Venue

ACCESS

 By metro

FEUP is served by the D line of Metro (Yellow) at the C6 zone. The D line (yellow) connects to the Town Hall of Gaia in 20 minutes, passing through Trindade, where it has a connection with lines A (blue), B (red), C (green) and E (violet). You must get out at the IPO station, contour the Campus S. João, and walk on a long street (Rua do Doutor Plácido da Costa – 7 minutes walking). You must cross the transversal road and get to FEUP!  

For more information, please consult the Metro do Porto website. 

By bus

There are 4 bus lines in the Faculty’s area: 204, 300, 301 and 803. From the São João Hospital, there are other lines of STCP and regular routes to other cities. To choose which one is more appropriate for you, please check these websites: 

• www.stcp.pt 
• www.itinerarium.net 

 To check if your bus or subway is already arriving, you can download the mobile application MOVE-ME. [Android] [iOS]

 By car

The best way to find FEUP (Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n 4200-465 Porto) is to follow the signs for ‘Hospital de São João’. Below are some suggested routes: 

• If coming from Ermesinde, Gondomar, or Valongo via “Estrada da Circunvalação (EN12)”:  

Drive along the EN12 until you see Hospital de São João on your left. At the next crossing with traffic lights, turn left onto António Bernardino Almeira Street (with IPO on your right). Drive straight until the intersection with Rua Alfredo Allen, where you should turn left again. Keep on the left until the next crossing, where you must turn left at Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho. Drive straight along this street until you reach another intersection with Dr. Roberto Frias Street, where you must turn left. Keep right until the intersection with Rua D. Frei Vicente da Soledade e Castro, where you will find FEUP on your left. 

• If coming from Maia and Matosinhos via “Estrada da Circunvalação (EN12)”:  

Follow the EN12 until you find the IPO on your right. At the next traffic light, turn right onto António Bernardino Almeira Street (IPO will be on your right) and go straight until the intersection with Rua Alfredo Allen, where you should turn left again. Keep on the left until the next crossing, where you must turn left at Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho. Drive straight along this street until you reach another intersection with Dr. Roberto Frias Street, where you must turn left. Keep right until the intersection with Rua D. Frei Vicente da Soledade e Castro, where you will find FEUP on your left. 

 By train

If arriving to Porto by train, you have two options: 

• From Campanhã Station: 

Take the metro and choose one of the following lines: A (Blue), B (Red), C (Green) and E (Violet). Transfer at Trindade Station to the D line (Yellow) and get out at the IPO station (follow the directions that are given in the “By metro” option). 

• From São Bento Station: 

Take the D line (Yellow) of the metro and get out at the IPO station. No transfer is required. Follow the directions in the “By Metro” section. 

 By plane (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport)

The fastest way to reach FEUP from the airport, without using a taxi or private car, is by metro: Take the E line (Violet) toward Trindade Station. Transfer at Trindade Station to the D line (Yellow) and get out at the IPO station (follow the directions that are given in the “By metro” option). 

 By taxi

For convenience, taxis are available at the airport, train stations, and throughout the city. Approximate fares: 

• From Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport – 20 € 

• From Campanhã Train Station – 10 € 

• From São Bento Train Station – 10 € 

Alternatively, you can use UBER and Bolt services. 

ACCOMODATION 

All participants are suggested to register and book their hotel in Porto as soon as possible. The city is a dream destination for many visitors, so you may want to book your accommodation in advance. 

The city of Porto, known as Cidade Invicta (the invincible city), is the second largest city of Portugal, the capital of the Porto district and the northern region country. Porto is built along hillsides overlooking the mouth of Douro River and it is an outstanding urban landscape with a 2,000-year history. Its continuous growth is related to the sea (the Romans gave it the name Portus, or port). It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and considered the European Best Destination in 2014 and 2017. 

Explore the enchanting city of Porto along the charming Douro River. Porto boasts a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich culture and lively atmosphere. 

As you wander through Porto’s cobblestone streets, indulge in one of its most beloved culinary treasures, the Francesinha. This hearty sandwich is a must-try for any visitor seeking an authentic taste of Porto. Don’t forget to sample Portugal’s renowned bacalhau (cod fish) dishes and treat yourself to a decadent pastel de nata, a creamy custard tart with a crisp, flaky crust. 

Discover Porto’s architectural marvels, from the imposing Sé Cathedral and Clérigos Tower to the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, offering breathtaking city views. Lose yourself in the narrow alleys of the Ribeira district, where colorful buildings and bustling cafes create a vibrant backdrop for exploration. 

On the other side of the Douro River, the charming sister of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, emerges. Renowned for its historic wine cellars and breathtaking views of Porto’s skyline, Vila Nova de Gaia invites visitors to explore its rich maritime heritage and scenic beauty. 

