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Oporto y norte Portugal

En la región de Oporto y norte, nace el vino de Oporto y nació, también, Portugal. El pasado, con su amplia herencia cultural puede verse reflejado en el presente, colmándolo de numerosas posibilidades turísticas.

Zona de montañas de granito y de vegetación frondosa, posee numerosos castillos y edificios barrocos, tanto religiosos como civiles. El valle del Duero, patrimonio mundial; las rutas del barroco, los muchos parques naturales (el del río Miño y Tras-os-montes, el de Montesinho, etc) y el parque arqueológico del río Côa, le otorgan a esta región un carácter inigualable.
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Puede comenzar en Braga el recorrido por uno de los antiguos caminos de Santiago. Siga por Portela do homem hasta la carretera de España, a través de un camino señalado por milenarios arcos romanos, conocido como el Camino da geira romana. O visite Chaves conocida, ya desde los romanos, gracias a sus termas y aguas medicinales. Bragança, cuna del fundador de Portugal, a pesar de su frío castillo y su muralla defensora, es una ciudad muy acogedora.

Fuera de de las grandes ciudades, en el campo, puede visitar las aldeas del Consejo de Montalegre, cerca de la citada Chaves, o las de Guadramil y el Río de Onor. En Miranda del Duero, detenga el paso y quédese una noche a escuchar la gaita y sorprenderse con el baile de los pauliteiros.

La oferta de alojaminetos es amplia y variada. Podrá alojarse en hoteles, hostales, casas, apartamentos, campings, etc.
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Porto Travel Guide
Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see
avenida da boavista

avenida da boavista

vanilja
Built on the right bank of the Douro river, Oporto (or Porto) is a city where the old features contrast with the new. Its winding, hilly, narrow streets in the old town are a complement to its wide modern avenues which spread out to the suburbs. As capital of the north, Porto is very unpretentious and unashamedly commercial. As a Portuguese saying goes: "Lisbon shows off, Braga prays, Coimbra studies and Porto works".

For the year 2001 Porto shared the title of the "European Capital of Culture" with Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Porto is a fascinating city with lots of unknown treasures to discover by just strolling around.

Here, at the delta of the Douro River, the second heart of Port wine beats. The wines, that are produced in several "quintas" up the river on step hills, are here bottled and shipped to all over the world. Vila Nova de Gaia, the city opposite of Porto on the left bank of the River, is the home to all the famous Port wine companies like Taylors, Dows, Offleys, Calem etc.

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia are directly connected through the Ponte de D. Luís I, a steelwork construction build in the 19th century. This bridge, dominating the skyline of the two cities, is a double bridge that connects on the one hand the upper towns of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and on the other hand the river banks. The most direct route to the wine lodges is across the lower level from the Cais da Ribeira, but if you have a head for heights it is an amazing sensation to walk over the upper deck, otherwise take bus no. 32, 57 or 91 from Sao Bento train station. Standing on the upper bridge and looking eastwards you will see the second steelwork construction bridge of Porto, the railway bridge Ponte de D. Maria Pia, designed and contracted by Gustave Eiffel's company with Théophile Seyrig as chief engineer in 1876 / 1877, length 160 m.

________Sights
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Praça do Cubo(Ribeira)

Praça do Cubo(Ribeira)

Porto is a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and offers a wide variety of points of interest.

Ribeira, the medieval quarter, is the heart of the city. From here, in the 15th Century, the first boats set sails to Africa, starting Portugal 's golden age of the discoveries. Prince Henry the Navigator ordered the expedition and his house is now a museum open to the public (Casa do Infante). Explore the area and visit nearby Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building), the baroque gold cladded S. Francisco Church, the old Customs House (Edifício da Alfândega), cross the century old D. Luíz bridge to Gaia and visit the Port wine cellars (be sure to taste the wine!). The best view to the city is from here, so indulge yourself at lunch in one of the many terraces or restaurants and take a boat cruise (there is a one hour trip, a day and a week trip up the fantastic Douro valley).

