41° 08′ N, 08° 36′ W
Overview
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1. Take a stroll along Cais da Ribeira
Cais da Ribeira is the cozy riverside quarter with colorful houses lined up along the waterfront. It is a vibrant and bustling area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes. You can stroll along the Douro River and enjoy a drink with a view of the famous Luis I bridge. Make sure to pass by Praca da Ribeira Square to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of one of Porto’s most famous squares.
2. Visit Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest and most important sights in Porto. This cathedral is almost 800 years old and you will be amazed by the beauty that opens up as soon as you enter the building. The inside is decorated with the typical blue tiles, impressive hallways, and arches. It is built on the highest point Porto, so make sure to get all the way to the top of the tower to admire a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding area.
Practical
Entrance to the cathedral is free. Access to the cloister, the chapter and treasure room costs €3 per person.
The opening hours for Porto Cathedral depends on the season. You find more information on the official website.
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3. Admire the blue tiles at Sao Bento Railway Station
The Sao Bento Railway Station is so much more than a regular railway station. The huge entrance walls are decorated with around 20.000 traditional hand-painted blue tiles, called ‘azulejo’. They tell the story of Porto’s history and various battles. You can find these tiles almost everywhere in the city, but this is really one of the places to see these beautiful typical tiles in their full glory.
Tip: You can discover the old city center during a guided walking tour. A local guide will tell you more about the history of the city and its monuments. During such a tour, you will visit medieval buildings, the Clérigos Tower, and the Sao Bento Railway Station.
4. Watch the Sunset from the Dom Luis I Bridge
The bridge has two levels: the lower level is for cars and the top level is for pedestrians and the metro to cross the Douro River. We recommend that you not only just cross the bridge but also stay there for sunset and admire the beautiful views. You will see the sun disappear behind the hill, casting a beautiful glow on the city. It was without a doubt one of our favorite things to do in Porto, Portugal.
5. Cruise down the Douro River or take a Douro Valley tour
Porto and the Douro River that flows through it should really be seen as a whole. When you visit Porto, you should also explore the river. This is best done during a river cruise. During such a cruise, you will learn about the importance of the river for the city, while sailing past some important and beautiful bridges and landmarks. It is also the perfect opportunity to take a look at the city from a different perspective.
Not only the Douro River but also the Douro Valley is worth a visit. This Unesco World Heritage region is known for its famous wines, cuisine, and beautiful rolling landscapes. If you want to see more of the Douro region, you can also opt for a full-day Douro Valley tour that includes a Douro River cruise.
Tours & Activities
Discover the region in a unique way and enjoy an unforgettable experience!
6. Admire more blue tiles at Igreja do Carmo
Just like Sao Bento train station, Igreja do Carmo is a beautiful place to see the typical azulejo tiles! It is one of the most notable and beautiful Baroque churches in Porto. One of the most distinctive features of Igreja do Carmo are the magnificent azulejos that cover the church’s facade and depict scenes from the life of St. Teresa of Ávila and the prophet Elijah.
7. Walk down the Escada Guindais
Tip: Is climbing the stairs a bit too hard for you? You can also take the funicular up and walk down the stairs again.
8. Watch the sunset with a drink at Jardim do Morro
Miradouro do Jardim is a famous viewpoint, offering an incredible view of the city’s historic center with the iconic Ribeira district and the picturesque riverside landscape. In the evening, Jardim do Morro turns into a cozy hotspot where you can lay on the grass, have a drink to the music of street musicians, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. This garden is a famous spot for both locals and tourists to watch the sunset and appreciate Porto’s captivating scenery.
9. Visit Livraria Lello, Porto's most famous library
Livraria Lello is one of the oldest and most beautiful bookstores in Portugal. With its winding wooden staircase, towering bookshelves, and stained glass skylight, it is even said to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world. We have to disappoint the Harry Potter fans: JK Rowling herself has debunked rumors that this bookstore was her inspiration, as she has never even been here. However, this does not alter the fact that the Harry Potter atmosphere is there and that it is simply a beautiful bookstore that you should definitely visit.
It’s without a doubt one of the most famous things to do in Porto, Portugal. Keep in mind that even though you have to book a time slot to visit the bookstore, it can still be very busy and overwhelming inside, taking away a bit of the magic.
Tip: To visit Livraria Lello, you must purchase an entrance ticket online in advance. If you then buy a book in the bookstore, your entrance fee will be deducted from the price of the book.
Practical
Entrance: € 10,-
Daily: 9am - 5pm
Closed on December 25th, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and June 24th
Best time to visit Porto
You can visit Porto actually all year round. However, summer can be quite busy and hot, while in winter rains almost every day. Therefore, we’d say the best time to visit Porto is during late spring or early fall. Then it is less busy, but you still have a good chance of good weather and pleasant temperatures.
How to get around
Navigating on foot through Porto is relatively easy and all sights can be walked. This is also how we explored the city. However, you will encounter quite a few steep slopes and hills in the city, which can be sometimes a bit more exhausting to move around, especially on very warm days. Fortunately, Porto has a good public transport network, such as buses, metro, and even a funicular that takes you up and downhill without any effort.
If you plan on using public transport, it’s worth checking out the ‘Porto Card‘. This pass gives you unlimited access to public transport, free entry to 11 museums, and many more discounts.
How many days for Porto
Porto is not a big city. To ensure you have enough time to see all the sights and have some spare time to just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, we recommend that you spend 2 to 3 full days in this city. However, you can do many interesting tours in the city such as food tours, walking tours, visits to wine cellars, wine tastings and so much more.
It is also the perfect base to discover more of northern Portugal on various trips. For example, you can also take a day trip to the Peneda-Geres National Park or towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia. So you can easily spend a few more days in this charming city.
Where to stay in Porto
There are plenty of accommodations to stay in Porto for all needs and budgets. If you like to stay near the Douro River and the cozy riverside, it is best to look for accommodation in or close to Ribeira. The most vibrant district is Baixa. This neighborhood is also closest to most of Porto’s most popular attractions.
Hotels
Discover the best places to stay in Porto and enjoy a comfortable trip!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
