Things to Do in Porto – Visiting Porto, known as thecapital of the north,thanks to itscultural , artistic and historical heritageoffers every traveler experiences to do and numerous things to see. Among its very tallbell towers, medieval buildings and a landscape overlooking thehills, the colorful houses inazulejosstyle cannot fail to fascinate, giving us the impression of being in a fairy tale.
Among theoldest citiesin all of Europe, stroll through the labyrinthine streets exploring the squares, walking upand downand letting yourself be enchanted by its atmosphere. Let’s discover together in this guide thethings to do in Porto, thus making your trip to Portugal unique .
Porto, Why visit it?
The city of Porto for its beauty and history is also known asA capital do norteof Portugal. Overlooking thenorthwest coastof the country, it is popular above all for the production of the world-famouswine of the same name, produced in the Douro Valley, but also for the largebridgesthat cross the river. Northern hub of the country is one of its mostpopulouscities , despite being much smaller than Lisbon.
In addition, Porto is also known as theInvincible City, thanks to its military strength that managed to repel Napoleonic and Moorish attacks. Visiting this Portuguese city allows us to explore the Ribeira district,which still retains itsmedievalsoul while walking through the labyrinthine cobbled streets.
Passing throughold cafes, historic homes of artisans and merchants, but also thebaroque church of São Franciscowith its wonderful interiors with golden decorations and thePalácio de Bolsa, an old stock exchange market built with the intention ofastonishing; an effect that it manages to achieve perfectly! Its historic center, built during theRoman domination, has been recognized as aUNESCO World Heritage Site.
Porto is a treasure chest that contains architectural wonders, such as theAvenue of the Allies, the gardens of the Palacio de Cristal and incredibleazulejo tileseverywhere , like those that we can see inside theSão Bento station. In short, visiting Porto is an experience for the eyes, the mind and the heart.
10 Things to Do in Porto, Portugal
After having seen its history in brief, let’s discover the city together and the10 things to do in porto.
Below, you will find themap of the citywhere theattractions not to be missed in Portoduring your trip to Portugal are indicated. Later, we will discover them in detail in our guidethings to do in porto.
1. Porto Cathedral
Known as theSé, built in the12th centuryalong with thewallsof Porto, it is a must-see during your visit. Its interior still recalls many elements of its original construction asa fortress, as can be seen from the externaltowersand the façade withbuttresses. The cathedral is located in theBatalhaarea , near the walls. The centralrose windowand the portal, however, date back to the18th century. Themain altarinside has a beautifulaltarpiece, made inBaroquestyle , as does thechapel of the Blessed Sacrament, where we can admire a refined work of thegoldsmithsof Porto from the17th century.
To the south of the cathedral we find thecloisterbuilt inGothicstyle and with 18th century decorations ofazulejostype . TheEpiscopal Palace, from the 12th century, is also part of the building complex; an important historical testimony of the city. The majesticcolumnsinside support the high central nave and, apart from the chapel and the main altar, the environment is almost bare and sober. This building is aNational Monumentand one of the main things to do in porto. In addition, the square where it is located was once used forexecutions. Today, however, it offers one of thebest viewsof the river and the Douro valley, where Port wine is produced.
2. Church of Sao Francisco
The church of Sao Francisco was built in1245by theFranciscanson the ruins of an oldcloister, renovating a building that had been partially destroyed. Built during theRomanesqueperiod , it was later modified following theGothicmodel and later adding wonderfulBaroquedecorations . The internal structure of the church hasthree naves, completely covered in gold and made with over300 kg of gold dust. In the past, this too flashy appearance caused it to be closed, as it did not represent the dogmas of a place of worship.
TheTree of Jesseis one of the most important decorations that we can admire inside this church if you do not know what to visit in Porto. A wooden sculpture among the most beautiful in the world regarding this motif, very present in Christian art. Under the structure there are catacombswherethe nobles of Porto were buried, but also some Franciscan priests. In addition, these catacombs preserve an incredibleossuary, where thousands of human bone elements are found; even under the floor. This building is among the most important monuments of the city and near it we can also visit the magnificentPalácio da Bolsa.
