Take refuge in Oporto, a busy city with relaxing environments that will leave you astonished. Discover new experiences and diverse places in a city disputed by the river Douro and the Atlantic. 

Beginning the journey…

Oporto is Portugal´s second largest city and its centre can be visited in a day, because most of its tourist attractions are very close. 

Get off to a good morning start by visiting the city from its highest point, the Torre dos Clérigos, once Portugal’s highest building. Chosen as the most emblematic monument of the city, it is worth climbing its 240 steps to have a panoramic view over the city and Douro river. 

Then take a walk in the Botanical Garden that has a wide range of exotic plants.  Who wouldn’t like to visit the garden which was a reference for famous writers such as Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen and Ruben Alfredo Andresen? 

In Praça da Ribeira stop at the hotel Pestana Porto, with a dazzling view over the Douro river, to have lunch in a refined and unique environment, where traditional dishes are presented in an innovative form. 

The location of this hotel is perfect to venture through the streets and alleys of the historical centre, appreciate its architecture and monuments, visit the museums and the famous Port wine-cellars on the South river bank. 

The Contemporary Art Museum, situated 10 minutes away, is a great choice for the art aficionados. Projected by Siza Vieira, it is the perfect place to visit works of art from several contemporary artists from the late 60’s to the current date. 

In the afternoon meet up with friends or bring your readings up to date at the Hotel Teatro, which has an interior and exterior patio perfect for relaxing and having a soft drink. Go downtown for a coffee, have fun and stroll, because shopping is not limited to shopping malls! In these streets there is very personalized service, and you will find traditional commerce shops, markets, monuments and several auditoriums. 

Towards the end of the day, take a tram ride and enjoy the sunset at the Miradouro - Passeio das Virtudes, which allows an excellent perspective over the river. In the foreground you can see Fonte das Virtudes and, right after, the steps that come down to São Pedro de Miragaia. Next to the river is the imposing building of the Customs. 

Have dinner at the Hotel Infante Sagres, to rediscover the gastronomical traditions of the city reinvented by the chef and accompanied by the best wines that distinguish the city of Oporto. Make the most of it and enjoy the hotel’s small SPA, ideal to regenerate energies. 

After dinner, make your way to the Twin’s Baixa, a bar with varied music that was once an old fabrics warehouse and is now converted into a cosmopolitan and urban bar-lounge, which came to boost downtown city life. 

The next day…

Our next suggestion is a visit to the Pousada Palácio do Freixo, next to the North margin of Douro. Let yourself be dazzled with the national monument from the 18th century, created by Nasoni, a famous Italian architect of the time. Visit the Pousada and experience a magnificent example of the Portuguese civil Baroque architecture. 

For lunch go to Boavista, one of the most prestigious areas of Oporto and have lunch in Bessa Hotel, a hotel of attractive modern architecture and a contemporary interiors design full of urban charm.  The chef suggests a cuisine of Iberian fusion, in a refined and intimate restaurant. For a digestive, we suggest the hotel’s terrace... the ideal place. 

Take advantage to stroll along the riverside, appreciate the exhibitions of the Serralves Foundation and the concerts at Casa da Música.

While on the riverside, be surprised by the Café do Cais, a modern and simple bar with privileged view over the Douro river, so that you can finish your day with tranquillity. 

Take advantage of your walks and enrich them with an unforgettable stay at the ARTEH® Hotels.