Getting There

By plane: Porto Airport, officially known as the Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, is located approximately 11km from the city. One of Porto's metro lines terminates here, and a number of bus and taxi services also deliver passengers from the airport to the city centre.

By train: São Bento Station is the city's major central train station. Porto's light rail and suburban services run through here.

By bus: An extensive network of buses operates between Porto and the neighbouring towns, as well as throughout the city itself.

Getting Around

On foot: It is possible to explore large sections of Porto on foot; however, it's likely that you'll also need to use public transport during your stay.

By metro: The city's metro system operates on five different lines and visits approximately 68 different stations. These lines criss-cross Porto, connecting many of the city's main attractions and popular neighbourhoods.

By funicular: To get from Ribeira to the area around São Bento station, you can use the scenic funicular service. It's a quick and easy alternative to navigating the hilly streets on foot.

Thanks to its location, Porto generally boasts mild winters and warm summers. During the summer, the city tends to see a lot of sun, but this can be interrupted by periods of rain. In the winter, temperatures fall, but they don't usually drop below freezing. July and August tend to be the hottest months, with temperatures averaging out at around 20˚C, while January tends to be the coldest month with an average low of 9˚C. December is generally the wettest month, while July sees the most sunshine.

Embassies/Consulates

UK: +351 (0)21 392 4000*
USA: +351 (0)21 727 3300*
Canada: +351 (0)21 316 4600*
Australia: +351 (0)21 310 1500*
South Africa: +351 (0)21 319 2200*
Ireland: +351 (0)21 392 9440*
Spain: +351 (0)22 536 3915***
Germany: +351 (0)21 881 0210
Italy: +351 (0)21 351 5320*
New Zealand: +39 (0)6 853 7501**
France: +351 (0)22 607 8220***

*Embassy in Lisbon
**Embassy in Rome
***Consulate in Porto

Lusiada, Rua de Camôes 398, Santo Ildefonso A true local restaurant, Lusiada is off the beaten tourist track and has a real family-run feel. The Portuguese menu is pretty comprehensive and, with a little help, you'll be able to figure out what's what. Try the specially priced sampling menu for real value. Open Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, closed Sundays.

Confeiteria Mengos, Rua de Santa Catarina 161, Sé This popular spot sits on Porto's main shopping stretch. The location might be what brings the crowds but the array of delicious sweet treats is what keeps them here. For your mid-shopping break, Mengos offers cakes and pastries, plus savoury snacks. Open Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, closed Sundays.

Chic Dream, Campo Mártires da Pátria 64, Clérigos Beside the Pc da Cordoaria, this funky little restaurant has plenty of seats inside and outside. An English menu is available, with the local codfish speciality a particularly popular dish. If you're looking to save a few euros, check out the great value set meal for two. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-4pm & 7pm-11.30pm, closed Sundays.

Franc-ly delicious Francesinha Porto's favourite snack first appeared in the 1960s and no trip to the city is complete without a bite of this filling sandwich. It's made from bread and various meats, all covered in melted cheese and doused in secret sauce. Prices vary throughout the city, but for the amount of food you get, it's a real bargain.

Terrace Arts Café, Rua Fernandes Tomas 985, Santo Ildefonso If you fancy some breakfast, head to the Terrace Arts Café. Breakfast specials such as coffee and a croissant are offered at incredibly low prices. Sit under UFO-like lights and wait for service from the quick and friendly staff who will explain the menu. Open Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, closed Sundays.

Praia da Luz, Avenida do Brasil, Foz do Douro A beachside bar with waves lapping almost right up to its side, trendy Praia da Luz is perfect for a refreshing drink. Out on the deck you can lounge on comfy couches or sit at one of the many tables, complete with sun umbrellas. Sip cocktails in the hip surroundings and watch the waves, the surfers or the setting sun. Open daily 10am-4am/5am.

Casa da Música, Avenida da Boavista 604-610, Boavista Opened in 2005, the Casa da Música hosts a wide variety of jazz, world music, orchestral and choral performances. An attraction in itself, guided tours of the venue's stunning interior are available. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-8pm, opening times vary on performance days.

Plano B, Rua Cândido dos Reis 30, Vitória From its long entrance hall to the giant red curtains at the door, this bar oozes boho chic. There are plenty of places to sit, from mismatched couches to arty tables around the L-shaped bar. Ornate lamps and quirky light fixtures add to the impression that this is where the cool crowd hangs out. Open Tues-Wed 2.30pm-8pm & 10pm-2am, Thurs-Sat 2.30pm-4am.

Labirintho, Rua Nossa Senhora de Fátima 334, Cedofeita Close to the Casa da Música, this is a popular spot for a post-show drink. It's also a favourite with locals who come here late at night to chat and smoke over coffees, before sampling some of the alcoholic tipples on offer. Small and intimate, this is the perfect place to get a real taste of Portuguese nightlife. Open daily 10.30pm-4am.

