(Photo: flickr.com/photos/99336797@N00)

Porto is a City situated in North of Portugal. It is well connected with major world town by regular commercial Air line Service. Porto Airport is named Aeroporto Internacional Francisco Sa Carneiro having a distance of around 10 kilo meters from City Center. The main Air carrier is TAP Portugal besides many international airlines and low fare air lines are also operating their service to Porto.

Porto is also well connected by high way roads. It is also possible to reach Porto by sea route.  Cruises operate in Duoro river. One can enjoy the cruise and reach Porto.

From the Porto Air Port, one can use Bus Service or hire a Taxi.

Bus

The AEROBUS is a bus service ensuring quick and comfortable journey from Airport to major Hotels and City Locations. It has a service frequency of 30 minutes. The STPC ticket purchased is valid through the day in any of STPC bus.

Taxi Service:

There is very efficient taxi service from Airport to any destination in Porto and they charge by the Fair meter.

Rent-a-car

Rent a car service is also available from the airport and to avail the service reach its counter. There can be prior advance booking through travel agent, who books the flight service.

Travel to Porto by Land:

One can also reach Porto by local bus service, by train or by car.

(Photo: flickr.com/photos/17364971@N00)Roads

There is very efficient service in building new roads connecting towns within Portugal. There are three motorway routes leaving Porto connecting with other towns in Portugal like Lisbon, Mnho and Tras os Montes besides a motorway connecting Valenca.

Besides within Portugal routes a huge bus connection to other towns of Europe is there. Rede Nacional de Expressos, and InterNorte connect Porto to other towns of Europe through Paris.

Besides above many other bus companies also operate their service to Porto from North and south destinations.

Railway Transports

One can reach Porto by availing train service connecting all town of Europe. There are two railway stations in Porto Estação de Campanhã having access to Lisbon, Douro and Minho besides International locations. Estação de S. Bento railway station connects to Galicia, Douro and Minho, besides Aveiro and Coimbra.

According to Sol Hudson, travel editor of USA Broadcast Weekly, “It’s worth visiting the central train station in Porto, just down the street from the cathedral, to see the beautiful blue and white tiles that adorn the walls of the station.”

Means of City Transport:

The prime means of transport in Porto city is by bus service by STCP and the underground Metro do Porto. Whole day ticket and three day open ticket are very convenient to travel as you like.

Porto City looking to the need and reduce the traffic on the roads has developed underground train service. It has made people movement convenient, creating partnership of bus and train service for the benefit of public.

Metro do Porto is capable of transporting thousands of persons each day on each of its routes. There are three routes at present operating Route A (connecting Estádio do Dragão – Senhor de Matosinhos), Route B ( connecting Estádio do Dragão – Pedras Rubras) and Route C (Connecting Estádio do Dragão – Fórum da Maia). A route D is also likely to be operational shortly ( Connecting Câmara de Gaia – Pólo Universitário).

(Photo: flickr.com/photos/37777824@N00)

There is great demand of Hotel Rooms to provide comfortable stay for the visiting guests fitting to their varied needs of services at affordable prices.

Following are prominent hotels of Porto City, which should satisfy the guests’ requirements of services and price:

Pestana Porto Hotel:

It is situated amidst historically region of Porto, and has a wonderful riverside location having a most appealing face frontage comprising of robust and grandeur looking building which has witnessed the period of 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and is retaining it’s original beauty.

The hotel area comes under the classification of World Heritage status and holds great prominence being on the banks of the river Douro.

Having cruise of river, exploring ancient streets and alleys of Porto, sight seeing of the Monuments having the taste of Porto Wine lodges for a peaceful evening Pestana Porto Hotel is most suited for a stay.

All the services are available in the hotel from Business Meeting Rooms, Bar and Restaurant offering variety of multi cuisine meals.

Hotel Tryp Porto Expo:

It is situated in proximity to Exhibition Area. International Airport, Beach and City Centre are very near.

The hotel has Restaurant with Bar Exclusive Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms with Facilities for Disabled Guests, Family Rooms. The Hotel has a Fitness Centre and Outdoor Swimming Pool

Hotel has excellent Room Service, Business Meeting/ Banqueting service and Airport Shuttle.

Guests in their room has Wireless internet and the Guests can also avail free parking inside hotel.

HF Ipanema Park:

Rua De Serralves, 124, 4150-702 Porto

The hotel is situated between Boavista and Foz and is very near to City Centre as well as Motorway. Many varieties of Guest Rooms are available.

Has service of satellite and closed-circuit TV, mini bar, direct dial telephones, fax connection, broadband wireless Internet and 24 hours room service. The hotel has restaurant, bar.

HOTEL HF Fénix Porto:

Rua Gonçalo Sampaio, 282, 4150-365 Porto

Situated in Porto’s

It is situated in Boavista district and is very near to Casa da Musica. The hotel has arrangements for comfortable stay of the guests just near to Porto’s great historic locations. There is very easy approach by public transports. The Guest Rooms are very spacious with large beds and other furniture in the rooms.

HF Fénix Porto has uniqueness of 1970’s designs and all latest facilities. In the morning there is buffet of assorted breakfast provided in restaurant.

There is attached business centre, a bar serving refreshing drinks with snacks.

Dom Henrique Hotel:

It is situated in locality of traditional centre of Porto only at a short distance from shopping zone also near the prime monuments as well as Metro Station Trindade.

Hotel Dom Henrique is the location, from where one can start to discover renowned places of Porto City.