When back in Ribeira, head to the Funicular dos Guindais (check out fares at http://www.metrodoporto.pt) and hold your breath while you go up! Grab your camera because the three minute trip is well worth it! Once in Batalha Square , follow to Rua de Santa Catarina for some shopping and have a coffee at the century old Café Majestic. Another (good) option for a break is Café Guarany (downtown) at Avenida dos Aliados. Be sure to visit the tower of Clérigos (and climb all the 225 steps for a breathtaking view of the historic centre) and Livraria Lello at nearby Rua das Carmelitas - the most beautiful bookshop you've probably ever seen.

On your way to Boavista, take some time to explore the romantic gardens at Palácio de Cristal. Go all the way to the end, because the views over the river are (again) a good excuse to use your camera!

If you're into art, don't miss the nearby Rua Miguel Bombarda, home to the highest concentration of art galleries in the city.

Head to Boavista and find the newest (and most amazing) addition to Porto's architecture portfolio: the Casa da Música ("House of Music"). Designed by architecture guru Rem Koolhaas, it is the place to be if you love music (check out the link - available only in portuguese for now - www.casadamusica.com ).

The Serralves Contemporary Art Museum at Avenida Marechal Gomes da Costa (by Porto's top architect Álvaro Siza) and the spectacular gardens surrounding the art deco masterpiece Casa de Serralves are the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Have a slice of pie and a cup of tea at the tea house. Huuuum!...

If you love football, here you can have a good time too. Welcoming the Euro2004 are the two new stadiums built in the city: the new Bessa stadium, home to Boavista FC, and the impressive Dragon Stadium (Estádio do Dragão), home to UEFA European Champions FC Porto. You can get to the stadiums by bus or metro.

Don´t miss a ride on the new metro line (yellow line) from S. Bento Station to Jardim do Morro Station (in Gaia). First you go underground, and when you notice you'll be crossing the century old D. Luiz I bridge on the upper deck, enjoying one of the best views over the two cities. When in Gaia (the first stop after the bridge), head to Serra do Pilar Monastery and enjoy the views. You'll be on a cliff, 100 meters above the river, facing Porto medieval centre. Grab your camera again and shoot...

If you're into experimenting different dishes, you came to the right place. From the most traditional options such as Tripas à moda do Porto (tripe), you can try the typical Francesinha (a heavy but delicious sandwich containing beef, sausage, cheese and a spicy sauce) and, of course, codfish in its many ways: Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Bacalhau à Bráz,… For the freshest fish treats head to nearby city Matosinhos (take the metro from downtown). The restaurants near the fish market are unbeatable!

You can also enjoy the ocean view at Foz. With some nice beaches and a renovated waterfront you can go for a walk at the city park (parque da cidade) and, on your way south along the coast, be sure to stop at Praia da Luz beach for a beer (and an unforgettable sunset…)

Transportation within Porto is better made by bus, although the brand new metro system (part of which is still under construction, with new lines opening later this year) has proven to be quite helpful.

Porto is a well kept secret, but I guess it won’t be for long…



Contributors
May 21, 2005 change by pedrosacosta
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Fountains and statues
Hotspots Landmarks
Parks, Gardens and Zoos Public Buildings
general

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Igreja Sao Francisco and Museum
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This is perhaps the most extraordinary church in town. The Gothic outside contrasts with the unbelievable ornate attack of 18th century refurbishment.
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
Casa da Música
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night view of Casa da Música Music Hall
night view of Casa da Música Music Hall
photo by: Wikipedia archives

Head to Boavista and find the newest (and most amazing) addition to Porto's architecture portfolio: the Casa da Música. Designed by architecture guru Rem Koolhaas, it is the place to be if you love music (check out the link - available only in portuguese for now).
type: Public Buildings
World66 rating: [rate it]
url: www.casadamusica.com
address: Rotunda da Boavista
Igreja e Torre dos Clerigos
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Here you can enjoy an overall view to the city. The church itself, built in Baroque style is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm.
type: Fountains and statues
World66 rating: [rate it]
Estádio do Dragão
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Inaugurated on 16 November 2003, Estádio do Dragão, with a impressive design, has been classified as a five-star ground by UEFA. With seating for more than 50,000 spectators, has a fantastic transparent roof, which has been called a 'veil'.
(For more on FC Porto check out the link http://www.fcporto.pt/English/Index_eng.asp)
type: Hotspots
World66 rating: [rate it]
url: www.stadiumguide.com
address: Av. Fernão de Magalhães
Livraria Lello (Lello Bookshop)
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The staircase inside the bookshop
The staircase inside the bookshop

Visiting this bookshop is to experience a trip to the past. Check the website for the photos.

