going since 1987, this plush nightclub on the sea-front in Foz would benefit any city. It's open until around 6AM.
• Bla-Bla A quite popular chill-out disco in the Industrial Area of Matosinhos. A more pleasing club for fans of rock and alternative pop.
• Via Rápida A popular disco in the Industrial Area. The nightclub opens Fridays and Saturdays and it's always crowded. The music heard are the latest dance hits and the crowd is 20ish.
• Vogue A trendy night club, with a young crowd. Usually plays commercial dance hits and hip hop /R&B. Located in the industrial area of the city. Overpriced drinks.
• Act if you're in your late teens, this is the place for you. Its in the industrial area of the city, and plays all the latest worldwide hits.
• Bazaar, [44]. A design bar, that is also a clothing shop and book shop. It closes around 4AM.
• Estado Novo It provides to its clients a wide range of music, from the 80's hits til today's dance hits. Every Thursday is a special night for ladies, called "wild wild woman". It opens from Thursday to Saturday and minimum consumption is €15.
• Passos Manuel, Rua de Passos Manuel. A dance club/bar frequented by the arty crowd, with a varied but tasteful selection of music and a warm decór
• Triplex A club that is located close to Boavista. Note that a three-storey house with a garden was transformed into a club.
• HardClub Is going to be open in other place in 2007.
• Maus Hábitos A very alternative bar, right in the center of the city, in front of "Coliseu".
• Chic Trendy dance club in the industrial area of the city, mainly plays house music. Crowd is usually in their 20s.
• Bela Cruz (currently closed) It used to be a caffee. It is at the end of Avenida da Boavista next to "Gonçalves Zarco" roundabout, know as "Castelo do Queijo" roundabout, because of the fortress next to it, by the sea. It now works as a caffe and as a restaurant with live concerts during the weekdays. On weekend nights, it is a restaurant, bar and disco. Minimal consumption is usually €10.
• Plano B, [45]. Near Torre dos Clérigos, is a popular art gallery / bar installed on Porto's historic center.
• Mau Mau Located in the Foz region, its a popular nightclub with varying musical styles, from house to pop to R&B.
• River Caffé, near the River Douro. Young crowd, and normally plays the latest dance hits. Lately it has been known for some late night violence, so you'd rather not spend too long there.
• Maré Alta Located on the river front, its a small place that's known for its after hour parties. Usually a young crowd. Music is normally electronic.

There are some glbt clubs/bars in Porto.Late nite scene.

Bars & Pubs

• Ryan's Irish Pub, [46]. In the Ribeira, nice cozy atmosphere and friendly bar staff. Always a good place to start

• Trintaeum In the Foz area near the lighthouse, quite small, cool decoration, and cool crowd and not too pricey. Open till very late.

• Triplex On the Avenida Boavista in a big old house. Fantastic garden bar which is great in the summer. There's a restaurant upstairs too.

• Praia do Ourigo Beach bar in Foz. Has to be the bar with the best view in town. Set on stilts over the beach. Has a restaurant too.

• Cais de Gaia This is a bar region in riverfront area in the neighbour city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Its a modern zone for bars and clubs, usually priced a little higher than normal bars. You have a great view of the river and the beautiful city of Porto.

• Ribeira region This area is full of bars and pubs where you can have a pleasant time with an incredible view, before going to the bigger clubs around the city. Most bars are relatively close to each other, and in some there is no entrance fee. Usually most of these bars close from 3AM-4AM, after which the area becomes deserted. Be sure to go either home or to a club after, because when this area becomes deserted you may feel a bit insecure.

• Prioridade Located in the Ribeira region, this bar is one of the cheapest in the area. It's probably the only decent place in the whole of the Ribeira region (and probably, in the city) where you can get a large beer for only a few euros. They also serve spirits and cocktails, at very cheap prices as well. My suggestion, if you are planning a night out, is to get loaded at this bar before clubbing, since the price of drinks in the clubs can be outrageously high and you may find yourself with no taxi fare money to return to your home, hotel, hostel, etc. It's quite tricky to find, since it's tucked away in a rather isolated (but quite nice) place; it's near the D. Luis I bridge. Ask the locals, they'll know where it is

Sleep

There's residential homes all around the city. There's also a lot of 3-star hotels with very affordable prices. In the entire city there's only one camping site (Prelada), but it's a bit far from the center. There aren't many family houses to rent in Porto, so they'll be difficult to find.