There are plenty of Guest Rooms of varying dimensions and features. Hotel has super quality Além Mar Restaurant serving light snacks to plenty of dishes for serving Lunch and Dinner to the guests. The unique bar “Anrrique” is situated on the 17th floor, which is most suited for business and social gatherings. From the bar one can have glittering views of the Porto city. The Navegador room offers perfect setting for meetings, banqueting and celebration of great events.

HF Tuela Porto:

Rua Arquitecto Marques Da Silva, 200, 4150-483 Porto

It is located in centre of cultural, commercial and business Hub of Boavista for which the hotel is preferred by guests.  The other attraction is its presence amidst “Cidade do Porto” and “Península” shopping Arcade.

The hotel offers vicinity benefit in respect to locations like airport, the historical places, São Bento railway station. Port wine cellars are located nearby.

Places like “Casa da Música”) and sports stadium (the “Pavilhão Rosa Mota” are also very near.

Hotel Holiday Inn Express:

The hotel has comfortable Rooms in city of Matosinhos, which is very near to International airport.

Provides easy access from all major roads. It is also very near the Leça da Palmeira beaches of Porto City. There is free parking for the Guests owned car

Axis Porto Business & Spa Hotel:

Rua Maria Feliciana, 4465-283 Porto – Sao Mamede Infesta.

Axis Hotel one can find very near from the Metro and provides easy approach to Porto centre. Axis is a New Hotel, which came up in March 2009 and has unique latest décoration and superb service.

It is located in University Centre of Porto. The motorway and other Tourist Attraction places can be easily reached from here.

The restaurant in the hotel serves Italian Cuisine and there is a Terrace Bar.

Bessa Hotel:

Rua Dr. Marques De Carvalho, 111, 4100-325 Porto.

Located in Boa vista’s area, which has lot of prestigious surroundings. Guests stay here on business and leisure trip. One can conveniently go to places of tourist attraction like Casa da Música, Serralves Museum, City Park and Foz do Douro. Exhibition Center and Airport is very close by.

Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa:

Rua Tenente Valadim, 146, 4100-476 Porto

It is very centrally located. It forms Space of Light and Transparency in the midst of busy business area. The hotel came into existence in 2003 and has uniqueness in every sphere of its services. The hotel has above 200 Guest Rooms besides many conference rooms besides the Luxuries of modern SPA facilities.

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At night time most of the local bar lovers and tourist make their move towards Ribeira a locality, which has relatively higher number of bars and easy on the pocket also. Many Bars in this area have outdoor seating facility.

Prioridade:

It is situated at Ribeira the location, where most of Porto’s bars serving great beers and drinks with very economical price tag besides being one of the best locations in the region. One can have few drinks here before going to a club and save money, because drinks prices at clubs are very exorbitant.

Cais de Gala Bars:

Just across the river an area named as Cais de Gala also has a number of cafes and bars people throng over there to have their favorite drink after the dinner. From the cafes and bars one gets an occasion to see the far away dazzling lights all over the city and the panoramic view of river on a full moon night.

Cais de Gaia:

It is located in bars locality near Vila Nova de Gaia and has river front space. The location is very modern suiting bars and clubs. One can enjoy river and Porto City view at its best.

Clubs with Bars:

Oporto also has the distinction of having few majestic clubs located in the Foz area or sea side Matosinhos area. To name few clubs and bars frequently visited by younger generation of Porto Bar Estado Novo, Industria, Twins and Act. Via Rapida and Bazaar offers great Music and Drinks and are trend setters

Atelier – Cafe Bar:

R. Dr. Barbosa de Castro, 56-58

In the vicinity of Palácio da Justiça, Museu da Fotografia and Torre dos Clérigos, which form the central region of Porto Atelier Café Bar has been opened, the uniqueness is that smoking is allowed here. There is plenty of Beer and Sangria a domestically produced stuff is served in a great measure.

The Bar has Saxophones and LED Lights producing amazing Psychedelic effect with change of color as fast as the music plays. The décor is mystified by Chrome steel Lamp and numerous Crystal Glasses.

All the time one can enjoy mouth watering snacks famous being Roast Pork sandwich and great soups.

Porto Praga – Global Food & Connoisseur Bar:

Stefana Okrzei 23, Warsaw:

The bar is famous for serving European, International, Mediterranean Seafood.

It is the brain child of Richard Winkler, an experienced Warsaw restaurant owner. The Interior decoration has been designed and executed by Bazyli Piątkowski, a sophisticated Polish Interior expert.

Visitors experience charming effect from the entrance onwards. The theme of the interiors depicts a 2 century old mill. The bar houses a Restaurant, a Connoisseur Bar and Cocktail Club Bar serving best Malt Whisky and Cigars, making it a favorite destination to mix with clients and friends.

Porto Praga has rare distinction of serving delicacies made of lobsters and shrimps.

Ryan’s Irish Bar, Porto:

There is availability of Select Beers and Whiskies, which are served with great perfection in addition to the sets of Live Music play. A Heart Winning Environment created all just in Centre of Porto town and very Close to the River.

It remains open till 4am. The Location is Hot Spot for International Gathering of tourists and Porto locals. The bar is spread on two floors, the upstairs is exclusively comfortable and has great Carved Stone archway with Dim lighting. It is very light on the Pocket of the visitor also.

Trintaeum:

It is situated in the Foz locality very close to the lighthouse, it is small sized but has very enticing decoration decent gentry and prices are reasonable and bar remains open till the midnight is over.

