Porto is the second largest center of Portugal and the northern capital of the country. Porto is not at all like Lisbon: the only similarity can be seen in the fact that both of these cities are located on the coast. Porto offers a special atmosphere, unique historical architecture, football spirit and amazing views.
There are so many attractions in the city that it is simply impossible to visit them all in a few days. They are literally located at every step. To make your task easier, we have compiled a selection of the most interesting sights in Porto with photos and descriptions.
So, what to do and see in Porto for the best experience?
1. Take a walk around the Ribeira quarter
The best place to start sightseeing in Porto is the atmospheric Ribeira quarter. Many tourists fall in love with this distinctive area, and this is understandable: every house in it is interesting. This is where you can feel the spirit of real Portugal, walking along the embankment or narrow streets and enjoying the authentic beauty of cozy houses with bright tiles on the roofs.
In the Ribeira quarter there is a huge number of small cafes overlooking the embankment, and their prices are not bad. Be sure to go to some establishment, and best of all, try the signature Portuguese Francezinha sandwich, which can be baked in an open oven right before your eyes.
In the evening the Ribeira district turns into the most romantic place in the city, so if you are traveling to Porto with your loved one, then go here for dinner or an evening walk.
From the Ribeira promenade you can go to river cruise along the Dora or walk to the Don Luis Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the quarter.
2. Admire the view from the Don Luis Bridge
The Don Luis Bridge, designed by a student of Eiffel himself, is one of the main attractions of the city of Porto. We can say that this bridge is for Porto what the Eiffel Tower is for Paris. Its unusual silhouette is often depicted on the labels of Portuguese port wine. In the evening, when the lights come on, the bridge takes on a special charm. To visit Porto and not take a photo there is simply unforgivable.
Tourists unanimously say that best views The view of the city of Porto, the Douro River and the Ribeira quarter with its red-orange roofs can be seen from this building. Photos against the backdrop of such a magnificent panorama look like postcards. But the attraction is interesting in itself – for its unusual two-tier design: cars travel on the lower tier, and metro trains travel on the upper tier. There are sidewalks for pedestrians on both levels. Local daredevils jump into the water from the lower tier, collecting one euro from tourists for their exploits.
The Don Luis Bridge connects the city center with Villo Nova di Gaia, where port wine tastings are held at the historic winery. Therefore, the final point of the walk can be planned here. Be sure to walk across the bridge and look at the panorama that opens up - it will give you a special experience.
From the top level you can take the funicular which takes you down to Porto's waterfront. Those who buy a ticket for the funicular are sometimes given flyers for tasting wines produced in Portugal. Worth the trip 2.5 € one way.
The most convenient way to get to the attraction is by metro. You need to get off at Jardim do Morro or Sao Bento station and then walk a little.
3. Attend a football match at the FC Porto stadium
Everyone knows that Portugal is a football country. So go to home stadium The legendary football club is worth visiting even for those who do not consider themselves fans of this sport. Who knows, maybe after visiting this stadium you will become an ardent fan too!
The grandiose Dragau stadium was built for the European Championship in 2004. During this time, five championship matches have already been held there. Here everyone can feel the sports and football atmosphere of the city. Many people consider it to be one of the main modern attractions of Porto and Portugal in general.
If you can’t buy a ticket for the match, you can simply look at the stadium outside and inside, visit the football museum and book a tour of English. Inside the attraction there is a brand store of the Porto club, where numerous souvenirs for football fans are sold at fairly high prices.
The most convenient way to get to the stadium is by metro. You need to get off at Estádio do Dragão station (yellow line).
- Locations: Via do Futebol Clube do Porto, Porto 4350-415, Estádio do Dragão
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 – 19:00.
4. Visit the FC Porto Museum
The Porto Football Club Museum is located inside the Dragao stadium, which we wrote about above. Numerous reviews from tourists indicate that this museum will be of interest to everyone, and for football fans it will become a real holiday. Here you can also learn a lot of interesting things about sports in Portugal.
This is a very large and informative museum with many trophies, artifacts and interactive screens. Even if you don’t know anything about FC Porto, you will still understand and understand its importance. It is best to book a tour, which includes a visit to the stadium. They will tell you about the history of the Porto club, show you the interior and the football field itself.
