Conference Venue

The conference will be held at

Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto(FEUP).

FEUP is located in Portugal, on the northern edge of the city of Porto, between the VCI highway (A20) and Circunvalação (EN12) ring roads and next to Hospital S. João.

How to get there?

By metro / bus

From any point inside Porto, the best way to reach FEUP is by using the metro / bus public transportation system.

FEUP is served by three Metro stations on line D (yellow) in zone C6, namely Polo Universitario, IPO and Hospital S. João. From these stations you can easily reach FEUP with a short walk of about 8 minutes.

Find more information of the metro system here.

FEUP is also served by 4 bus lines with stops close to the Faculty, namely lines 204, 300, 301 and 803. Find more information of the bus system here.

Both systems, metro and bus, use an integrated ticketing system called Andante (https://andante.pt/en/). You can by tickets in all metro stations, and several other points of sale. Note that you buy an RFID card which you charge with electronic tickets (thus keep the card). Before entering any metro or bus you need to validate the respective ticket passing the RFID card in front of the card readers (yellow boxes) available in every metro station or inside the buses.

A ride between FEUP and Porto downtown area requires a Z2 ticket (two zones) which currently costs 1,4 Eur. If you charge the card with 10 tickets you get one for free. Note that Andante cards cannot be used by multiple users simultaneously (one validated ticket at a time).

By car

If you drive to FEUP, you can take the VCI (A20) highway ring road or the Circunvalação (EN12) ring road, or other radial road if you come from the city center. In all cases, look up a maps application for directions, since there are several one-way roads in the area.

Parking is somewhat short. In the map above, try along the road South of FEUP or its continuation to East.

By taxi / Uber

The city is also well served by traditional taxi service companies. Uber is also operating in Porto, which you may find convenient.

Travel Information

By car

If you drive to Porto you will most likely follow a highway. There are two main highway operators, namely Brisa (https://brisagroup.pt/motorways/operated-network/) and Ascendi (https://www.ascendi.pt/en/roads/). Brisa’s highways have integrated tolls and accept several payment options (https://www.brisaconcessao.pt/en/clients/tolls). Several Ascendi’s highways became toll-free recently, mainly inland. However, on the coast they still require a toll. See Ascendi’s website for toll information.

Here you can estimate the toll cost of your travel (https://www.viaverde.pt/ferramentas/calculador-de-portagens).

By train

Coming by train you will most likely arrive at Porto’s main train station Campanhã. From there you can take the metro, bus, taxi or Uber to reach your final destination. To reach FEUP from Campanhã you may take any metro line going to Trindade and then change to line D (yellow) to Hospital S. João. Check the Andante system for directions (https://andante.pt/en/). You can also take a taxi.

However, there is another train station, S. Bento, right in the heart of the old city. There are regular train connections between the two stations. Any valid train ticket will allow you take this connection. S. Bento is connected to the metro system, in line D (yellow).

By plane

Porto Airport (https://www.aeroportoporto.pt/en/opo/home) has direct regular connections to around 100 airports (see destinations and airlines: https://www.aeroportoporto.pt/en/opo/flights-destinations/airlines/airlines-and-destinations) and two-hop flights to thousands of destinations.

The airport has direct metro connection to the city centre, line E (purple). The journey takes about half an hour and costs around 3Eur, it is a Z3 ticket to the city center, of a Z4 if you go to FEUP area). You can also reach the city with taxi (around 25Eur) and Uber (around 15Eur).

Accommodation

WALKING DISTANCE

Hotel IBIS São João is a standard IBIS hotel conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from the conference venue and right off the I.P.O. metro station (Yellow Line).

Hotel Eurostars Oporto is a 4-star hotel located within a 15-minutes walk from the conference venue.

AXIS PORTO BUSINESS & SPA HOTEL is a 4-star hotel located within a 18-minutes walk from the conference venue.

OTHER HOTELS (3 and 4 stars)

Hotel da Música is a design 4-star hotel and only 400 m from Casa da Música metro station.

