Porto
Known globally for its famous wine, the city of Porto has the distinctive charm of cities located on the banks of a river. One of the oldest cities in Portugal, it is an invitation for the whole family to explore the history and rich culture of this country. Walks in the narrow streets, trips on the river, the hills and Atlantic Ocean and visits to the Ribeira UNESCO world heritage site, the Dom Luis I bridge or the Maria Pia bridge built by Gustave Eiffel all attest to a city in harmony with its natural environment. Porto offers you surprises, be they cultural, enjoyable, educational or entertaining…Off we go!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Porto.
Novotel Porto Gaia
76
Built in the 18th century, the Torre dos Clerigos is the tallest tower in Portugal. At 76 m high, it offers a panoramic view of the whole city.
1996
In 1996, the Riberia district, historical heart of Porto, was classed a UNESCO World Heritage site.
850
The length in kilometres of the river Douro that begins in Spain and crosses Porto.
Museums & Exhibitions
Music House
Through musical workshops and interactive exhibitions, the Casa da Música stimulates children’s imagination and offers the family a chance to discover the world of sound and especially to be entertained! There are options for the whole family such as concerts for babies and families, narrated concerts, or even Digitopia, where one can learn to compose music on a computer. There is even a workshop that transforms the family into an orchestra!
Av. da Boavista, 604-610, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 220 120 200
Every day from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Water Pavilion
The Pavilhão de Água is a magical place where the entire family learns about the importance of water in our environment. Thanks to the most extraordinary machines and amazing experiences, you can take part in the formation of a tornado and a cyclone, observe waves on water and understand the water cycle. Presented in an enjoyable and educational way, the workshops are a family discovery to share.
Parque de Cidade, Estrada da Circunvalação n°15443, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 226 151 820
From October to May from Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm, Saturday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. From June to September from Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
National Printing Museum
The Museu Nacional da Imprensa has two themes: printing and graphic arts. It houses numerous old machines that trace the history of printing as well as a huge collection of humoristic caricatures. Children will be impressed when they learn about the patience and ability that was once needed to print one page and with the number of machines exhibited. The museum is considered to have one of the nicest collections of this type in the world.
Estrada Nacional 108, n°206, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 225 304 966
Every day from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Jardim do Palacio de Cristal
The ideal place to go for a nice walk, the park overlooks the river Douro and offers an impressive view of the Arrabida bridge, the last before the Atlantic ocean. Small wonderfully laid out areas with statues, fountains, lakes and sometimes wild peacocks enhance the walk. As you approach to the Palacio de Cristal, the huge dome will intrigue children.
Rua D. Manuell II, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 222 097 246
From October to March from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. From September to April from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Santo Inácio Zoo and Park
This zoo is not really a zoo, but more like a place where the public can learn about protecting the environment as well as participate in entertaining activities with animals. The youngest ones can approach, touch and discover farm animals and the older ones can attend a show with flying birds of prey.
Rua 5 de Outubro, n°4503, Villa Nova de Gaia, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 227 878 500
From Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (8.00 pm in summer).
The Douro
Enjoy the nicest views of the Porto by sailing on the river Douro. For nearly an hour, the whole family can discover the history of Porto through its bridges, its architecture, the labyrinth of its narrow alleyways or its emblematic buildings. Built around the river, the city will reveal its secrets…
Quai da Ribeira, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 223 402 500
From March to December, departures every day on the hour from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Carro Electrico Museum
Porto was the first Portuguese city to have a network of trams. The museum exhibits an impressive collection of vehicles dating from 1895 but also has costumes and period objects related to trams. Even if children are inevitably attracted by the biggest and oldest vehicles, the whole family will discover the evolution of public transport in the city and part of the history of Porto.
Alameda Basílio Teles, 51, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 226 158 185
From Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 am to 6.00 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
The Planetarium
Who has not dreamt of exploring space and the planets? The whole family will be taken on an extraordinary journey with exhibitions like “The discovery of new planets” and in workshops to discover astronomy by handling laboratory instruments A place of leisure and relaxation for children and parents, the Planetarium is an educational place that teaches us more about the world around us. Thousands of magnificent pictures that fill the dreams of astronauts…
Rua das Estrelas, Porto – Tel : (+351) 226 089 800
From Tuesday to Friday, sessions at 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm. Saturday and Sunday sessions at 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm.
Zoo de Maia
For more than twenty years, the zoo has been one of the most visited parks in the country. Its objectives are to inform visitors about environmental issues, protect animal species and reproduce endangered species. Mammals, invertebrates, birds, reptiles and fish await you and offer the whole family a show that will draw attention to the need to protect the biodiversity of our planet.
Rua da Igreja, Maia – Tel.: (+351) 229 442 303
From April to September from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. From October to March from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Some good places for a family meal
Confeitaria Cunha
This establishment offers a buffet in its air-conditioned snack bar area (always practical for children) and it also has a delicatessen and sweet shop to take away a few Portuguese specialities…
Rua Sa Da Bandeira, 662/676, Porto – Tel : (+351) 223 393 070
Every day.
Bacalhoeiro
Impossible to leave Portugal without having tasted cod and Bacalhoeiro is the “Cod Paradise”! The dishes which include this fish are numerous and varied making the choice difficult.
Avenida Diogo Leite, 74, Villa Nueva de Gaia – Tel.: (+351) 223 759 408
Every day.
Cometa
This restaurant has a certain charm with its retro décor, its discrete and remote location The cuisine is original and is prepared only with organic food such as vegetarian lasagne.
Rua Tomaz Gonzaga, 87, Porto – Tel.: (+351) 222 008 774
From Monday to Saturday from 7.30 pm to 11.00 pm (Midnight on Friday and Saturday).
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Porto.