The top 17 sights in lively Porto
Porto is one of the most beautiful and lively cities in Portugal, with a rich history and its very own culture. This beautiful city is also home to the famous Port wine which you can taste in the many wine cellars that line the Douro River. The sights in Porto have a lot to offer visitors, from historic monuments and museums to charming neighborhoods and beautiful views. In this article we tell you about the must visit sights in Porto.
The Porto City Card
We recommend that you order the Porto City Card before you go to Porto. You can buy this card for one to four days and gives free entry to many sights in Porto, discounts for activities and benefits such as skip the line. The Porto Card has two variants, the only difference being whether you want access to public transport or not. As an example; the Porto Card Walker for two days costs ten euros and the Porto Card with transport for two days costs twenty euros. If you plan to do and see a lot during your visit, the city card will save you a lot of money. Want to know more? Read all about the Porto City Card in our extensive article.
1: Ponte de Dom Luís I
The Ponte de Dom Luís I is an iconic iron bridge that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the city on the other side of the Douro. This bridge was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and was inaugurated in 1886. It has two levels: the upper level for the metro and pedestrians, while the lower level is for cars and pedestrians. From both levels you can enjoy spectacular views over the Douro river, the quays and the skyline where you can see many of sights in Porto.
2: Cais da Ribeira
The Cais da Ribeira is Porto’s most lively district on the south bank of the Douro. Here you will find a maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, old churches and pleasant squares. The Cais da Ribeira is also a great place to eat, drink and enjoy the atmosphere. With numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and terraces you will always find a nice place. It is part of the historic center of Porto, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
3: Douro River
The Douro River is Porto’s lifeline and one of the city’s main attractions. It starts in Spain and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. Along the river you will find beautiful landscapes, vineyards, villages and historical places. One of the best ways to discover the Douro River is with a boat trip from Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia. You can choose from different options, such as a cruise along the six bridges of Porto or a day trip to the Douro Valley further in the country.
4: Palácio da Bolsa
The Palácio da Bolsa dates from the 19th century and is the former stock exchange building of Porto. It is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture, decorated with sculptures, frescoes and stained glass windows. The highlight of the Palácio da Bolsa is the Arab Hall, a beautiful room inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. When you enter the Arab hall you will see that it is covered in gold and exotic motifs, it is used for official receptions and events. The Palácio da Bolsa can only be visited with a guided tour, which you can book online or on site.
5: Estádio do Dragão
The Estádio do Dragão is the stadium of FC Porto, one of the most successful football clubs in Portugal. This stadium has a beautiful architectural style and has an innovative roof that adapts to the weather. If you are a football fan, you can attend a match or take a tour of the stadium and museum. Here you can learn more about FC Porto’s history and see all of their trophies.
6: Porto Bridge Climb
Doing the Porto Bridge Climb is a unique and exciting experience that gives you the chance to climb the arch of the Arrábida Bridge, one of Porto’s iconic bridges. The Arrábida Bridge was built in 1963 and was then the largest concrete arch bridge in the world. It spans the Douro River and connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The Porto Bridge Climb takes about 30 minutes and takes you to a height of 65 meters, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the river. You can book this tour online via the official website.
7: Mercado do Bolhao
The Mercado do Bolhão is a traditional open-air market in the center of Porto. Opened in 1837, the market has a three-storey wrought-iron structure, where around 80 stalls and family-owned businesses sell fresh produce, fish, meat, wine and other local specialties. It is also known for its lively atmosphere and friendly vendors, who are happy to chat with customers. Besides food, you can also find souvenirs, perfume, jewelry and other unique products from various local brands. Mercado do Bolhão is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience authentic and pure Porto.
8: Torre dos Clérigos/Igreja dos Clérigos
The Torre dos Clérigos is one of Porto’s most visible and famous monuments. This 75-meter-high tower in Baroque style rises above the roofs of the city. The tower is part of the complex of the Igreja dos Clérigos. To reach the top of the tower you will have to climb 240 steps, but you will be rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the city, river and coast. In addition to the tower, you can also visit the church, which has an oval shape and is decorated with gold and wood carvings. With the Porto City Card you get a discount on the purchase of your entrance ticket on the spot. Of course, you can also purchase your entrance ticket in advance.
9: Sé do Porto
The Sé do Porto is Porto’s cathedral, an imposing building dating from the 12th century. This cathedral has a mixture of styles, such as Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements. The building has an impressive front with two towers and a rose window. Inside you can admire the main altar, covered in silverware, and the Gothic cloister, decorated with azulejos (blue and white tiles). The cathedral also has a treasury, where you can see precious objects such as reliquaries, paintings and jewelry.
10: Visit one of the port houses
You should not miss tasting the famous port wine in one of the port houses in the Vila Nova de Gaia district. The tour and tasting at Graham’s is highly recommended. In addition to learning everything about the production process while walking around the cellar, you will also receive matching snacks when tasting the port. Would you like to visit several port houses? Then the best way to do this is with this three-hour tour. You will visit three different famous port houses, learn about the history and production of this drink and get to taste six different ports and four wines.
