I've (virtually) ventured to Porto - the second-largest city in Portugal!
Although it's smaller than the great, old-fashioned city of Lisbon, there's loads to do here to keep you occupied - whether it be enjoying the remarkable scenery by the riverbank, getting blind-drunk on port wine, relaxing on a river cruise, or watching FC Porto at Estadio Dragao.
If you travel by air, then Porto Airport is the best airport that I've experienced anywhere across Europe. It's very comfortable, has good facilities (e.g. dozens of free charging points, free Wifi which you don't have to pay for and vast seating areas), whilst it also has good transport connections to Porto and other nearby cities. Some other airports could learn a few things by visiting here.
Should you happen to travel by rail then there are two stations; Campanhã and São Bento, which you'll most likely arrive at. Campanhã is the more spacious and is located on the eastern outskirts of the city, not far from Estadio Dragao which is visible in the distance. São Bento, meanwhile, is quaint, compact and pretty much slap bang in the city centre and is something of a tourist attraction due to it's magnificent architecture on the walls of the atrium which depict Portugal's long and decorated history. Both stations are easy to reach using Porto's metro system although local transport is pricier here than elsewhere in the country.
The best station to use for sightseeing is definitely São Bento as it's just a short walk from the banks of the Duoro River which can be found by taking a left-turn and heading downhill when leaving the station. Otherwise, if you turn right, then it won't take long until you reach landmarks such as Clérigos Church, Liberdade Square and Livraria Lello which is one of the most iconic book shops around. Porto Cathedral and Bolsa Palace are both also within a short-walking distance.
When you're on the banks of the River Duoro then it's impossible not to notice the Ponte de Dom Luís I Bridge - a structure which has huge similarities with the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle, though the one here is bigger, better and much more impressive. There are two levels to the bridge; the bottom section is for road traffic whilst the 'upper' part is pedestrianised but also used by trams - meaning it's not uncommon to see drivers frantically sounding their horns for people who've ventured onto the tramlines to get out the way, pretty damn quick!
How you choose to explore this area is entirely your own choice but with numerous bars/restaurants, wine-tasting options and sights around the riverside, not forgetting the possibility to enjoy a river cruise, it's certain to say you won't get bored very easily.
Elsewhere in the city, Estadio Dragao, as mentioned, is home to FC Porto - two-time European Cup winners and one of the most successful football clubs in the country. The stadium, which was pupose-built for Euro 2004, dominates the skyline and you only realise the sheer size and grandeur of the place when you're inside it. It's certainly one of the best 'new build' venues which I've had the pleasure of visiting in recent years.
The city is also home to Boavista - a team who some people might know due to their infamous black and white chequered shirts. They play their games at the 28,000-capacity Estadio do Bessa which again underwent significant development before it was used to host matches at Euro 2004.
As always, enjoy the photos which hopefully will give you a taste of what Porto has to offer...
If you travel by air, then Porto Airport is the best airport that I've experienced anywhere across Europe. It's very comfortable, has good facilities (e.g. dozens of free charging points, free Wifi which you don't have to pay for and vast seating areas), whilst it also has good transport connections to Porto and other nearby cities. Some other airports could learn a few things by visiting here.
Should you happen to travel by rail then there are two stations; Campanhã and São Bento, which you'll most likely arrive at. Campanhã is the more spacious and is located on the eastern outskirts of the city, not far from Estadio Dragao which is visible in the distance. São Bento, meanwhile, is quaint, compact and pretty much slap bang in the city centre and is something of a tourist attraction due to it's magnificent architecture on the walls of the atrium which depict Portugal's long and decorated history. Both stations are easy to reach using Porto's metro system although local transport is pricier here than elsewhere in the country.
The best station to use for sightseeing is definitely São Bento as it's just a short walk from the banks of the Duoro River which can be found by taking a left-turn and heading downhill when leaving the station. Otherwise, if you turn right, then it won't take long until you reach landmarks such as Clérigos Church, Liberdade Square and Livraria Lello which is one of the most iconic book shops around. Porto Cathedral and Bolsa Palace are both also within a short-walking distance.
When you're on the banks of the River Duoro then it's impossible not to notice the Ponte de Dom Luís I Bridge - a structure which has huge similarities with the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle, though the one here is bigger, better and much more impressive. There are two levels to the bridge; the bottom section is for road traffic whilst the 'upper' part is pedestrianised but also used by trams - meaning it's not uncommon to see drivers frantically sounding their horns for people who've ventured onto the tramlines to get out the way, pretty damn quick!
How you choose to explore this area is entirely your own choice but with numerous bars/restaurants, wine-tasting options and sights around the riverside, not forgetting the possibility to enjoy a river cruise, it's certain to say you won't get bored very easily.
Elsewhere in the city, Estadio Dragao, as mentioned, is home to FC Porto - two-time European Cup winners and one of the most successful football clubs in the country. The stadium, which was pupose-built for Euro 2004, dominates the skyline and you only realise the sheer size and grandeur of the place when you're inside it. It's certainly one of the best 'new build' venues which I've had the pleasure of visiting in recent years.
The city is also home to Boavista - a team who some people might know due to their infamous black and white chequered shirts. They play their games at the 28,000-capacity Estadio do Bessa which again underwent significant development before it was used to host matches at Euro 2004.
As always, enjoy the photos which hopefully will give you a taste of what Porto has to offer...
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