What to do in Oporto?

April 29, 2005 3:43 PM

So I'm kind of stuck in Oporto, Portugal for the weekend and need some fun and exciting things to see/do. Any suggestions?

I'm probably going to rent a car on Sunday and tool around Northern Portugal but would also like to spend some time checking out the city itself. (At the risk of pandering to Miguel's home-grown knowledge...) what you got for me?

posted by lazywhinerkid to Travel & Transportation around Porto, Portugal (3 answers total)

Best answer: Coimbra is a lovely old university city about 70 miles drive to the south, but I've spent many a happy hour just wandering around the back streets of Porto. It's an interesting place. In fact I spent quite a lot of time just walking across the big iron bridge and back.

Do you like port? There are plenty of tours to take around the porteries, which are all on the other side of the river from the city centre. And there's pleasant beach to be had over in Matosinhos, which is within walking distance of the city centre, although you can also get a bus/tram there.

Make sure you try some of the dark black beer. I can't remember what it's called, but it's wonderful.

In terms of culture and stuff, check out the Casa de Serralves, Serralves Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
posted by nylon at 8:56 PM on April 29, 2005

Best answer: Oporto is wonderful. Just walk around, taste port, eat. There are some great seafood restaurants and Afro-Portuguese places. Get out of the city center and just wander around.
posted by zaelic at 4:34 AM on April 30, 2005

Poor guy, stuck in Portugal and all. That's gotta suck. Wish I could be so unfortunate. ;)
posted by wsg at 10:25 AM on April 30, 2005