Porto Travel Forum

Hi all! We are a big group of 15 persons passing by Porto this summer. We only have an afternoon in Porto and leave at noon the next day. I was hoping for any advice or tips to what to do, see and eat in this city. What are the good restaurants to try really good local cuisine(8 to 12 Euros) in the central part of Porto? Can anyone suggest a good 2 to 3 star hotel in the center? What is the best area to be located in at Porto(for walking, restaurants and shops)? What is the best wine tour in Porto that is short but worth dropping by?

Many thanks!
AL

http://www.portoturismo.pt/

As you only have an afternoon it is difficult to pick and choose on behalf of a group whose interests are unknown.Try to get hold of a street plan - it is quite easy to get lost in the side streets!
I would choose -
A visit to the Art Gallery
The Cathedral.
And if you have time and interest cross the river for a wine(port) tasting and tour of the cellars.

Just walk around absorbing the atmosphere, admire the old buildings, stopping for a coffee here and there.
Pop into the Railway station to see the tiles that decorate the Atrium.

Sorry I can't recommend an hotel but the link below may give you some more ideas.

http://www.portoturismo.pt/

I forgot to say the classic local dish is salt fish - Baccaloa. I think 8 -12 euros may be a bit optimistic for a good lunch.
Have a look at the Restaurant tips on the link below.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Portugal/Distrito_do_Porto/Porto-282453/TravelGuide-Porto.html

Hi! My tips for things to do in Porto would be to do the 6 bridges boat trip 10 euros, which includes tickets for 2 port caves - many of the Port cellars have free admission anyway, which usually include at least 1 free glass of port. I visited the Croft cellar, which had an interesting tour and no hard sell.

The Market is interesting to look around (and a chance to stock up on cheaper food such as fruit,nuts,dried fruit) as is the Ribiera area.

Walk along the top of the Ponte Dom Luis for a view! If You have time, a tram ride to Foz on a 1930s tram to see the seaside.

There are some interesting churches, many with tiled exteriors, typical of the area.

Ride the Funicular, from Ponte Louis, for views over the river.

Eating out - for your budget, You'll be reduced to snacks such as Lanche - a sweetish bread with ham filling, which I tried for 1.20 euros, or Francesinha - a type of croque monsieur - steak sausage and ham with melted cheese and a spicy tomato sauce - which I didn't get to try.
Just checking in my guide book (Rough Guide) workers cafes have set meals for 5 euros!! at lunch time. There are plenty of cafes selling burgers etc. Try cafes away from Ribiera and other tourist areas for cheaper places to eat.
Tripe, meat stews with potatoes, Caldo Verde (Cabbage and potato soup) and Bacalhau (dry salted cod)are traditional foods.
I ate in Ribiera 2 nights, the portions were huge! 2 could share a meal easily.
Be aware that if you eat in a restaurant, an appetiser tray will appear, You don't have to eat from this - if You do, any items will be charged for.

There are some interesting old shops including a bakery near the market, to buy some interesting breads, pastries etc.

Try Venere.com , Booking.com, Hostalz, Easyjet, Ryanair etc for cheap accomodation.

I was booked into the 2* Malaposta through Ryanair hotels, but when I arrived, it was undergoing decoration, so I was upgraded to the Albergaria Miradouro, which was a higher rating, but a bit further away from the River etc.

Please check my pages, plus other VTers for more Info
Have A Great trip!
Sue

Hello,

You have a lot to see in Porto. Many things have been said, just adding that if you like contemporary art you have fundação Serralves. Porto and the surrounding cities have beaches so if it's really warm you can go there and chill out a bit (water in the Porto is not that good, go to Gaia instead).

About eating I like the area of Gaia. They have nice restaurants next to the river with wonderful views to the city of Porto. You can get to this restaurants by crossing the bridge what can be easily done from the area of Ribeira in Porto.

Take care and have a nice trip!

I agree with all above.

You must try to eat the Francesinha: it is tipical of Porto alone! You usually pay 5 to 9 euros and be satisfied for the all afternoon.

I would advise to do a Hop-on-hop-off bus tour: you can see briefly the city and then choose what to see closely.

Try a hotel in Rua Sá da Bandeira or even in Aliados Avenue: you can walk to shops, monuments, and bars at night in Ribeira.

Defenitly, do the river cruise and Porto wine cellars!

If you need something else, say something.
Enjoy!

Enjoy the Ribeira district and go to Vila Nova de Gaia (the other side of the river) and taste my favourite dish: Francesinha