Portugal

PORTO OVERVIEW AND TRAVELING TIPS

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metro in Porto and metro map

Porto beaches

I have been living in Porto more than half a year for my studies and would like to share my experience and traveling tips with you. If your criterions for ideal vacation include sunny beaches, warm evenings, breathtaking views and welcoming people around, Portugal is for you! Personally, I prefer arriving to Portugal through Porto airport, especially because Ryanair flies there, sometimes tickets could be really cheap. Porto airport is much smaller than Lisbon, less crowded, therefore arriving procedures (like passport control) go fast and smoothly - thats what the tired traveller needs. On your way from the airport corridor to the main hall there are usually promoters from El Corte Inglés giving out free maps. Maps include a city centre map and a metro map as well. Almost anywhere in Porto can be easily reached by Metro. Taxi are pretty cheap and good way to travel during night time. Taxi from the airport to city centre would cost around 20 euros, while taxi within city centre would cost around 6 euros.

CITY CENTER

The best way to reach Douro river bank is walking down from metro São Bento, there are some nice souvenir shops down the river and nice bars to spend the evening watching incredible view while tasting good wines. 

Shopping area is around Bolhão metro, it is usually quite crowded around there. There are several shopping centers, such as Norteshopping (close to metro Sete Bicas) and El Corte Inglés (metro João de Deus). Food and drinks can be purchased in local supermarkets chains: Pingo Doce, Lidl and Continente which all have good promotions. 

Trinidade metro is very central and place to transfer to different metro lines. Violet line from Trinidade goes directly to the airport, journey lasts around 30 minutes, but considering the waiting time it is better to have ah hour or (1h 15 min) for the road from your hotel (if it is in city centre) to the airport. 

Most restaurants are closed from 15 to 19-30, as well as most of the places are closed on Sundays so check there opening hours to avoid the disappointment. If you are struggling to fond open restaurant on Sunday, best place to search is near the river bank.

If you would like to experience to live as locals instead of booking a hotel, try airbnb and book a nice house by the river side.

Best seafood restaurants could be found in Matosinhos (blue line, stop Matosinhos Sul). I would particularly recommend place called ‘A Chalandra’. The dinner for two with wine is around 60 euros, the seafood is really fresh and very good cooked. The owner always welcomes you himself like you are a dear guest in his house, make you feel really comfortable, advise the best and most fresh fish and seafood he has. You can see the fish and seafood prior it is cooked and point to the one you prefer to be prepared for you. 

 Best present from Portugal is real cork bag. Click here and have a look!

my blog is moving to kalinkatravel.kach-margo.ru