Vila Galé Porto is a very central 4-star hotel, located 290 metres from Campo 24 Agosto metro station.

** In the city centre there are many hotels to satisfy all tastes. We suggest you choose a hotel close to a metro station. You can find them easily through common platforms for reserving accomodation.

Visa Information

The host country is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen area.

Everyone entering the host country must have a valid identification document. For EU citizens traveling within the Schengen Area, EU countries, and Switzerland, a photo identification complying with EU standards and allowing international travel will suffice. Please check what kind of ID is required by your airline carrier before traveling. Some airlines within Europe will only accept passport identification.

Visas are required by delegates traveling from the rest of the world. We encourage all delegates to check the requirements for their originating country. Please contact the nearest Embassy for further information.

Please note that every delegate must apply for their own visa.

Need an Invitation Letter?

If your embassy requires a letter from an organizer of the conference, we will provide visa support letters. If you require one, please email etfa2025@fe.up.pt. The following information should be included with your request:

Full Name as it appears on passport;
Affiliation;
Name of the conference/workshop you are registering for;
Authors should indicate their paper title, speakers should provide the title of their talk, committee members should specify to which committee they are part of.

In order to obtain a visa letter, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Have a paper accepted;
Are a speaker;
Are a committee member;
Have registered and paid in full.

Sightseeing

The city of Porto, known as Cidade Invicta (the invincible city), is the second largest city of Portugal, the capital of the Porto district and the northern region country. Porto is built along hillsides overlooking the mouth of Douro River and it is an outstanding urban landscape with a 2,000-year history. Its continuous growth is related to the sea (the Romans gave it the name Portus, or port). It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and considered the European Best Destination in 2014 and in 2017.

Explore the enchanting city of Porto along the charming Douro River. Porto boasts a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich culture and lively atmosphere.

Porto’s Historical Centre was designated World Cultural Heritage in 1996 and its natural setting and its meandering streets give it a unique charm. It is a highly atmospheric place that has become known for its monuments by renowned architects - Gustave Eiffel's Dona Maria Bridge, Nicolau Nasoni's Clerigos Tower, Rem Koolhaas' Casa da Musica, or Siza Vieira's Serralves Museum. It is also the birthplace of Harry Potter, the world-famous fictional character created by J. K. Rowling while living in Porto, and home of Lello bookshop which inspired Hogwart's Library.

As you wander through Porto’s cobblestone streets, indulge in one of its most beloved culinary treasures, the Francesinha. This hearty sandwich is a must-try for any visitor seeking an authentic taste of Porto. Don’t forget to sample Portugal’s renowned bacalhau (cod fish) dishes and treat yourself to a decadent pastel de nata, a creamy custard tart with a crisp, flaky crust.

Discover Porto’s architectural marvels, from the imposing Sé Cathedral and Clérigos Tower to the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, offering breathtaking city views. Lose yourself in the narrow alleys of the Ribeira district, where colorful buildings and bustling cafes create a vibrant backdrop for exploration.

On the other side of the Douro River, the charming sister of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, emerges. Renowned for its historic wine cellars and breathtaking views of Porto’s skyline, Vila Nova de Gaia invites visitors to explore its rich maritime heritage and scenic beauty.

Embark on a journey through Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine cellars, where you can sample exquisite port wines while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. Each cellar offers a unique glimpse into the art of winemaking and the history of port wine production, from the historic lodges to the modern tasting rooms.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the stunning sunset from Jardim do Morro or visit the Serra do Pilar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and wine culture, Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia cities promise an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Detailed information about accommodation, public transport, sightseeing tours, gastronomy, nightlife and culture may be found in the Official Portal of Porto Tourism and Visit Porto and the North Portal.