• Wine Hostel, 52 Campo dos Martires da Patria, ☎ 222013167. Very centrally located. Clean rooms with ensuite showers. Very close to the train station, but may be difficult to find, so check a map before arriving. 19.

• Residencial Marfim (AC Guest House), Rua Alvares Cabral 213 (at the end of Rua da Cedofeita turn right.([email protected])), [3]. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 11:00. Renowned for excellent customer service and the lowest prices in Oporto. In a quiet area within easy walking distance of the historic centre (5 minutes). With rooms that can accommodate from 2 persons upto 8. Fluent English, Spanish, Portuguese, French. Some Italian, German, Bulgarian. From €12.50 per person.

• Oporto Fado Hostel, Rua Alvares Cabral 14, ☎ +351 91 063 55 55, [4]. checkin: 1400; checkout: 1200. The cheapest Hostel in Porto. Set in a central, historic location just a 5 minute walk from the UNESCO world heritage zone of Porto. Multilingual staff available 24 hours per day. Beds available in dorms or private rooms. €10.

• Andarilho Porto Hostel, Rua da Firmeza 363 / 364 (www.andarilhohostel.com), ☎ +351222012073, [5]. We are located in the core of Porto downtown, next to Santa Catarina (main shopping street), with fast access to the subway, bus and railway station. Every attraction is within a walkable distance from the hostel, allowing you to ramble around freely, discovering the small pleasures the city has to offer.The Hostel staff are versed travellers, that will help you fall in love with the city. Whether you are searching for the best chicken Piri-PIri, Wine cellar tasting, beach afternoon, a night out, or amateur live fado. With never ending hot water, high pressured showers, ensuite toilets, laundry service, free locker, clean spacious dorms, guest kitchen, 200 sqm garden, cultural events and a barbecue grill for your relaxing afternoons.

Budget

• Gallery Hostel Porto‎, Rua Miguel Bombarda, nº222 - 4050-377 Porto (The Gallery Hostel is set in a privileged area of Oporto, known for its art galleries and modern shops, at a walking distance from the main points of interest in the city centre such as museums, monuments, gardens, restaurants and bars.), ([email protected]), [6]. 20-22 euro dorm room with private bathrooms, 50 euro double rooms. Free breakfast, free walking tour, free nightlife tour. Thematic dinners, Porto wine tastings, Gallery exibitions. With high standards of comfort and carefully decorated rooms, you will find a familiar and cosy atmosphere, complemented by a multilingual and professional team.

• Dixo's oporto hostel‎, Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, nº 72 (It is conveniently located at a five minutes walking distance from the metro station (to go to Sá Carneiro international airport) and S. Bento railway station, buses and taxis.), ([email protected]), [7]. 15-19 euro dorm room with shared bathroom, double rooms around 46 euros.

• Pensão Belo Sonho‎, Rua de Passos Manuel 186 (In the city center. 5 minutes walk from Bolhao and São Bento Metro stations (this one also train station)), ([email protected]), [8]. 30 euro double-bed room with ensuite bathroom (july 2010).

• Porto Spot Hostel, Rua Gonçalo Cristóvão nº 12, 4000-263 Porto, Portugal (5 minutes walk from Bolhao Metro stations), [9]. Comfortable, clean hostel with wi-fi, dvd and playstation room, reading room, a well equipped kitchen and a bar downstairs. Great light and showers. Could give Traveller's House in Lisboa a run for its money 14-18 euro dorm room with shared bathroom, private rooms around 20 euros (Mar 2011).