3. Ribeira
The ancient heart of the city of Porto, thisneighborhoodis one of the most characteristic and preserves the greatest number of attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since1996, a walk here will allow us to observe wonderful cobblestone streets, winding between white ancient buildings and climbing steeply along the hill to observe awonderful viewoverlooking the Douro. To best visit its ups and downs, remember to wear comfortable shoes. Among the most important attractions that we can see here is the385 mlongDom Luis I Bridge, one of thesixmost important in the city. Also in this neighborhood we find theCathedraland art lovers cannot miss theMuseu da Misericordia.
This museum is also achurch, which houses theBenefactors’ Gallery , combining ancientarchitecture with anavant-gardestructure . Inside, a collection of ecclesiastical art from the 15th to 17th centuries is preserved. Among the most important monuments in this neighborhood is thePalacio da Bolsa, which has been the Porto stock exchange since1841. Today, it houses various associations of artisans and merchants, as well as being acultural center. Near the Stock Exchange is also thechurch of San Francisco, with its wonderful catacombs and baroque interior. In addition to its wonderful historic buildings, from the docks of Ribeira you can also take acruise on the Douro, without forgetting to visit thestation.
4. Stock Exchange Palace
Among the things to do in Porto we suggest a visit to the Palácio da Bolsa. Thisneoclassicalbuilding built in the19th centurywas the headquarters of the city’s merchants and their associations, representing an important piece in the city’s history. By order ofMaria IIit became the Bolsa do Comércio in1841. Inside thisNational Monumentwe can also admire theCourtyard of the Nations, made with a glass roof, making the interior of the palace very bright. Walking up the majestic marble and granite staircase we reach the various rooms, such as the richGolden Hall, and theGeneral AssembliesHall , where the main element is wood.
But the real jewel of this building is theArab Hall: 300 m2reflecting theMoorishstyle , taking inspiration from theAlhambra. The entire palace was designed by the architect Joaquim da Costa Lima, reflecting thePalladianstyle , which we can also see in theAcademia da Marinha. Today, cultural events are held inside and it is possible to see it thanks to aguided tour, to discover its spaces in the best way.
5. Clérigos Tower
Located in the monumental complex of theIgreja dos Clérigosdating back to the18th centuryand built by the ItalianNasoni, the Torre dos Clérigos is among the main attractions to see in Porto. This church with abaroquefaçade has a marble and granite interior with splendid decorations, while the main chapel preserves analtarpieceby Manuel Porto. But the main element of the structure and symbol of the city is undoubtedly itsgranite towerthat rises on the lateral body of the church. With a height of75 m, the tower is divided into various areas, closing with abaroque crown. In addition, in1917it was the scene of a climb by famous acrobats, thePuertullanos, thus becoming world famous.
To visit the tower we climb the225 stepsof its internal staircase, reaching a truly unique panorama overlooking Porto. The structure, built in the18th centuryby the order of the Poor Clerics, is located in theRiberadistrict , where in the past there was theHanged Man’s Hill: an ancientcemetery for the executed. This is also thetallest towerin the whole country and contains almost50 bellsinside, so the noise we will hear when they suddenly ring all at once will be very loud!
6. Dom Luis I Bridge
As mentioned above, the city of Porto is famous above all for itsimportant and enormous bridgesthat cross theDouro River. Among those that we absolutely recommend you see is the Dom Luís I bridge. Built in iron and with an arch of over385 m, it rises over the watercourse with a height of about85 m, offering a majestic spectacle. Crossing this bridge, it will also be possible to reach theMosteiro da Serra do Pilar, after a climb ofabout 300 m. Although the route is tiring, once you reach this point you will be able to enjoy one of thehighest viewsof the city. Originally, the bridge was built to be crossed by cars, winding on two different levels but, since2003, the upper part is intended only for trains andpedestrians.
Like the historic center of the city of Porto, this bridge has been aUNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.In addition, the bridge was built to connect the city toVila Nova de Gaia, a municipality famous for its Port winecellars. Crossing it on foot, especially during sunset, you can admire one of the most romantic and suggestive views, also ideal for taking uniquephotos of the Clérigos Tower.
