Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Near the end of the street is Nicolau Nasoni's baroque masterpiece, the
Igreja da Misericórdia
(
Click
here
). Cross Largo São Domingos to Rua Ferreira Borges, where you will pass the neoclassical
Palácio da
Bolsa
(
Click here
). You can check out its main courtyard - once Porto's stock exchange - for free or stay on for a
tour of its elaborate interior. Just next door is the
Igreja de São Francisco
(
Click here
), with a severe Gothic
facade hiding a jaw-dropping golden interior.
Head back up Rua Infante Dom Henrique and turn right on Rua da Alfândega, where you'll find the medieval
Casa do Infante
(
Click here
)
, the birthplace of Henry the Navigator and the site of some remarkable Roman
ruins. Continue into the shadowy Ribeira district, following narrow, medieval Rua de Fonte Taurina as it opens
onto the lovely
Praça da Ribeira
(
Click here
). From here, take a stroll along the Rio Douro, admiring Vila
Nova de Gaia's port-wine lodges across the river. Next, walk across the Eiffel-inspired
Ponte de Dom Luís I
(
Click here
)
to Gaia's
waterfront esplanade
. Grab an outdoor table at one of the waterfront cafes and enjoy
the splendid city views across the Ribeira over a much-deserved drink.
Tours
Eco Tours
( 220 108 096;
www.ecotours.com.pt
;
Rua do Passeio Alegre 20; 4hr tour per person €70; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri)
This outfit offers English- walking excursions that take in the highlights of historic Porto
before heading to Vila Nova de Gaia for port tasting. They also offer cruises (from €10).
WALKING TOUR
Porto Tours
TOUR
( 222 000 045;
www.portotours.com
;
Calçada Pedro Pitões 15, Torre Medieval; 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm
Sat & Sun)
Situated next to the cathedral, this excellent municipal service provides details of
all the recommended tour operators, from city walking tours, Douro cruises and jaunts by
Segway, bike and scooter to private taxi tours or helicopter rides over the city. As well as
providing impartial advice, Porto Tours will make bookings for you.
Living Tours
TOUR
( 228 320 992;
www.livingtours.pt
; Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352-4; 9am-7pm daily)
A great range of
sightseeing options are on offer at this friendly agency, from city tours (starting at €12) to
fado dinners (€16.50) and day trips (€90) to the Douro and Minho.
Blue Dragon Tours
TOUR