As if the outside was not gorgeous, you can find one of the most fascinating staircases ever inside.
type: Landmarks
World66 rating: [rate it]
tel: Tel. 222 002 037 - Fax 222 058 511
url: lelloprologolivreiro.com.sapo.pt
address: 144, Carmelitas Street* 4050-161 OPORTO
email: LelloPrologo@mail.telepac.pt
Port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia
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This is a must see for every Port lover. Your heart will jump for joy when you see the skyline of Vila Nova de Gaia: Taylors, Dows, Sandeman, Calem, Offley, Ramos Pinto, Ferreira, Niepoort, Kopke etc. Most of these houses open their cellars to visitors and offer guided tours and a small wine tasting at the end. It is really interesting to hear and see how port was produced (and still is) and what differences there are in vinification. Calem offers tours on saturdays and sundays, Croft's cellars is the only Port Wine House that is open all year round, seven days a week, from more..
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
Museu De Arte Contemporânea de Serralves
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The Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves is part of a world network (wich includes Tate Modern and other major museums) and has featured major exhibitions such as Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, Nan Goldin and many other important artits. The building's distinctive lines and its unique location are well worth a trip. Be sure not to miss the gardens and the Casa de Serralves.
type: Public Buildings
World66 rating: [rate it]
tel: +351 22 615 6500
url: www.serralves.com
address: R. D. João de Castro, 210, 4150-417 Porto
email: serralves@serralves.pt
Café Majestic
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More than just a Cafe, "Majestic" tells the history of Porto in the twenties, the political gathering and debate of ideas. It was also the "Belle Époque" period, the time of the writers and artists.
type: Hotspots
World66 rating: [rate it]
url: www.alvo.com
address: Rua de Santa Catarina, 112
Parque da Cidade (City Park)
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The Parque da Cidade (City Park) is the city's biggest (and most recent) green area. It's location by the ocean makes it perfect for surfers, morning joggers and weekend picnic fans. It's the only public park in the country that is connected to the sea, and it's beach is mostly packed on weekends with surfers. It features other interesting spots, like a cozy tea house/restaurant and the Pavilhão da Água (Water Pavillion), a former Lisbon's Expo 98 pavillion recently rebuilt near the north entrance.
type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos
World66 rating: [rate it]
address: Avenida da Boavista/Estrada da Circunvalação
Cathedral Sé
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The cathedral's cloister is much more impressing than the interior of this old church at the edge of the old town. From the dazzling chapterhouse you have a nice view over the old quarter.
type: general
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Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
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These gardens are well worth a visit if you want to rest for a while in a peaceful environment or just to get to know a bit more about the city's green spaces. Get inside and enjoy the calm atmosphere, and if you go all the way to the end (south) you'll have a fantastic view over the river and the sea. Grab your camera!

The big UFO at the entrance is a sports dome built in 1956 to replace an iron and glass pavillion, the original Crystal Palace (Palácio de Cristal). There's also a restaurant and an open air concert stage. The 19th century more..
type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos
World66 rating: [rate it]
openingHours: 8/19 hrs (winter) - 8/21hrs (summer)
address: Rua D. Manuel II
Instituto do Vinho do Porto
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The Port Wine Institute is the entity that is responsible for supervising and certifying wines bearing the Porto denomination of origin, by controlling the quality and quantity of the wines. Here you will learn everything about port wines.
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
email: ivp@ivp.pt
address: Rua de Ferreira Borges 27, 4050-237 Porto
url: www.ivp.pt
tel: +351 22 207 16 00
Centro Português de Fotografia
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The Portuguese Photography Centre is the place to go if you love photography and architecture.

