Venue

The Hilton Porto Gaia hotel

ASSETS 2026 will be held at the Hilton Porto Gaia, located in the Port wine city of Gaia, and housed in a refurbished wine warehouse. The hotel is within a short walk from the Douro River and several Port wine cellars.

Exterior view of the Hilton Porto Gaia hotel.

Reserve a room

The original conference room block at the Hilton Porto Gaia is now fully booked. However, we have secured a new room block at the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel, located just 80 metres from the conference venue. Use the promo code NHTKPGCOG when booking. The special room rates are similar to those offered in our original room block.

Please be aware that the route between the Tivoli Kopke and the Hilton Porto-Gaia is downhill and can be quite steep. Availability is limited, so we encourage you to book soon.

For more details, see our new room block announcement.

If you require an accessible room, please email Pedro Santos at pedro.santos@hiltonportogaia.com.

Address

Hilton Porto Gaia
Rua de Serpa Pinto 124,
Vila Nova de Gaia, 4400-307,
Portugal

+351 222 449 200 (Portuguese number)
+800 4445 8667 (International free number)

Help Center

Getting to the venue

From Porto airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro)

By Taxi or Uber (highly recommended)

Taking a taxi or Uber is the most convenient option for getting from Porto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro) to the Hilton Porto Gaia hotel.

Distance: Approximately 17km (10.5 miles)

Duration: About 20 minutes, depending on traffic

Cost: Taxis typically cost between €20-€30; Uber prices vary based on demand

Instructions: Exit the arrivals hall and follow signs to the taxi rank or open your Uber app. Provide the driver with the hotel address: Rua de Serpa Pinto 124, Vila Nova de Gaia, 4400-307

By Metro (Subway)

The metro is the most economical option, though it requires some walking and takes longer.

Duration: At least 1 hour total journey time

Cost: Approximately €2-€3 (purchase an Andante card and load it with zones)

Walking distance: The nearest metro station to the hotel is about 1km away, with some hilly terrain. The final destination stop (Jardim do Morro) is approximately 1.3km (0.8 miles) or a 20-minute walk from the hotel

Instructions:

  1. At the airport, follow the signs to the Metro station
  2. Purchase an Andante card at the ticket machines
  3. Take the E line (Purple line) in the direction of Estádio do Dragão
  4. Transfer at Trindade station to the D line (Yellow line)
  5. Take the D line in the direction of Hospital São João and exit at Jardim do Morro station
  6. From Jardim do Morro, walk approximately 20 minutes uphill to reach the Hilton Porto Gaia hotel on Rua de Serpa Pinto

Note: This option is not recommended if you have heavy luggage or mobility concerns, given the walking distance and hilly terrain.

By Bus

Local buses are available, but due to the complexity of multiple transfers are not recommended unless you're on a tight budget and have plenty of time.

Duration: At least 1 hour and 15 minutes

Transfers: Requires taking three different buses with no direct service

Things to Do in Porto & Gaia

About Porto & Gaia

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia are two historic cities connected by the Douro River and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Together, they are home to Porto's UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, centuries-old Port wine cellars, scenic viewpoints, museums, cafés, and lively riverside neighbourhoods.

We hope you'll have the opportunity to explore both sides of the river during your stay. The conference venue in Vila Nova de Gaia provides a convenient base for discovering the surrounding area.

Built along the hills overlooking the Douro River, both cities feature steep streets, stairs, and cobblestones. Depending on your itinerary and mobility needs, public transport, taxis, Uber, and Bolt can be convenient ways to get around.

Map

Map of recommendations by local chairs:

Accessibility

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia are historic cities, and some attractions, restaurants, museums, and historic buildings may have accessibility limitations due to their age and architecture. We recommend checking accessibility information in advance whenever possible.

Accessibility Resources

The City of Porto's Accessible Porto initiative provides accessibility guides, suggested itineraries, and other useful resources for visitors. If you have specific accessibility questions during your stay, please don't hesitate to contact the conference organizers.

We hope you have a wonderful stay, and enjoy ASSETS 2026!

Short on time?

If you only have a couple of free hours, one of our favourite walks starts at Cais de Gaia, crosses the Dom Luís I Bridge into Ribeira, and finishes at Jardim do Morro or Serra do Pilar around sunset.

Around the Conference

The Hilton Porto Gaia is located in the historic Port wine cellar district, making it easy to explore the surrounding area on foot before or after the conference.