Triplex, Avenida de Boavista 911, Boavista Found inside a sprawling townhouse, the bar here takes up a number of different low-lit rooms. There's an area where you can dance to the music provided by the guest DJs who play here almost every night. Popular with a younger crowd, Triplex offers a wide variety of reasonably priced drinks, from cocktails to port. Open Mon-Thurs 9pm-2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-4am.

Torre dos Clérigos, Rua de São Filipe de Nery, Clérigos Once you climb the 225 stone steps to the top of this, the highest tower in Portugal, you'll find amazing views of the city. Built between 1754 and 1763, it stretches up for 76 metres. A beautiful church is attached to this bell tower, and it's well worth paying it a visit while you're here. Open daily 9.30am-1pm & 2.30pm-7pm; admission €2.

We are sailing, we are sailing Douro Acima River Boat Tours, Cais da Ribeira, Ribeira Lasting around 50 minutes, these boat tours take you up and down the river providing great views of the bridges and areas like Gaia and Ribeira. Tours depart every half hour from 10am-12.30pm & 2pm-6.30pm; admission €12.50.

Palácio da Bolsa, Rua Ferreira Borges, São Nicolau Visits to the Palácio da Bolsa are by guided tour only as the building is still in use. All the rooms are done in a different style and the Arabian room, which took 18 years to complete, is arguably the most stunning. Open Nov-Mar 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm, Apr-Oct 9am-7pm; admission €5.50.

Serralves Park, Rua D. João de Castro 210, Lordelo do Ouro Verdant and vibrant, Serralves Park covers an impressive 18 hectares. Stroll through the shaded woods, enjoy the blooms in the sweet-smelling rose garden or have a seat and take in the park's free standing art works. Open Apr-Sept Tues-Fri 10am-7pm & Sat-Sun 10am-8pm, Oct-Mar Tues-Sun 10am-7pm; admission €2.50.

Igreja de São Francisco, Rua do Infante D. Henrique, São Nicolau São Francisco church is an incredibly ornate and open house of worship. You can literally walk right up to the altar and wander around. Make sure to check out the incredibly detailed statues. Open Nov-Feb 9am-5.30pm, Mar-Oct 9am-7m, Jul-Sept 9am-8pm; admission €3.

January - Dia de Reis Dia de Reis or 'Night of Kings' is an annual celebration that marks the end of the Christmas season. An important part of this festival is the eating of the traditional 'King's Cake'.

February - Fantasporto Porto's International Film Festival has been taking place for almost 30 years. During this popular event, feature films from all over the world, along with shorts and much more are shown across the city.

March - Black and White Festival During this festival up and coming artists who specialise in black and white creations get the chance to showcase their work.

May - Queima das Fitas Held in the second week of May, this event takes place just before the run up to end of year exams in Porto. Over the course of the week, a series of different events take place, including concerts and marches.

May-June - Feira do Livro Porto An important literary event, the Feira do Livro has been held in Porto for many years. A large number of writers and publishers take part. Readings, discussions, book sales and more are all a part of this popular festival.

June - Festa de Sao Joao This lively festival is the most important annual event in Porto. Celebrating St. John, the festival includes street concerts, barbecues, all night parties and a spectacular fireworks display.

August - Noites Ritual Rock A rock festival, Noites Ritual Rock features the biggest local bands, as well as various up and coming acts. Held in the Jardim do Palacio de Cristal, the festival attracts a quirky line-up and audience.

September - FIMP (Festival Internacional de Marionetas) Puppets are the focus here and a wide variety of performances take place over the course of the event. Musical acts and workshops also play an important part.

November - Frame This festival is all about celebrating and promoting the artistic medium of video-dance. A wide variety of performances are screened during the event.

December - Christmas Fair Porto's Christmas Handicraft Fair showcases a huge variety of locally made handcrafts. It's the place to go in the city for unique Christmas gifts and is very popular.

Ribeira Porto's historical centre Ribeira has actually been designated as a World Heritage site. Along the quays here you'll be able to catch one of the popular river boat tours, or alternatively you can stroll through the medieval streets and check out the old colourful buildings. You can also sample some Portuguese cuisine at any number of restaurants, bars and cafés beside the river.

The wonderful seaside of Foz Foz do Douro A visit to the Foz area reveals more than just beach-front beauty. Here you'll also find pretty parks filled with colourful flowers, as well as shops and cafés. The seafront walkways are a delight too, complete with beachside bars where you can practically dip your toes in the ocean while you sip on a cocktail or two.

Villa Nova de Gaia Generally known as Gaia, this area is across the river from Porto and is an important town in its own right. Locally produced port wines are aged here and the 'caves' where the wine barrels are stored can be visited. Take a stroll along the quayside to see traditional rabelo boats, used to transport port.

