Porto, one of Europe’s oldest cities, is an event in itself! Breathtaking monuments and masterpieces of contemporary architecture, a surprisingly traditional yet highly cosmopolitan life-style, World Heritage sites and stunning views, glamorous settings and charming amenities.
Porto is the regional capital of northern Portugal and is known mainly for its trade in Port wine, which travels along the east-west trending Douro River that starts in Spain. Porto has for its long history, been known as a cosmopolitan trading center. It still has a blue collar working class feel, but it's a sort of Vasco de Gama working class with a timeless style. Porto's wealth of over 2000 years of history was recognized in 1996 by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage.
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, with 300 000 inhabitants, and the heart of an area of great vitality, with a population of 1.2 million, ideal gateway to
the undiscovered North of Portugal.

TRAVEL TO PORTO

Porto is located 300 kms north of Lisbon, well connected with all European Capitals. All major Airlines fly directly to Porto: Lufthansa, Iberia, Air France, Swiss, Transavia, Ryanair, Air Berlin, Luxair, SN Brussels, Hapag Lloyd among others. The national carriers are TAP and PGA (Portugália). Both have offices in most European capitals and offer direct flights to Porto.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Porto Airport is located 11km from Porto, and provides direct links to over 30 international destinations. From the airport to the city center and hotels, you can use the Aerobus or take a taxi. Travel time to the city center is approximately 40 minutes

• Aerobus: Bus route providing a fast connection between the airport, the city’s leading hotels and Porto city center:
  Every 30 minutes:
  07:30 -19:00 (Airport - Downtown)
  06:45 -18:15 (Downtown - Airport)
  Fare: € 4 Daily Ticket. Valid on all STCP lines.
• Taxi: Taxis are available 24 hours a day. The average fare between the Airport and the town center is € 13.50. Any tolls (round trip) are paid by the client. On Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, and Monday to Friday between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., a 20% rate applies above normal fares. Luggage exceeding 55x36x20cm which needs to be carried in the boot or on the roof can be charged € 1.50. Tipping is at the customer's discretion. The price includes 4 passengers.
• Car: Three motorways connect Porto to Lisbon (A1), the regions of Minho (A3) and Trás-os-Montes (A4). If you drive from Lisbon to Porto, follow the A1 motorway. The distance between the two cities is about 310 km. Choose the signs “Arrábida” to cross the Arrábida bridge and leave the motorway at the second exit, called Bessa Leite. After getting off the highway, the main hotels are 500 meters straight ahead on Av. da Boavista.
• Train: For information on trains to and from Porto, please visit http://www.cp.pt/.

There are 2 main railway stations in Porto:

Campanha: Located in the eastern side of Porto, this railway station includes international services, from the Alfa Pendular (from Lisbon), services between cities and regions, and regional and suburban services, which enable the connection to several destinations in the country and abroad.

S. Bento: Located in the centre of the city, this railway station includes suburban and regional services, as well as services between regions, which Centro de Congressos e Exposições, the connection to several destinations in the city. If you arrive at S. Bento Station take a few minutes to view the beautiful tiles, including in the ceiling.

TRANSPORTATION IN PORTO

Metro Network - Light Rail

The city of Porto has recently developed a new way of transportation, the light urban metro network that provides both citizens and visitors a comfortable
and faster way of transportation.
The Blue and Red lines are already operating from Matosinhos and Póvoa to the new F.C. Porto Stadium, the Dragon Stadium. The interface that connects the Red Line and downtown with Porto International Airport opened in June 2006.
Rates vary according to the different zones. Generally speaking a journey can cost between €0,80 and €1,00. A first time traveller has to buy the "andante" card - a magnetic rechargeable ticket that can be used both in the metro network and several bus lines.

Public transport

A network of buses covers the city and fares are paid upon entering the bus. There are special cards for 1 day or cards for 10 journeys. Original tramcars offer nostalgic tours along the riverfront, ocean promenade and Historic Centre.

Taxis

Normally take up to four passengers.

Rent-a-car

Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt

Tourist Drivers

French and English speaking guides/drivers; Limousines take up to 7 passengers.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

EURO

Since January 2002 the Euro is the official currency in Portugal.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards accepted: Visa,
American Express, MasterCard and Diners.

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL VENUES

Porto shares the cultural life of many important metropolis with year-round theatre plays such as São João Theatre and Rivoli Theatre, concerts of modern and classical music, art exhibitions, ballet, opera…
There are several excellent museums, namely the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, the Soares dos Reis Museum, the Port Wine Museum, the Portuguese Centre of Photography, the Transports and Communications Museum, not to mention Casa da Música – The House of Music - which no one should miss the opportunity to visit.  In addition, smaller ones are dedicated to art or to special subjects, or were once the houses of renowned Portuguese authors and historic personalities.
Besides the Cathedral, Porto is scattered with beautiful baroque churches that are well worth a visit.

PORTO WEATHER

Porto can be rainy during the month of March with average highs of 15 °C.