Porto Pocket Guide

Decent beach, run-down city

The old centre looks nice but even there there are run-down and abandoned buildings. Everywhere else is basically abandoned or has seen better days (maybe 200 years ago). The equipment at surf shops are the same. The food is low quality. The beaches are decent - you'll still have a lot of fun surfing. The Metro is great and convenient. The people are incredibly friendly. It's a budget surfing vacation destination. Don't expect a lot and you'll have a blast.

Insider Tip:Don't eat the Francesinha or, if you do, don't expect much. It was an "okay sandwich" would be a generous description. It's not spicy like they say. In fact, it barely tastes like anything. It's made of the kind of low quality meat that is fit only for McDonald's.

The much overlooked Porto

Porto is an amazing city with a lot to offer. There are numerous parks, cafés, malls, churches, and wineries. Although the city of Porto only has about 200,000 people, neighboring cities include Gaia and Aveiro (the latter by car). Aveiro is like the Venice of Portugal, and is worth checking out. Porto itself is incredibly beautiful and it's hard to get tired just walking around and looking at the buildings or going down to sit by the river.

Insider Tip:Go to Sandeman's wine tour. It's one of the best for quality Porto wine. Check out café Piolho by the university, especially on a Thursday night. There's a great place to sit outside and it's often where the university students come after finishing classes for the week. Try Francesinha! Beyond that, it's worth taking the bus to go to the beach a bit north of Porto.

Amazing gem

Go. Go. Go! Go to Porto now before the tour groups in neon ponchos descend. It is an amazing city, very old and clearly not doing too well economically but very beautiful and full of culture.

Insider Tip:I'm not one for bus tours but the Porto tour bus is actually a great deal. 13 euros for 2 days and a Port tasting/tour at a legit Port house. Also the bus gives you some amazing views of the city.

Oporto City

A great city to visit. Has lots of landmarks, museums, historical sites and is actually very cheap to eat out and drink a few pints. Wheather was great really hot we were not expecting. The surroundings in the river area are definitely a must see.

Insider Tip:Go to Ribeira on a Monday night if you want to drink a lot for little money :)

Porto

visit one of the wine cellars, go to the beach, enjoy the city center with all its hills (good fitness training)