What to do and see in Porto District, Northern Portugal: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Pocas lies in the hands of the 3rd and 4th generation, being one of the very few Port Wine company that was born Portuguese and still belongs to the same Portuguese family. The Old Tawny Ports have built Pocas’ reputation but DOC Douro wines have been proving their own quality over the last 30 years. Recently, Pocas received the award of “Fortified wine producer of the year 2018” by the Portuguese magazine “Revista de Vinhos”. Additionally, welcoming about 28 000 visitors per year, our Visitor Center has been also distinguished with the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence. We have plenty of different reasons for inviting you to be part of a true family atmosphere, to feel the unforgettable aroma of the noblest wines, and to see up close a real day-to-day cellar routine.

Taylor’s, accepted by most wine authorities to be the greatest of all port shippers, invites you to a pleasant and informative tour of its famous lodges at Vila Nova de Gaia. During the tour the visitor will be given the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of Port wine, as well as that of the House of Taylor Fladgate making it one of the oldest Port companies.

National Monument, located in the historical centre of the city, classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palacio da Bolsa, built by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent, has become by excellence the Porto city’s drawing room, welcoming the most illustrious visitors, amongst which are monarchs, presidents and ministers from almost every country, transforming this building into the most visited monument in northern Portugal.

Have you ever thought of taking a seat on the 22nd chair of the Dragao Stadium's Presidential Box? By visiting the Dragao Stadium, you will be able to experience the President's Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa place and enjoy an inside and privileged look over this worldwide referenced work designed by architect Manuel Salgado. You will have the opportunity to see the pitch from the access tunnel's point of view, to feel the scent of the dressing rooms, to take the coach's seat on the press conference room just like you are making the match analysis... On this path you will appreciate an engineering project that delivers all of the requirements that make it environmentally friendly, you can witness on the stands the 29 kilometres of rows that can fill up to 52 thousand spectators and amaze yourself with the artistic legacy of Master Julio Resende and Alberto Carneiro. All of this in one tour only!

The catholic Church of Our Lady of Carmo, national heritage, is of the baroque-rococo style, belonging to carmelite laymen: the third religious order of Our Lady of Carmo (or Carmel, in english, after Our Lady of Carmel, the patroness of the Order). The Third Religious Order of Our lady of Carmo in Oporto was founded in 1736 and opened for worship on July 24 ,1768. Masses everyday by 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and Sunday another mass by 12:30. Rosary: 2:30 p.m. everyday. One may visit the Touristic circuit by a small fee that helps to rebuild and restore its heritage: by 3,5 euros one may visit the Hidden House (narrowest house of Oporto), church, catacombs, sacristy and three other rooms with ancient paintings and vestments, available everytime there isn't an event. To visit only the hidden house, there's a ticket which costs 2 euros. Whenever wishing just to only see the church (with no entry fee), we ask you to be a bit earlier than the time of mass, so not to interrupt the masses.

RESERVATION REQUIRED. Graham’s Port is owned and managed by the Symington family, ten of whom work in the company (four from the 4th generation and six from the 5th generation of Port producers). They and their ancestors have made some of the greatest Port Wines of all. The magnificent Graham’s cellars were built in 1890 and contain a priceless collection of Port ageing in seasoned oak cascks and in bottle. Visits can only be made by prior appointment so that you will be met on arrival and shown around the cellars by a highly trained guide in the language of your preference.