Praia do Ourigo:

It is a Beach bar located in Foz area. The bar presents best view of Porto Town. The bar has been set on the stilts on the beach with the service of a restaurant.

(Photo: flickr.com/photos/28621881@N04)

CP Porto is highly respected team in international circles having won six International titles of European and world Championships and also won UEFA Supercup, UEFA Cup bringing FC Porto a Club of international fame. There are very few teams having Triple prestigious International Titles. At domestic front also the team has the distinction of achieving five sports titles, in continuity every time and have accumulated 57 titles.

The Winning Track Record:

Porto had the winning of Champions League two times. It has again the distinction of being first team since the Liverpool FC 75-77 squad to win the Champions League after winning the UEFA Cup.

The domestic ground for foot ball game is Estádio do Dragão, which superseded previous play ground of Estádio das Antas. Now FC Porto team is playing Hand ball and Basket Ball games and fighting tough for National Titles.

In world wide scenario roller hockey is wonderful sport. Meeting the present sports needs multi sport function playground is nearing completion. Till now these games were played in unprofessional grounds in neighboring cities of Gondomar, Matosinhos and Santo Tirso. These players bear the nick name of Portistas.

FC Porto establishment dates back to September, 1893, when António Nicolau de Almeida a wine salesman by profession, had the occasion to visit England and witnessed the football game there. The Club witnessed revival in 1996 with the efforts of Monteiro da Costa.

The FC Porto Club has its commercial stores present at many locations in  Porto City bearing the name Loja Azul and Nike is enjoying the status of Official Supplier.

FC Porto club Fair:

Every year a Fair is organized by FC Porto Club fondly called Portomania in the beginning of the season, where the sports goods are exhibited and sold to the Sport Lovers of Porto City. To commemorate the Fair a Full Color Magazine name Dragoes is released a practice of three decades.

FC Porto has the record of having played the Portuguese Championship for more than 74 times, in total played above 2000 games and winning 1333 games with draw record of 375, losing in 340 games and having scored total 4542 Goals. FC Porto is a founding member of G-14, which is no more in existence.

FC Boavista:

Boavista Futebol Clube is most commonly known as Boavista Sports Club, which came into being in the year 1903. Boavista expanded its portfolio of sports from just football to include Chess, Gymnastics, bicycle racers and futsal and in a short period became Portugal’s fifth largest sports club yet the prominent sport played was football.

The team players are wearing uniformly white and black check shirts. The club built its stadium Estádio do Bessa in 1973, which was again renovated in to accommodate UEFA Euro 2004 games.

From just a small team Boavista very rapidly expanded its capabilities and became a regular contestant in Europe from 1970 onwards. This was seen as a first challenge to the dominance of Big three title during the period 1975-76 under the leadership of  José Maria Pedroto attaining Second status and maintaining the same next year also.

Year 200-01 saw Boavista winning Superliga defeating Desportivo das Aves by 3-0 and finished Second to Sporting in 2002.

Biavista has adopted Panther as its symbol. Magnificient ULFA Cup found Boavista knocked by Celtic in 2003. The situation would have been great if they had won making the event as All Portugal, because Porto lifted the trophy that year in the event. There had experienced mixed luck of wins and defeats and always displayed tough fights.

(Photo: flickr.com/photos/16073996@N00)

The main places the tourists visit are the Greater Lisbon, the Algarve, Portuguese Islands of Madeira and Azores, Greater Porto and Northern Portugal Porto e Norte and Alentejo. The tourists mostly come from UK, Spain and Germany using cheap airline services available in the region. Their visits are related to enjoy beaches and Sun, to know about the culture or exploring business option available at Portugal.

Hotel Living Arrangements:

Looking at the varying accommodation needs of the visiting tourists, there are numerous Hotels and Apartments providing Rooms for staying to the tourists and local population with all the necessary facilities depending upon the star rating of the place selected for living.

Hotel Apartmentos:

They have variable star rating and offers good services for a stay having an element of liberty to stay as you want besides enjoying the hotel facilities as required without restrictions.

Estalgens or Inns:

These have 4 – 5-star rating very cosy places based on the theme of the location, where they are situated.

Pensões / Boarding Houses:

These places are economical to stay in with rating from below as 3rd, 2nd and 1st class. For in the category highest is Albergaria or guest house.

Motels:

These are road side parking and living areas and have 2 or 3 star rating having direct approach and adequate parking area.

Pousadas:

These are inns, which are situated in historical massive buildings converted into living accommodation and have plenty of natural beauty in and around. These are further categorized into four categories according to the location i.e.  historical, historical/design, nature and charm.

Country Holidays:

They provide traveling and lodging packages to the families and there is a direct contact with local population and they enjoy their habits and customs and provide best place to enjoy real nature as it is in the open.

Country Holiday establishments display a metallic TER insignia and further depending upon nature of accommodation which may be located in huge stately buildings of the past having their unique past architecture setting.

There are also developed cottages with location in the rural regions signifying the rural area settings of the location, where they are situated.

There are developed houses with service facilities to the tourists located in villages having their importance related to history or houses in traditional towns, which are different than modern day urban towns or houses in rural locations, which have been constructed as units having multiple dwelling places, which truly depict architectural design and typical features exclusive to the region.

Rural Hotels:

These hotels have rural locations away from urban touch and their architecture and interior design very unique having sense of belongingness to the local rural area.