  • Cais de Gaia – A riverside promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and terraces overlooking Porto.
  • Port Wine Cellars – Although Port wine is produced in the Douro Valley, it has traditionally been aged in Vila Nova de Gaia. Many of the historic wine lodges offer guided visits and tastings, several just a few minutes from the hotel.
  • WOW (World of Wine) – A former wine warehouse district transformed into museums, restaurants, cafés, wine experiences, and one of the best viewpoints over Porto.
  • Dom Luís I Bridge – Porto's iconic double-deck bridge connects Gaia and Porto and can be crossed on foot, by metro, or by bicycle.
  • Jardim do Morro & Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar – Two neighbouring viewpoints overlooking the Douro River and Porto's historic centre, particularly beautiful around sunset.

Food & Drink

Eating out is an important part of Portuguese culture, whether it's a quick coffee at a neighbourhood café or a long meal shared with friends. Portuguese cuisine is known for fresh ingredients, seafood, grilled fish, meat dishes, olive oil, and seasonal produce. If you're visiting Portugal for the first time, don't miss a pastel de nata (a traditional Portuguese custard tart), the many regional preparations of bacalhau (codfish), or Porto's famous francesinha (a hearty sandwich layered with cured meats and steak, covered with melted cheese and a rich tomato-and-beer sauce).

Near the conference

  • Mercado Beira-Rio – A renovated market hall with several food stalls, making it a convenient option for groups with different tastes.
  • 7g Roaster – Independent specialty coffee with pastries, breakfast, and light meals.
  • WOW Restaurants & Cafés – Several cafés and restaurants within the WOW district, from casual lunches to fine dining.

Traditional Portuguese

  • Adega São Nicolau – Traditional Portuguese cuisine near Ribeira.
  • Taberna dos Mercadores – A small restaurant serving classic Portuguese dishes.
  • Abadia do Porto – A long-standing local favourite in the city centre.

Vegetarian & Vegan

  • DaTerra – Vegetarian buffet with several locations across Porto.
  • Kind Kitchen – Plant-based restaurant in Porto's historic centre.
  • Guará Restaurant & Bakery – Vegan restaurant in Gaia with delicious pastries.

Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Portugal, although leaving a small tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Exploring Porto

Porto's historic centre is compact and easy to explore, with many of its best-known landmarks within walking distance of one another.

  • Ribeira – Porto's UNESCO World Heritage riverfront, known for its colourful façades, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.
  • São Bento Railway Station – Famous for its entrance hall covered with more than 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history.
  • Sé do Porto – One of the city's oldest landmarks, dating back to the 12th century, with panoramic views over the historic centre.
  • Clérigos Tower – One of Porto's best-known landmarks, and it offers panoramic views from the top, though only accessible by a long and steep set of stairs.
  • Livraria Lello – Often considered one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. Booking in advance is recommended, as it can become very busy. It is, however, not wheelchair accessible.
  • Mercado do Bolhão – A traditional market where you can sample local produce, regional delicacies, or simply enjoy a casual meal.
  • Six Bridges Cruise – A relaxed 50-minute boat tour departing from Gaia, offering a different perspective of Porto and its bridges.
  • Casa da Música – A bold and modern music venue, where you can enjoy all types of music shows. The tour visit is also worth it!

Parks & Views

Thanks to Porto's hills, you'll find viewpoints throughout the city. These are some of our favourites if you're looking for a quieter break from the historic centre.

  • Jardins do Palácio de Cristal – Historic gardens with sweeping views over the Douro River.
  • Parque das Virtudes – A small terraced park popular with locals, particularly in the late afternoon.
  • Parque de Serralves – One of Portugal's leading cultural institutions, combining a contemporary art museum with extensive gardens.

Local Tips

  • Coffee is part of everyday life in Portugal, and many cafés serve an excellent espresso for around €1–2.
  • Portuguese meal times may be later than in some countries, with dinner commonly starting around 7:00 pm.
  • Distances may look short on a map, but Porto's hills can make some walks more demanding than expected.

Practical Information

  • Weather (October): Days are usually mild (18–22°C / 64–72°F), but conditions can change quickly. Bringing a light waterproof jacket or umbrella is recommended.
  • Emergency number: 112 (works throughout the European Union).
  • Tap water: Safe to drink throughout Portugal.
  • Electricity: Portugal uses Type C and Type F electrical outlets (230 V / 50 Hz).
  • Payment: Portugal uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's still worth carrying a small amount of cash for the occasional café, market stall, or small local business.
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and most places visitors are likely to use.

Enjoy your stay!

We hope you have a wonderful time in Porto & Gaia. If you need recommendations or have any questions during the conference, don't hesitate to ask one of the volunteers or members of the organizing committee – we'll be happy to help.