Travel

Porto (Boat cruise on Sept 19th) & Oliveira de Azemeis (Wedding day on Sept 20th)

Directions for the Wedding day (20th of Sept)

Oliveira de Azeméis is a short trip away from Porto, the city of wine & bridges. You can take a taxi or an Uber to get to our wedding venue from Porto city or Porto Airport.

 

Where to Stay on Sept 20th

Hotels and Guesthouses

If you arrive a bit earlier or stay later, we recommend staying in Porto, where you can make the most of your visit. For the night of the 20th to 21st, we recommend staying close to the venue.

We have checked for hotel availabilities in the areas surrounding the wedding venue & many hotels have limited room availability for the night of the 20th of September. We recommend the following two places, both of which are a stone’s throw away from our wedding venue. Please try to book as soon as possible!

Another option could be booking rooms in hotels or Airbnb rentals in Porto.

We recommend taking an Uber from your place of accommodation to the wedding venue. If you have a rental car, there are parking options at the wedding venue too.

Golden Tulip São João da Madeira

Av. Adelino Amaro da Costa 573, 3700-023 São João da Madeira, Portugal

Ph. No.: +351256106700

Hotel Dighton

Av. Dr. Albino dos Reis, 3720-241 Oliveira de Azeméis,
Portugal

Ph. No.: +351256682191

What to Do: before & after
Activities in the Porto Area

Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centers and its core was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, as the “Historic Centre of Porto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar”.

The city is famous for the eponymous Port wine, for the laidback Ribeira district along the river banks, the enormous metal bridges towering over the blue river Duoro, intricately patterned blue-white tiled houses & the well chiseled Baroque arches of the famed Iberian churches.

EAT & DRINK

There is no better place to be in the summer than basking in the Sun along the Ribeira enjoying a glass of wine.

For lunch, we recommend visiting the Taberninha do Manel along the river banks to enjoy some bacalhau assado or the octopus with some port wine.

When in Porto, one must certainly try the city’s most famous snack: the Francesinha. There’s no better place than Brasão Aliados in our opinion.

For those who prefer having dinner in a quiet & cozy place with traditional brick walls, we recommend visiting Encaixados.

For the vegans and vegetarians amongst us, fret not, the last two options we’ve suggested do have vegan or vegetarian options. We also recommend Nem Carne Nem Peixe & Lado B for those looking for vegetarian or vegan options.

For the wine lovers, we recommend visiting Prova.

SIGHTSEEING

The Ribeira District is a UNESCO World Heritage site & is the heart of Porto's historic center, with its colorful buildings lining the Douro River. Enjoy a walk along the Cais da Ribeira, admire the Dom Luís I Bridge, and soak in the lively atmosphere with its many restaurants and bars.

The Dom Luís I Bridge is an iconic double-deck metal arch bridge designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the eponymous Parisian landmark, the Eiffel Tower. The best part is that one can just take a stroll across the upper level of the bridge and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the river Duoro passing through the city.

Livraria Lello is arguably considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and grand staircase being a must-see. There is an entrance fee that can be redeemed against a book purchase.

Clérigos Church and Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) are a stone’s throw away from the Livraria Lello. One can climb the 75-meter Baroque tower for unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. The church itself is also worth a visit with its intricate architecture.

The São Bento Railway Station is one of the best places to admire the beautiful azulejo tile panels which adorn its impressive interior, depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Even if you don’t have to take a train, you can certainly take a journey through Portuguese history through these works of art.

The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is an opulent 19th-century neoclassical building hosting the particularly stunning Arab Room with its intricate gold detailing.

The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is the city's most important religious building, showcasing a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, with a history dating back to the 12th century. Enjoy the views from the Terreiro da Sé.

The Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) is a quaint chapel with the beautiful blue and white azulejo tiles covering the exterior of this 18th-century structure, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine.

