visiting Porto

Porto is small, and parts of it a charming and picturesque - but I didn't really fall in love with it myself (OK - it rained the final two days there, and I had planned a day trip to the Douro Valley which I had to put off, probably didn't help my impression). It isn't a place like Lisbon with lots of museums to hang out in on a rainy day - it's really a working town and has also become more touristy, it seems. I was surprised at how many tourists were there.

Although we enjoyed Porto and thought of it as a "small Lisbon" we felt 2 nights was perfect.
One site that we visited on our own was Livraria Lello. This is the charming bookstore that was frequented by JK Rowling when she taught at the University.

I visited Porto in 2008, it's good for two full days.

I actually stayed 4 enjoyable nights in Porto after the RS Portugal tour. One day poking around the neighborhoods, then visiting a port winery across the river, and having dinner there, and three different day trips, with varying levels of excitement. One worthwhile stop to make is the McDonald’s near the bottom of the big town hall square which is near the tour hotel. It is in a historic building, so it’s design was restrictive. Must be one of the most elegant McDonald’s in all the world. There is also a really wonderful gelateria on the same block as that hotel, called Cremosi as I remember. Some of the best gelato ever!

You need one full day to do Porto, but more if you want to do a day trip up the Douro. We did a 7 day river cruise on the Douro and loved it. If you don't do a cruise up the Douro for a week, do a day cruise or take the train up the valley, the rails run next to the river. There are great wineries in the valley. Also, we did a great day trip to Santiago de Compostela in SW Spain.

I strongly recommend the InPatio Guesthouse for a B&B. It is centrally located, newly renovated and has the best owners. It only has five rooms, so book early.

Many thanks to all of you for your advice and suggestions!