Sé Another of Porto's most renowned historical parishes, Sé contains some of the city's main attractions. The Romanesque Porto Cathedral and the tile-adorned São Bento train station are two of the most popular. In this area you'll also be able to hop on Porto's panoramic funicular service or head across the Ponte D. Luis I.

Matosinhos North of Porto's city centre and handily located along the metro line, Matosinhos is a popular seaside suburb. Golden sands stretch out along the seafront, while the waves make this a favourite with surfers. When you're here, check out 'She Changes', a giant public sculpture along by the sea, or have a look in some of the first-rate boutiques.

Rua de Santa Catarina, Santo Ildefonso Santa Catarina is a mix of hip boutiques, local brands and well-known global names. A number of stalls set up shop along the street too, offering leather goods, jewellery and more. The three-floor Via Catarina mall can also be found along this stretch.

El Corte Inglés, Avenida da República 1435, Gaia A well-known institution in these parts, El Corte Inglés is filled with internationally renowned brands like Clinique, Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger. This giant department store also boasts ten different floors. Open Mon-Sat 10am-11pm.

Dolce Vita, Rua dos Campeões Europeus 28-198, Campanhã Beside the Estadio do Dragao, this shopping mall is spread over five different floors with plenty of top-notch shops to catch your eye and compel you to reach for your wallet. Pull & Bear, Quicksilver, Foot Locker, Lacoste, Pepe Jeans, Zara, and Vodafone are just some of the stores. Open Mon-Thurs 9am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9am-12am.

A bookworm's paradise Livraria Lello, Rua das Carmelitas 144, Clérigos Step inside this bookshop and you'll feel like you've stepped into somewhere magical as it earns its place as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Spread over two levels, Lello was built in 1906 and is an enticing spot for a wander, especially for any bibliophiles out there. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7.30pm, Sat 10am-7pm, closed Sun.

Shopping Cidade do Porto, Rua Gonçalo Sampaio 350, Boavista Another of Porto's large shopping centres, the stores in this mall are spread over four different floors. Furnishings, clothing, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes and more can all be bought here, with brands like Zara, Mango, Accessorize and Benneton all present. Open daily 10am-11pm.

Have a look around the São Bento railway station So much more than somewhere to just arrive in or depart from Porto, São Bento is an important landmark building complete with huge areas of painted tiles on the walls. Battles scenes and more can be seen in the blue and white works of art, encompassing around 20,000 different tiles.

Wander through the Praça da Cordoaria This open park area sports a pond, lots of shaded areas where you can lounge on the grass, and plenty of benches to sit on. If you've got your laptop, you can whip it out and check your email while you're here too, as the park has its own WiFi.

Just beachy Go to the beach at Matosinhos One of the best places around Porto to enjoy sun, sea and sand, this stretch of golden beach is popular on warm, sunny days. Sunbathing and swimming are popular activities, with surfing also all the rage. Numerous surf shops along the beach offer equipment and lessons. So if you feel like catching your first wave, head to Matosinhos.

Walk across the Ponte D. Luis I From this bridge you'll see some of the most stunning views of Porto and of the River Douro. Along with pedestrian paths at both sides, it's also traversed by one of the city's metro lines. Meandering across the tracks is easy, though. Well, when a train isn't coming, at least!

Visit the Catedral de Porto Inside this imposing Romanesque cathedral you can take in the contrast between the plain stone walls and the ornate altar. Sit in one of the wooden pews and look around at the many beautiful stained glass windows. On the walls just outside the entrance, you'll see more of the blue and white painted tiles that feature on many of Porto's most beautiful structures. Open Apr-Oct 8.45am-12.30pm & 14.30pm-7pm, Nov-Mar 8.45am-12.30pm & 14.30pm-6pm.

Start your day with breakfast at the Terrace Arts Café close to the Trindade metro station.

Walk from here towards Rua de Santa Catarina where you can sample some of the best shopping Porto has to offer. Check out the Via Catarina mall and the stalls too.

Pay a visit to the nearby Saõ Bento railway station with its painted tile art or climb the Clérigos Tower for stunning views of the city.

Have lunch at one of the cafés or restaurants around the Praça de Cordoaria such as the popular Chic Dream.

After lunch, wander down to the Palácio da Bolsa (below) and take one of the guided tours offered in various languages.

Head to the Ribeira area and check out the colourful buildings. Take a river boat trip from here to see the city's six famous bridges.

Jump on the metro and head out to Matosinhos, where you can stroll along the beach, peek inside some of the shops, or even try your hand at surfing.

Have dinner in the Foz do Douro area, which boasts numerous beachside restaurants and bars such as the trendy Praia da Luz on Avenida do Brasil.

Head towards the Boavista area where you'll find popular local bars such as Labirintho. Here you can enjoy a drink and some tunes.

End the night at Triplex, a multi-roomed bar with live DJs, space to dance, and a garden where you can drink beneath the stars.