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Holiday in the North of Portugal, have a spectacular
experience with personal and endearing culture, people and places.
Visit the chain of Tourist sports manned by bilingual staff to assist
you. This section helps you to have an idea while traveling to the
charming city.
Staying Here
Staying in Oporto has never been so easy with an unbeatable range
of accommodation and places to suit every traveler’s budget.
Hotels range from luxury to 5, 4, 3 and 2*. There is a wide range
of choice between Boarding Houses, Inns, Hostels, Motels, and Apart
hotels. The Pousadas are very comfortable, special hotels generally
located in historical sites and in many cases, they are totally
restored monuments, castles or palaces. Advanced booking is highly
recommended. Many camping areas throughout the country allow for
an inexpensive holiday and the opportunity for a close contact with
nature.
Places to Visit
Oporto is splendid the whole year around and is a good period to
visit. Mainland Portugal has an attractive climate with long hot
summers, and mild pleasant winters.
Museums:
Although the majority of the museums and art galleries are State
owned there are a number of private Foundations and individually
owned exhibition places. State Museums charge a small entrance fee
that is usually waived on Sundays and Public Holidays.
They are open on Tuesday to Sunday and pensioners receive a 40%
discount on the entrance fee.
Sometimes there is no charge at all for pensioners on showing your
ID.
Opening times are normally from 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs, but sometimes
closed during lunchtime … you need to check.
Art Galleries:
Private Art Galleries exist throughout the country, exhibiting contemporary
art for sale for all tastes and pockets. There is normally no charge
to enter these galleries.
Hot Springs:
Portugal is famous for its medicinal waters. Thermal springs offering
excellent accommodation can be found almost everywhere, providing
for many different treatments.
Beaches:
Portuguese beaches are very inviting offering white sand all over.
Be careful not to swim in areas where there are flags warning not
to. Red flags mean total prohibition to swim and yellow flags mean
you should be very careful. Green flags mean there is no danger
at all.
Sports
Golf:
The people of Oporto often find themselves indulging in the nine
hole game, Golf. Visitors can also join a game or two but before
that they must have a travel Insurance during their stay in Portugal.
They must have their Club Handicap certificate with them to play
the golf course.
Commercial Hours
The normal shopping hours are from 09.00 hrs. Until 19.00
hrs Mondays to Fridays.
Saturday is from 09.00 hrs. until 13.00 hrs. Some shops have extended
hours of opening.
Tipping Advice
Service charges are included on all restaurant bills at a cost of
between 10% and 15%. However, it is fair to add a little more if
the meal and service have been exceptional. Taxi drivers expect
small tips of between 5% and 10% of the fare. Parisian porters,
door attendants, and room service staff can be offered a gratuity
of approximately EUR 1.50 to EUR 3.00. It is also common practice
to give a small tip to ushers in cinemas and theatres. A sum of
between EUR 0.80 and EUR 1.50 is recommended.
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