7. Avenida dos Aliados
Avenida dos Aliados is one of themost importantand must-see streets in Porto. With a length of250 m, it connects themodernpart of the city with its oldhistorical center. This place is also the scene of the most important events in the city, such as thefeast of the patronsaint St. John,New Year’s Eveand, above all, for thefootball victories of Porto. On nice days, stop for a drink or taste a local specialty in one of the terraces of the premises onAvenida dos Aliados,built in1916.In the past, here were thelavadouros, the places where washerwomen gathered to do the laundry.
Today, here we can observe some of the most modernbuildingsthat reflect theArt Nouveau style, built by large companies. Among the luxurious buildings, near this street we can also visit theSao Bento stationand thecity hallinPraça do General Humberto Delgado. Following this long paved street we can walk discovering iconic monuments and buildings, immersing ourselves in the most modern atmosphere of the city, almost reminding us of Paris.
8. Sao Bento Station
Among the most fascinating places to see not only in Porto, but in the whole country, we find atrain station. The Estação Ferroviária de Porto-São Bento is one of the most beautiful and important in Portugal, not only for its daily connections, but also for being relevant and interesting for tourists. In fact, inside it are preservedwonderful mosaicsfrom the9th centuryand, in the past, here was theconvent of São Bento, of which we can still observe some remains, as well as perceive the melancholic atmosphere ofsaudade; typical especially of this city.
After observing thestately façade, we enter its hall to admire the more than20,000 tilesthat make up the mosaics, telling in a unique way the history of the country in theazulejosstyle made by Jorge Colaço. An unparalleled example ofPortugueseazulejo art, made in about 11 years, representing stories, such as theConquest of Ceuta, and reproducinglandscapes. In addition, from this station you can take a train that in a few minutes will take you to one of the nearby cellars, where you can taste aglass of Port.
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9. Livraria Lello & Irmão
Among the places to visit in Porto if you are a fan of the famous wizardHarry Potterand his film series, you cannot miss theLivraria Lello & Irmão. One of themost beautiful bookstores in the world, as well as the Portuguese setting of the films and the place where Harry went to buy the books he needed. Located in the historic center, inRua das Carmelitas, this place enchants us from the first moment, observing its facade that perfectly combines theArtNouveau style with theNeo-Gothic, with bright colors and images. Upon entering we would be immediately enveloped in itsmagical atmosphere, thanks to the large rooms and thered staircase, surrounded by books of all genres and in all languages.
Looking up, we notice its plasterceiling , which perfectly reproduces the meticulously carved wood. This old bookshop dates back to 1869, passing through the hands of many owners over the years, up to theLello brothersand becoming a meeting point forintellectualsfrom all over the country. Today it attracts numerous tourists, becoming famous as the bookshop ofDiagon Alleyand inspiring Rowling for her books, who lived in this very city. To visit it you need to buy aticket, which is converted into adiscountif you buy a book. Inside it often hosts conferences and presentations, in collaboration with variouspublishers’ associations.
10. Serralves Foundation
While visiting Porto, lovers ofartand culture cannot miss the Serralves Foundation, an institution that deals with culture at aEuropean level. The purpose of the foundation is topromotecontemporary artistic styles in the country. In addition, this place also hosts beautifulgardens, where you can walk amongfountainsand observe itsmodern architecture. Inside the foundation complex, in addition to themuseum of contemporary art, there is also theCasa del Cinema Manoel de Oliveiraand thehouse of Serralves. The collection of the art museum has been gathering important works since1999, temporary and permanent exhibitions of local and international artists.
Thegardensof the foundation cover over18 hectares, surrounding all the buildings of the foundation and enclosing them in a single complex. To visit them in the best way, it is also possible to follow various routes, which will take us to the points of interest of the place. Outdoors during the summer, but not only, there aremusic festivalsand numerous events organized by the foundation. This place is located just outside the historic center, in theFozneighborhood , and is an unmissable place for art lovers or for those who want to take a break by visiting its green area.
Travel tips for visiting Porto
As we have seen in the guidethings to do in porto, this beautiful Portuguese city has a rich past and historic buildings that combine with the most avant-garde ones, creating a unique atmosphere immersed insaudade. The most iconic places to visit in the city are located in the historicRibeiradistrict , famous for its many steep climbs and descents. For this reason, we recommend wearingcomfortable shoes. Also, do not miss afood and wine touramong thecellarsof the Douro Valley, where the famous local wine is produced.
