Travel

Weather

The weather for Porto, in May, tends to be quite mild, with daily averages varying between 17ºC – 20ºC – although we have ordered the sun for the occasion, its presence will only be confirmed closer to the time or, worst case, on the day itself!


Travel Information to Porto from the Airport

If you are flying into Porto, then we would recommend doing so into the main airport which is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). From here, you can get into Porto through a variety of different means:

  • Bus/Shuttle – this will have an approximate cost between 5.00EUR and 15.00EUR. The price will, of course, vary depending on how many people are travelling;

  • Metro – this is a fantastic way to travel all over Porto. There is a station at the airport and, there, you can buy the passes called ‘Andante’ that you will need when travelling. Just like in the UK, you can use these to tap in/out and you will have an hour each trip to travel to wherever you would like, within the zones that you have purchased for travel (you don’t want to get caught out!).

    The metro map is, generally, quite easy to read together with navigate but, to get you started, please see these links: Metro Map and Journey Planner;

  • Taxi – although more expensive (around 20.00EUR to 30.00EUR), this is also an option if you don’t, initially, want the faff of going on public transport. There is a taxi rank right outside the arrivals area at the airport but, be warned, there may be a small queue before you get into one

Travel Information within Porto and/or Matosinhos

Getting around is very easy, being greatly facilitated by various modes of public transport in the 2 cities, such as the metro and buses.

In addition and as an alternative, you also have access to either Uber or Bolt – both of which you can download onto your phones as an app. Bolt may be the preferred option out of the 2 since it tends to be cheaper than Uber.

Accommodation

There are a variety of different hotels around either Matosinhos, closer to the wedding venue, or in the Porto City Centre amidst the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. If you would prefer to stay in Porto City Centre, this is no problem at all since it is only 8 kilometres away from Matosinhos, with different transportation methods at your disposal.


Should you decide to stay in Porto City Centre, you can look for accommodation in these areas, which are all within waking distance of each other:

  • Ribeira

  • Vitória

  • Baixa

  • Bolhão

  • Vila Nova de Gaia (across the river)

If you decide to stay in Matosinhos, these are a few areas that you can look into:

  • Matosinhos Sul

  • Senhora da Hora

  • Matosinhos City Centre

You may find that Booking.com is a useful platform to start your search for a hotel and/or apartment!

What Activities do Alistair and Philipa Recommend?

Below, we have included a list of activities that you can do in both Porto and Matosinhos to take full advantage of your visit, whether as a family, a couple or with friends:


Porto:

  • For those of you looking for something a bit different, you can do the Porto Bridge Climb or take a cruise on the Douro

  • For the football fans out there, take the opportunity to visit Estádio do Dragão, home of FC Porto, which includes a fantastic museum

  • For the gastronomy lovers, you will have a variety of cafés and restaurants to choose from as you walk around. However, why not have a walk around Bolhão Market or tour the Port Wine Cellars?

  • For those looking to get stuck into some history, you have great locations to explore like the Baixa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), climbing the Torre dos Clérigos, admiring São Bento Station, touring the Palácio da Bolsa and its opulent Arab Room, see the beautiful bookstore that is Livraria Lello and discover Portuguese art as well as artifacts in the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. If you are wanting to have a quick tour of the city, the Hop On/Hop Off Bus is a great way of doing this!

Matosinhos:

  • If you are one to take in the sea air, you can relax in one of the cafés and/or restaurants that Matosinhos has along it’s lovely promenade or have some fun learning how to surf! 

  • For those wanting to experience the culture/history of the area, you can walk up to the the iconic public art installation by Janet Echelman called the ‘Anémona’ or Castelo do Queijo, which is a historic fort. If you fancy some scenic views of the coastline, take a stroll to the Leça da Palmeira Lighthouse and you won’t be disappointed

  • If you are looking for a gastronomical change of scene, try one of the many local restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood or visit the Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos to immerse yourself in a traditional market.

Child-Friendly Activities for Families or For Your Own Inner Child:

  • For an educational but fun experience, explore marine life in SEA Life Porto or delve into the World of Discoveries museum that will take you back to the Age of Exploration. Clérigos Church also features a Multimedia Show that is short and engaging;

  • Fancy a round of golf? You can enjoy this fun outdoor activity, located near the seaside, in Foz at Mini Golf

  • For those wanting to enjoy some greenery, make sure to visit the Crystal Palace Gardens sporting great views of the city or the Serralves Park and Museum if you are looking for a more cultural touch;

  • If you want to make the most of Porto’s stunning scenery, hop onto one of Porto’s vintage trams, which were a big part of Philipa’s childhood, ride the Gaia Cable Car or do the 6 Bridges Cruise!