Accomodation

Porto

Porto, located in northern Portugal, is the country’s second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its historic charm, Porto combines medieval architecture, scenic river views, and a vibrant modern culture. The city is famous for its iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the picturesque Ribeira District, and its production of Port wine, which originates from the nearby Douro Valley. With cobbled streets, historic landmarks, and a lively arts scene, Porto blends the old-world ambiance with a contemporary flair.

Accommodation

Attendees of the TISSA conference have several accommodation options in Porto City Center. For convenience, consider staying in Baixa, Ribeira, or Cedofeita neighbourhoods, which provide easy access to major attractions. Options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Ensure early booking for the best rates. Needless to say, the choice of where to stay is entirely yours. Some suggestions: 

Hotels within walking distance of the Lusófona University:

• MOOV Hotel Porto centro 
  (the hotel offers a 10% discount using promo code: TISSA2025)
• Catalonia Hotel Porto
• NH Collection Porto Batalha
• NH Porto Jardim 

Other options: 

• MOOV Hotel Porto Norte (30 min distance by metro)
  (the hotel offers a 10% discount using promo code: TISSA2025)
• Campsite Orbitur Canidelo (45min distance by bus or train)

The conference venue

The Lusófona University – Porto Campus (UL-CUP) is a prominent private university in Porto, Portugal. Part of the Lusófona Group, the largest private education network in Portuguese-speaking countries, UL-CUP offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs. Situated in the heart of Porto, near São Bento Station, the campus features modern facilities that support academic excellence, including lecture halls and collaborative spaces. Its location makes it highly accessible and an ideal conference venue, fostering meaningful connections between academia, culture, and the city’s rich history.

Getting to the conference venue

Lusófona University – Porto Campus is located at Rua Augusto Rosa, 24 near São Bento Station. You can walk or take a short metro ride in the city centre.

How to Get to Porto

By Air:
Arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), about 15 km from the city center. This airport is well-connected to European hubs and some intercontinental destinations.

By Train:
The Alfa Pendular train connects Porto to Lisbon and other Portuguese cities. Porto is accessible via international train routes from Spain (e.g., Vigo or Madrid) through the CP (Comboios de Portugal) network.

By Bus:
International and national buses (e.g., FlixBus, ALSA, or Rede Expressos) arrive at Porto’s central stations.

Plan your arrival based on your preferred mode of transportation and the most convenient route for your journey.

Getting to Universidade Lusófona from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)

By Metro: 
Take Line E (Purple) from the airport to Trindade Station. Transfer to Line D (Yellow) heading toward Santo Ovídio and alight at Marquês Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the university.

By Taxi or Ride-Sharing: 
A taxi or Uber takes about 20 minutes and costs €15–€20.

Activities in Porto

Historical Highlights:

• Clérigos Tower: A baroque icon offering panoramic views.
• Palácio da Bolsa and Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral): offer a glimpse into centuries of architectural and cultural history.
• Livraria Lello: A stunning historic bookstore rumored to inspire J.K. Rowling.
• São Bento Railway Station: Known for its intricate azulejo tile panels depicting Portugal’s history.

Cultural and Gastronomic Attractions:

The city is home to renowned museums such as the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and Casa da Música, which hosts concerts year-round.

The city's gastronomy shines with dishes like francesinha (a rich sandwich with layers of meat, cheese, and sauce), bacalhau à Brás (a classic cod dish), grilled sardines, and fresh seafood. Don’t miss trying pastéis de nata paired with a coffee at traditional cafes.

Pair these meals with world-renowned Port wine, which can be tasted in cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Late August is an excellent time to visit Porto. Here are some seasonal highlights:

• River Cruises: Enjoy a Douro River cruise to admire the city’s bridges and scenic landscapes.
• Wine Tasting: Explore Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Festas de São Bartolomeu: In nearby locations, traditional summer festivals may take place, featuring music, parades, and gastronomy.
• Cultural Exploration: Visit the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Explore outdoor markets like Mercado do Bolhão for local crafts and foods.
• Enjoy live fado music at bars in the Ribeira district.
• Additionally, check for concerts, street festivals, and pop-up events in central areas like Avenida dos Aliados.