Out Door Camping:

There are specific camping locations, which are most perfect in providing a straight exposure to natural scenic settings spread all around the country.
Depending on the permission rights subject to payment by all the campers it is called public place.

Location is private if the camping rights have restriction only to members or beneficiaries having a commercial relation with the camp-site operator. Such area bear the marking “P” and an enquiry of the terms should be enquired from the operator, who has an office at the site for enquiry and help.

Based on the standard facilities and services available, the camping sites are categorized from 1 to 4 star location.  The exclusively rural camping site is found in the open spaces of the farm.

So as to enable to spend the night at any camp site, the campers are required to carry with them their passport or an identity Card.

Other Tourists Accomodation Spots:

Some of villages have tourist attraction. To provide them with accommodation there are specially developed village accommodation locations for the tourists provided with facilities representing 3, 4 or 5 stars either situated in privately held properties or Government owned establishments.

Apartamentos Turísticos / Tourist Apartments:

These have been categorized having 2 to 5 star rating. They become the most suitable choice offering better liberty and service to the guests.

Local Transportation:

Train Services:

The traveling from Lisbon and Oporto can be done by Alfa Pendular train, the fastest and highly comfort packed train. There is a network of InterCity trains also.  For enjoying famous sights located remotely situated places surrounding the capital train service from are available for these locations.

Express coaches:

There is regular service between prominent Portuguese cities and are economically priced.

Taxis:

To travel in the urban  area service of taxi is available operating both during day and night. The fare to be charged is based on the distance covered and time spent in engaging the taxi.

Service of Radio Taxi is also available.

Urban transport

Lisbon

The use of  “Lisboa card” can be made by traveling in all public transport services in the city and trains between Lisbon and Sintra or Cascais. These cards as a tourist attraction offer free entrance or discounts monuments entry fee. Children between the ages of 5 years and 11 years are eligible to 50% concession.

Metro Train Service is also available. There is “Sete Colinas” card which is available at ticket kiosks can be used in the Metro Train.

Oporto Card:

The ”Porto Card” has facility of unlimited use in all the public transports besides free entry to certain monuments or a discounted entry fee to the monument.

Bus rides are also available having facility of combined ticket in Metro Train and Bus so that some distance can be traveled by Metro train and some distance is traveled by the Bus service.

Driving Regulations:

Vehicles in Portugal follow right hand drive, unless it is otherwise displayed on the sign boards. Vehicles coming from the right side have priority while traversing a squares or an intersection. At places of junction with roundabouts, vehicles which are already approached the roundabout has the right to move forward on its way.

Road Signs Complying with International Rules is displayed on the high ways.

Carrying of Compulsory Documents while Driving:

Personal ID
Driving license
Motor insurance certificate
Vehicle registration or equivalent
Vehicle logbook (leveret) or equivalent

In case of any violations on the spot fines are levied and collected.

Various Speed limits based on the type of Vehicle are enforce, which are given below:

50 kph – in built-up areas
90 kph – on normal roads
100 kph – on roads restricted to motor vehicles
120 kph – on motorways

it is a violation to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per liter or more.

All the occupants of the vehicle must fasten the seat belts.

As per the provisions of Portuguese Highway Code there is ban on the use of mobile phones while driving, except there is hands free appliance in use.

Portugal has a very long sea coast, a reason for many sailing adventures and arrival of various civilizations in the past history of Portugal. Portugal has a mixed population from different origins settled here and influenced the present language of Portugal totally different from the Portugal’s original language. Besides all these upheavals, Portugal is the oldest nation of Europe.

Brief History of Portugal:

During the 12^th Century Portugal gained it’s independence from the erstwhile ruling kingdom. Thus Count Afonso Heneriques was the first king as per the wishes of Portugal people. With the conquest of Algarve Portugal possessed its continental border. During the thirteenth century a University was founded at Coimbra in Portugal.

Territories Archipelagos of Azores and Madeira were discovered and form part of Portugal. The Portuguese attained their First Feat among European Nations by sailing to Africa, bringing back wealth of treasures.

Portugal witnessed Dynasty problem and were ruled under Spanish King in the beginning of sixteenth century, which was taken over by a Portugese King. King Joao V, an art lover built a huge palace and a convent at Mafra. The water supply system to Lisbon was completed in the 19^th century.

The monarchy failed and a Republic was established in 1910.

Portugal Political & Administrative Set Up:

Portugal has the status of Democratic Republic and its rule is governed by the Constitution of 1976 with Lisbon, Portugal’s Mega sized city being its capital. There are four main wings, which in combination form part of the Government run by the President of the Republic.

The Parliament is comprised of Assembly of the Republic. The Government is headed by a Prime Minister. There are courts to look after judicial function in the country. Portugal has no state religion hence making it a secular state.

The president, gets elected to serve a five-year term, has a supervisory non-executive role. The government is run by the Prime Minister. He selects the Council of Ministers and secretaries to help him run the government.

The courts are set up to make several categories forming the judicial, administrative, and fiscal Services to handle respective issues of the country. The supreme courts are courts of last appeal. A thirteen-member constitutional court oversees the constitutionality of the laws.

Climate of Portugal:

Portugal’s climate differs drastically from one region to the other due to factors like latitude, distance from sea and mountains on the land resulting into tolerable winters in Algarve in contrast to colder regions at Porto e Norte near Spain.

