What to see in Porto in December
A city is beautiful, not only for its infrastructure or its landscapes, but also for its people, because they are the ones who make a trip different.
Walking around the Christmas tree on Aliados Avenue, going to the skating rink, shopping at the Christmas markets, strolling through the Ribeira area, eating cod and tasting the famous wine are some of the things to see and to do in Porto at Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
How many days do you need to visit Porto? Normally when we visit a city it takes about 3 days and 2 nights, I think it’s enough, with some exceptions.
What to see in Porto in December
One of the best times of the year to visit Porto is during December. Despite the cold, the decoration with Christmas lights and the tree on Aliados Avenue are real attractions.
1. Aliados Avenue, a must-see at Christmas in Porto
It is one of the main avenues of Porto. On one side, there is the City Hall and on the other the famous Porto sign. At Christmas, the entire square and Aliados Avenue are decorated with lights.
2. The big Christmas tree on Aliados Avenue
Inside the Aliados Square, the imposing Christmas tree is set up, almost 30 metres high. The vast majority of tourists go to the square around 6:00 p.m. to see the lights come on and enjoy the city’s Christmas atmosphere.
3. Skating Rink in Batalha Square
A few metres from Aliados Square is another of Porto’s most interesting squares, Batalha Square, where the ice skating rink is located, very common during Christmas time in several European cities. In addition to ice skating, in this square is the monument to King D. Pedro V and a beautiful church with the typical white and blue mosaics of Porto. It is worth going in to see and take some photos.
The skating rink is close to the Grande Hotel do Porto, highly recommended for spending the Christmas holidays in the city. There are other squares where there were also ice rinks, such as D. João I Square and Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square.
4. Porto Christmas Markets
One of the most attractive things about visiting Porto at Christmas are its Christmas markets.
Various parts of the city are lined with small, ornate stalls selling their handicrafts and souvenirs. The most important is Artesanatus, a handicrafts market located in D. João I Square. In the surroundings you can also find many shops with amazing windows.
Other Christmas markets that can be found in Porto are:
• Urban Art Market located in Rua de Guedes de Azevedo dedicated to contemporary art
• Handicrafts Market located in Poveiros Square, a market focused mainly on textiles and decoration
• Porto Book Fair located in the Cristal Garden Palace, a market focused on books and reading
Where to stay on your visit to Porto?
Grande Hotel do Porto is the ideal space for your stay in this beautiful city. This Charming Hotel maintains the charm of the fin de siècle of the 19th century in harmony with modernity, comfort and timeless design.
The hotel is located on Rua de Santa Catarina, one of the most emblematic streets of the city and is close to several public transport stations.
The Grande Hotel do Porto has a terrace with an orchard for guests to enjoy and visit, brunch service, restaurant with a menu that changes weekly, bar and Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification.
All these elements make it the ideal place for your urban getaway. Book now and experience what there is to see in Porto in December.
