Venue
The conference will be held at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, in Portugal.It is said that the name ‘Portugal’ has its roots in the name of the city ‘Porto’, which dates back from Roman times. Overlooking the Douro River, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city, one of the most ancient European cities, classified as World-Heritage by UNESCO.
Beyond its welcoming environment and the world-famous “Vinho do Porto” (Port wine), Porto’s historical centre and landscape combines harmony with the urban structure, and presents a frame of rare beauty.
Where To Stay
Porto has a wide range of Hotels, Inns and Hostels suited for all accommodation needs. From those, we have selected some considering their proximity to the venue, and price/quality category. You will find some options in the accommodation page.
Getting There
Porto’s international airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro) is well served by scheduled international flights and discount air carriers, making it readily and economically accessible.
From the airport to the conference site
The old part of town
To get to your hotel, you can check the Metro network to find the best route. Check the official network map, or google transit.
Moving around
Besides the Metro, you also have STCP buses and CP trains. There are two main train stations within the city: S.Bento and Campanhã at your disposal to plan any visit or trip within the city or to the outskirts.
Where To Eat
Francesinha
The two most typical local dishes are: Francesinha and “Tripas à Moda do Porto”. This last one is considered the traditional food of the city. Historically, the locals became often known as “tripeiros” or tripe eaters.
Campus S. João Shopping Center
This mall is located 500 meters from the conference site, where you can find several (from “fast” to “less fast”) food parlours, restaurants and coffee shops. It is next to the Ibis Hotel and the IPO Metro Station. Very handy when at FEUP.
Besides the several Shopping Centers (see map below), there are a many areas in the city where you can find several eating options. Due to its location and diversity of offer we recommend Ribeira and Cais de Gaia.
Ribeira
Rabelos boats getting ready for the Regata of S. João
On the Porto side of the river Douro, also know as “Ribeira” there are several restaurants often recommended by “tourism guides” where you can try out all the typical local dishes.
Cais de Gaia
On the Gaia side of the river Douro, and along the bank, there is an assortment of several typical restaurants from “haute cuisine” to typical local food establishment, overlooking the river and “hiding” the Port Wine Cellars behind them.
Touristic Info
There is always a stream of cultural events throughout the year. Please see the agenda for the full details.
São João Festival
Fireworks, part of the S. João festivities.
São João is a popular festival that plays tribute to Saint John the Baptist. It has both sacred and profane origins, and has been held in the city of Porto for more than six centuries. The 24th of June is the day of Saint John, but the festivities take place on the night of June 23 and are considered to be the city’s most important celebration.
Several traditions surround this festival, among which, the releasing of illuminated flame-propelled balloons, plastic hammers with which passers (gently) hit each other on the heads, the leeks, and jumping over the bonfires lit across the city. The fireworks by the Douro river and by the Dom Luís I bridge are one of the highlights of the night.
Points of Interest
Additional Resources
- Porto tourism official website
- Visit Portugal: about Porto and the North, about Porto city
- Wikipedia: Porto, Portugal
