The top attractions and the best spots for an unforgettable trip to the second largest city in Portugal.
Enchanting, colorful and vibrant, Porto is a destination that hides unique experiences for every traveler. The second largest city in Portugal will steal your heart with its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, exquisite flavors and world-famous wine.
Spread along the mouth of the Douro River, in the north of the country, roughly 3 hours by train from Lisbon, Porto is one of Europes oldest centers and has been on UNESCOs World Heritage list since 1996. Take your time enjoying strolls by the river, discover Ribeira, the citys most beautiful and historic neighborhood, gaze at the old houses with pastel facades and painted azulejos tiles and of course try, wherever you find yourself, the famous Port wine. Below we have gathered everything worth seeing and doing in this enchanting Portuguese city.
Strolls in Ribeira
Porto was once a quiet fishing village on the bank of the Douro River, at the site of the Ribeira neighborhood. Today, Portos colorful, traditional quarter buzzes with life day and night and impresses every visitor with its wonderful river views. In Ribeira you will find plenty of 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 connected the two banks of the Douro since 1886. The upper level of the bridge is for pedestrians. Naturally, the view of the river and the old town from there is outstanding - especially at sunset.
Unwind in the Crystal Palace gardens
The Crystal Palace gardens in the center of Porto are a wonderful place to enjoy nature and panoramic views of the river. But dont expect to see a palace. The Crystal Palace, created for the 1865 International Exhibition, was demolished in 1951.
Climb the Clerigos Tower
The Torre dos Clérigos, designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 1700s, is one of Portos landmarks. The baroque tower rises 76 meters above the citys 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 outskirts of the city is a must-visit. Picture a lush 18-stremma park, an Art Deco villa, fountains and scattered outdoor sculptures. The galleries host works from Portuguese and international art.
Snap photos against an azulejos backdrop
The facades of many buildings in Porto are covered with beautifully painted tiles (azulejos) - the symbols of Portuguese design. Azulejos are scattered everywhere in the city, but if you want to see the most impressive, with historical depictions, visit São Bento railway station.
Wine tasting
On the opposite bank of the Douro, its worth getting to know Gaia, the small town with the old wine cellars where Port is aged. A tour of one of the wineries in the area is worthwhile to taste, buy and learn the history of Portugals most legendary wine. Ramos Pinto, Grahams and Taylors are the most famous.
Wine lovers should also put on the agenda a visit to the World of Wine, located in the heart of the historic warehouse district of Vila Nova de Gaia. It is 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.
