Porto, like Lisbon, is a truly atmospheric city. Not to mention its famous wine that attracts tourists!
Portugal’s second largest city lies in the northwest of the country on the Atlantic coast. Among its many attractions, the city is famous for its Port wine.
Porto is also called the city of bridges (Cidade das Pontes), currently six bridges connect it to Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its cellars on the southern bank of the river. The historic city center is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
I have been two days in Porto, the travelogue is here!
Table of Contents
Porto attractions
Vila Nova de Gaia
The section running along the southern bank of the Douro River offers a great view of the old town, and there are also many wineries here. In addition, there are many cafes and restaurants on the promenade.
White-washed inscriptions on red roof tiles, huge illuminated neon letters at night, and names decorating the sails of characteristic barco rabelos boats standing on the shore all advertise the major British wine trading companies (Taylor, Graham, Cockburn, Sandeman).
You can also book a cellar visit, with presentations combined with tastings available at various prices.
Make sure to visit the Espaço Porto Cruz shop! Everything here is about wine, and the rooftop terrace offers a great view of the city.
Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte Luís I)
The iconic double-deck cast iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto’s historic center with Vila Nova de Gaia.
The upper level carries trams and pedestrians, while the lower level is for car and pedestrian traffic. Its total length is 385 meters, with the main arch spanning 172 meters. Its upper level is 45 meters above the river, providing a stunning view of both cities.
Gaia Cable Car (Téléphérique de Gaia)
The cable car connects the upper level of Dom Luís I Bridge with the riverside promenade of Vila Nova de Gaia. There are many cafes and bars around the lower station.
It covers the 600-meter distance in 5 minutes with a 59-meter elevation change. There’s a beautiful view of the opposite Ribeira quarter during the ride.
All information here!
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
The 17th-century monastery is located on a hill not far from the southern part of the bridge and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
The circular church was likely inspired by the Roman Pantheon in Italy. The interior of the church is also circular, which is rare in Portugal.
The view of the old town from here is the most beautiful, as it overlooks the opposite side from a higher point than the bridge.
Access: Take metro „D” to Jardim do Morro station.
Church of Saint Francis (Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco)
The oldest church in the city. It doesn’t show much from the outside, but it’s very special.
Its construction began at the end of the 13th century and was completed in the 15th century. It’s basically Gothic in style, with the interior of the church richly decorated in Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)
The Stock Exchange Palace, standing next to the Church of Saint Francis, is the most visited building in the city.
Its construction began in 1842 and lasted for more than 60 years, initiated by the Porto Chamber of Commerce. Its architectural style is eclectic, incorporating neoclassical and neo-Romanesque elements.
Its most famous room is the Sala Árabe, the Arab Room, which is a gold-decorated room where guests were formerly received.
It can only be visited as part of a guided tour!
All information here!
Clerigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)
The 75-meter-high granite clock tower was built in the 18th century. It’s a symbol of Porto for many.
It stands next to the Igreja dos Clérigos, the Clerigos Church, and it’s called the „tower of the clerics” because its construction was financed by priests.
A spiral staircase leads up to the top through six floors, offering a good view. The viewing platform is paid, and the entrance ticket also allows access to the Clérigos Museum.
All information here!
São Bento Railway Station
The 19th-century train station is famous for its elaborately crafted azulejo tiles in the main hall.
The frescoes made of more than 20,000 tiles depict significant moments in Portuguese history.
Ribeira
The old town west of the Dom Luís I Bridge is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Viewed from the river, this ancient city core is a colorful and lively sight, most beautiful in the afternoon sun.
The houses, alleys, and churches clustered around the former riverside fish market provide a truly diverse cityscape. It’s worth wandering around the district for an hour or two, as there are many good restaurants and lots to see here!
Guindais Funicular (Funicular dos Guindais)
It connects Riberia and Batalha quarters in just 2 minutes. The journey offers a great view of the Douro River and Dom Luís I Bridge.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
The Porto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and one of the oldest buildings in the city. Its construction began in the 12th century and continued for several hundred years, incorporating various styles.
