Porto is located along the Douro river estuary in Northern Portugal. Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and its historical core was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. We understand why! It’s a charming city, proud of it’s culture and history. We really love this city, and can’t wait to go back at another occassion.
Porto is a historic city, full of culture, history and a beautiful city centre, appreciated by UNESCO as well.
Our opinion is that Porto is much more interesting than Lisbon or other cities in Portugal! The western part of its urban area extends to the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Is it easy to find a hotel in the city? And what is recommended to do in the city?
Cheap hotels in Porto
Travelling on budget in Porto
If you’re travelling on budget and look for a cheap hotel in the central Porto in Portugal, Pensao Cristal – Bed and Breakfast could be worth to consider. It is not a 3 star hotel but you get what you need. A clean bed, tv, wireless Internet connection for free and your private bathroom. If you’re travelling alone, there are rooms from app 35 euros a night and 45 euros for a double room. Check current prices on Expedia.com
GoHotels have many local hotels to offer in Portugal, quite cheap compared to the main chains.
What to do in Porto?
Visit Porto – Top 10 Things which can be done in Porto. What you can visit in Porto – Most visited touristic attractions of Porto:
Clérigos Church
“Church of the Clergymen” is a Baroque church. Its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city. Was built for the Brotherhood of the Clérigos by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect.
Coliseu do Porto
A theatre. One of the most relevant landmarks of the city. The main auditorium has a capacity for 3,500 people standing and 2.955 seated. Has a room, Ático Room, with a capacity for 300 people, used for smaller performances, conferences.
Maria Pia Bridge
Commonly known as Ponte Dona Maria, is a railway bridge built in 1877. Built of wrought iron, its two-hinged crescent arch used to carry the railway to Lisbon for 353 metres across the River Douro at a height of 60 m above the river.
Casa da Música
A major concert hall space. Was designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. Was built as part of Porto’s project for European Culture Capital in 2001 but was only finished in the first half of 2005.
Sea Life Porto
An aquarium which was opened on 15 June 2009. It is owned by Merlin Entertainments. Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm Saturday–Sunday: 10am–7pm with last entry 45 minutes before closing time.
Queijo Castle
Also known as Forte de São Francisco Xavier, is a castle/fort. The fort was given the name of Castelo do Queijo because it is built in the top of a rock that resembles a “piece of cheese.”.
Palácio da Bolsa
Stock Exchange Palace – is a historical building which built in the 19th century by the city’s Commercial Association (Associação Comercial) in Neoclassical style. World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
Porto Cathedral
One of the city’s oldest monuments and one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Portugal. Flanked by two square towers, each supported with two buttresses and crowned with a cupola.
Funicular dos Guindais
A funicular railway. The original line was constructed in 1891. Was re-modelled and re-opened on 19 February 2004. Is single track, with a central passing loop, is 281 metres (922 ft) long, and descends 61 metres (200 ft).
Serralves
A cultural institution, one of the most important in Portugal. Includes a Contemporary Art Museum, a Park and a Villa, each one an example of contemporary architecture, Modernism, and Art Deco architecture.
Our opinion: Porto – the most beautiful city in Portugal, for sure!
Source: Youtube and own experiences
