PORTO - Portugal - page 318

Vila Nova de Gaia: Across the river shine the neon signs of Porto's main tourist at-
traction, the port-wine cellars (caves do vinho do porto) in Vila Nova de Gaia, the third
part of Porto, although it's technically another town.
The Douro is spanned by six bridges (two steel, four concrete). The only one you're
likely to cross is the monstrous steel PonteDomLuísI (cars use lower level, Metro trains
run along upper level; pedestrians can use either level).
Visitors venturing farther out find Porto to be a city of contrasts. Its outskirts boast
bright, spacious, prim residential neighborhoods, such as the areas surrounding the Boav-
ista Rotunda and the Serralves Museum and park.
Tourist Information
Porto has three TIs: in the city center across from City Hall (at the top of Avenida dos
Aliados, Rua Clube dos Fenianos 25, tel. [phone]); at the top of the Ribeira, a block
above the river, kitty-corner from the Stock Exchange Palace (Rua Infante Dom Henrique
63, tel. [phone]); and on the cathedral square (all are open daily 9:00-18:00; city
hall location open until 20:00 in summer and 19:00 off-season). You'll also find TIs at
the airport (daily 8:00-23:30, on the arrivals level near Vodafone store and Café Aero-
porto), and in Vila Nova de Gaia, officially outside the city limits. The TIs share a web-
site: www.visitporto.travel .
At any TI, pick up the free one-page city map (with sights and hotels) and the
Useful Information pamphlet (€0.50). The city-walk guide (€1) lays out four themed
walks. The free quarterly Agenda Cultural guide lists cultural events in the city in
Portuguese. The monthly Casa da Musica guide lists events at the House of Music
( www.casadamusica.com ). The TI also sells the Porto Card (for sightseeing—described
next) and the Andante Card (for transit—described later).
Porto Card: This card offers free entry to some sights and discounts for others, plus
discounts on bus tours and some restaurants. It generally pays for itself if you visit four
or more sights. The card comes in several versions, but the best choice for most visit-
ors is either the one-day Walker card (€5, covers sights) or the one-day Standard card
(€10.50, covers sights and includes a 24-hour AndanteTour Card, which covers all public
transit—except trams; described later, under “Getting Around Porto”). If you plan to get
around mostly on foot or by taxi, the Walker card is your best bet. If using public transit,
the Standard card is a pretty good deal. Either card is good for 24 hours—you choose the
start date and time, which are written on the card. Don't get the card for Monday, when
many sights are closed; skip it if you're under 26 or a senior (you can get into most sights
free or half-price). The card is sold at Porto's TIs, travel agencies, and some hotels, but
not at participating sights. A handy guidebook is included. See www.visitporto.travel for
details.