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PORTO BREAKS

The industrial city of Porto is Portugal’s second largest. This metropolitan city is also the center of commerce in Portugal. With a population of more or less 1.8 million, Porto sits on the Portuguese hills, overlooking the river estuary of Douro. In addition, the city of Porto has also been declared as a World Heritage Site for almost a decade now.

A visit to Porto would entail tourists either a travel by air, by water, or by land. By airplane, the Sa Carneiro Airport is just fifteen kilometers away from the commercial center of Porto. There are daily flights from almost all major cities worldwide. From the airport an aerobus takes tourists to the city center in Praca da Liberdale. Just recently, the inauguration of the Metro line, a direct transit, from the airport to the city proper, took place. By train, people can choose from the two major train stations, which are Campanha and St. Benedict. There are regular schedules for trains traveling to and from Madrid, Spain, and Paris, France. There are domestic travels too. By car, there is no need to worry because getting stuck in traffic is rarely an option. There are three major highways to choose from depending on where you’re going.  The only times that a light traffic is experienced are during rush hours. Lastly, boat trips are made possible through Leixoes, a recreational and cargo vessel that sails to Matosinhos City.

As mentioned earlier, the Metro line connects a trip from the airport directly to the business center of Porto. Otherwise termed as Porto Metro, this state-of-the-art railway system was developed way back in 2004. It is also the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city.

In terms of tourist spots, it is advisable to prioritize first the sights that are included in Porto City’s World Heritage list. It is a good thing if tours would begin in the Ribeira. We can say our prayers at the beautiful San Francisco Church or enjoy the sights around the Stock Exchange Palace. For lovers of arts, you can spare your leisure time at the Museum of Modern Art in Serralves or sing your heart out at the house of music, or what they call as Casa da Musica concert hall. Pavilhao Rosa Mota, on the other hand, is perfect for a weekend stroll. Also referred to as Palacio de Cristal, this garden pavilion is famous among locals and tourists alike. For those with extra cash, a hoppin’ afternoon in Mercado do Bolhao and Sta. Catarina are the perfect abode for handicrafts and local delicacies.

One can make a Porto experience worthwhile by experiencing a river cruise or a stroll along the Pinhao landscape. In summertime, the Dragon Stadium becomes a hit destination. The stadium, a token of rich architectural design, is the home of the Champion FC Porto.

An exotic vacation can never be complete without munching on the city’s local delicacies. Tourists should brace themselves and prepare for a true Portuguese dining experience. Eat to your heart’s desire a plateful of salty cod fish dubbed as bacalhau and a cheesy french toast called francesinha. For drinks, nothing beats the time-tested Porto wine. Be prepared to be inebriated as the potency of Porto-distilled grapes and berries invade your system.

After the wine, it’s time to bring out good music and dance to the groove. The city of Porto offers a good bunch of dance clubs and disco bars. Top on the list is the two-decade-old Industria Avenida do Brasil. This plush dance-and-music haven is located near Foz, Porto’s famous seaside drive. There is also Bla Bla, a guaranteed chill-out place in Porto City. A trip down Via Rapida, a weekend hangout for dance connoisseurs sounds fun too. Other disco palaces are Bazaar, Estado Novo, Aniki Bobo, and Triplex to name a few.

After a fun-filled busy day, it is but appropriate for one to rest in the luxurious Hotel Meridien or the very sophisticated Ipanema Park Hotel. But if one is on a tight budget, an overnight stay on the cozy Mercure Hotel will still spell a night of sound sleep.

Find  flights – Hotels – Car Hire – Transfers & Attractions to Portugal and compare prices with all the major airlines and travel agents.

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