FAQs - guided tour Porto 360
Why
Is going up to the dome of the Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão Rosa Mota worth the effort (and the price)?
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We believe so, just like anyone who has been there over the last 67 years (the roof was only ready in 1954, 2 years after the venue opened).
Is it because it is an iconic building with immense views over Porto, from Ribeira to Foz, and Gaia, from Monte daVirgin to Afurada? Or for the visits to be carried out in complete safety in groups of up to 13 people, accompanied by a friendly guide? Or for peeking inside this renovated arena? Come and find out!
But is it really unmissable?
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As far as we know, this is one of the few visitable arena domes in the world. One of the most famous is the O2 Arena in London, but the views of the surroundings of the English capital are not comparable to those in the center of Porto...
I already have other things to do in Porto...
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Porto 360 is THE NEW experience in Porto, and the perfect complement for a stroll along the Romantic paths, a tour of downtown or an afternoon at the Palácio de Cristal Gardens. And it's open to the public for guided tours for the first time!
Who
Who can climb the dome?
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Any person who can independently climb stairs and is aged 6 years or older.
How many people go up to the dome at a time?
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Usually, on each guided tour, groups of between 1 and 13 people + 1 guide go up.
If you have a larger group, we can have up to three groups of 13 people, each accompanied by a guide, simultaneously at the top of the arch. For safety reasons, only one group and their guide can be on the stairs at any time.
We can also divide larger groups into successive visits, within or outside our usual opening hours.
Is it necessary to form a group to go up?
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No, we do the visit as long as there is 1 person interested in going up.
Voce Fala Ingles?
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Yes, the entire team speaks Portuguese and English; and in a few days, also Spanish, French, Italian and German (to be confirmed in advance, if necessary).
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How can I get in contact with you?
If you have any questions, you can visit us at the Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão Rosa Mota ticket office, send an email toporto360@superbockarena.ptor call +351 933 088 331, and we'll call you back if we can't answer right away.
When
Do you visit on weekends?
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Yes, we do dome tours every day from 10:00 am until sunset.
Close in winter?
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No, we just won't make visits if there are no conditions to go up and down the stairs safely; otherwise, we hope to make visits throughout the year.
Will there still be visits next year?
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Yes, and in the following years too;
What time does Porto 360 have?
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See the link of reservations inhttps://ticketline.sapo.pt/evento/porto-360-51041 for the most up-to-date information.
And at night, are there visits too?
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Yes, we usually do ascents once a month on the night of the full moon; and occasionally we also go uphill to see the sunrise. We announce these initiatives on our Facebook and Instagram.
Do you climb beyond your normal schedule?
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Yes, we can make visits at other times, by appointment, and with an additional fee (variable depending on the size of the group).
If you want to make a climb at a special time, please contact us by phone +351 933 088 331 or emailporto360@superbockarena.pt.
Where
Where is the entrance to Porto 360?
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At door 3 of the Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão Rosa Mota, in the heart of the Palácio de Cristal Gardens.
Even at the point identified on Google Maps as "Porto 360".
What is the route of the visit?
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We start at the Arena's food court, and go up the stairs that take us directly to the second floor, where we enter a historical exhibition that will allow us to learn a lot about the place where the Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão is located today. Rosa Mota. We then went into a box so we could see the inside of the arena. Finally, we climb to the top of the dome for a 360º tour, where we can see many important buildings for the city, accompanied by a brief explanation from the guide,
Does the visit include a tour of the Palácio de Cristal Gardens?
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No, but we recommend that you take the opportunity to get to know them before or after climbing to the summit; are the most beautiful in Porto, with spectacular views and several points of interest: the Concha Acústica, the Chapel of Carlos Alberto, the lake, the Jardim dos Sentimentos, the Almeida Garrett Library and even the children's playground.
Buying the tickets
Do you recommend buying tickets in advance?
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Yes, because that way you can be sure that you go up on the day and at the time you want.
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And for large groups?
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If your group has more than 13 people, please contact us by phone +351 933 088 331 or by emailporto360@superbockarena.ptand we can make a reservation that includes more than one guide at the same time, so that up to 39 people can go up together.
A group of 79 people can have the experience in just over 1 hour!
What if we don't have a purchased ticket?
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In that case, you can come directly to the Super Bock Arena ticket office – Pavilhão Rosa Mota onde can buy tickets for the next available sessions.
Is it possible to just book the seats, without making the payment?
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No, all reservations require immediate payment.
But you can also come to our reception and buy tickets on the spot, as long as there are places available; here, they can pay with cash or a debit or credit card.
I have a bought view; just arrive at that time, or is it better to come earlier?
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We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before the time of the visit so that we can organize the group at the scheduled time.
We want to buy tickets for 4 months from now, but we can't find them on Ticketline. What can we do?
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Since we do not open visits when the weather forecast is for rain, we are opening visits for the following days with a shorter notice period. If you want to make your visit at a future date, we advise you to contact us so that we can reserve the places.
We found different schedules depending on the day of the week, and even some days with no visits available. Are there any errors?
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No, that's how it is. Due to the fact that the Super Bock Arena – Pavilhão Rosa Mota is a venue for shows and events, there are some days when visits are not available, or when opening times are different from usual.
Cancellations and rescheduling
What happens if the visit is canceled by Porto 360?
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We may have to cancel your visit due to bad weather conditions or technical problems in the arena. These situations are very rare, but may happen from time to time. In these cases, and according to your preference, we can reschedule your visit or refund 100% of the price paid.
I won't be able to make the visit for which I have tickets. And now?
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As long as we are informed at least 24 hours before the visit (by phone, calling +351 933 088 331, or emailporto360@superbockarena.pt), they can reschedule it for the next 30 days.
Visit rules
Do I need any special clothing or accessories to visit Porto 360?
No, you can bring your normal clothes and shoes, including open shoes, skirts and dresses.
Can I take my cell phone or camera on the way up?
sim! All photos are welcome, so you can bring whatever equipment you want, as well as take pictures at any time during the visit.
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I'm a photography lover, can I take my tripod and several lenses on the way up?
Yes, photographic material that is well packed in a bag or backpack can be taken by the owner to the top, and freely used up there.
Fears (there is no reason to have them!)
I'm afraid I won't be able to go up. What do I do?
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We suggest that you pass by the Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão Rosa Mota and take a peek at the visitors walking up the stairs during a visit; you will also be able to chat with those who have just gone up and down, as well as with our guides. For those who are afraid, the climb is even better, because in addition to the beautiful landscape and the impressive building, there is a good feeling of overcoming!
I have vertigo, is that a problem?
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Throughout the visit, there is never a view of an abyss, as the stairs are smooth and the route in the dome is limited by a robust metal guard, 120 cm high.
Is the climb difficult? I'll make it?
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It's much easier than going up to the Arco da Ponte da Arrábida or to the Clérigos Tower!
The visit requires little physical effort: there are only 196 steps (46 inside and 150 on the dome itself), and both the ascent and the descent are done in stages, in order to respect the pace of all visitors; We went up and down as a group!
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And who is afraid of heights, or vertigo, can climb?
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The feeling of security is very high throughout the duration of the visit, according to all the people with these fears who have visited us. The guard that limits the stairs in the dome is 120 cm high, as is the balcony at the top.
Even so, people who have less confidence in the ascent always go with the guide, for a closer follow-up.
It's dangerous?
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No, the visit is very safe. We walked down large steps, only 15 cm high, with non-slip flooring and 90 cm wide, bordered by a robust metal guard on the outside and a rope guard on the inside. The stairs are not very steep (much less than on Ponte da Arrábida) and we are always accompanied by a guide.