Rehearsal Dinner
The Bello rooftop at The Rebello Hotel
Cais de Gaia 380, 4400-245 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Wedding Venue
Quinta Dos Moinhos
Avenida José Joaquim Ferreira 2000, Melres, Porto 4515, Portugal
Wedding Dinner
Dona Maria At The Lodge
Rua. Carvalhosa 151, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Farewell Cruise
BBDouro
Porto (also called Oporto) is the second largest city in Portugal. It boasts beautiful scenery, culture, architecture, churches, boats, delicious seafood and bakeries, a relaxed atmosphere, and wonderful hospitable locals. It is a very compact city that is easy to enjoy and explore on foot, despite the elevation. English is commonly spoken. Porto is famous for the Douro River Valley, the beautiful beaches and its famous Dom Luis I bridge.
Although Porto has its own airport, you may be able to fly into Lisbon for a more economical flight.
If you don't feel like dealing with a rental car, there is a convenient, inexpensive and scenic train ride you can take straight from Lisbon to Porto. The train ride is about 3 hours long, if you prefer to purchase tickets ahead of time you can use the links below:
Nearby Airports
Porto (OPO)
Lisbon (LIS) (Requires train ride)
Train Options From Lisbon
On foot
Porto is a beautiful place to explore on foot, but it is quite hilly! Especially near the city center and Douro River valley. Once you get beyond this point it levels out and there is beautiful architecture, churches, sights and beaches to explore.
Vans at our disposal
We are planning to have a large passenger van at our accommodations in Melres for us and our guests to use. If you would like to use them for sight-seeing in the days leading up to the wedding, let us know!
Public Transportation
Porto has an extensive Tram and Bus network you can utilize, and it's easy to figure out which tram line or bus route you need using Google Maps. Make sure your phone is set up for international data!
Scooters
If you’re brave and looking for a special and inexpensive way to explore Porto and overcome some of the elevation challenges, you can rent scooters! All you need is your driver’s license. Be careful!
Vertical Tram
There is an awesome vertical tram line that takes you from the bottom of the Douro River Valley bridge to the top! A great and convenient way to overcome some of the elevation.
rideshare
uber is widely available in portugal. there is also an alternative service called Bolt that should be convenient and relatively inexpensive option to navigate porto.
Staying in Porto
For Guests Not staying with us at the wedding venue in Melres, we encourage our friends to explore the Air BnB & hotel options surrounding Porto. There are many nice and reasonably priced hotels to choose from as well, but Air BnB seems like the most cost-effective way to get a beautiful place with character that is conveniently located near the city center.
Below is a list of Air BnBs and Hotels Kylia and I found that you may like!
Porto City Center
Historic apartment at Cardosas with balcony
Oporto Chic & Cozy (Apartments), Aliados
Foz do Porto : (Old town, where the river meets the sea; charming area)
Casa do Arquiteto Boutique Townhouse
Porta Nobre Boutique Hotel by Aspasios
Sites and Things to Do
Eat food
A lot of food. A lot of delicious, reasonably priced food. Then eat some more. Be sure to try some Francesinha (epic sandwich), Bacalhau (salted codfish), Tripas (meat and tripe stew), and Pasteis de Nata (creamy custard tart).
Ribeira District
This historic district is known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and charming riverside promenade. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll, enjoying the atmosphere, and taking in the views of the Douro River.
Dom Luís I Bridge
This iconic double-deck metal bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. You can walk across the upper deck for panoramic views of the city and river. There is also a vertical trolley that will help you tackle the incline, taking you from underneath the bridge to the top.
São Bento Train Station
Admire the stunning azulejo (hand-painted ceramic tile) panels that adorn the walls of this historic train station. The intricate blue and white tiles depict scenes from Portuguese history and culture.
Clerigos Tower
Climb to the top of this iconic bell tower for panoramic views of Porto. The narrow spiral staircase leads to a viewing platform where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city and beyond.
Livraria Lello
Considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello features stunning neo-Gothic architecture and a magnificent spiral staircase. It's a must-visit for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
This Romanesque cathedral is one of the oldest landmarks in Porto. Explore its impressive interior, including the beautiful cloister, and enjoy views of the city from its terrace.
Serralves Foundation
This contemporary art museum is set within a beautiful park and features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and enjoy the outdoor sculptures.
Foz do Douro
Head to the western edge of Porto to explore Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Relax on the beach, stroll along the promenade, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Matosinhos
Just a short tram or metro ride from Porto, Matosinhos is known for its excellent seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches. Don't miss the chance to sample grilled fish at one of the local seafood eateries.
be sure to get yourself some euros and/or a credit card with no foreign transaction fees!
remember to call your credit card company to let them know you'll be out of the country.
We have confirmed that you do not need a special visa for traveling to porto!
We Recommend You Pack:
Passport
Sunscreen
European power adapter (Type C or F plugs, standard in Portugal)
Comfortable walking shoes
Light layers (Porto evenings and boating down the Douro can get breezy)
Swimwear/Beachshoes
A small day bag or crossbody
Any necessary medications (and a copy of your prescriptions, just in case)
***To ensure seamless connectivity and financial transactions during your travels, we recommend notifying your bank and Phone service provider of your international travel dates.
our only planned activities are on May 30th, May 31ST, and an optional farewell cruise on June 2nd, Leaving the rest of the time for planning your own adventures, travels and spending quality time with everyone at the venue!