• Borges Mesquita, Rua de Álvares Cabral número 406 e 363, Cedofeita Porto It may be seem to b worth it at the first glance, but next you discover that the flats are full of cockroachs, holes in the roof through which water drops, many machines don´t work because they are very old like television, microwaves, washing and machine. Besides all that most of the staff is very rude, specially the owner. A terrible experience. They rent for 3 days up to one year and more.

• Oporto Sky Hostel, Rua da Lapa, 33 (One minute walking from Lapa's subway station), ☎ (+351)222 017 069 ([email protected]), [10]. Very comfortable hostel with a very welcoming and helpful manager, Luzia. Shared and private rooms. Free computers and wi-fii. A few minutes from the city centre and just off Boavista, which leads to the coast. Hosts speaks perfect English and Spanish. Prices Starting at €14 pp with breakfast included.

• Youth Hostel (Pousada de Juventude do Porto), Paulo da Gama Street, 551, 4169-006 Porto. (Reservations here: [47]). Located outside of the city centre, with several buses passing just by, opened 24 hours and a terrific view over the river. €14 to €16 per night (2006)

• Hospedaria 1 de Janeiro, rua 31 Janeiro. Incredibly cheap (€15 for a double) but dirty and dodgy.

• Hospedaria Novo Mundo, rua Conde de Vizela. Incredibly cheap (€15 to €25 for a double), ok place for sleeping.

• Hotel Ibis Porto Gaia, Avenida Rua Martires de São Sebastião 247, ☎ (+351)772 82 00, [11].

• Hotel Ibis Porto São João, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, ☎ (+351)22 551 31 00, [12].

• Hotel Ibis Porto Norte, Auto Estrada Porto Braga S. Mamede do coronado K11, ☎ (+351)22 986 76 00, [13].

• Hotel Ibis Porto Sul Europarque, Espargo europarque, ☎ (+351)256 332 507, [14].

• Residencia Pedra Antiga, Rua de Santa Catarina, 830, ☎ (+351)222407467. Cheap, clean and friendly. Bathroom ensuite. Free WiFi. Hosts speak no English though French and Spanish work besides Portuguese. Starting at 13.75 pp.

• Albergaria Miradouro Hotel, Rua de Alegria, 598, ☎ (+351)225370717, [15]. Unique and interesting. 60's decor all over, amazing views of Porto and the Douro valley, famous panoramic restaurant on the 13th floor where you can enjoy your breakfast while seeing miles and miles of the Porto region below you.Free Parking. Bathroom ensuite. Receptionists are very friendly and professional and speak excelent english. The area it lies in is a bit run down, but definately not as bad as many other areas of the city. From €26.

Mid-range

• Grande Hotel da Povoa, Largo do Passeio Alegre, nº20, 4490-428 Póvoa Varzim (Near Povoa Casino), ☎ +351 252 290 400 ([email protected], fax: +351 252 290 401), [16]. Overlooking the beach in Povoa de Varzim, near the casino and 18km from the Oporto International Airport, 30 minutes from Oporto city. This historic hotel has 84 rooms and 2 suites, Restaurant, Bar, Meeting rooms.

• Hotel Mercure Porto Batalha ****, Praca da Batalha 116, ☎ (+351)22 204 33 00 ([email protected]), [17]. Complimentary WIFI, near the old railway station in city center

• Hotel Mercure Porto Gaia ****, Rua Manuel Moreira de Barros 618D, ☎ (+351)22 374 08 01 ([email protected]), [18].

• Hotel Novotel Porto Gaia ***, Lugar das Chãs Afurada, ☎ (+351)22 772 87 00 ([email protected]), [19].

• Vila Galé Porto, Av. Fernão Magalhães, nº 7 4300-190 PORTO, ☎ (+351) 225 191 800 ([email protected]), [20]. The Hotel is right in the centre of Portugal’s “Invincible City” and you can shop at Porto’s best shopping district in the lively Rua de Santa Catarina, only a few metres away from the Hotel. Online Booking.

