Leixoes Porto

Despite popular assumption, Oporto cruise ships do not sail up the River Douro. They moor several miles north of its mouth at commercial Leixões, pronounced roughly "Leh-shoys" with a nasal intonation.

Leixões Cruise Terminal on Dock 1 North covers around 840 square meters. The Leixões Passenger Terminal is a notable nineteen-sixties architectural example and has recently been included in Matosinhos's Architectural and Historical Heritage. Oporto City Center is 8km away; cross the bridge on the metro at "Mercado Station".

Ships can also use the brand new South terminal, or "Cruise terminal)," where continuous free shuttle buses run to and from the pier exit.

Both terminals have red, blue and yellow Porto hop-on-hop-off buses. Do not preorder because not all busses call at cruise terminals; buy direct from the driver. At about 10 Euro, they cost roughly the same as the ship shuttle but are a much better deal.

Alternatively, walk 250m to Matosinhos Sul Metro tram stop.

Purchase a round trip ticket, hold it to the ticket reader's circular sensor, then take the next train for Oporto's 30-minute journey. Tickets cost about 2 Euro, trains run about every 15 minutes, and Bolhao is the city-center stop. The metro is wheelchair accessible.

If no cruise-line shuttle is offered, use public bus 500 from the shelter outside the port entrance. A taxi to central Porto should be inexpensive, around 20 euro; if none are on the pier, cross the bridge to Matosinhos.

Dom Luis I bridge is the most direct route from port to Ribeira, Porto's oldest district, reached by bus or on foot.

Take a printable map with you.

Ribeira, meaning river bank, is Porto's riverside district and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Its narrow, steep cobbled-stoned streets and colorful houses, many with azulejos(tiles), form a maze. It is a good sightseeing starting point; the embankment best conveys city character, while the wide Douro splits the city into two.

The 12th century cathedral Sé at Terreiro del Sé is a good sightseeing starting point, with a beautiful 14th century cloister. Its front stone balcony gives fabulous city and river views.

Roman-era Portus and Cale stood on opposite banks. They became Portucale duchy, part of Teresa of Castilia's dowry to Henry of Burgundy. Their son Alphonso reconquered most of the country from the Moors and became the first ruler of a new kingdom, naming it Portugal after his parents' land.

São Bento Railway Station dates from its 1916 inauguration. The historical station's celebrated azulejo tile panels show scenes from the History of Portugal.

When tired of walking, sit at one of Cais de Ribeira's numerous cafes or restaurants. Villa Nova de Gaia is clearly visible on the other river bank, where port wine is made and signs for producers Sandeman, Ferreira, Taylor and Graham appear. Walk over Ponte Dom Luis I to the other bank or stand on the bridge for a wonderful view of the city.

Use the available information to learn how to get around by metro, bus, tram, taxi or simply rent-a-car services; it includes all necessary details.

Porto is very hilly. On a hop on tour, leave at São Bento Railway Station, enjoy the pleasant downhill walk towards the river, then hop on again.

Rua das Flores has silversmiths, Rua 31 de Janeiro the best leather ware shops, and cork crafts are worth seeking.

Porto Style Tripe gave Porto inhabitants their nickname tripeiros, meaning those who eat tripe. The dish combines veal's tripe with sausages and butter beans, but is famous less for preparation than for Porto people's altruistic decision, in a moment of need, to donate all available meat to ships leaving to conquer new cities in Northern Africa. They kept only the animals' tripe for subsistence. Today it is a major symbol of the city's gastronomy.

Port wine, also Vinho do Porto, Oporto, Porto or simply Port, is fortified Portuguese wine from northern Portugal's Douro Valley. Usually sweet, it is also dry or semi-dry and often served as dessert wine.

The currency is the Euro.

Cruise terminals provide free WiFi, often busy with crew members.

Shopping hours are generally Mon-Fri 0900-1900 and Sat 0900-1300; shopping centers usually open Mon-Sun 1000-0000.

Banking Hours are generally Mon-Fri 0830-1500.