Allow at least an hour and a half to visit the museum. A combined tour of the museum and stadium will cost 15 € for an adult, 10 € for a child under 16 years old and free for children under 4 years old. A visit to one museum will cost 12 euros for an adult and 8 euros for a child. Pensioners over 65 years of age receive discounts on tickets.
- Address: Estádio do Dragão, Porto 4350-415.
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:00.
- Ticket prices: from 12€.
5. Climb the bell tower of the Clérigos Church
The tallest bell tower in Portugal, Clérigos, should be a must on your list of what to see in Porto in 3 days. This high tower(75 meters) is visible from different points in Porto, so it is considered one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Previously, it served as a landmark for ships that entered the harbor.
The bell tower belongs to the Baroque church of the same name built in 1732-1748. buildings, which are also very beautiful, interesting and worthy of a visit. In 1910, it was officially recognized as a national treasure of Portugal.
Climbing up the narrow stairs to the bell tower is not an easy task. The observation deck is also quite cramped, but it offers stunning views of the city. So it's definitely worth the climb.
- Address: Rua Sao Filipe Neri, Porto 4050-546
- Cost of visit: 4 € during the day (until 7 pm) and 5 € in the evening (from 7 to 11 pm). Children under 10 years old are free, students have a 50% discount. A day ticket includes admission to the museum.
- Opening hours: 9:00-19:00 (tower + museum). The tower is open until 23:00.
6. Conquer the Arrábida Bridge on the Porto Bridge Climb excursion
If you have 3 days to see the sights of Porto and you like extreme entertainment, be sure to become a “rock climber” on the Arrábida Bridge. The organizers of the Porto Bridge Climb project invite everyone over 12 years old to overcome the 262 steps of the arch on the bridge structure, rising to a height of 65 meters. Prepare for the climb to be exciting, but completely safe and not extreme.
All groups (from one person) are accompanied by an experienced guide. You can book a ticket for the climb in advance, but it is better to come straight to the place: the lift schedule is posted here. Allow about an hour for the ascent and descent and wear comfortable sports shoes.
From the height of the structure you can look at the ocean and the city from an unusual angle. Also, everyone who went upstairs will have a pleasant surprise. For the most incredible experience, climb the bridge during sunset
- Location of the attraction: Ponte da Arrabida, Porto
- Prices: lift in a group from 1 to 13 people – 12.5 €, in a group from 14 to 39 people – 11 €, in a group of more than 40 people – 10 €.
7. See the churches of Karma and the Carmelites, separated by the narrowest building in the world
One of the most beautiful churches in Portugal, the luxurious Rococo Church of Carmo, is located in Teixeira Square, in the historical center of Porto. Right next to it stands the Carmelite Temple. The churches are built so close that it seems as if they are one big temple. But in fact they are separated by a house only 1 meter wide, which is considered the narrowest building in the world.
Most of all, the Carmo Church, built in the 18th century, delights tourists with the traditional tiles of Portugal - azulejo tiles, according to appearance reminiscent of Gzhel. The walls of the church are decorated with large mosaic paintings with images of the Carmelites, which are impossible not to admire. In addition, the temple is decorated with statues of evangelists and sculptures of prophets. Its interior decoration is no less rich. That is why the church is considered one of the most significant attractions of Porto and the surrounding area.
It is worth noting that the luxurious beauty of the Karmu Church is emphasized by a chic fountain with sculptures of lions, which is located on the square in front of the temples.
Address: Rua Carmo, Porto, Portugal.
8. Visit the “Harry Potter library” Livraria Lello
In fact, Livraria Lello is a beautiful historical bookshop from the 1890s, which features a unique wooden staircase - almost exactly like the one in Hogwarts in Harry Potter. According to some versions, it was this staircase that JK Rowling was inspired by when she described the Hogwarts library.
The Livraria Lello store in Porto is considered the third most beautiful bookstore in the world, so many travelers and Harry Potter fans want to see it. That is why queues often form at the entrance, and the inside of the store becomes crowded due to the numerous visitors.
Entrance to the store costs 4 €: you can use this money to buy a book, but most books presented – on Portuguese, although you can also find copies in English.
