Porto is one of Europe’s oldest tourist destinations.  The city unfolds along the river bank and the sea shore, to reveal charming views, inviting esplanades and all the pleasures of the outdoors, framed by its green spaces. But setting out to discover Porto means bumping into surprise after surprise. Whilst maintaining its welcoming and conservative nature, the city is, at the same time, contemporary and creative. This can be seen in its streets, its architectures, its museums, its leisure spaces, its esplanades and its shopping areas which run from the traditional to the modern and exclusive. Porto’s Historical Centre was designated World Cultural Heritage in 1996 and its natural setting and its meandering streets give it a unique charm.

Language

Although the official language is Portuguese, English and French are two other languages ​​often spoken in Porto.

Currency

As a member of the European Monetary System, the accepted currency is the Euro (€).

Time Zone

The official time in Portugal is the Greenwich Meridian.

Electric Current

European plugs are used with 2 pins with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles. Portugal uses the Europlug (CEE 7/16). This is the plug used in most other European countries. Visitors from outside Europe will also need the appropriate adapters to use their  electrical  appliances in Porto.

Climate

Porto has a maritime climate and can be generally deemed an all-season tourist destination, given air temperatures and other climatic parameters rarely reach to extreme values. Porto receives warm and dry summers and mild and rainy winters.

Public Transportation

– Metro
The metro in Porto is the best, easiest, and most common way to travel. It covers most of the city both under and over ground, all the way to the surrounding suburbs. Trains run from 6AM to 1AM, and stations are marked with a wavy blue “M”. Tickets (or in Porto’s case, cards) are bought at vending machines and must be validated before you board the train, even every time you switch lines. The very first time you use the metro when you arrive in Porto you must purchase the metro card called “Cartão Andante” at those vending machines. That card is your ticket that is recharged at those same vending machines in future journeys. Visit www.metro-porto.pt for the map of the network and additional information.

– Buses
Porto has an excellent and extensive bus service (called STCP) that operates from 6AM to 9PM. After 9PM the service is less frequent and after 1AM it is reduced to the principal routes. You may purchase tickets from the driver, which must then be validated on the machine behind him or her. Buses show their number and final destination on the front, as do the bus stops, where there are also details of the routes. www.stcp.pt is the website for Porto bus information.

– Trams
There are two short tram routes still in operation in Porto, No. 1 and No. 18. No.1 is a pleasant ride, as it goes through the riverfront all the way to Foz. Tickets are bought from the driver.

– Taxis
Taxis in Portugal are inexpensive when compared to the rest of Europe. Most are beige, but there are also some older black and green ones. There are taxi stands by most of the main squares in Porto, or you may call the following numbers to have one pick you up at a certain location at a scheduled time:
Raditaxis:+351 22 507 3900  Taxis Invicta:+351 22 502 2693    Taxis Unidos:+ 35122 502 9898.

Entertainment

Porto is a relaxed, artful city. With its dramatically hilly location on the Atlantic coast, Portugal’s second city – best known as the historic home of port wine – has plenty it could shout about, not least an unrelentingly pretty old town with characterful winding streets, tiled churches and World Heritage-protected status. Porto is one of the oldest cities of the country. Take the tram to the mouth of the river Douro and get to know the excellent beaches and the outdoor cafés, visit admiring churches and monuments and encounter the non-conformist modernism of the new contemporary buildings of architects like Siza Vieira, Souto Moura or Rem Koolhaas. Take the opportunity to admire the six bridges of the city, visit the Port Wine cellars and taste this characteristic wine in a cosy and refined atmosphere. Besides history and culture, Porto is also leisure, fun and night life. The famous streets around the Galeria de Paris Street, the cafés and its terraces, the Miguel Bombarda area or the commercial Sta Catarina Street are reference points in arts, in culture, but also in leisure and shopping. Dont miss the Casa da Musica, the Historical Centre and the Ribeira Square, the Lello Bookshop, the Café Majestic, the Port Wine Cellars and the Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Pilar, the Guindais Funicular, Miguel Bombarda Street, Galeria de Paris Street, Cândido dos Reis Street, Serralves House, and Museum of Modern Art, the São Bento Train station , the Cathedral, the Clérigos Tower. And, of course, the contagious joy of the popular festivities, the excellent gastronomy and the wine.

Exchange

Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers cheques and currency can be changed at hotels or at a bank – these are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 15h00. Automatic changing and ATM linked to international networks are also widely available.

Health Requirements

In fact there are no special health requirements, with the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic.

Meals

There are a wide variety of restaurants and cafés in Porto ranging from elegant and sophisticated to casual and inexpensive. Take-away and fast food is also available from many outlets. Restaurants, bars, some with live music, and discos, can be found in this link http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/the-north/porto/things-to-do/top-things-to-do-in-porto . Breakfast is normally served between 07.30 and 10.00 hrs, lunch from 12.30 to 15.00 hrs, and dinner from 19.30 to 22.00 hrs.

Medical Care

Clinics and hospitals provide round the clock emergency service. The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden by law in public transportation, and in closed public areas.

Tipping

Tipping is optional, but normally 10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars.

Sales Tax

Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.

Security

Crime rates in Portugal are among the lowest in the world. Hotels have their own security staff, which is sufficient for most events. Specialist firms are also available if necessary, and the police provide special protection for visiting dignitaries and high risk individuals.