bom Dia! Location, location, location... !
It's important in real estate, important in Porto and Rute's charming two floor flat couldn't be more perfectly located! Close to everything you need but off on a quiet side street where we rarely (maybe even never) heard any of the hustle and bustle of the busy Praca da Liberdade and Camara Municipal do Porto located only a few hundred meters away! Even better is that nothing you need is more than a ten to fifteen minute walk!
On a practical basis... whether it's running out first thing in the morning for nata and espresso at Manteigaria, stocking up on groceries at Pingo Doce, catching the Metro (at either Aliados or Trindade) or the 500 bus to the beaches nothing could be easier! BTW, be sure to buy the 3 Day Andante card at Sao Bento - it's the best value!
And when it comes to sightseeing you're only 800 meters away from exploring all the famous sights, sounds and tastes of Porto! There are far to many to list here so you're on your own... but there is more than enough within walking distance to keep you busy for weeks! And keep you eyes and ears open for notices about free concerts and other events that always seem to be happening around town. Explore, enjoy... and bring good walking shoes because in case you weren't aware yet you'll quickly find out Porto is hilly and all the streets and sidewalks are all made of very picturesque but unforgiving cobblestone. ;-)
But now best of all... after a busy (but hopefully relaxing) day in town you'll return to a place that truly feels like your "home away from home"! There is a fully equipped kitchen that's just right for preparing light meals or heating up take-away foods. There are two balconies just right for relaxing with a glass of wine (you might even find a bottle waiting on the table when you first arrive!) a comfortable sofa downstairs, dining table with space for four and a nice sized bedroom and bath upstairs. Oh, and not to be underestimated is the value of the second small WC downstairs!
But what made our stay at Rute's great was the warm hospitality Rute and her charming (and highly efficient!) housekeeper/assistant showed us! Both were always available to answer any questions and even though I only know about 20 words of Portuguese her assistant always seemed to know what we needed! Perfect...
Obrigado Rute!