The top attractions and the best spots for an unforgettable trip to Portugal's second largest city.
Seductive, colorful, and vibrant, Porto is a destination that brims with unique experiences for every traveler. The second-largest city of Portugal will steal your heart with its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, exceptional flavors, and world-famous wine.
Stretching along the estuary of the Douro River in the north of the country, about 3 hours by train from Lisbon, Porto is one of the oldest European centers and has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1996. Take your time enjoying walks by the river, discover Ribeira, the city's most beautiful and historic neighborhood, admire the old houses with pastel facades and painted azulejos tiles, and of course taste, wherever you find yourself, the famous Port wine. Below we've gathered everything worth seeing and doing in the enchanting Portuguese city.
Strolls in Ribeira
Porto was once a quiet fishing village on the banks of the Douro River, at the site of the Ribeira neighborhood. Today, Porto's colorful, traditional quarter buzzes with life day and night and impresses every visitor with wonderful views of the river. In Ribeira you'll find many restaurants, bars, and craft shops. Just back from the river, make a stop at Casa do Infante, where Prince Henry the Navigator was born in 1394.
Cross the Dom Luis I Bridge
A symbol of the city, the arched metal bridge, created by a student of Gustave Eiffel, has linked the two banks of the Douro since 1886. The upper part of the bridge is for pedestrians. As you'd expect, the view of the river and the old town from up there is outstanding - especially at sunset.
Relax in the Crystal Palace Gardens
The Crystal Palace gardens in the center of Porto are a wonderful place to enjoy nature and panoramic river views. Don't expect, however, to see a palace. The Crystal Palace, created for the 1865 International Exhibition, was demolished in 1951.
Climb the Clérigos Tower
The Torre dos Clérigos, designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 1700s, is one of Porto's landmarks. The baroque tower rises 76 meters above the city's rooftops and visitors can climb 225 steps to admire the sweeping views of the city from the top.
Visit Serralves
For lovers of contemporary art, the Serralves Contemporary Art Foundation on the city's outskirts is a must-visit. Picture an 18-hectare green park, an Art Deco villa, fountains, and scattered outdoor sculptures. The galleries host works by Portuguese and international artists.
Take photos with the azulejos as your backdrop
The facades of many buildings in Porto are covered with beautiful hand-painted tiles (azulejos) - the icons of Portuguese design. Azulejos are scattered all over the city, but if you want to see the most impressive ones, with historical depictions, visit São Bento railway station.
Wine tasting
On the opposite bank of the Douro, it's worth getting to know Gaia, the small town with the old wine cellars where Port ages. A tour of one of the area's wineries is well worth it to taste, shop, and learn the story of Portugal's most legendary wine. Ramos Pinto, Graham's, and Taylor's are the most famous.
Wine lovers should also add a visit to World of Wine, located in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia's historic warehouse district. It's a vast cultural complex that contains several museums, a wine school, 12 restaurants and bars, as well as a huge terrace with views of the Dom Luís I Bridge, the river, and the city.
