Porto is the second largest center of Portugal and the country's northern capital. 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 has 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 turn. To simplify your task, we have compiled a selection of the most interesting sights of 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
It is best to start your sightseeing in Porto from the atmospheric Ribeira quarter. Many tourists fall in love with this distinctive area, and this is understandable: every house is interesting in it. It is here that you can feel the spirit of real Portugal, walking along the embankment or along 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 waterfront, and the prices in them do not bite. Be sure to stop by, and best of all - try the signature Portuguese francesinha sandwich, which can be baked in an open oven right in front of your eyes.
In the evening, the Ribeira quarter 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 take a river cruise along the Doré or walk to the Don Luis Bridge, which offers beautiful views of the quarter.
2. Admire the view from the Don Luis Bridge
The Don Luis Bridge, designed by a student of the Eiffel himself, is one of the main attractions of the city of Porto. We can say that this bridge is for Porto - it is like the Eiffel Tower for Paris. Its unusual silhouette is often depicted on the labels of Portuguese port. In the evening, when the lights come on, the bridge takes on a special charm. It is simply unforgivable to visit Porto and not take a picture.
Tourists unanimously say that the best views of the city of Porto, the Douro River and the Ribeira quarter with its red-orange roofs are from this structure. Photos against the background of such a magnificent panorama turn out like postcards. But the attraction is interesting in itself - for its unusual two-tier structure: cars drive along the lower tier, and metro trains run along the upper tier. There are sidewalks for pedestrians on both levels. Local daredevils jump from the lower tier into the water, 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 a historic winery. Therefore, the final point of the walk can be planned here. Be sure to walk across the bridge, look at the panorama that opens up - it will give you a special experience.
From the upper level, you can take a funicular that takes you down to the Porto promenade. People who buy a ticket for the funicular are sometimes given flyers for wine tastings made in Portugal. The trip is worth it 2.5 € one way.
The most convenient way to get to the attraction is by metro. Get off at Jardim do Morro or Sao Bento station and then walk a little.
3. Attend a football match at FC Porto stadium
Everyone knows that Portugal is a country of football. Therefore, even those who do not consider themselves to be fans of this sport should go to the home stadium of the legendary football club. Who knows, maybe after visiting this stadium you will also become a passionate fan!
The grandiose stadium "Dragau" was built for the European Championship in 2004. During this time, they have already played five championship matches. Here everyone can feel the sports and football atmosphere of the city. Many people consider this to be one of the main modern attractions in Porto and Portugal in general.
If you can't buy a ticket for the match, then you can just look at the stadium inside and outside, visit the football museum and book a tour in English. Inside the attraction there is a Porto club shop, 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 the Estádio do Dragão station (yellow line).
- Location: Via do Futebol Clube do Porto, Porto 4350-415, Estádio do Dragão Stadium
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 - 19:00.
4. Visit the FC Porto Museum
The Porto Football Club Museum is located inside the Dragau stadium, which we wrote about above. Numerous reviews of 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.
It is a very large and informative museum with many trophies, artifacts and interactive screens. Even if you do not know anything about FC Porto, you will still understand and feel its significance. It is best to book an excursion that 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 the stadium costs 15 € for an adult, 10 € for a child under 16 and free for children under 4. A visit to one museum will cost 12 euros for an adult and 8 euros for a child. Pensioners over 65 are offered 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 Clerigos Church
The tallest bell tower in Portugal, Clerigos, should be a must-see on the list of things to see in Porto in 3 days. This high tower (75 meters) can be seen from different points of Porto, therefore it is considered one of the most recognizable structures in the city. It used to serve as a reference point for ships that entered the harbor.
The bell tower belongs to the Baroque church of the same name from 1732-1748. a building that is also very beautiful, interesting and worth a visit. In 1910, it was officially recognized as a national treasure of Portugal.
Climbing a narrow staircase to the bell tower is not an easy task. The observation deck is also quite cramped, but it offers a stunning view of the city. Therefore, it is definitely worth overcoming the rise.
- Address: Rua Sao Filipe Neri, Porto 4050-546
- Visit cost: 4 € in the afternoon (until 7 pm) and 5 € in the evening (from 7 to 11 pm). Children under 10 years old - free, students get a 50% discount. The day ticket includes a visit to the museum.
