Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, after Lisbon, and one of the oldest European cities. It was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, for its historic buildings and outstanding monuments in a maze of ever-winding, cobbled streets with authentic charm. Its wealth of monumental and artistic heritage, Port Wine, great food and cultural life are just some of the reasons to visit this city. Check out our top Top 10 Things To Do In Porto.
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Church of São Francisco
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The Church of São Francisco is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto. The church is beautifully decorated inside and the small museum next door including the crypt is included in the ticket.
Palácio de Bolsa
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The Palacio da Bolsa is the old stock exchange building in Portugal’s business capital, Porto. Built in the 19th century (between 1842-1912) by Porto’s Commercial Association, it is a fine example of neoclassical architectural styling and sits right in the heart of the city’s UNESCO-designated World Heritage center.
Dom Luís I Bridge
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This is a metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal (There are many bars and restaurants with panoramic views of Porto from Vila Nova de Gaia). At the time of construction, its span of 172 meters (565 ft) was the longest of its type in the world. Ponte Dom Luís I is the best place to take pictures, the view from the top of the bridge is fantastic. There are pedestrian walkways on the top and the bottom of the bridge though. You should cross.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
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The Porto Cathedral is one of the most important tourist sights in Porto and a historical and architectural landmark of the city at the same time. The historic, fortress-like Romanesque church dates from 1110, though construction was completed in the 13th century, making the cathedral one of the oldest buildings in Porto.
Avenida dos Aliados
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Avenida dos Aliados is an elegant avenue surrounded by some excellent Neo-Classical architecture, many stores, cafes and restaurants. It is where the portuenses gather to celebrate special occasions. At the head of this Avenue is the Camara Municipal (Town Hall) and at its southern end is the Praca da Liberdade. Streets leading off the Avenue offer some of Portos main shopping streets.
São Bento Train Station
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São Bento station was built in 1896, but the building (designed with a French Renaissance touch) was only officially inaugurated in 1916 where a convent once stood. Around 20,000 magnificent tiles cover most of the atrium, they are the work of the artist Jorge Colaço.
Bolhão Market
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The historical Bolhão Market is a two-level Partially covered food market located in a neoclassic building that was built in 1914. Whether it is flowers or fish, bread or or sweets there is a reason for everyone to make at least one stop at the market and meet the most unique characters in Porto. Go early in the morning to get a taste of local life and see the fishermen, bakers, and farmers selling selling their goods. There are also a few vendors selling handmade crafts.
Livraria Lello & Irmão
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Wonder in years of history between old books and an amazing architecture at Livraria Lello & Irmão, one of the most famous book stores in the world since 1881. It features a façade decorated in the Art Nouveau style with Neo-Gothic elements, a staircase to heaven and beautifully intricate wooden panels, columns and stained glass ceiling.
Foz
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Foz is the most sophisticated district of porto. Here you can enjoy stunning sunsets from one of the ocean-front bars, cafés, clubs or restaurants. You can just stroll along the promenade with the locals or take a bike ride, with the beach and seaside for scenery.
Ribeira
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The alluring district of Ribeira is formed from a network of narrow medieval streets, alleyways and crumbling ancient buildings. Ribeira literally means riverfront, and the name Cais da Ribeira refers to the district’s position right on the banks of the Douro River.
Just So You Know…
- The name Portugal first appears in 868, during the Reconquista over the Muslims. A county was formed around the city of Porto (Portus Cale in Latin), from which “Portugal” is derived.
- The most famous of Portuguese wines, the Port Wine, is traditionally produced in the Douro Valley and stored and aged in the caves in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto.
- There are many cellars that offer port wine tastings & tours, some do it for free. You definitely have to try Taylor’s.
- Take the tram (line 1) from the Passeio Alegre to the mouth of the Douro River and go for a walk in this beautiful area where the Douro meets the Atlantic.
- The most striking landmark of Porto is the baroque tower “Torre dos Clérigos”, you will see it from everywhere.
- Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto, filled with various types of meat, covered with cheese and then drowned in a tomato and beer sauce.
- Make your holiday perfect by staying only at one of the 11 Best Hotels in Porto.
Get Some Culture:
- Soares dos Reis National Museum – located in the ancient Carrancas Palace. Features much of the work of its namesake, António Soares dos Reis, including his famous marble sculpture, “O Desterrado” (“The Exiled”).
- Serralves Museum – Displays cutting-edge international contemporary art in a striking minimalist building by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira.
Grab A Bite:
- Abadia – A typical Portuguese restaurant with excellent ambience and great service.
- O Paparico – Lively and intimate restaurant with traditional Portuguese dishes. It is not centrally located but it’s really worth the effort.
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