Highly recommended accommodation. Thank you Manuela.
We stayed at the apartment between 22/07 until 26/07 on our first outing to Porto. We fell in love with the accommodation from second one. In the lead up to our break, I posted several queries by email and was really pleased to have received prompt responses. These offered peace of mind and some great instruction to allow for a decent and timely transfer. Albeit we were nearly 50 mins late arriving for handover....due to me not being able to correctly read & follow a sat-nav (as i keep getting reminded LOL). Thank you Manuela...and apologies once again!
Upon arrival at the airport (Porto), we made the decision to travel by the Metro - as opposed to tax. At just over 2 Euros each for the 35 minute journey, we felt that the journey was excellent value. As we were advised, the nearest Metro station is São Bento, around a 10-15 walk to there accommodation. The rail station itself is spectacular, for its world renowned wall tiles (art work).
Tip: Metro from the airport. Take the purple line into Zone 1 and to the station TRINIDADE. Change onto the yellow line south just 2 stops SÃO BENTO.
Upon arrival, Manuela was kindly stood waiting by the entrance (No 14). The apartment is on the 2nd floor with a wonderful balcony looking down onto the cobbled street. 2nd flow = lift or stairs. I was immediately struck with the high ceilings, immaculate decor and large wooden window shutters. You will find some excellent storage areas tucked away, including the kitchen area. Two large wooded folding doors pull back to reveal a very cool kitchen area. Manuela kindly presented us with a local map and then spent 10 or so minutes going through and identifying some great locations. This was really helpful...and offered a great start to this wonderful city. The equipment is spot on and we have since recommended extra pillows and additional / larger towels to improve any stay.
Just a couple of things to note. There is a grocery store around 250 yards - step outside - turn right and it is slightly to the right at the junction. We found the store to be ok and comparable to a Lidl. Just before the store, there are cafes on both left and right sides. Both were great for a coffee and quick snack. Can we please recommend the 'Santo Pizzeria & Steakhouse' to the right of the apartment. Step outside - turn right - visible on the left. Went there on back to back nights. Great food and really friendly staff.
I would certainly recommend taking a little time out to review Tripadvisor or a Lonely Planet guide. I would certainly give attention to a river cruise (6 bridges)...the wonderful eateries at RIBEIRA and along the waterfront. Not forgetting the spectacular cathedral (Sè), church (Igreja de São Francisco) and bell tower of Torre dos Clérigos (240 steps). Fabulous views. Don't forget the trams...funicular railway....main art gallery...Majestic Cafe and Centro Português de Fotografia. The latter is a photography exhibition (free entry) set out inside a former prison. Very cool. Although we are not fans of Port wine, there are some specular cellars directly across the river from Ribeira
Thank you again Manuela. Looking forward to our next trip.
Kind regards to all and enjoy x
Paul & Claire.