Things to do in Porto

Beat the hills with an electric bike

Hilly it may be, but fitter visitors will enjoy racing around Porto and the surrounding area on two wheels. Blue Dragon Tours' (tel: +351 222 022 375; www.bluedragon.pt) cycling specialists offer guided city trips and for those that haven't the puff, don't fret: Porto Rent A Bike (tel: +351 912 562 190; www.portorentabike.com) has electric bikes that make the hills a breeze.

Cruise along in a piece of art

For a different and much more serene perspective of Porto, take a river trip. Short cruises, like the Bridges Tour, show off a beautiful, thriving cityscape, whilst a trip aboard Douro Azul's (tel +351 223 402 500; www.douroazul.com) Trafaria Praia is not your average journey - it's interior is decked out as a sparkling piece of art.

Find the fairway at one of Europe’s oldest golf clubs

If you want to tackle 18 historic and scenic holes, swing by one of Europe's oldest golf courses. In 1890, British wine exporters laid out a golf course in Porto, thus introducing the game to Portugal. It was christened Oporto Golf Club (tel: +351 227 342 008; www.oportogolfclub.com) in 1901 and is still highly regarded today.

Head to Vila do Conde beach

No seaside city trip is complete without a visit to the beach. Whether you sunbathe on golden sands, cool off in the Atlantic or want to surf, Vila do Conde is fantastic. It's only 33km (21 miles) from Porto; jump on the red Metro line and alight at Póvoa de Varzim.

Hike through the Douro Valley

Whether you're after a wild waterside walk along the Atlantic coastline or wish to escape the city to tread a path through the delightful Douro Valley, Porto's surroundings offer some special strolls. Trilhos (tel: +351 225 020 740; http://trilhos.pt), in the city centre, helps organise mountain treks for all abilities among plenty of other outdoor activities.

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Featured Hotels

HF Ipanema Porto

A short walk from the city centre, and close to several leading attractions, the HF Ipanema Porto offers comfortable accommodation at a very reasonable price. The aim is to provide a relaxing environment; the bar is quiet and the restaurant offers a range of international cuisine.

Sheraton Porto

This hotel opened its doors in 2003 and is one of the most luxurious hotels in Porto. Housed in an elegant 12-storey building it has 266 rooms and suites as well as an excellent restaurant and bar. The spa offers a range of health treatments, a high-tech gym, a Zen studio offering yoga classes, an indoor swimming pool and a mixed sauna and Turkish bath.

Hotel America

With 22 basic but comfortable rooms, the Hotel América is ideal for those seeking cheap hotels in Porto. It is situated in the heart of the main shopping district in the city centre, and despite its low prices, offers extras such as air conditioning, a mini bar in the room, security safes, a snack bar and pool room.

Hotel Ibis Centro Porto

Following the French chain's successful formula as applied over the whole of Europe, the Hotel Ibis Centro Porto is exactly what it says on the tin: a modern, budget hotel offering basic but clean and comfortable accommodation without the frills of luxury. It's a good choice either if you're on a budget, or simply don't intend to spend a lot of time in the room.

Grande Hotel do Porto

The Grande Hotel do Porto was designed by the architect Silva Sardina and opened in 1880. The hotel has 99 rooms, and they all have air-conditioning, broadband Internet access and beautifully tiled bathrooms. The hotel, and particularly the restaurant, has a distinct old world charm and atmosphere. It is located on Porto's main shopping street in the city centre.

The Yeatman

Opened in 2010, the 82-room Yeatman is something of a new departure for hotels in Porto because it is situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south side of the river. However, its location across the water affords excellent views of the old city. The emphasis is solidly on luxury, fine dining and high quality relaxation – there is an extensive spa area to complement the accommodation, and the rooftop swimming pool and terrace are perfect for sun lovers.

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