Car hire Porto (Portugal)

Tips For Renting a Car in Porto

Getting around Porto is easy if you rent a car. You can find cheap car rental rates if you shop around. Most car rental companies have offices at Porto airport.

The best way to find a car hire company is to do your homework. The good news is that there are a number of reputable companies to choose from. These companies have offices in all of the major airports in Portugal. Almost all of these companies use a breakdown assistance service.

The first thing to know is that the best price is usually a smaller car. The second is that you'll need to pay for the fuel you use. Fortunately, you can find gas stations in Portugal that offer two grades of fuel. For instance, you can opt for unleaded petrol, also known as gasolina sem chumbo.

The best way to find a good deal is to look at local small businesses. They often offer competitive rates.

For instance, if you're going to Portugal from the US, you'll need to get a US driving license. You'll also need to pay for a rental car with third party insurance. You can usually get away with a basic policy, but you'll need to pay for damages up to a deductible.

You'll also want to make sure that you have a good idea of the distance you'll need to drive before you get in your car. You'll need to read road signs carefully and make sure you're in the right lane.

Popular Places to Visit in Porto

Located on the northwest coast of Portugal, Porto is a coastal city with a number of popular places to visit. The city is known for its port wine production, stately bridges, and its medieval Ribeira district with narrow cobbled streets and merchants' houses.

Cathedral

Located in the historic center of Porto, the Porto Cathedral is one of the most important buildings of Porto and is an integral part of the city's history. Aside from its impressive architecture, the cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Porto Cathedral was originally built in the Romanesque style between the 12th and 13th centuries. The cathedral is flanked by two cupola-topped towers. The interior cloisters are lined with magnificent azulejos tiling. Nicolau Nasoni designed the cloisters and Paco Episcopal Palace.

The cathedral is built on a square that used to be the heart of the city in the Middle Ages. The square used to be the location where criminals were hanged.

Palacio da Bolsa

Among the many popular places to visit in Porto, the Palacio da Bolsa is a must-see. This Neoclassic-style structure was designed in the 19th century by the Portuguese architect Joaquim da Costa Lima. It is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The building was once the seat of the city's stock exchange. During the late eighteenth century, the stock exchange was the place where merchants sold commodities and securities. The building represents the triumph of the bourgeoisie in the late eighteenth century. In the early twentieth century, the building was used for a variety of cultural events.

The building features a beautiful Moorish Revival Salao Arabe. In addition, it has an octagonal metal and glass roof. The walls of the building are covered with intricate details. The floor is also made of maple and rosewood.

Esplanada do Teleferico

Located on the top of a hill, Esplanada do Teleferico is a wine bar and restaurant overlooking the Douro River and the picturesque Vila Nova de Gaia. Its location makes it a great destination for a relaxing day in Porto. Its restaurant offers a range of Port wines to try, as well as an excellent tonic, and a variety of dishes that are perfect for a family or group.

The area is a great place to walk and explore. It has narrow alleys lined with colorful buildings and Roman foundations. It's also a great spot to take photos.

The nearby Praca da Ribeira is also a must-see. Its picturesque square is packed with cute tourist cafes and is right on the riverfront. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Torre dos Clerigos

Located on Rua de Sao Filipe de Nery, the Torre dos Clerigos is a 75-meter tower in Porto, Portugal. The tower is attached to the Igreja dos Clerigos, a baroque church. It was constructed in the 1750s by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni.

It is part of a larger architectural complex that also includes the Church and Brotherhood House. The tower and Church are open to the public daily from 9 am to 7 pm. The tower offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the river. There are 49 bells in the tower that chime when they are rung. The tower is also the tallest structure in Porto.

Livraria Lello

Located in the heart of Porto, Livraria Lello is a landmark building that is well worth visiting. This bookshop has been around for more than a hundred years and is still one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

Livraria Lello is located on historic Rua dos Clerics. It is located close to the Carmo Church and the University of Porto building. It has a classical interior with stacked bookshelves. It also has a beautiful stained glass window. The bookstore is renowned for its magical atmosphere.

Livraria Lello is open every day, except for Easter Sunday and New Year's Day. The entrance fee is 5 euros, which is redeemable for a book purchase. This is a reasonable fee considering the interior design.

Chapel of Souls

Located on Rua de Santa Catarina in Porto, the Chapel of Souls (or Chapelle de las Almas in Portuguese) is one of the most famous sights in the city. It is decorated with azulejos, which are traditional Portuguese blue and white tiles. These tiles date back to the early 18th century. They depict scenes of saints' lives and other important events in Portuguese history.

Porto has azulejos on many buildings, including residential homes. You can also find azulejos on street signs and in shops. The Chapel of Souls is one of the best places to see this tile work.

Aside from its stunning facade, the Chapel of Souls also has an interesting interior. It is decorated with beautiful blue and white azulejos tiles. The interior features a "hidden" image of the Our Lady of the Souls. Visitors can light candles inside and write letters to God.