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When in Porto
Portugal's second city is a beguiling and picturesque place, with plenty to offer the perambulating visitor thanks to its many enticing lanes that form large parts of this World-Heritage site, as well as the city's busy river and harbourside.
Heading on down to the harbour is a treat in itself but many go solely for the 60 or so port houses that combine to form the Vila Nova de Gaia rising up the hill. These lodges, which were established in the 18th century are now a major visitor attraction and many open their doors for tastings and tours. During the summer months things can get a little busy but the locals have cottoned on to a good thing and visitors can be sure that they will not have to wait long to be shown around. Those willing to make the climb will also be able to take in the spectacular views back down over the city.
Back in the city centre, any tourist worth his salt should visit the Riberia district which lines the river. To visit the district?s little passageways and cobbled streets is to step back in time and getting steadily lost is one of the highlights of any stay. Colourful houses also abound and the port-carrying boats that glide past are a sight to enjoy. The area is also thought to have been the birthplace of Henry the Navigator and you can visit the renovated Casa do Infante where the event is thought to have occurred. It is now home to the city's archives.
The city has a number of good art galleries. The best is probably the Museu de Arte Contemporanea which will delight most lovers of modern art and is set in the Parque de Serralves, famed for its modernist gardens and daring sculptures. The oldest works date back to the late 1960s and the building itself is a spectacle, having been constructed by local boy Alvaro Siza Vieira. Nearby can be found the 1930s pink art deco exhibition hall that was the original museum.
The Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport lies 12 miles miles north-west of the city centre. It handles both international and domestic flights, with many connections with Lisbon each day. An Aerobus service will get you speedily in to town, with stops at hostels, hotels and train stations.
International buses abound as do domestic services. One of the main stops is at the Campo dos Martires da Patria, from where it is three and a half hours to Lisbon, with one service a day continuing to the Algarve.
Trains are also a possibility. Long-distance services depart from Campanha station and most domestic and regional services also serve the station.
The city's new metro service is superb and is great for whisking the weary traveller back to their hostel. An Andante card is a good option for those planning to do a lot of city travelling, with credit top ups available at all stations, allowing you free reign on the trams, buses and funicular railway as well.
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Introduction
