We did not know about the festival of Saint John the Baptist when we rented this apartment for June 23-24. Little did we know we would experience the most fun we have had in a long time. It seems half of Portugal come to Porto for the festival. Some of the best fireworks anywhere. The best part is the odd but charming custom of hitting everyone you pass on the head with a plastic hammer that makes a beep. Yes, it sounds strange but it automatically brings a smile to your face and you laugh with total strangers all night. The apartment is literally 5 doors off the main street in the middle of everything, so you hear everyone having the best time.
The apartment is small but adequate for 2 people. The host Sonia gave us a bottle of Port and was attentive to our needs. Parking is convenient in a nearby garage. We bought a hop on hop off bus ticket to take us up the steep hills of Porto. Note: this is across the river so you enjoy dinner by seeing the skyline of Porto across the river.