PORTO, PORTUGAL
Situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Porto is known for its colorful, riverside buildings, its elevated bridges, and port wine! While here, it will be very hard to take a bad photo as the Douro River runs right through the city. There is something pleasing to the eye at every turn!
Attractions:
Clérigos Tower: Climb up the 200 steps to get a gorgeous view of the entire city from 76m high! Entrance to the tower costs €8, but the church is free. It is open from 9:00am-9:00pm.
SANDEMANs Free Walking Tour: Pay what you think it’s worth at the end! You can book here.
Dom Luís I Bridge: This is the most famous bridge in Porto. At 146 feet (45m) tall, you’ll get a commanding view!
Cais da Ribeira: This is the area you’ll see in nearly every Porto postcard. There are plenty of shops and restaurants here!
Port Wine Tour: If you’re in Porto, you have to try port wine and what better way than by doing a wine tour? There are plenty around town, but my favorite is Burmester Wine Cellars. Their tours start at €16 - can’t beat it!
Livraria Lello: This bookshop is said to have inspired the Hogwarts Library in J.K. Rowling’s book series Harry Potter.
Other spots to check out include: Estação da São Bento, Praça da Liberdade, Casa da Música, and Foz do Douro.
Hotel:
The Yeatman Hotel: Easily the best hotel in Porto and it’s not even close. If you’re coming to one of the most important wine capitals in Europe, why not stay in a luxury wine hotel and spa in the heart of Porto? Slightly larger than your average boutique hotel with 109 rooms, The Yeatman is homey, quiet, and elegant - not to mention home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Portuguese wine in the world. Sipping wine as you gaze upon a UNESCO World Heritage city never goes out of season. By booking through my personalized Virtuoso Private Label Site, you will my Advisor complimentary amenities, which include daily buffet breakfast for two, a Discover Porto & Douro wine tasting, and a welcome half bottle of Port wine accompanied with Portuguese custard tarts (not to mention early check-in, late check-out and a complimentary room upgrade - subject to availability).
Transportation:
Porto’s main train terminal is Campanhã Railway Station; all trains below leave from here. The main bus station is Campo 24 de Agosto; all buses below leave from here (unless denoted otherwise).
Coimbra is 1.5 hour by train from Porto and costs €18. The bus ride is 1.5 hours and costs €12.50.
Lisbon is 3 hours by train from Porto and costs €22.50. The bus ride is 3.5 hours and costs €6.
Salamanca, Spain is 5.5 hours by bus from Porto and costs €31; buses leave from Camélias Bus Station. There are no direct trains that run this route.
Madrid, Spain is 10.5 hours by train from Porto (indirect) and costs €52. The bus ride is 8.5 hours and costs €31; buses leave from Camélias Bus Station.