11: Livraria Lello & Irmão
Be enchanted by the Livraria Lello & Irmão, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The Art Nouveau facade, the impressive spiral staircase and the stained glass ceiling are fantastic to see. This bookstore is also said to have been a source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter. Livraria Lello Bookstore is very popular, there is pretty much always a line outside because only a limited number of people are allowed in per day. We recommend that you buy your tickets in advance via the official website. You can also discover Porto with this three-hour guided walking tour that includes a skip-the-line ticket for Livraria Lello. Then you don’t have to wait in line.
Tip: Going early is worth it, make sure you are there at 9:30 am so that you can enter as soon as the store opens. This way you skip the lines and have the chance to view the store in peace.
12: Casa da Música
Discover the modern side of Porto at the Casa da Música, the concert hall with striking architecture. The abstract design immediately attracts attention and offers a unique experience for music lovers. You can take a tour to learn more about the building or, of course, visit a concert.
13: Discover the city parks
Porto has several city parks where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty. The Parque da Cidade and Jardins do Palácio de Cristal are popular choices. These green parks are perfect for relaxing walks, picnics, sports activities or just to relax.
14: Café Majestic
Sample local delicacies at Café Majestic (click for the location), an elegant café from 1921 known for its art deco style and delicious pastries. Café Majestic offers a unique experience where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner in an attractive setting.
15: Avenida dos Aliados
Stroll along Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s main boulevard that is considered the real center of the city. It is a lively place where you will find the beautiful town hall, Praça da Liberdade and Palácio das Cardosas. While walking you will encounter many more beautiful buildings and statues.
16: Igreja de São Francisco
In Porto you will find the Igreja de São Francisco, which is a religious monument known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Originally built in the 14th century, the church is a masterpiece of Gothic and Baroque styles. The interior of the church is stunning, with beautiful carvings and sculptures that draw the eye. What makes the Igreja de São Francisco truly unique are its gold-leaf-covered altarpieces.
17: Admire the azulejos
These typical Portuguese colorful ceramic tiles are an important part of the city’s architecture and culture. They give the city of Porto a charming and unique atmosphere. The traditional tiles are often decorated with beautiful hand-painted designs that range from beautiful patterns to historical and religious images. Popular places to see azulejos in Porto include São Bento Train Station, Igreja do Carmo and Capela das Almas.
How to get around in Porto
Fortunately many sights in Porto are located in the old center and are within walking distance of each other. You can also find a number of attractions outside the center that are simply too far to walk. Public transport in Porto is well organized and consists of various options, such as buses, trams, metros and trains. If you don’t go for the Porto City Card, we recommend that you purchase the Andante Tour Card 1 or 3 upon arrival. This card gives you access to the city’s metro and bus network for 24 or 72 hours and allows you to easily transfer without extra costs. The tram is a historic and charming means of transport in Porto. There are three tram lines left, which are mainly used by tourists. A tram ticket costs three euros per ride and can be purchased from the driver or from the machines.
From the airport to Porto
Metro line E is the fastest connection between the airport and the city. The metro stops at a number of stations in the city center. Another option is with the 3M bus, which runs between the airport and the Avenida Aliados stop in the center where you find many of the sights in Porto.
Handy to take with you
- Bring good (walking) shoes. You’ll probably be walking a lot to see the sights in Porto and the streets can be very hilly.
- Reusable water bottle. This way you don’t have to buy new water bottles every time and you can simply refill your own bottle. Good for the wallet and nice and durable. The tap water in Portugal is of good quality and you can drink it.
- A backpack to take your necessary things with you or to put your new purchases in.
Good food & drinks in Porto
- Bacalhau: This restaurant is located in a narrow alley on the Douro in the heart of the old center and specializes in cod dishes. Of course there are many more delicious dishes on the menu. Don’t hesitate if you have to wait in line, it’s absolutely worth it.
- Zenith – Brunch & Cocktails Bar: For a delicious brunch or lunch you have to go to Zenith. They also have a very attractive happy hour with delicious cocktails. All in all, highly recommended!
Best overnight stays in Porto
Porto has nice hotels. We are happy to give you our tips for a wonderful overnight stay.
- Selina Porto: One of the most popular hostels in the city. This cozy and busy hostel has a very nice atmosphere and is a good place to meet fellow travelers. Here you will find normal rooms but also dormitories. (see photo below)
- Eurostars Porto Douro: This hotel is located right on the river and has spacious rooms. Within a five-minute walk you are back in the center and you can easily and quickly reach many of the sights in Porto.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city and the many sights in Porto with its monuments, churches and narrow streets. Admire the beautiful bridges that connect Porto to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can visit the famous port wine cellars. Taste local specialties such as francesinha, bacalhau and pastel de nata. Porto is a city full of charm and surprises that will surely enchant you.