The Temperature is mild as compared to rest of Europe. Serra da Estrela mountain, witness snowfall and is a place to do skiing during winters. The summer season is hot and dry witnessed in the inland regions as compared to coastal regions, where the temperatures are lower. Weather is good in the month of November commonly called “St. Martin’s Summer” because saint’s day falls on 11^th November.

Azores and Madeira have a mild climate all the time because of varying geographical positioning in contrast to other territories of Portugal.

Monetary System:

Portugal is member of EU since 1986 and Euro is its official Currency, which is common to other 16 countries of Europe.

Through out Portugal - Automatic Teller Machines ATMs are installed and are effectively dispensing cash to the needs of the population

Exchange of currency can be made at Banks and with the help of automatic currency exchange machines.

Portugal population has access to Popular Credit Cards of Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, Euroclub etc. which are supported by good customer care service.

Communication Links:

Telephones Services:

There are coin operated public telephone booths. Virtual cards are also available, which can be procured from Telecom shops, post offices and some designated public counters.

The telephone numbers have 9 digits for making a call outside Portugal digits 00 and 351 are to be suffixed.

Similarly for making a call abroad, dial 00, the country code, the area code followed by the number to be accessed. Information of country codes is available at the booths.

Mobile phones:

Portugal has the highest number of mobile phone users and the service is provided by TMN, Vodafone and Optimus all have roaming arrangements with international mobile phone service providers. There is good coverage by these network arrangements. Another option is to get a prepaid phone with an international plan before traveling to Portugal, to save you the hassle of having to buy one when you get there.

Under the Portuguese Highway Rules one can not use mobile phones, while driving the vehicle except when there is hands free appliance.

Internet Services:

Internet services can be accessed on payment in some cafés, in post offices having Net post service. A number of hotels and public places like Airports, Conference centers, Restaurants, Service Areas in motor-ways and shopping centers, wireless internet service is available.

A carry bag with multiple pouches and partitions to separately pack all the daily outdoor utility items safely and securely so that at the time of need of any item, can be conveniently taken out, without disturbing other items kept in the carry bag. A person who is doing the packing must know where each article is packed.

While going to Porto one must make a list of items to carry with and tick mark to ensure the same has been put in the carry bag. One can not rely on the personal memory a written list and ticking each item is the proper way before commencing the journey. Following items should be carried along with:

1. Adequate number of clothing for day time and night time wear considering the number of days one is going to spend at the trip and the washing activity takes more time.

2. Spare Blanket and pillow if during there is night journey in the train.

3. Light refreshment items during the journey.

4. A Camera with Flash Light, Binoculars.

5. Flat comfortable shoes, because the streets in Porto are in steep height and have uneven surface.

6. There should be water proof material for Protection from rain because the rain downpour is very heavy.

7. Carry all essential medications like eye drops, analgesic tablets, common cold tablets and vaporub, anti vomiting tablets, medicines for hyperacidity, loose motions etc.

8. Sun Screen Application, because there is very bright sunshine to protect skin burning.

9. Adequate quantity of Photographic films, battery Cells, memory cards etc.

10. A Portuguese Phrase book – try to learn few phrases commonly used so that you can communicate some thing, which you want to in local language.

11. A Bubble wrapping sheet for transporting pottery/ bottles of Porto to home safely.

12. Traveling light is a universal suggestion, which makes traveling in public transport convenient.

13. If you can manage you are advised to hire a cab for a comfortable journey.

14. All the tourists in winter are holding the essential items and always have a rain protection kit. There is no snow at Porto. When it is raining or cold winds are blowing one requires adequate protection with water proof clothes and wind cheaters.

15. The temperatures touches 10ºC medium temperature it can rise within the range of 15 ºC to 20 ºC.

16. One should have protection from flu fever by proper vaccination before undertaking the journey. It becomes very unbearable if one falls ill while traveling.

17. Porto beach water is rich in iodine, which can harm skin. Suitable Cream should be applied on the skin.

18. Porto has a hot weather during summers only light clothes are required. During winter you require warm clothes and some thing to get protection from winds, when you are in the ocean region or winds are blowing all over.

It is show room for the fabled Arraiolos carpets, which are popularly known as  nubby pure wool carpets of Portugal. A huge number of women workers, who for the last many generations of producing such art work, devote long hours in crafting carpets depicting symmetrical offbeat designs in bright and attractive colors, which are exhibited and sold to unique customers having love for the craft items.

Mуvel 4–rua de Camхes 19:

Is the largest dealer of Cutting-edge home furnishings, which are sold at their branches located at rua de Santa Catarina 1002, and rua Dom Manuel II 196.

Haity, rua de Santa Catarina 247:

They are largest dealer of leather goods at Porto.

Casa dos Linhos, rua de Fernandes Tomas 660:

Are dealers for all varieties of linen and embroideries.

Livraria Lello, rua das Carmelitas 144:

It is a renowned book store and has exclusive stocks of great titles in English and has a good range. One can find any thing needed at this book store. The premises, is well decorated, the shop is more than a century old and therefore has some rare books. It is very famous through out north Portugal.

Perfumaria Castilho, rua de Sб de Bandeira 80:

It is a place, where one can access any brand of international perfumes and if you’re looking for any of the standard international perfumes, besides some very rare perfumes, which are exclusively available here.

Ana Salazar, rua nova de Alfopndega 65:

They make exclusive designs related to women’s fashion, the womens’ clothing portray sexy look.The show room stocks all type of goods like for casual wear, office wear, sports wear including foot wear, bags and accessories. Their clothes are bit costly, when compared to local stuff, but they are reasonably priced as compared to other similar designer crafts available in Paris.

