What to do in Porto?

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auburnfive

Veteran Member

• Sep 19, 2016

• #1

Hello,
Thanks to the airline losing our bags, we have an extra day in Porto ( hoping they will show up). Any suggestions for what to do, and if needed a good place for replacement items - shoes, clothing, poles? Thanks

 

A

auburnfive

Veteran Member

• Sep 19, 2016

• #2

Good news is that we only planned to walk to Matinhosas so can take transit instead

 

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Anemone del Camino

Guest

• Sep 19, 2016

• #3

There's a Decathlon store in Matoshinosmto replace your gear.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=deca...fari#istate=lrl:iv&rlimm=11315514349706537159

As to things to do, I walked around the old town, picked my credencial at the cathedral, and then crossed the iron bridge towards the Port Wine warehouses, follohttps://www.google.ca/search?q=decathlon+oporto&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=fr-ca&client=safari#istate=lrl:iv&rlimm=11315514349706537159ed the river to a place where a small boats takes you across and kept walking to Matoshinos. It was a lovely walk that gives you a beautiful view of the city.

There is the famous Leilo bookstore, near the famous Clerigos tower. The tourist kioks by the metro exit in the old town (Sao Bento) will give you a city map with places to visit. You can work on developping a heart attack by eating a Francesinha (sort of grilled cheese stuffed with meats, served with fries and smothered in a beer/porto sauce).

Oh, apparently the view of the city is outstanding from the convent by the bridge on the other side of the river.

Also, lots of "free" walking tours in Porto. "Free" because there is no set fee, the guides earn their living thanks to tips.

Best of luck shopping for new gear.

 

peregrina2000

Moderator

Staff member

Donating Member

• Sep 19, 2016

• #4

Porto is a great city, a little down on its luck and scruffy, but great nonetheless. The New York Times and other major papers apparently agree, since there are articles singing its praises

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/10/t...rtugal-hotels-galleries-restaurants.html?_r=0

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/porto/articles/36-hours-in-porto/

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/48-hours-in-porto-9342869.html

I would second Anemone's recommendation to cross the bridge on the top level (the tram level) and enjoy the view from the park right at the tip of "upper Gaia.". Good place for a picnic, too!

I'm hoping your bags arrive soon, auburnfive. This surely seems to be the season for airlines to lose pilgrim bags!

 

S

simeon

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Lots done and more to do!

• Sep 19, 2016

• #5

drink port of course........ Try the white with a nice dessert

 

Kiwi-family

{Rachael, the Mama of the family}

Time of past OR future Camino

walking every day for the rest of my life

• Sep 19, 2016

• #6

We did all the things Anemone suggests except the free walking tours. All great. Plus railway station if you like tiles.

 

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gerardcarey

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CFx2, CPx1

• Sep 19, 2016

• #7

I hear the train, or the boat ride up and down the river valley is a great trip.
"The boat being somewhat expensive", whatever that means.
And the Port. Having sold the stuff all my life I am so looking forward to that.
Regards
Gerard

 

SYates

Camino Fossil AD 1999, now living in Santiago de C

Time of past OR future Camino

First: Camino Francés 1999
...
Last: Santiago - Muxia 2019

Now: http://egeria.house/

• Sep 20, 2016

• #8

When I was in Porto this spring I actually bought a 2 days ticket for the Hopon-Hopoff bus that included a 1 hour river cruise and a guided visit (with tasting) to the port wine caves. It gave me a good overview of the city and was, imo, great value for money. Buen Camino, SY