• Hotel Malaposta, Rua da Conceição, nº80, 4050-214, ☎ (+351) 222 006 278 / 947 ([email protected]), [21]. Four floor hotel with contemporary décor located at Oporto’s historic and shopping area, close to Camara Municipal (City Hall), at the old part of Cedofeita, designed World Heritage by UNESCO because of its wealth in monuments and innumerous historical ruins. Online Booking.

Splurge

• Pestana Porto, Praça da Ribeira, nº 1 4050-513 Porto, ☎ (+351) 22 340 23 00 ([email protected], fax: (+351) 22 340 24 00), [22].

• HF Ipanema Park Hotel *****
• Sheraton *****
• Porto Palácio Hotel *****
• Infante de Sagres

• Tiara Park Atlantic Porto, Av. da Boavista, 1466. 4100-114 Porto (1.6km from Franco station by car.), ☎ +351 226 072 500 ([email protected]), [23]. checkin: 15:00H; checkout: 12:00H. Luxury hotel with 232 guest-rooms with a highly decorated interior. Located in the city's centre.

• The Yeatman Hotel [http://www.theyeatman.com], R. do Choupelo, nº 250 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, ☎ (+351) 22 015 15 65 ([email protected], fax: (+351) 22 374 28 93), [24]. Luxury wine hotel opening in June 2010 in the heart of the Historic Port Wine Cellars´District.

Stay safe

Be aware that there may be pickpockets in heavily crowded areas and on public buses and trains; however, pickpocketing is not common in Porto. Travelling by bus or metro is generally safe and one of the best ways to go from a place to another.

Porto is generally a safe place to be if you take normal precautions like walking in well-illuminated streets at night. One part of Porto, near the Tourist Information Office between the cathedral and the steps to the small church, often has drunk people that could possibly be trouble. There's no reason for alarm because many of them are inoffensive, but it is best to use some caution, as you would elsewhere.

If you take the main road from the bus station to the cathedral and tourist information center, walk back to the bus station after you're done and then walk from there to the other sites. Avoid the shortcut from the tourist information center downstairs because near there have been many incidents there.

Call 112 if you have an emergency.

Get out

• Vila Nova de Gaia lies across the Douro River from Porto.

• During the summer, try one of the many quality beaches located near Porto, in the southern part of Gaia . Gaia has plenty of beaches with blue flags (Miramar, Aguda, Granja), a certification of the quality of the beach. Espinho is also a renowned beach destination.

• If you'd like to try some of the bars of Oporto, there is a quite interesting route you can take from Ancora de Ouro, passing by Gestos (this bar has been closed). Then you can go to Pinguim, a bit down the street, and finish off with the huge variety of pubs and bars in the Ribeira.

• Dining by the river in Cais de Gaia in one of the many restaurants available. The offer goes from Portuguese, modern food, Indian, Brazilian...

• Then go on to the other side of the river and enjoy some of the typical bars and discos from Porto in Ribeira.

• And if you're really in a party mood, finish your night in one of the many clubs the city has to offer, most are located in the Industrial region and in the upmarket Foz area, or just visit some in the neighboring cities of Matosinhos,Vila do Conde,Espinho(beach and casino),Maia,Penafiel,Amarante,Povoa de Varzim(beach and casino).

• Don't forget to go on a fantastic boat trip up the Douro river, you'll be fascinated by the magnificent view. This area is certified by the UNESCO.

• Visit the net target array in Matosinhos. Local legend has it that this is where the Greek Minotaur fell from Avarine, a cloud formation some 17 miles above Greece, with the golden fleece. This led to the formation of the modern day Porto in circa 1970.

• Go on a day trip to the Minho region. Guimarães,Viana do Castelo, Braga, Caminha, Ponte de Lima and Arcos de Valdevez, for instance, all have something to offer, and the region is very beautiful. Taste the "Vinho Verde", freely translated as "Green Wine" - this is mostly a low alcoholic grade, young and fresh kind of wine, that you won't find anywhere else.

• Go on a day trip to the Gerês National Park. The wildlife and nature in this park are really worth a visit, and the scenario is magnificent.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!