- Address: Rua Carmelitas 144 | Vitória, Porto 4050-161.
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-19:40, Sat-Sun 10:00-19:00.
9. Take a photo of Porto City Hall
The famous Porto City Hall began to be built on the city square in 1920, although it appears much older. The building has six floors, not including the basement. The main decoration of the city municipality is its 70-meter tower with chimes, which can be reached by climbing 180 steps.
The Town Hall is considered one of the most photogenic buildings in Porto. It fits harmoniously into the overall appearance of the square and emphasizes its slightly pompous beauty. Take a closer look at this monumental building and you will see a huge number of decorations: sculptures, columns and arches. Please note that the windows of the town hall are made in the most different forms: rectangular, round, oval.
To make the most best photos, come to the town hall early in the morning, when the square is not yet filled with tourists.
Location of attraction: Praça General Humberto Delgado, Porto 4000-172.
10. Try port wine at the Vinicola Ramos Pinto winery
While in Porto, you should try the famous local port wine. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by its taste, and you will take a bottle or two home with you.
It is best to taste this drink at a historical winery: for example, Casa Ramos Pinto, which was founded back in 1880 by the Ramos brothers. Here you can visit the winemaking museum and see how port wine is prepared and stored. Tasting of two budget port wines is included in the price of the excursion. For a fee you can taste young wines, vintage and elite ports.
You can get to the winery from the Don Luis Bridge by going down the funicular or stairs. You can combine a visit to it with a walk around the Ribeira quarter.
- Address: Avenida Ramos Pinto 380, Porto 4400-266.
- Price: from 6 € – depending on the choice of drinks.
- Opening hours: 10:00-18:00.
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11. Enjoy the silence and space of the Porto City Park
If you have already seen enough of the architectural sights and are looking for what to see in Porto among the natural beauties, visit the city park park da Cidade do Porto. A walk through this spacious park can be combined with beach holiday on the coast Atlantic Ocean, since on one side the park opens directly onto the embankment.
In this place you can relax in peace and quiet from the noisy city and enjoy the picturesque paths and lawns, inhaling the fresh breeze. Various birds (ducks, geese, etc.) swim in the ponds of the park and are not afraid of people. No wonder visitors nicknamed this park green oasis Porto.
The park is located quite far from the center, so it is better to get to it by metro or bus No. 500. Allow approximately half a day for the visit.
Where is: Avenida da Boavista, Porto 4100-121.
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12. Understand the city metro system
If you want to change the way you think about the metro, take the Porto subway. However, the word subway is not entirely suitable here, because subway trains in Porto mostly run on the surface. With this transport you can comfortably reach the airport, train station, beach and many attractions.
But immediately note that paying for tickets in Porto is quite complicated. First you need buy a card for 60 cents and add several trips to it ( cost of one trip will be 1.4 or 1.5 €). The entire metro system is divided into zones: as soon as you move to another line, you need to apply your pass again.
The peculiarity of the metro in Porto is that trains of different lines can run on the same tracks. Therefore, check the direction indicated on the train itself so as not to travel all over the city looking for your station.
This is the program we offer for those who want to see the sights of Porto in 3 days. But of course, you can create a completely different route, focusing on your interests; in the northern capital of Portugal there is interesting places for every taste.
All the sights of Porto described in the article are marked on the map in Russian.
The video of Kasyo Hasanov from Porto is positive and educational.
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Perhaps the first thing you need to see in Porto is famous bridge Eiffel. In fact, it was not built by Eiffel himself, but by his student and named after King Luis I. The Don Luis Bridge or Casa Luis was built in 1886 according to the design of Théophile Seyrig and is still a railway, road and pedestrian bridge across the Douro River, connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Unlike Lisbon, houses in Porto look poorer. I can’t say that this is very annoying, but it still feels like the city doesn’t have enough funds for improvement.
On upper level The Eiffel Bridge offers excellent views of the city.
Sometimes it seems that Porto will be completely overgrown with greenery in 10-20 years. Unfortunately, some buildings are completely unfinished. And in the very center of the city...
You definitely need to take a walk to the other side of the Douro River. Previously, Vila Nova Di Gaia was a separate city, but now it is just a district of Porto. From here, again, there are gorgeous views of the city and the Eiffel Bridge.