- Working hours: 9: 00-19: 00 (tower + museum). The tower is open until 23:00.
6. Conquer the Arrábida Bridge on the Porto Bridge Climb Tour
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 from 12 years old to climb 262 steps of the arch on the bridge structure, rising to a height of 65 meters. Prepare for an exciting climb, but completely safe and not extreme.
All groups (from one person) are accompanied by an experienced guide. You can book a ticket for the ascent in advance, but it is better to come immediately to the place: the ascent schedule hangs here. Allow about an hour to climb and descend and wear comfortable athletic 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 at sunset
- Attraction location: Ponte da Arrábida, Porto
- Prices: rise 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 Carmelites separated by the narrowest building in the world
One of the most beautiful churches in Portugal, the splendid Rococo Carmo Church, is located in Teixeira Square, in the historic center of Porto. The Carmelite temple rises right next to it. The churches are built so close that it seems as if it is 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 Church of Karmo, built in the 18th century, delights tourists with the traditional tiles of Portugal - the "azulejo" tiles, which in appearance resembles Gzhel. The walls of the church are decorated with the largest mosaic canvases depicting Carmelites, which it is 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 in Porto and the surrounding area.
It is worth noting that the luxurious beauty of the Karmo Church is emphasized by the chic fountain with lion sculptures, which is located in 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 the prettiest historical bookstore from the 1890s, featuring a unique wooden staircase - much like the one at Hogwarts in Harry Potter. According to some versions, it was with this staircase that J.K. Rowling was inspired 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 look at it. That is why queues are often formed at the entrance, and inside the store it becomes crowded due to the numerous visitors.
Shop entrance costs 4 €: you can spend this money to buy a book, but most of the books presented are in Portuguese, although copies can be found in English.
- Address: Rua Carmelitas 144 | Vitória, Porto 4050-161.
- Working hours: Mon-Fri 10: 00-19: 40, Sat-Sun 10: 00-19: 00.
9. Take a photo of the Porto City Hall building
The famous Porto City Hall began to be built on the town square in 1920, although it looks much older. The building has six floors, excluding the basement. The main decoration of the city municipality is its 70-meter tower with chimes, to which you can climb by overcoming 180 steps.
The Town Hall is considered one of the most photogenic buildings in Porto. It harmoniously fits into the overall look of the square and emphasizes its slightly pompous beauty. Take a closer look at this monumental building, and you will see a huge amount of decoration: sculptures, columns and arches. Pay attention to the fact that the windows of the town hall are made in various shapes: rectangular, round, oval.
For the best photographs, come to the town hall in the early morning when the square is not yet crowded with tourists.
Attraction location: Praça General Humberto Delgado, Porto 4000-172.
10. Taste port at Vinicola Ramos Pinto winery
While in Porto, it is worth trying the famous local port. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by its taste and take a bottle or two home with you.
It is best to taste this drink at a historic winery: for example, Casa Ramos Pinto, which was founded back in 1880 by the Ramos brothers. Here you can visit the winemaking museum, see how port is prepared and stored. A tasting of two budget ports is included in the tour price. For a fee, you can taste young wines, vintage and luxury ports.
You can get to the winery from the Don Luis Bridge, taking a cable car or stairs. You can combine her visit with a walk around the Ribeira quarter.
- Address: Avenida Ramos Pinto 380, Porto 4400-266.
- Price: from 6 € - depending on the choice of drinks.
- Working hours: 10:00-18:00.
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11. Enjoy the peace and quiet 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 beauty, visit the Parque da Cidade do Porto city park. A walk in this spacious park can be combined with beach vacation on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, as from one side the park goes directly to the embankment.
In this place, you can relax in peace and quiet from the bustling city and enjoy the picturesque paths and lawns, breathing in the fresh breeze. Various birds (ducks, geese, etc.) swim in the park's ponds, which are not afraid of people. It is not for nothing that visitors call this park the green oasis of Porto.
The park is located quite far from the center, so it is better to get there by metro or bus number 500. Allocate about half a day to 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, go down to the Porto Metro. However, the word “subway” does not quite fit here, because the metro trains in Porto mostly travel on the surface. With this transport, you can comfortably reach the airport, train station, beach and many attractions.