Regional Center of Traditional Arts: rua de Reboleira 33-37:

They stock traditionally produced Portuguese handicrafts. It was established in the eighteenth century. It sources its items from select artisans spread through out Portugal.  ita 20A.

Vista Alegre, rua Cвndido dos Reis 18:

They stock ultrafine porcelin products, and have facilities of sending the consignments of orders received from customers to any place. The rates of items are related to the intricacy of the artwork involved.

Cafe Majestic

Rua de Santa Catarina, 112

It is the place from where the cafe Majestic started it’s services in the twenties. The cafe has close connections with the events and happenings in the city of Porto starting from 1921 offering a feeling of luxury besides the coffee beverage, when it was named as Elite. Within just one year it was named Majestic, which is in continuance thereafter. Various writers and politicians of the times assembled here for a refreshing cup of coffee to stimulate their think tank and exchange views and opinions. It would be true fact that Art, technology and Politics progressed at this spot

Subsequently the Porto city, witnessed tremendous life style changes and the survival a splendid coffee place also became an unmanageable issue. It was closed down, and subsequently in 1994 it reopened as a Public Interest and cultural Heritage Property displaying it’s artistic look having decorations of Antwerp Crystals, Indian Marble flooring captivating furnishings. Among the Antiques is the Piano and winter garden warmly inviting the visitors.

This is the kind of refined atmosphere, with poetry readings, piano concerts, painting exhibitions and book launches, that the Cafe Majestic creates for your visit.

Restaurants in Porto:

Following are some of the prominent regional restaurants serving all famous dishes like Sardinhas Fritas, Pataniscas de Bacalhau, Bacalhau а Narcisa e Bacalhau, Filetes de Polvo e Congro Arroz Doce e Mousse de Chocolate, Doces Caseiros,
Sopa de Legumes e Entradas Variadas  to the visitors.

Restaurant Adega do Pacheco: Rua de Miraflores.

Restaurant Adega Vila Meг: Rua dos Caldeireiros, 62.

Restaurant Bar Club 21 Rua Afonso Lopes Vieira, 162:

Restaurant Capa Negra:Rua Campo Alegre, 191:

Restaurant Chez Lapin:Rua dos Canastreiros, 40/42:

Restaurant Churrascгo do Mar: Rua Joгo Grave, 134/152. – Ao Estadio do Bessa.

Restaurant Convнvio: Rua Arq. Marques da Silva, 303 e Rua Gonualo Sampaio, 238.

Restaurant Cufra: Avenida da Boavista, 2504.

Restaurant D.Tonho Cais da Ribeira, 13/15.

Restaurant Don Manoel: Avenida Montevideu, 384 (Foz do Douro).

Restaurant Escondidinho: Rua Passos Manuel, 144.

Restaurant Favas Contadas Rua de Gondarem, 843.

Restaurant Galiza: Rua do Campo Alegre, 55.

Restaurant Gambamar Rua do Campo Alegre, 110/118.

Restaurant Lagosteiro: Rua Conde de Burnay, 140.

Restaurant Mal Cozinhado: Rua do Outeirinho, 13.

Restaurant Mercearia: Cais da Ribeira, 32/33-A.

Restaurant Miguel: Rua D. Domingos Pinho Brandгo.

Restaurant Neptuno: Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 133.

Restaurant O Fado: Largo Sгo Joгo Novo, 16 – 16-A.

Restaurant У Macedo: Rua Passeio Alegre, 552.

Restaurant Orfeu: Rua Julio Dinos, 928.

Restaurant Porto Fino: Rua do Padrгo, 103 (Foz do Douro).

Torre dos ClErigos Rua dos ClErigos.:

The monument dating back to middle of Eighteenth century a superb creation designed by Nicolau Nasoni. Nicolau.Nasoni was an architect originally from Italy, who had established his mastery of Art in Porto City and north of Portugal, before taking up designing of Torre dos ClErigos. By acceding to his request, he is buried in a small chapel here.

Front view of the church depicts the charming baroque finish at its contours domes and spires inviting for a closer look to observe the intricacies of the art work. The interior design has a one piece nave made of granite and marble and decorated with baroque carvings reflecting the marvelous skill of the architect. The main chapel, has amazing polychromatic altarpiece a star attraction created by Manuel Porto.

The astounding feature of the monument is the unique construction of the tower made from granite rising up at the western part of the church 75 meters height. The beginning of the tower has highly decorative designs portraying rhythmic stages in progression and at the top of tower is a spherical clock house. It is the Landmark of Porto city.

In side there is staircase providing easy climbing to the top and see the panoramic view of the Porto city from the top.

Torre, Capela ou Ermida de Sao Miguel-O-Anjo Rua do Passeio Alegre :

It is a Monument of sixteenth century constructed on a rocky island present in the river. It is declared as a monument of public interest and location has Special Conservation Area. Internally the building is of octagonal shape in such a way that three niches are facing the river. The chapel has traditional cupola having a spiral stairs for climbing it. The Tower was constructed to provide light and warn the boats navigating in the river and arriving at port. This is the uniqueness of Portugal. As on today it is a dry land.

