Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Portugal / North Portugal / Porto
 |  | Fact File : Porto |
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| | | Porto | | Did you know?
Lisbon-dwellers dub the residents of Porto tripeiros – tripe eaters – because of their liking for cow's intestines.
Language
Portuguese.
Visas
None required for EU citizens.
Getting there
Direct flights to Porto on Ryanair and British Airways from London, while Portugalia flies from Manchester.
Flying time from London
One hour and 15 minutes.
Getting around
Buses are the quickest way to get around, although trains are cheaper. Car hire is readily available but fuel is expensive. Local transport includes trams, buses and cheap taxis. Lisbon has a metro system. There are ferries and boats between some coastal towns.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
As a rough guide a pint of beer is £1.50, an average meal £8-10, a litre of petrol 60p.
Weather
The weather is good between April to October, with the hottest temperatures in July and August. The wettest season is November-March, though winters themselves are quite mild in Porto.
Time difference
None, it's on GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 351
Voltage
220V, 50Hz.
Opening hours
Shops open 9-9.30am to 1pm and from 3 to 7pm, as there is a long lunch. Most closed Saturday afternoons and Sunday. Office hours are weekdays 9am to 1pm, then 3 to 5pm. Banks open weekdays 8.30am to 2.30-3pm. Museums open Tuesday-Saturday 10am to12.30pm, then 2 to 5pm.
Health - Before you go
You do not need any vaccinations to visit Portugal and none are recommended.
Health - When you are there
Portugal has reciprocal health arrangements with the UK. You'll need to take an EHIC form (get one from the post office) to claim any medical expenses.
Warnings
Don't walk around the Ribeira district or the Sao Bento train station surrounds on your own late at night. The riverside areas of Rua Nova de Alfandega and Avenida Gustavo Eiffel are also best avoided at night-time. The beach at Foz do Douro is heavily polluted – don't swim here.
Emergency
National emergency for police, fire, ambulance, dial 112. British Embassy, Rua de Sao Bernardo 33, 1200 Lisbon, Tel. 1 392 4000.
Customs
Bargaining is acceptable in markets but be prepared as the Portuguese are very good at it. In churches and small villages, dress conservatively. In religious festivals remember that the procession is solemn and the party starts afterwards - don't confuse the two.
Pets
Portugal is part of the Pet Travel Scheme, which requires stringent health checks by vets and the correct paperwork.
Tipping
Tip around 10% in restaurants, loose change is enough for a snack. Taxis appreciate about 10%.
Tourist office
Portuguese Tourist Office, 22-25A Sackville Street, London, W1X 2LY. Tel. 09063 640 610. (60p a minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Porto |
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| |  | | Oporto City World Heritage Zone Apartment
Refurbished traditional dual-balconied apartment, 1st floor with elevator, situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Zone of Porto City.
|  | | Quinta dos Avós
The cottage Quinta dos Avós is situated in a hamlet with only 180 inhabitants, surrounded by rivers, forests and not far from a reservoir, where you w
|  | | Porto - Ribeira1
This lovely apartment is placed in the oldest part of Oporto, at walking distance of the main sightseeing places and with easy access to beaches also
|  | | Porto Ribeira2
This lovely apartment is placed in the oldest part of Oporto, at walking distance of the main sightseeing places.
|  | | Porto Center
2-4 persons
The apartment is in the last floor (5º)
Year of construction 2007
Near Boavista and metro
Free parking/Public parking
With balcony an
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