And also to the central part of the city of Porto.
A walk along the Eiffel Bridge is a must on the agenda of every tourist visiting the city of Porto!
Clérigos Tower
In Porto, the best place to live is in the Ribeira district, the oldest in the city. I highly recommend it, the price-quality ratio is beyond praise!
The Clérigos Tower is located in the very center of the area and if you love observation decks, then this place is just for you! The bell tower of Torre dos Clérigos is visible from almost everywhere. Here, for example, is a classic view of the Ribeira district and the Clérigos tower.
The tower itself is located slightly behind the Clérigos Church. There is a fee to climb the bell tower, but it is very inexpensive, only 3 euros. At the top there are gorgeous views of the city, and even in cloudy weather, the city looks great from a bird's eye view!
View of Porto from the Clérigos Tower
The observation deck goes in a circle, i.e. the view opens 360 degrees. Similar observation deck there is on, here the truth is probably even more picturesque!
Perfectly visible cathedral Se. By the way, there are also quite nice views of the city near it!
On the opposite bank you can see the famous wineries of Porto, where you can taste local port wine if you wish.
By the way, I forgot to mention that you can climb the Clérigos tower on foot and not by elevator. For some this may be a problem; after all, the height of the tower is just under 80 meters! If that doesn't bother you, I definitely recommend going up! The views of Porto will not disappoint you!
Ribeira area
Be sure to stroll through the streets of the old city. The most central square in Porto is Praça da Liberdade. In the center of the square stands a monument to King Pedro IV, and opposite it is the Porto Town Hall building.
Liberty Square is perhaps the most well-groomed place in Porto. While on it, you might even think for a moment that you are not in Porto, but in Lisbon. There are much more such areas there, but I have already talked about this. Porto is just a port town, but at the same time with its own charisma 😉 Be sure to take a walk along the Avenida dos Aliados boulevard, a very pleasant place.
In Portugal they also dry things on the street. Moreover, there are a lot of such houses and streets in Porto.
Walking through Porto's old town to the Eiffel Bridge can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to photograph everything around you.
Se Cathedral
I would especially like to mention the central cathedral of Porto. Se do Porto was built back in the 12th century and then it was also a fortress. The cathedral has retained its stern and slightly brutal appearance to this day.
I repeat that next to the cathedral there is also an observation deck, from which, however, some of the neglect of the city of Porto can be seen even more clearly.
The Sé Cathedral is located between Place de la Liberté and the Eiffel Bridge, so it can be easily visited while strolling through the old streets of the city.
Porto Sao Bento Train Station
In Europe, very often railway stations, in addition to their main duty, are also city landmarks. I already wrote about one such railway station, when we traveled from Amsterdam to Bruges and stopped to have a look along the way. Railway station Sao Bento, which by the way turns 100 years old this year, is also very beautiful!
Inside the station, the walls are very picturesquely painted with azulejo tiles.
It is very convenient to visit the station upon arrival or departure from the city. For example, we did this when we arrived by train from Lisbon. Although the station itself is located just a 5-minute walk from Freedom Square and I think you can plan a visit to it purposefully.
A tour of the station will take no more than 30 minutes. So, you won’t spend a lot of time, but you will have 100% pleasure!
Teleferico de Gaia cable car on the Duro River
In fact, this is not really an attraction, but it’s quite possible to take a ride! Especially on a rainy day. The cabins depart from the Cais de Gaia station on the shores of Vila Nova de Gaia.
The final stop is not far from the Eiffel Bridge. The walk along the road takes about 5 minutes.
A one-way ticket costs 5 euros, and a round-trip ticket costs 8 euros.
Port wine tasting in Vila Nova di Gaia
Be sure to browse the boutiques and, if you wish, visit a winery in Vila Nova di Gaia. Port wine is sold right on the embankment. Just be careful with the tasting, after all, 20 degrees is no joke.
Our favorite was Graham's Port. By the way, in the photo above you can see the winery of this port. We haven’t been there, but I think it’s quite possible to visit, especially if you like this drink.
Or you can just buy a small bottle and just relax in your hotel room after walking around the city and visiting the sights of Porto.
Sights of Porto on the map
By tradition, for convenience, I am adding a map with attractions.