The building, a former prision located in the city centre, was recently renovated (by architect Eduardo Souto Moura) and is itself a reason to stop by and pay a visit. The exhibitions cover a wide range of works, but are mainly focused on the works of portuguese photographers.

Free admission.
type: Public Buildings
World66 rating: [rate it]
tel: +351 222 076 310
openingHours: Tue/Fri - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Sat./Sun/Holidays 3 p.m. to 7p.m. (Mon closed)
url: www.cpf.pt
address: Cadeia da Relação - Campo Mártires da Pátria - 4050-368 Porto, Portugal
email: email@cpf.pt
Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso
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type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
address: at Praca da Batalha

__________Getting Around
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photo_1
Here are a few suggestions to move around Oporto.

Contributors
August 24, 2006 change by giorgio
May 25, 2005 change by pedrosacosta

[Add Local transport mode]
Metro
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photo_1

The city's transport network has been upgraded recently with the implementation of a new light subway system, the Metro do Porto ( www.metrodoporto.pt), from which the first four lines, the blue, red, yellow and green lines, are completed. They cross the city to the neighbouring cities of Matosinhos and Maia. New lines will be opening later this year, and an extension to the airport will be operating by january 2006.

For (combined) routes and timetables on metro, buses and trains, check out the helpful website more..
World66 rating: [rate it]
url: www.metrodoporto.pt
Train Porto - Guimaraes
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photo

Local trains are run by state operator CP ( www.cp.pt/) and provide a fast and confortable service to cities like Braga, Guimarães and Aveiro. This last route goes south along the coast, connecting Porto in less than half an hour with the popular (blue flag) beaches in Gaia (Francelos, Miramar, Aguda, Granja) and Espinho.

Intercity and Alfa Pendular trains connect Porto to Lisbon and other major cities, leaving from Porto Campanhã Station.
World66 rating: [rate it]
url: www.cp.pt
address: lisbon
Bus
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photo

Bus operator STCP ( www.stcp.pt) runs an extensive network, is efficient and ecological (it boasts the second larger fleet in europe running on natural gas!). Use your mobile phone to know when your bus is arriving. Insert the bus stop code (visible on the up right angle by the logo SMS BUS) and send an SMS to # 3001. Soon you'll get a reply with the arrival times of the next five buses arriving at your bus stop. Easy, no?

The AeroBus is an STCP bus route that rapidly connects the main hotels of the city, the city centre and more..
World66 rating: [rate it]
url: www.stcp.pt
Tram
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photo

Porto was the first city in the Iberian Peninsula to have a tram network, back in the 19th century. The tram, once the best way to travel in the city, was (almost) completely replaced by the bus in the 70's and 80's. With the urban renovation following 2001 (still going on in much of the city), the municipality is setting new tracks in the centre, hoping to have the old trams back soon.

Do not miss a trip on the tram # 18, running from Praça do Infante, along the river, to the seafront and pay a visit to the interesting Tram Museum on the way.
World66 rating: [rate it]
url: www.stcp.pt
Taxi
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Taxis are available everywhere and are not expensive. Be sure to check the fares on the display screen before you pay.
World66 rating: [rate it]

__________Getting There
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Alfa Pendular train

Alfa Pendular train

CP website (archives)



By train

Intercity and Alfa Pendular trains connect Porto with Lisbon and other major cities. All trains heading south leave from Campanhã Station. Alfa Pendular trains are comfortable fast trains with air conditioning, TV and bar or restaurant. Compared with other European fast trains the prices are really low. A second class ticket Lisbon - Porto costs about 21 Euro. For detailed information check out the Portuguese Railway Webpage at www.cp.pt

By car

Porto is a transport hub in the north of the country. Major highways provide fast access to Spain and the south (Lisbon and Algarve). A1 is the major highway and connects Porto with Lisbon.