Foz do Douro is the coastal area where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering beaches, promenades, and charming cafes. One of the best places to be at sunset to watch the Sun take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Estádio do Dragão: If you're a football fan, consider taking a tour of FC Porto's stadium and museum. If you’re lucky, you might be there in time to enjoy a match cheered on by the deafening roars of their fans.

Teleférico de Gaia (Gaia Cable Car): Enjoy scenic views as you travel between the Gaia riverfront and the upper level near the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Rua de Santa Catarina: Porto's main shopping street, lined with shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture, including the Majestic Café.

Other places to visit in Portugal

Portugal is a country which shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain flanked by the Atlantic Ocean to the west & the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The country’s name traces back to its Celtic past while the country owes its origin to the Reconquista after 400 years of Moorish Muslim rule. Although not a big country, the continental part of the country has a variety of climates & landscapes- ranging from the dry & warm Algarve coast in the south to the mountainous north. Owing to it’s long coastline, the country hosts a plethora of famous towns with beaches such as Faro & Lagos, while it’s also home to arguably the most famous place for surfing, Nazaré.

What places do we recommend?

  1. Algarve (Faro & beyond)

    We biked through this stunning southern region and fell in love with its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and relaxed vibes. Faro makes a great base, and the coastline is full of small towns to discover.

    Close to the city of Sagres, we recommend visiting the Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente), the southwesternmost point of continental Europe, once believed to be the "end of the world” & hosts a historic lighthouse, a great spot for sunsets; the Sagres Fortress (Fortaleza de Sagres), a unique fortress perched on a narrow headland, offering panoramic ocean views and a glimpse into Portugal's maritime history; and the Costa Vicentina Natural Park for the bird- and nature-lovers.

    Lagos is another lovely city located along the southern coast of the country. The Ponta da Piedade is arguably the main attraction in Lagos, featuring stunning golden limestone cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations. You can visit the grottos, caves and arches from the sea either by boat tours or through kayaking/SUP tours. Alternatively, you could enjoy the scenic views from above by taking one of the many clifftop walking or biking trails. When in the city, you can also explore the remnants of the ancient Roman city walls; the Santo António Church (Igreja de Santo António) & its ornate Baroque gilded altar; the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira: A 17th-century fortress guarding the harbor; the bustling city market, Mercado Municipal; and the Mercado dos Escravos (Slave Market) which also touches upon  a significant part of the country’s dark colonising history.

  2. Douro Valley

    Wine lovers, this one’s for you. Terraced vineyards and scenic river cruises await- great as a day trip from Porto.

  3. Lisbon

    Lisbon is Portugal’s lively and picturesque capital. Perfect for wandering through narrow streets of the old district of Alfama with its traditional Fado music houses, riding iconic trams, and tasting the delicious pastel de nata, it remains as the next best option to fly into Portugal for our wedding because it’s a mere 4 hr. bus ride away from Porto.

    The city is reknown for the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), the imposing São Jorge Castle, the Jerónimos Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Manueline architecture), and the iconic Belém Tower on the Tagus River.

    Strolling around the city will help you admire the grand architecture of the Praça do Comércio, & the Rua Augusta with its triumphal arch. If your legs feel tired, you can always take a ride up the Santa Justa Lift to enjoy stunning views of the city from the top. And if you enjoy this view, these won’t be the only ones because the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro das Portas do Sol not only help you explore the charming streets and churches of hilltop neighborhoods but also provide scenic views of the capital city.

    To enjoy the city culture, the Bairro Alto remains a great option, being a charming neighborhood with colorful buildings and boutiques. By night, it transforms into a lively hub with countless bars and restaurants. Chiado is a great place to soak in the city’s cultural atmosphere because this elegant district is known for its theaters, bookstores and shops.

  4. Sintra

    Like stepping into a fairytale? Sintra is the place to visit then: Castles, palaces, and lush green hills, all just a short ride from Lisbon! The Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle are some of the places worth visiting in the area.

Let us know if you’d like help planning or matching up with others. We can’t wait for you to experience the Portugal we love!