Overlooking the Douro River, Porto is one of the most ancient European cities. It was born and developed from the northern bank of this river during the Middle Ages. One of the most significant aspects of Porto and its historical centre is its landscape, combining harmony with the urban structure and presenting a frame of rare beauty. The city was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996.
When discovering Porto, you will find many surprises. Besides its welcoming and conservative environment, Porto is also contemporary and artistic. This is shown not only in the streets, architecture, monuments and museums but also in the terraces, restaurants and leisure and shopping areas.

The surface Subway (Metro) line is a quick connection between the airport, the city centre and the mains hotels in Porto, with services every 20 minutes. Don't lose a minute. Get in the Violet (E) Line. Line E (Violet) connects Airport Station to Estádio do Dragão Station, and, naturally, to all metro’s network. Line E (Violet) comes to add 1,6 km extension to Metro do Porto system, that now counts a total of 60 km and 68 stations. The service defined for Line E (Violet), Airport – Estádio do Dragão, assure a direct (without any overflow) and very fast link (trip times around 25 minutes) to the Oporto city centre. The occasional Andante title required for travelling between the Airport Station and Oporto city centre is a Z4. In the Andante shop located in the arrivals zone of the Airport you can also buy the Andante Tour, an unlimited and intermodal title valid for 1 or 3 days.
Cost: Title Zone 4 - 1.40 € one way. - Last Connection at 0h35

An additional surcharge of 1.50 € may also be applied for extra luggage, although wheelchairs and other equipment required by physically handicapped people are transported free of charge. The price is the same, regardless of the number of people sharing a taxi (maximum 4 per taxi).

You can use the highway “A28” between Vigo (Spain) and Porto or the highway “A1” between Lisbon and Porto. Both are good and new highways, and the “A1” have a toll fee (about 35€)

TAXIS: The phone number of the taxi call centre in Porto is +351 22 5073900. Taxi ranks can be found at various locations in the city centre. Almost all the conference hotels have a taxi rank located at a distance of no more than 150m. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs approximately 25 €.

WEATHER: Porto has a mild climate. For more information please visit the following website: www.meteo.pt

You are advised to bring some Warm clothing.

MONEY: The local currency is the Euro (€). Banks in Portugal are open Monday-Friday, 08.30-15.00 (Banks at the airports is open 08.00-20.00). Portugal also has an extensive network of cash dispensers which operate 24 hours a day.

SHOPPING: The most traditional shopping area is Rua Santa Catarina, along with the narrow streets going up and down from the city center till Ribeira, by the Douro river side.