____________Day Trips
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Tamego River at Amarante

Tamego River at Amarante

davidx

[Add Day Trip]
The Douro River Rail Route
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The narrow and windy valleys of the Douro are amongst the most spectacular landscapes in Portugal. The Douro rail route, which joins the river about 60 km inland and then sticks to it across the country, is one of thse journeys that need no justification other than the trip itself. Even better is to change at Livracão for the branch to Amarante and then go by bus to Vila Real, returning down the Corgo Line to Regua and hten getting on the Douro Line back to Porto.
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
Atlantic Sea Promenade
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On sundays the people of Porto often go to the beach to walk along the promenade. Here you find nice cafes and seaview restaurants, children playgrounds and sweets sellers. The promenade runs aluong avenida Brasil and can be reached by bus no. 1 or the historical tram no. 18.
type: general
World66 rating: [rate it]
Charm of Minho - Braga and Guimaraes
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Sé de Braga
Sé de Braga
photo by: J. Braga

Travel north of Porto to the mountain of Minho. You will visit the religious village of Braga which boasts history of over 2,000 years, and UNESCO World Heritage listed Guimaraes, birthplace of D Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal.

World66 rating: [rate it]

__________Nightlife and Entertainment
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Oporto is famous for it very much indoors but excited nightlife. You may start by going to samo glamorous bars at the Ribeira or in the old-center of the city. Then, go for one of the truly good discos like Indústria, Chic or Estado Novo.

If you're into the gay scene, notice first that Oporto is considerable more homofobic than Lisbon, for exemple. Must start your nightrip with Lusitano, a quite gay-friendly fashionable bar, and then go to Boys'r'us, a nice small disco, or Pride, a little bad-frequented but funny. To finish the night, Moinho is the most appropriate, problably the better gay disco in the city.

_____Bars and Cafes
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Cafe Pinguim

Cafe Pinguim

d3m0n10
On a visit to Porto three years ago, I came across a culinary gem of a bistro, where the unsurpassed hospitality that I experienced will live long in the memory. Casa Mariazinha opposite Hotel da Bolsa, R. Belomonte 2 - 4, is a jewel that sparkled during my stay. Mein host Antonio welcomed us with warmth and a greeting that was unconventional, but ultimately rewarding. "We do not serve beer or fizzy juice, all drink here is either from the grape or the tap. There is no set menu, all dishes are cooked by my wife, and all ingredients are freshly purchased today at the market." What followed was an extravaganza of Portugese/Brazilian cuisine, lovingly prepared, and accompanied by an array of local wines. Angels danced on my tongue as the selection of Douro wines, orchestrated an explosion of taste sensations with the truly remarkable food. Antonio regailed us with tales of his love of Portugese wine and his in depth knowledge of the local grapes, proffering vintage port and cheeses to die for.

The atmosphere was cosy, homely and unobtrusive with the accent on sociability in an environment of respect for local culture and taste. Not seating many Casa Mariazinha allows Antonio to attend the tables like a man entertaining in his own home. On each occaision our stay lasted into the small hours and I left with a heavy heart and a full stomach to Scotland thinking "This is how it should be done."

If you are ever in Porto do not miss this place, by far the best place I have ever eaten.

[Add Bar]
Richard Bowden
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Ryan's Irish Bar (http://www.ryansirishbar.com). Great selection of beer and whisky and they have live music sometimes
World66 rating: [rate it]
tel: 222005366
address: Rua Do Infante Dom Henrique 18, Porto
Atelier - Cafe Bar
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Facade
Facade
photo by: ML

A new space has been recently opened near to Palácio da Justiça, Museu da Fotografia and Torre dos Clérigos in the centre of Porto. It’s called Atelier – Café Bar. One of the very few bars in town where smoking is allowed. The beer and sangria (home-made) are poured out of 2 saxophones fixed to the bar, lit up by Leds lights that change colours, creating different atmospheres. The décor includes an imposing chrome steel lamp with more than 150 crystal glasses. During the day and at night you can have some nice snacks, like roast pork sandwich, an exceptional onion soup more..
World66 rating: [rate it]
address: R. Dr. Barbosa de Castro, 56-58
Cafe Pinguim
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Cafe Pinguim
Cafe Pinguim
photo by: d3m0n10

Francesinhas , Caffe Latte ,Aussie MilkShake.
www.cafepinguim.com
World66 rating: [rate it]
tel: +351225101474
address: Campo 24 de Agosto