Safety Tips in Porto

Actually we considered this a good problem. The steps down to the river front shops and restaurants are steep and plentiful. It made for a good work out, but also one has to realize that you don't just bop on down to the river. Going back up is going to be work. This could be a sports tip.

Once in Porto, beware of the Porto Bug. This harmful little animal can bite you and contaminate for the rest of your life, so, be careful. And not to mention if you are “unlucky” to meet the great people from the city as I did, then, you will want to go back to Porto time and again!

PS: This tip is dedicated to the “evil” inhabitants of Porto.

Notice: Obvioulsy, it's a joke; I mean that visiting Porto could be like a drug, you can't give up going there again and again and again.......

2 more images

You are looking at a conman. There are 2 types in Porto. The most prevalent are the 'Car Parking Helpers'. They stand in the only empty car parking space for miles and wave you in. As you get out of your car they will ask for a car parking fee. Maybe just a donation for 'helping'. They are beggars. Many are drunks, on drugs and/or crazy. Be careful - they can damage your car. Make a show of no money and ask where the bank is. That should do the trick. If they follow you to the bank, ask the bank to call the Police.

The second kind? He's they guy in the first 2 pictures. He comes running up like he has an emergency and asks if you speak English. Act like you don't. I found this guy scary. He was convincing BOTH times he ran at me. Once in the morning, once in the evening. Ladies be alert! He is a conman at best and possibly even a dangerous robber - or worse.

Just remember 1 rule - never make friends in any street. Anywhere.

Some of the streets in Porto are very steep - OK walking down, but can be a bit of a problem for anyone with breathing difficulties walking back up. Also can be a problem for anyone with mobility problems.
Also the pavements can be uneven in places, so take care when sightseeing/taking photos. Stop first then look up/ take your shot.

I don´t know is this right place,but there was not enough room for this in packing list.And this is some kind of warning:Don´t think there´s allways hot at summer.
We were little surpriced how cold the wind was.Even if I´m a Finn,I´m easily feeling cold,and I had not enough "warm"clothes.We were here when June turned to July,and at least at nights walking at riverbanks I was feeling cold with t-shirt.Someone told before,it´s allways hot at summer,so either it was not as hot as usually or I´m just tooshivery person.(I know I am,but even my husband was feeling little cold,and he hardly ever is).
Also another surprice was,that I thought (my mistake) that those shower-warnings I red weren´t for summer,but it rained allmost every day.Usually only for a while,so one could go to shop/museum or something,and when going out,it has stopped.I didn´t pack my umbrella with me,so I needed to buy one,when one day it rained heavily.After I bought it,last two days didn´t rain at all :D

In case you go for tasting the very tasty Port, think that you most probably first feel the alcohol when getting out of the house into the heat of the streets. And there are many places to taste the wine... ;)

Direction: Vila Nova De Gaia

Lots of building work going on in the city. I know it will improve the place but until then it is a nuisance. Just be careful where you walk as the drivers do not like to give way for pedestrians.

Porto may be the second largest city in Portugal, but it definately has a much smaller, village feel to it when you compare it to Lisbon. HOWEVER, definately be on the lookout for petty theives. We actually saw, in broad daylight a bag snatcher at work. It was unclear when we stumbled upon it whether the thief had stolen the bag from a girl or a vendor but he was ultimately chased down and restrained by 7 teenage girls who dragged him back to a certain point and told someone to get the police. This all took place on Rua de Santa Catarina, which is extremely busy so they have no fear of crowds. Most people are cautious when they travel but take extra precautions if possible.