Porto’s Commercial Center:

Most of Porto’s commercialized activities take place for the local residents at the shops satisfying their curiosities, the international buyers are rare to visit these shops. Quite recently, there is growth of clusters of shopping malls. Among them the latest are as per details given below:

1. Centro Comercial Peninsular, Praзa do Bom Sucesso.
2. These are situated in pedestrian zone of the Porto city’s central shopping location, rua de Santa Catarina, situated at the corner of rua Fernandes Tomar. The interior decoration of the mall shops are having the touch of décor found in the villages of North Portugal. Designer Clothes from France, Italy and Spain are stocked in these shopping malls.

Mercado dos Passaros, rua de Madeira:

It is a trading centre housing Open-air markets in addition to the malls. One can purchase birds kept in cage,

Mercado das Flores, Praзa de Liberdade:

Deals in Plants grown in pots meant for indoor and out door decoration of the homes and commercial places.

Numismatics Fair, Praзa Dom Joгo I: Has amazing collections of Coins and coins and medallions.

Flea markets:

These are situated at Praзa de Batalha.

Mercado de Bolгo:

It is known for stocking great variety of local fruits, vegetables, and meats. There are numerous dealers selling variety of food items, decorative flowers, spices, and kitchen appliances having an open air setup occupying huge area marked into blocks for easy approach.

Goldsmiths & Silversmiths:

Porto is very proud to have Gold & Silver Designer Shopping Area at rua das flores. These exclusive shops stock finely crafted artworks in Gold and silver as jewelry and gift items for their elite customers.

Pedro A. Baptista:

It is a marvellous jewelry shop and has in it’s collection of antique and new fashion jewelry and many decorative items. The enterprise buys rare and beautiful antique jewelry, which is exhibited after doing little bit of redoing a job on it if necessary. The articles displayed are has very intricate art on objects like filigree pins, brooches, bracelets etc. made of pure 19.2 carat gold or silver pieces gold plated for economy customers. The shop also stocks exquisite art silverware collection like highly decorative tea service ware.

Related posts:

• Porto City Guide

Most of the persons living in Porto city understand English language, except few living in interior places, do not understand English. The population of Porto city has great liking for persons who speak with them in their own Portuguese language, which has lot of similarity with French and Spanish language. The commonly used words are easy to learn in a short period.

National Holidays:

As in any country there are some specific holidays related to Portugal, which are celebrated here. Following are some of the holidays observed here:

January 1,  New Year’s Day.

February 12,  Shrove Tuesday/Carnaval – Bank holiday.

March 28,  Holy Thursday -Bank holiday.
March 29 , Good Friday.
March 31,  Easter.
April 1,  Easter Monday – not for banks.
April 25,  Liberation Day.
May 1, Labor Day.
May 30, Corpus Christi day.
June 10, National Day/Camoes and Portugal Day.
August 15,  Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
October 5,  Republic Day.
November 1,  All Saints Day.
December 1,  Independence Day, Youth Day.
December 8,  Immaculate Conception.
December 24,  Christmas Eve – banks.
December 25,  Christmas Day

Communication Facilities:

Being away from home, there is a craving to communicate with people back home:

Telephone Codes:

It is worth making a note that code for Portugal is 351; where as the city code for Libson is 22.

The nationally supported local number in respect of emergencies is 115;  Local information can be accessed by dialing 118; the international information and assistance can be accessed by dialing 098. These numbers should be remembered or note them in your personal diary or save in your mobile directory. There is likely change of the above mentioned numbers and need to be confirmed, when you make a visit to Porto City.

Local Calls

Local calls can be made from a of Phone privately operated café service, where there is metering device which displays value of the call you have made, make the payment of the call made at the counter.

The public Phones are coins operated, which have to be kept in a row. The quantity of coins required fall in the Phone box depending upon duration and distance of the calling station. You can obtain phone debit cards from the Post Office, which are accepted at Creditone and T-Sete booths spread all over the city.

Long Distance

For making long distance calls within Portugal put 0 before the provincial code, to access a phone call. A list of province code numbers is available at all the phone booths for necessary help.

To access a long distance call from a telephone booth can be irritating and in the hotels it is costly. One should go to telephone office and take help in getting the phone connected. As soon as the required telephone gets connected, the call gets transferred to a cubicle, for maintaining its secrecy. The payment of the phone service can be searched.

To make calls to other areas within Portugal, precede the provincial code with 0 (most phone booths have a chart inside listing the various province codes). The 0 is unnecessary when dialing from outside Portugal.

Sending Mail Home:

Mail to the home place can be made possible either through a postcard or an envelope by affixing Postage of the right denomination.

Transportation within City:

Transportation during peak hours can be a chaos. To be saved of the problem one should use Taxi or Bus service. While traveling during night time, avail the Taxi service or bus. One should know the Bus service timetable so that one reaches bus stand just at time the bus is scheduled to arrive.

The daily pre-paid tickets work out to be more economical and can be purchased by the Bus booth or from post offices and magazine kiosks.

The approximate cost to hire a car service is EUR 100 per day. The  Europcar on rental basis can be accessed from telephone Number. +351-219-40 77 90 or reservas@mail.europcar.com. Street parking cost about EUR 0.50 is extra per hour of parking in the city jurisdictions.

Phone Taxi: Phone Taxi service for going to the Airport costs EUR 18-20.

Entertainment in Porto:

City of Porto offers great entertainment options in the theatres and cinemas following places are of special mention from visitor’s point of view:

Balleteatro, Praca 9 de Abril, 76.

Casa das Artes (Arts House) Rua Ruben A, 210.

Coliseu do Porto (Porto Coliseum) Rua de Passos Manuel, 137.

