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Porto in Dec/Jan - 5 .

Posted by on

Looking for suggestions/recommendations for 4 full days in Porto Dec. 30-Jan 2. We are family of 5 adults (kids 20-28) and I plan to book day trip to Buimaraes & Braga, and one day is January 1 so not sure how much we will be able to see/do that day. We are not big port wine fans so may check out a winery or two but not really interested in full-day experience, particularly if vineyards are dormant that time of year.

Any suggestions for other days day trips from Porto, or should we just plan to enjoy exploring the city for those 3 days. This will be start of our trip so we will likely have some jet lag. From Porto we will spend a night in Coimbra and 6 nights in Lisbon with a few day trips planned from there (Sintra/Caiscais, Nazarre/Obidos, Evora (?)).

Thanks in advance for insights and ideas!
Christine

Posted by
1817 posts

Unfortunately, most things will be closed on the first. But, walking around the city is quite picturesque and, as you wrote, it might be a good day to rest from your jet lag. Fireworks are a big deal on New Year’s Eve in Portugal, so that might be fun that night. I would reserve dinner for that night as it’s a big night for restaurants.
In Vila Nova Gaia, there are many port wine lodges and places to taste both Port and wine. To get to the Quintas and wineries of the Douro would really be a day trip as they aren’t that close to the city. Matosinhos is a great place for a fish lunch. They grill the fish outside with a number of restaurants quite close together and the aroma of the grilling fish is great.

With 4 days, one day trip to Braga and Guimarães will likely be enough. Especially with one of those days being a holiday.

Posted by
8 posts

Braga and Guimaraes are really beautiful, you will enjoy, dont miss the Bom Jesus staircase in Braga. Yes, things might be closed on the 1st of January, still walking around is very nice.
There are wine cellars across from the river on Vila Nova de Gaia, we liked visiting Grahams, they also have a nice restaurant with great views. Three days in Porto should be all right, if you have time you can also visit Aveiro, or Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima.

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