But please note right away that paying for tickets in Porto is quite complicated. First you need buy a card for 60 cents and add some rides 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 switch to another line, you need to reapply the pass.
The peculiarity of the metro in Porto is that trains of different lines can go along the same tracks. Therefore, check the direction indicated on the train itself, so as not to drive around the city in search of your station.
We offer this program to 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.
Kasho Hasanov's video from Porto is positive and informative.
Related entries:
Perhaps the first thing to see in Porto is the famous Eiffel Bridge. In fact, it was not built by Eiffel himself, but by his student, but named after King Luis I. The Don Luis Bridge or Dom Luis was built in 1886 according to the design of Theophilus Seyrigue and is still simultaneously a railway, road and pedestrian bridge across the Douro River connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Unlike Lisbon, the houses in Porto look poorer. I can’t say that this is very annoying, but nevertheless it is felt that the city does not have enough funds for improvement.
The upper level of the Eiffel Bridge offers excellent views of the city.
Sometimes it seems that Porto will be overgrown with greenery in 10-20 years. Alas, some buildings are still unfinished. Moreover, in the very center of the city ...
You should definitely take a walk to the other side of the Douro River. Previously, Vila Nova Di Geya was a separate city, but now it is just the Porto area. From here, again, gorgeous views of the city and the Eiffel Bridge open up.
And also to the central part of the city of Porto.
Walking across the Eiffel Bridge is a must-see for every tourist visiting the city of Porto!
Clerigos Tower
In Porto, the best place to live is the Ribeira area, the oldest in the city. Highly recommend, the price-performance ratio is beyond praise!
The Clérigos Tower is located in the very center of the district and if you like observation decks, then this is the place for you! The bell tower of Torre dos Clerigos is visible from almost everywhere. Here, for example, a classic view of the Ribeira district and the Clérigos tower.
The tower itself is located slightly behind the Clerigos Church. The rise to the bell tower is paid, but it is quite inexpensive, only 3 euros. The top offers 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 Clerigos tower
The observation deck goes in a circle, i.e. the view opens 360 degrees. Similar observation deck there is, here the truth is probably still more picturesque!
The Se Cathedral is clearly visible. By the way, there are also quite nice views of the city near it!
On the opposite bank you can see the famous Porto wineries, where, if you wish, you can taste the local port wine.
By the way, I forgot to mention, climbing the Clerigos tower on foot, not by lift. For some, this may be a problem, after all, the tower's height is slightly less than 80 meters! If this does not confuse you, then I definitely recommend going up! The views of Porto will not disappoint you!
Ribeira district
Be sure to stroll through the streets of the old town. The most central square of Porto is the Praça da Liberdade Square. In the center of the square rises a monument to King Pedro IV, and opposite the building of the Porto City Hall.
Freedom Square is perhaps the most well-groomed place in Porto. While on it, you may even think for a moment that you are not in Porto, but in Lisbon. There are many more such areas, but I have already spoken about this. Porto is just a port town, but at the same time with its own charisma 😉 Be sure to walk along Avenida dos Aliados boulevard, a very pleasant place.
In Portugal, they also dry things right on the street. Moreover, in Porto there are a lot of such houses and streets.
Walking through the old town of Porto to the Eiffel Bridge can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on your desire to photograph everything around.
Se Cathedral
I would like to point out the central cathedral of Porto. Se do Porto was built in the XII century and then it was also a fortress. The cathedral has retained its severe and slightly brutal appearance to this day.
I repeat that next to the cathedral there is also an observation deck, from which it is true that some kind of neglect of the city of Porto is even more clearly visible.
Se Cathedral is located between Liberty Square and the Eiffel Bridge, so it can be easily visited by walking along 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 the city's attractions. I already wrote about one such railway station when we drove from Amsterdam to Bruges and stopped to inspect it on the way. São Bento train station, which, by the way, turns 100 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 5 minutes walk from Freedom Square, and I think you can plan your visit on purpose.
The tour of the station will take no more than 30 minutes. So, do not spend a lot of time, but get 100% pleasure!
Cable car Teleferico de Gaia on the Duro river
In fact, this is not really an attraction, but it is quite possible to ride! Especially on a rainy day. Cabins leave from the Cais de Gaia station on the Vila Nova de Gaia shore.
