Porto Tourism Office
Main Porto Tourism Office - Rua Clube dos Fenianos 25 open 9-5:30. Get a map of the city here.
Airports in Porto
Porto is served by the Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. The AeroBus runs to Porto's main drag, Avenida dos Aliados, every half hour between 7am and 7:30 pm.
Train Stations in Porto
Porto, a hub for trains in north Portugal, has three train stations. You can buy tickets for any train originating at any station at the central São Bento station. (Be sure to see the azulejo tile murals while you're in the station.)
An IC train from Lisbon takes 3 1/2 hours, a regional train an hour more.
Driving Map
Michelin Map 940 covers only Portugal, so it's detailed enough to show smaller towns. I highly recommend a detailed and recent map of Portugal if you're driving (not including Spain, as that makes the map less detailed overall), since the influx of EU money has seemed to create a boom in road construction and re-routing. You can get one at most gas stations in Portugal fairly cheaply
Porto Weather and Climate
Porto has mild weather with little possibility of rain in the summer season, although more rain falls here than in Lisbon during the winter months: Porto Portugal Weather and Climate.
Where to Stay in Porto--Some Suggested Lodging
The top rated Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa - Porto is highly praised by Venere users for service and spacious rooms.
Less expensive is the centrally located Eurostars Das Artes - Porto (Book Direct), "close to the most important art galleries and the Boavista commercial and historic area. It is within walking distance of Ponte Dom Luis, Torre dos Clerigos, Mercado do Bolhao and the traditional Ribeira area, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO."
A decent budget choice is the Hotel Pensão Cristal - Porto near the river.
A new hotel in downtown Porto, the InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas Hotel is recommended by our honeymoons guide.
Staying Nearby in Nova de Gaia
Staying in Vila Nova de Gaia is an option, although not an altogether satisfying one. While you'll be closer to the port houses, they're mostly below the level of the main town, and hiking there for dinner can put quit a strain on your legs. There are some large, full service hotels here where you can stay quite cheaply, as this page points out.
A great place to eat in Vila Nova de Gaia is found at the Taylor Port works, where you'll find Restaurante Barao Fladgate (review). Great food, wine, and view for a reasonable price with a good wine.