Embark on a journey through Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine cellars, where you can sample exquisite port wines while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. Each cellar offers a unique glimpse into the art of winemaking and the history of port wine production, from the historic lodges to the modern tasting rooms. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the stunning sunset from Jardim do Morro or visit the Serra do Pilar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River. 

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and wine culture, Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia cities promise an unforgettable experience for all who visit. 

Detailed information about accommodation, public transport, sightseeing tours, gastronomy, nightlife and culture may be found in the Official Portal of Porto Tourism and Visit Porto and the North Portal. 

PORTO TOP ATTRACTIONS 

• Cais de Gaia (Gaia’s Pier) – The city’s postcard skyline and the birthplace of one of the World’s most famous wines. A place with wonderful esplanades, restaurants and bars, with a great view over the Porto’s historic centre. It is the destiny of wine production to be aged in the Cellars of the more than 50 wine companies. The famous Douro River Cruises depart nowadays from the Gaia quay.
• Serralves Museum – Two buildings that are as much a work of art as the collections they exhibit inside, surrounded by a magnificent park.
• Casa da Música (House of Music) – An architectural masterwork by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas.
• São Francisco Church – One of Europe’s most extraordinarily lavish church interiors, completely covered in gold.
• Ribeira – Atmospheric, colourful, World Heritage riverfront medieval district.
• Sé Catedral (Porto Cathedral) – One of the main and oldest monuments of Portugal, this 12^th-century fortress-cathedral is located in the heart of the historical centre.
• Clerigos Tower – Designed by the Italian architect Nasoni, this iconic baroque church is a popular tourist attraction to overlook the city (76 meters up, after climbing 240 steps).
• Palácio da Bolsa – This 19^th-century building with a vast neoclassical front is the former Stock Exchange Palace, where the ornate Arab Room could be taken by a royal place.
• Dom Luis Bridge – Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this Porto’s iconic bridge opened in 1886. The lower level can be used by pedestrians to cross the river between the centre of Porto and Gaia, providing a great view of Ribeira and port wine warehouses.
• Soares dos Reis Museum – A notable national art museum named after one of the country top artists.

PORTO TOP EXPERIENCES 

• Lello Book Store – Go inside the Lello & Irmão bookshop, a historic space with a Neo-Gothic interior where J.K. Rowlings inspired herself to write Harry Potter.
• Majestic Café – Have a drink at Café Majestic, a classic European Art Nouveau café and a city landmark.
• Gigantic Tile Murals – Admire the gigantic tile panels inside São Bento railway station and on the façades of Carmo and Capela das Almas churches.
• Douro Cruise – Take a cruise or a tour down the World Heritage Douro Valley.
• Art Galleries Street – Check out the art galleries down Rua Miguel Bombarda.
• The Atlantic – Take a stroll by the sea in Foz.
• The Monumental Heart of the City – Watch the world go by on Avenida dos Aliados.
• Parque da Cidade (city park) – is the biggest urban park in Portugal (more than 80 hectares) and the ideal place to have a nice relaxed walk, do your workout, have a picnic or even some birdwatching. It is located on the western end of Avenida da Boavista, facing the ocean and with a direct access to Praia Internacional (the beach).
• Palácio de Cristal gardens – This beautifully landscaped park is dominated by a huge domed pavilion built in 1956 which replaced the 19^th century iron-and-glass “Crystal Palace” (1865 — 1951), modelled on London’s Crystal Palace and authored by the English architect Thomas Dillen Jones. Today’s pavilion serves as a venue for concerts and sporting events. It is surrounded by a lake, flowerbeds, and roaming peacocks, all overlooking the Douro River, of which there are superb views.
• Romantic Museum – Located next to Palácio de Cristal gardens, this 19^th century mansion recreates characteristic interiors of the bourgeoisie of the time.
• FC Porto Museum and Estádio do Dragão – The FC Porto Museum traces the history of the football club since its formation in 1893. Estádio do Dragão is a great stage of emotions, entertainment, spectacle, and an unavoidable reference of the city of Porto.
• The Local Market – Browse through the colourful Mercado do Bolhão.
• Bom Sucesso Market – An urban concept that combines a fresh market, diversified gastronomic offer (44 coloured stalls with a wide variety of gastronomic delights from various Portuguese regions and from other parts of the world) and cultural activities. 
• Hard Rock Cafe – Located near the vibrant town square Avenida dos Aliados, Hard Rock Cafe Porto is housed in a 19^th century building, combining Porto’s strong sense of history with the irreverence and character of Hard Rock brand.
• Time-warp Shops – Shop at the retro shops downtown, many preserving wonderful Art Nouveau façades. Recommended: A Vida Portuguesa and Pérola do Bolhão.