The final stop is not far from the Eiffel Bridge. The walk along the road will take about 5 minutes.
A one-way ticket costs 5 euros, and a round-trip ticket will cost 8 euros.
Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
Do not miss the boutiques and, if you wish, visit one of the wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia. Port wine is sold right on the waterfront. Only with tasting more accurate, yet 20 degrees is not a joke.
We liked Graham's port the most. By the way, the picture above shows the winery of this port. We have not been there, but I think it is quite possible to visit, especially if you like this drink.
Or you can just buy a small bytylochka and just relax in the hotel room, after walking around the city and visiting the sights of Porto.
Porto attractions on the map
By tradition, for convenience, I am adding a map with attractions.
All great parties and vivid impressions of the city of Porto.
I was in Porto one day, having flown in from Lisbon by plane, getting to the city center by metro, got off at the Sao Bento station, and started exploring the city from the São Bento train station, the main advantage of São Bento train station is its hall, the walls are lined the famous Portuguese tiles azulejos, which depicts 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 going to. And this store is interesting primarily to fans of Harry Potter, as it turned out there are quite a few of them among adults. Although the store was built in the 19th century. unusual in itself. A wooden staircase attracts attention, it served as a prototype for the Hogwarts staircase from the film about G. Poter
Well, if you are not interested in the bookstore, you can visit the Torre dos Clérigos without reaching it.
If you wish, you can go upstairs and see Porto from above. Well then, after examining the tower, go down to the Porto embankment, or rather, before reaching the embankment, visit the Monument Church Of St Francis. Listed by UNESCO, the church is an impressive building in the Gothic style, both outside and inside. The richness of the interior decoration of the church is striking; most of the interior space (ceiling, walls, columns) is decorated with wooden gilded panels made by Portuguese baroque carvers.
After visiting the church, we go down to the Ribeira embankment, where you can either just walk, or sit in a cafe and admire the river and the local bustle created by tourists. From here, the bridge Ponte Luís I is perfectly visible, the architect, who, not just anybody, but a student and companion of Gustave Eiffel - Theophile Sayrig, was made. Walking along the Ribeira promenade 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 know the city in one day.
And one more thing, when buying a ticket, tell me what you need to get to San Bento station (Sã o Bento ) to get straight to the old town, the historic center of Porto, recognized
UNESCO World Heritage Site and under its protection.
So, we bought a ticket to San Bento, got on the train and drove off. For 3 hours you don't have to think about anything, just look-look-look out the window. When we arrived in Porto - this is the final station, get off and change to another train to San Bento: look at the signs. You do not need to buy a ticket, you have already bought it in Lisbon.
Leaving San Bento train station, turn right, walk up to the church on the corner on the left and walk along Santa Catarina (Santa catarina ). This is a street where commercial centers, cafes, restaurants and markets are located.
Pay attention to the cafe "Majestic" (Majestic ). It is said that the author of Harry Potter spent hours in this cafe, working on a book.
Also, Mario Suares and Georges Sampaio have been here. Here, together with the consul of Macau, a farewell dinner was held when Macau gained independence.
Take a look at the Bulyau market (Bo lhã o ), built in 1839 and intended for the sale of fresh products.
It is worth walking along the Military Square (Praç a da Batalha ) and Embankment Square (Praç a da Ribeira),
go to the church of St. Francis (Igreja de Sao Francisco - playing with 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 allcellars with
world reserves of Portuguese port - Porto. Each cellar has its own coat of arms and flag.
On the way back from Vila Nova de Gaia to the historic center of Porto, you can take the funicular to climb the bridge (save some time and effort). You will find the funicular next to the bridge.
Porto can also be reached by the Rede Expressos bus from the Sete Rios bus station, st. metro Gardim Zoologico. Buses leave every hour, starting at 6 am, on the way for 3, 5 hours. From Porto the last bus is at 21-30. The fare is 19 euros one way. The ticket can be bought at the box office or online
I will answer your questions in the comments.
Thank you for stopping by.
Be healthy and happy for you and your loved ones.
Light, warmth and sun to your hearts, houses and souls.
Lyudmila Medvedeva was with you.
