Flight
We highly recommend flying into the city of Porto. Depending on the mode of transportation, travel from Porto to Aveiro is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The metro connects to the airport, which makes it the ideal mode of transportation if traveling to Downtown Porto or any of the train stations (Campanhã or São Bento) with a line to Aveiro. The airport has several car rental counters such as Sixt, Europcar, Avis-Budget and Enterprise if you want to rent a car.
Travel Note
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a charming and historic destination known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and world-famous port wine. Situated along the Douro River, Porto seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern energy, offering travelers a rich variety of experiences. Key Highlights Ribeira District: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this riverside neighborhood is packed with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and lively cafes. It's perfect for strolling and soaking in the city's atmosphere. Dom Luís I Bridge: This iconic double-deck iron bridge offers breathtaking views of the city and connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the famous port wine cellars. Livraria Lello: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, renowned for its intricate staircase and Art Nouveau design. Matosinhos Beach: One of the best urban beaches in northern Portugal, known for its wide sandy shore and seafood restaurants. Rent a bicycle and ride along the Douro River for a scenic trip to this location. Port Wine Cellars: Located across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, these cellars offer tours and tastings, showcasing Porto's rich winemaking tradition. Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral): A Romanesque cathedral with Gothic cloisters and sweeping views of the city from its terrace. Cuisine Francesinha: A hearty sandwich filled with meats and smothered in a beer-based sauce. Bacalhau: Traditional codfish dishes, often served grilled or baked. Port Wine: Sample the city’s signature drink, either in a cellar or paired with dessert. Getting Around Porto is a walkable city with an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metro. Taxis and rideshare apps are also available. Where to Stay We recommend staying in the Ribeira and Bolhão neighborhoods due to their central location. Airbnb is a great option to find accommodation.
Train
Travel to Aveiro is simple by train with average ETAs from 1 hour (multiple stops) to 30 minutes (express train). You can depart from the São Bento or Campanhã train stations, with Campanhã containing more options, to Aveiro station. When traveling back to Porto, you can use the same train stations. The linked website allows you to view the train schedules of all the stations in Portugal and purchase tickets.
Travel Note
Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal," is a charming coastal city located in central Portugal. Known for its picturesque canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture, Aveiro offers a delightful blend of culture, nature, and history. Key Highlights Moliceiro Boat Rides: Explore the city’s canals on traditional boats for stunning views of colorful facades and historic landmarks. Costa Nova: Famous for its striped, candy-colored beach houses and pristine coastline, perfect for a day by the sea. Art Nouveau Architecture: Wander along Rua João Mendonça to admire elegant Art Nouveau buildings and visit the Art Nouveau Museum. Salt Pans (Salinas de Aveiro): Learn about traditional salt production and enjoy unique photo opportunities. Praia da Barra: Relax on this beautiful beach and visit the Barra Lighthouse, the tallest in Portugal. Cuisine to Try Ovos Moles: A signature sweet made from egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in delicate rice paper. Eel Dishes: Including caldeirada de enguias (eel stew) and fried eels. Fresh Seafood: Enjoy octopus, shellfish, and codfish at local eateries. How to Get Around Aveiro is a small, walkable city with most attractions located close to one another. There is a free bicycle sharing system called BUGA (Bicicleta de Utilização Gratuita de Aveiro) which you can also utilize to cruide around the city or to the beaches (Costa Nova and Praia da Barra). Buses and ridesharing apps, such as Uber, are also available. Where to Stay There are several accommodation options, such as hotels and homestay options (Airbnb) at your disposal. It's recommended you stay in the city center, which is a tourist friendly central location in walking distance to Forum Aveiro (outdoor mall), the canals, and several shops and restaurants. This area is also a 15 minute drive to the the wedding reception and the beaches.
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Travel Note
📍General Travel Tips ✅ Language Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases (like “Obrigado/a” for "Thank you") can be appreciated! ✅ Currency & Payments Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for smaller establishments. ATMs (Multibanco) are easily available and safe to use. ✅ Tipping Culture Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common. In cafés and taxis, leaving small change is appreciated. ✅ Internet & SIM Cards Local SIM cards (Vodafone, MEO, NOS) offer cheap data plans. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and hotels. 🚗 Getting Around ✅ Public Transport Portugal has a great train and bus network connecting cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and the Algarve. Lisbon & Porto metros are affordable and efficient. ✅ Driving Tips Renting a car is great for exploring the Algarve, Douro Valley, and smaller villages. Toll roads (Autoestradas) can be expensive—consider renting an electronic toll device. Streets in older cities are narrow; parking can be tricky. ✅ Trains & Buses for Long Distances Trains: Comfortable and scenic, book on Comboios de Portugal. Buses: Rede Expressos & FlixBus offer budget-friendly options. 🍽️ Food & Drink Tips ✅ Must-Try Dishes Pastel de Nata (custard tart) – Best at Pastéis de Belém (Lisbon). Bacalhau (codfish) – Portugal has over 1,000 ways to cook it! Francesinha – A hearty Porto sandwich with meat, cheese, and beer sauce. Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled sardines, especially during summer festivals. ✅ Wine & Drinks Port Wine – Best tasted in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto). Vinho Verde – A light, slightly sparkling white wine, perfect for summer. Ginjinha – A cherry liqueur ✅ Restaurant Tips Couvert charge: Bread, olives, and cheese may be placed on the table automatically—it's not free unless included in your meal. Dinner starts late, usually around 7:30–9:00 PM.