The cathedral’s facade is dominated by two massive towers, one of which still retains features of the Romanesque style. In the 14th century, a Gothic-style chapel was added, famous for its special windows and vaults. There’s also a baptistery chapel rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th century.
Casa da Musica
Various musical performances are held in this building, opened in 2005.
The building itself is worth seeing, symbolizing modern architecture with its irregular shape. It’s possible to participate in guided tours.
Access: Take metro A, B, C, E, F to Casa da Música station.
Livraria Lello Bookstore
This beautiful bookstore is considered one of the most beautiful of its kind in the world. However, the store is famous for something else too.
JK Rowling lived and taught English in the city for years. Several locations in the Harry Potter novels were inspired by this place. The stairs of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the novel were clearly inspired by the bookstore’s interior.
Because of this, the bookstore’s tourist traffic has greatly increased. You need to purchase a 5 euro redeemable entry ticket to enter the store. This can be bought at the Armazéns do Castelo shop two buildings away or online.
Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas)
The azulejo-covered church is one of Portugal’s characteristics with its blue color.
Tile-covered churches can be found elsewhere, but in Portugal, white with blue painting became established. This church also shines in these colors, covered with 15,947 tiles.
Among the scenes depicted on the tiles are St. Francis preaching to the birds, the martyrdom of St. Catherine, as well as other biblical scenes and moments from the lives of saints.
Bolhao Market (Mercado do Bolhão)
Porto’s largest market where we can also taste products from local producers.
We can find all kinds of products, if we want to buy souvenirs, it’s worth looking around here.
Serralves Museum (Fundação Serralves)
We can see works by 20th-century contemporary artists here. Its building was designed by famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira in a modernist style.
It’s worth looking around not only inside the building, as there are many creations in its garden too. The park covers more than 18 hectares and includes various sections, sculptures, and ponds.
Access: Take bus 203 to Serralves stop.
All information here!
Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Elétrico)
It showcases Porto’s iconic means of transport and its history. It opened in 1992 in the building of the former Massarelos tram depot, which is itself of historical significance.
In addition to numerous beautifully restored trams, we can also admire the old network transformer and distribution station. There are more than 20 historical trams dating from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.
The entrance fee is cheaper if you have an Andante Card, Port Card, or tram ticket!
All information here!
Access: Take tram 1 or 18, or bus 500 to Museu C. Eléctrico stop.
Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico do Porto)
A beautifully landscaped garden. Excellent for a relaxing walk. We can also see exhibitions about wildlife in a gallery.
Entry is free!
Access: Take bus 200, 204, or 207 to Jardim Botânico stop.
Crystal Park (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal)
Porto’s most beautiful park, if you have free time, it’s definitely worth visiting for a peaceful walk.
From the southern part of the park, there’s a very beautiful view of the Douro River and the opposite bank.
Access: Take bus 200, 201, 207, 208, 507, or 601 to Palácio stop.
Felgueiras Lighthouse (Farol das Felgueiras)
Porto’s iconic lighthouse is located at the mouth of the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean.
In calm weather, it’s very pleasant to walk and relax here, and it’s great to sunbathe on the nearby beach at such times. It’s worth coming out in slightly windy weather too, as the wind induces huge waves rising high with great force. This is also a beautiful sight!
Access: Take tram 1 to Passeio Alegre stop.
Fortaleza de São João da Foz
This 16th-century fortress, located near the lighthouse, was built against pirates and other attacks.
It has remained in good condition and although it’s a small area, it’s worth a short walk.
Port wine
Port wine is among Porto’s attractions. It’s a somewhat interesting phrasing, but the wine is an integral part of the city and world-famous.
It’s made from grapes grown about 100 kilometers from Porto, in the upper Douro River region, in a Mediterranean climate tending towards continental.
The wine produced in the Douro Valley was traditionally floated down the lower, navigable section of the river on galleys to the estuary to be aged in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia – nowadays, the harvested grapes are transported there, and the finished wine is also bottled there.
Interestingly, although it’s produced in Portugal, it’s considered a sort of „national drink” of the English.