Porto Top Attractions

Cais de Gaia (Gaia’s Pier) – The city’s postcard skyline and the birthplace of one of the World’s most famous wines. A place with wonderful esplanades, restaurants and bars, with a great view over the Porto’s historic centre. It is the destiny of wine production to be aged in the Cellars of the more than 50 wine companies. The famous Douro River Cruises depart nowadays from the Gaia quay.
Serralves Museum – Two buildings that are as much a work of art as the collections they exhibit inside, surrounded by a magnificent park.
Casa da Música (House of Music) – An architectural masterwork by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas.
São Francisco Church – One of Europe’s most extraordinarily lavish church interiors, completely covered in gold.
Ribeira – Atmospheric, colourful, World Heritage riverfront medieval district.
Sé Catedral (Porto Cathedral) – One of the main and oldest monuments of Portugal, this 12^th-century fortress-cathedral is located in the heart of the historical centre.
Clerigos Tower – Designed by the Italian architect Nasoni, this iconic baroque church is a popular tourist attraction to overlook the city (76 meters up, after climbing 240 steps).
Palácio da Bolsa – This 19^th-century building with a vast neoclassical front is the former Stock Exchange Palace, where the ornate Arab Room could be taken by a royal place.
Dom Luis Bridge – Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this Porto’s iconic bridge opened in 1886. The lower level can be used by pedestrians to cross the river between the centre of Porto and Gaia, providing a great view of Ribeira and port wine warehouses.
Soares dos Reis Museum – A notable national art museum named after one of the country top artists.

Porto Top Experinces

Lello Book Store – Go inside the Lello & Irmão bookshop, a historic space with a Neo-Gothic interior where J.K. Rowlings inspired herself to write Harry Potter.
Majestic Café – Have a drink at Café Majestic, a classic European Art Nouveau café and a city landmark.
Gigantic Tile Murals – Admire the gigantic tile panels inside São Bento railway station and on the façades of Carmo and Capela das Almas churches.
Douro Cruise – Take a cruise or a tour down the World Heritage Douro Valley.
Art Galleries Street – Check out the art galleries down Rua Miguel Bombarda.
The Atlantic – Take a stroll by the sea in Foz.
The Monumental Heart of the City – Watch the world go by on Avenida dos Aliados.
Parque da Cidade (city park) – is the biggest urban park in Portugal (more than 80 hectares) and the ideal place to have a nice relaxed walk, do your workout, have a picnic or even some birdwatching. It is located on the western end of Avenida da Boavista, facing the ocean and with a direct access to Praia Internacional (the beach).
Palácio de Cristal gardens – This beautifully landscaped park is dominated by a huge domed pavilion built in 1956 which replaced the 19^th century iron-and-glass “Crystal Palace” (1865 — 1951), modelled on London’s Crystal Palace and authored by the English architect Thomas Dillen Jones. Today’s pavilion serves as a venue for concerts and sporting events. It is surrounded by a lake, flowerbeds, and roaming peacocks, all overlooking the Douro River, of which there are superb views.
Romantic Museum – Located next to Palácio de Cristal gardens, this 19^th century mansion recreates characteristic interiors of the bourgeoisie of the time.
FC Porto Museum and Estádio do Dragão – The FC Porto Museum traces the history of the football club since its formation in 1893. Estádio do Dragão is a great stage of emotions, entertainment, spectacle, and an unavoidable reference of the city of Porto.
The Local Market – Browse through the colourful Mercado do Bolhão.
Bom Sucesso Market – An urban concept that combines a fresh market, diversified gastronomic offer (44 coloured stalls with a wide variety of gastronomic delights from various Portuguese regions and from other parts of the world) and cultural activities.
Hard Rock Cafe – Located near the vibrant town square Avenida dos Aliados, Hard Rock Cafe Porto is housed in a 19^thcentury building, combining Porto’s strong sense of history with the irreverence and character of Hard Rock brand.
Time-warp Shops – Shop at the retro shops downtown, many preserving wonderful Art Nouveau façades. Recommended: A Vida Portuguesa and Pérola do Bolhão.