Pavilhгo Rosa Mota(Rosa Mota Pavillion) Rua de D. Manuel II.

Rivoli – Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre) Praca D. Joгo I

Sa da Bandeira/Latino Rua de Sa da Bandeira, 108

Seiva Trupe – Teatro Vivo, C.R.L./Teatro do Campo Alegre Rua das Estrelas.
Teatro de Belomonte (Belomonte Theatre) Rua de Belomonte, 57.

Teatro Campo Alegre (Campo Alegre Theatre) Rua das Estrelas, 57

Teatro Nacional de S. Joгo

S. Joгo National Theatre. Praca da Batalha.
Teatro Helena Sa e Costa(Helena Sa e Costa Theatre) Rua da Alegria, 503

Teatro da Vilarinha (Vilarinha Theatre) Rua da Vilarinha, 1386

Teatro Latino (Latino Theatre) Rua Sa da Bandeira, 108

Casa do Medico (Doctor’s House) Rua Delfim Maia, 405

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• Porto City Guide

Glorious Past & Present of Porto City:

Porto is city in Portugal depicting both ruins of the medieval period as well as the modern architectural splendors marked by numerous bridges, making easy to navigate by all kinds of vehicular traffic, without interfering in the civic activities of the population in general.

The construction of massive bridges involves a high degree of town planning, which interests engineers and architects of other countries for make it a point to visit the marvelous creation for a close look and take help from the engineers involved in building of these bridges to understand the intricacies of the design deployed.

Some people treat a modern industrial town having finest planning of the internal roads and the bridges for fast and heavy traffic movement without any obstruction.

Status of Porto City:

Porto ranks as second largest town of Portugal its capital in the north, with all its natural beauties and charming locations for visitor attraction, of which Porto is truly proud. Proto has progressed into a high profile industrial town in the region.

Proto in the past was known by the name Portucale during the rule of Suedes, subsequently there was change of its name as Oporto, when it was ruled by Goths Moors and witnessed to be a rich trading centre of the medieval and present times. Now it is popularly known as Porto, which is truly cosmopolitan in its character.

Porto is also famous for its Monuments, Museums and Palaces built by its various rulers depicting their cultures and architecture of the era preserved and well maintained for posterity.

Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum, Rua D. Hugo:

It is 18^th century museum, situated near Cathedral and is used to display private collections of Guerra junqueiro housing some 14^th century Portuguese furniture items besides classic ceramics, silverware, brassware and very rare religious sculpture .

Museum de Arte Contemporanea da Fundasao Serralves

Rua D. JoAo de Castro:

It has mixed architectural designs and also has in addition 4500 square meter of exhibition area. It has annexed to it 8200 square meter area housing an auditorium, a public library, a documentation centre, a relaxation centre and a roof restaurant facing the park having finest natural look.

Soares dos Reis National Museum Rua D. Manuel II:

The museum is present in eighteenth century palace representing classical and eighteenth century architecture and has on display valuable collections in respect of nineteenth and twentieth century Portuguese paintings. Among all, the painting of “Porto school” pertaining to naturalist era has a special attraction. Art works of Silva Porto, Marques de Oliveira, Artur Loureiro and Henrique Pousao have their unique paintings on display besides the most typical art works of outstanding sculptor Soares dos Reis.

Romantic Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha Rua Entrequintas:

The museum has on display, collection of decoration art consisting of painting, Nineteenth century furniture and a number of articles belonging to King Carlos Alberto of Sardinia.

Stock Exchange Rua Ferreira Borges:

The stock exchange is extremely wonderful place being the merger of the past and present architecture. The most attractive part of this palace consists of Patio das NasУes and a beauty enhancing granite and marble stairs besides several rooms decked with outstanding paintings and furniture articles. Out of all of them it is the Arab Room, having outstanding significance.

The Monuments at Porto:

Capela de Nossa Senhora de Agosto - Porto Largo de Entrada da Rua do Sol:

It is a great Church depicting Sixteenth Century architecture created in the later period.

Castelo do Queijo:

It is Seventeenth century Fort, which is triangular in appearance, and is cut short facing the sea. This 17C triangular fort is truncated at the end facing the sea. At three corners watch towers are built to observe the surrounding area by the guards. Entire Fort is surrounded by a wide and deep water channel preventing easy sneaking of any person to the temple.

Inside the Fort there is a Chapel and this comprises the residence of the Governor.

EdifМcio da Livraria Lello & Irmao:

At no. 144 on Rua das Carmelitas, located towards west of Prasa da Liberdade, the entry to the monument is marked by amazing culture objects of the past. The glorious facade consists of a broad arch structure displaying two paint covered art figures one signifies Art and other is the Science aspect. The bulding is part of the national heritage of City of Porto.

There benches made of wood and covered with rich leather upholstery. There are book cases made of wood placed by the walls inside the room, give a very effect of Royal welcome to the visitor. In the middle of the room there are elegant stairs for going up, which give the ornamental look to the place. The rich artistic taste during the Gothic period is truly reflected in the artistic choices made in the construction of this monument.

Forte Sao Joao Baptista:

The Fort has two storey construction of defensive structure surrounding the fort, where the guards can walk and keep the fort vigilance and defense for protecting any one to enter from the sea bound  boundary surrounding the town. The chapel has hexagonal tile covering the cupola structure built over it surrounded by roof like structure having support of the brackets.

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• Porto City Guide – Information
• Monuments & Trade in Porto