Have a great party and great impressions from the city of Porto.
I was in Porto for one day, arriving from Lisbon by plane, reaching the city center by metro, got off at the Sao Bento station, and began exploring the city from the Sao Bento train station, the main advantage of the Sao Bento train station is its hall, the walls are lined the famous Portuguese Azulejos tiles, which depict fragments from the history of Portugal. After that, I moved towards the Livraria Lello bookstore; visiting this store was one of the main reasons for traveling to. This store is of interest primarily to Harry Potter fans; as it turns out, there are quite a lot of them among adults. Although the store was built in the 19th century. unusual in itself. The wooden staircase attracts attention; it served as a prototype for the Hogwarts staircase from the film about Harry Potter
Well, if the bookstore is not interesting, you can, without reaching it, explore the Torre dos Clérigos tower.
If you wish, you can go up and explore Porto from above. Well then, after examining the tower, go down to the Porto embankment, or rather, before reaching the embankment, visit the Church of St. Francis (Monument Church Of St Francis). The church is included in the UNESCO list; it is an impressive building made in the Gothic style both outside and inside. The richness of the decoration of the interior of the church is amazing; most of the interior space (ceiling, walls, columns) is decorated with gilded wooden panels made by Portuguese carvers in the Baroque style.
After visiting the church, we go down to the Ribeira embankment, where you can either just take a walk or sit in a cafe and admire the river and the local bustle created by tourists. From here, you can clearly see the Ponte Luís I bridge, whose architect was not just anyone, but the student and companion of Gustave Eiffel - Théophile Cyrig. Walking along the Ribeiro embankment towards the bridge, we reach the Ribeiro ski lift. You can use it, you can climb the stairs. to get into the area, and go upstairs to inspect the cathedral. And then, if you are interested in shopping, take a walk along Rua de Santa Catarina, this is a shopping street, walk to Praça da Liberdade. I had enough impressions for one day, although of course it is impossible to get to know the city in one day.
And one more thing, when buying a ticket, tell me that you need to get to Sao Bento station ( Sã o Bento ) to immediately get to the old part of the city, historical center Porto, recognized
UNESCO World Heritage Site and under its protection.
So, we bought a ticket to Sao Bento, got on the train and went. For 3 hours you don’t have to think about anything, just look, look, look out the window. When you arrive in Porto - this is the final station, get off and change to another train to Sao Bento: look at the signs. There is no need to buy a ticket, you have already bought it in Lisbon.
When you leave Sao Bento Station, turn right, walk up to the church on the corner on the left and walk along Calle Santa Catarina ( Santa Catarina ). This is a street where commercial centers, cafes, restaurants and markets are located.
Pay attention to the Majestic cafe ( Majestic ). It is said that the author of Harry Potter sat for hours in this cafe while working on her book.
Mario Soares and Georges Sampaio were also here. Here, together with the Macau consul, a farewell dinner was held when Macau gained independence.
Check out the Bulyau market ( Bo lhã o ), built in 1839 and dedicated to the sale of fresh produce.
It's worth a walk along Military Square ( Praç a da Batalha ) and Embankment Square ( Praç a da Ribeira),
go to the Church of St. Francis ( Igreja de Sao Francisco – Igreja dy Sau Francisco.
If you turn left from the station, you will reach the mouth of the Douro River, cross the Don Luis Bridge and enter the village of Vila Nova de Gaia ( Vila Nova de Gaia ) – this is the center of winemaking.
The place where they are concentrated All cellars with
world reserves of Portuguese port wine - Porto. Each cellar has its own coat of arms and flag.
On the way back from Vila Nova de Gaia to the historical center of Porto, you can take the funicular to go up to the bridge (saving some time and effort). You will find the funicular next to the bridge.
You can also get to Porto by Rede Expressos bus from Sete Rios bus station, station. metro Gardim Zoologico. Buses depart every hour starting at 6 am, the journey takes 3.5 hours. From Porto the last bus is at 21-30. The fare is 19 euros one way. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online
I will answer questions in the comments.
Thank you for visiting.
May you and your loved ones be healthy and happy.
Light, warmth and sunshine into your hearts, homes and souls.
Lyudmila Medvedeva was with you.
