According to forum posts, travelers have used various car rental companies in Porto. Europcar and Hertz are frequently mentioned as reliable options, with Europcar available at locations like Rua de Goncalo Cristovao and the Campanhã railway station. Hertz provided satisfactory service for one-way rentals from Porto to other cities like Faro.

For many users, rental rates and policies vary widely, with some finding rates as low as 12 Euros per day near the airport. However, it's essential to be cautious of additional charges like electronic toll fees, cross-border fees, and insurance excess. Users have advised thorough research on terms and conditions across different platforms and suggested clearing browser cookies for more accurate pricing during searches.

Some travelers have recommended using local companies for potentially cheaper rates and better service compared to multinational chains. However, the choice often depends on specific needs like one-way rentals to different cities, which might be better served by larger international companies.

Some travelers recommended hotels with great views and locations in Porto. The Rebello, located in Gaia, offers balcony rooms with river views. Vila Foz Hotel also provides rooms with balconies, though specific views are not mentioned.

According to forum posts, for elderly travelers or those concerned with accessibility due to Porto's hilly terrain, hotels like Portobay Flores and Palacio Príncipe Real are preferred for their central locations and accessibility. The Icon Duplo Ribeira hotel is noted for easy downhill walks to the waterfront, though uphill return might require a taxi or Uber.

Travelers have called out several other hotels for their merits. Pestana Vintage is praised for its location and views if a water view room is booked, and Pestana Palacio Freixo, although a bit out of the city center, offers scenic river views and grounds with the convenience of a shuttle bus to the center.

Some travelers recommended the food tours by Taste Porto and Blue Dragon. Taste Porto is particularly noted for accommodating solo travelers and offering a Vintage tour that was enjoyed by a group of eight. The Blue Dragon tour is a food and wine walking tour, suggested for its comprehensive coverage of local cuisine and beverages.

For wine tours and cellar visits in Porto, travelers have had positive experiences with Augustos and Quinta Do Bom Dia, both of which allow walk-in visits without prior booking. Augustos was preferred over Sandemans for its overall experience. Grahams, Taylors, Calem, and Kopke were also highlighted for their port lodges in Gaia, offering tours and tastings, with Taylors providing a unique self-guided tour with an audio guide.

A highly praised evening food and wine tour is the City Lovers guided Port Wine Walking Tour, although starting times may require adjustment based on flight arrivals. Another notable mention was Tasco restaurant, celebrated for its exceptional food and service, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in Portuguese cuisine.

According to forum posts, the Prima Vera festival is a notable event in Porto, typically held in early June. The festival venue is located on the western side of the city, approximately 4 miles from the city center, near the beach area.

Travelers have called the São João festivities the largest celebration in northern Portugal, occurring on the night of June 23rd to 24th. This vibrant event fills the city with fun chaos, including street events mainly at Av. dos Aliados and Ribeira.

Some travelers mentioned the Queima das Fitas Festival, primarily a student event filled with concerts and activities. It generally occurs in May, and its main venue is the Queimódromo.

For many users, the Christmas markets in Porto also stand out as significant events. Though specific details about the markets' location were not discussed, they're suggested as a worthwhile visit during the holiday season.

According to forum posts, trains from Porto to Lisbon are frequent, with 18 daily departures. Tickets can be purchased up to 60 days in advance at www.cp.pt, where mandatory seat reservations are available. Discounts are significant if bought early.

Travelers have mentioned two bus lines operating between Porto and Lisbon, Rede Expressos and Flixbus, offering regular services. Tickets for Rede Expressos can be bought 30 days in advance, while Flixbus offers a more flexible booking window.

Some travelers said that flying is an option, but not recommended due to the time lost at airports for security checks and boarding processes, making it less time-efficient compared to trains or buses.

For those considering driving, users have noted that it is the second most expensive option after private transfers, with costs increasing due to fuel and tolls.

According to forum posts, one popular water-related activity is running alongside the Douro River from Ribeira to Foz, which offers flat terrain and beautiful landscapes. Another route recommended by travelers is across the Luís I Bridge to the fishing village of Afurada and then to Espinho along the beaches of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Travelers have called out that recreational activities along the river, including sightseeing buses and river tours, were banned during a specific period, as noted by Porto City Council, affecting the availability of such activities at least temporarily.

Some forum users inquired about beaches near Porto where they could rent umbrellas and chairs, indicating an interest in beach relaxation within a 40-minute radius from Bolhão Market.

According to forum posts, Meia-laranja beach in Leça da Palmeira offers sun beds and umbrellas, which are ideal for relaxation. Additionally, Matosinhos is frequently mentioned as a beautiful beach with a variety of cafes and good surfing conditions, making it a popular choice among travelers.

Some travelers noted that Matosinhos beach is easily accessible via public transport from Porto. You can take the metro from São Bento station on the yellow line to Trindade, then transfer to the blue line towards Senhor de Matosinhos, which takes about 35 minutes overall. Alternatively, the 500 bus provides a scenic route from around São Bento station directly to the port in Matosinhos.

For those looking for a scenic beach walk, Foz area near the lighthouse offers a long boardwalk by the ocean, leading to Matosinhos. This area is also well-regarded for its beach bars and seafood restaurants.

According to forum posts, Porto experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. In summer, average daytime temperatures range from 25 to 30ºC, occasionally getting hotter, while nighttime temperatures usually cool down due to sea breezes. Humidity levels can vary depending on the wind direction, with inland winds bringing dry air and sea breezes contributing to higher humidity.

During winter, particularly in January, Porto can be cold, windy, and wet, with some travelers noting occurrences of frost. November also tends to be colder and rainier compared to other months. In October, weather conditions are generally warmer than expected but can cool down significantly at night, and sudden rain showers are common.

Travelers have reported that the weather can be unpredictable, with rapid changes and discrepancies between different weather forecasts. It's advisable for visitors to prepare for varying conditions, potentially packing both rain gear and lighter clothing depending on the time of year they visit.