When many people visit Portugal, they tend to stick to the capital city, Lisbon. But no visit to Portugal is complete without a stop in Porto, a beautiful port city perfect for river cruises, strolls along the cobblestone walkways, and delicious food. You don’t take our word for it! Instead, take a look at these 21 gorgeous pictures of Porto to inspire your next holiday.
Don Luis I Bridge and the River Douro
One of our favorite areas in Porto is the Don Luis I Bridge that spans the River Douro, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. You may recognize its architecture from the pictures above as Gustav Eiffel, the French civil engineer who designed the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris also designed the Don Luis I Bridge.
One of the best ways to see this iconic bridge is from the Cais de Riberia, which we’ll discuss next. You can also head up to the bridge with the Teleferico de Gaia, a cable car that will bring you up and take you back down to the waterfront. Cross the bridge yourself and get a stunning view of the Ribeira. Another great way to see the Don Luis I Bridge is to go under it! Take a sightseeing river cruise along the Douro River to learn more about the bridge and landmarks surrounding the river. You’ll learn more about the history of the bridge and how the river was used by merchants in the past.
Walk Along the Ribeira
One of the most popular parts of Porto is the Cais de Ribeira, and for good reason. The Ribeira is Porto’s colorful riverside area full of bars, shops, restaurants and cafes along the walkway. Everywhere you look along the Ribeira is picturesque, especially since it was recently renovated. You can now find information boards along the river that tell visitors more about the Ribeira’s history and businesses.
A walk along the Ribeira in the day is great, but don’t forget to come back at night to see the area, and the Don Luis I Bridge lit up. You can also get a great view of the Ribeira from the Don Luis I Bridge or a fun river cruise.
Porto Cathedral
No European city is complete without a stunning cathedral. Porto’s cathedral, a Roman Catholic church, is in the historical center of the city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you don’t want to miss it. Porto Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest monuments as building was completed on it in 1737. Despite its age, this cathedral is a sight to see.
The cathedral’s intricate interior and unique exterior are worth a visit, even if you aren’t religious. It’s also in the highest part of Porto, so you’ll get a great view of the city. Entrance is free, but just keep in mind there’s a daily mass at 11 am that you should avoid if you plan to just walk around the cathedral.
See the Azulejo Tiles
One of the most well-known symbols of Portugal, in general, is the Azulejo tiles. The tiles are made of glazed ceramic tile work and can be found inside and outside of people’s homes, churches, palaces, restaurants, and even subways or train stations in Portugal. They are primarily blue and white but can consist of other colors, especially if they’re newer. Designs also vary but are traditionally made up of flowers, historical figures, shells, trees, or other motifs.
You can enjoy these tiles throughout Porto, but some of our favorite buildings that sport them are inside Porto’s Cathedral, at São Bento Station, and Capela das Almas. There is also a great contemporary art piece made of azulejo tiles along the Ribeira tunnel entrance next to the Don Luis I Bridge. Try to spot it on your walk or cruise along the river.
Livararia Lello
Even if you don’t like books, you have to admire this stunning bookstore in Porto. The Lello bookstore is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and is one of the top bookstores in the world. It opened in 1881, so the architecture is historic and intricate. Get lost in the depths of the bookstore and admire the high ceilings, thousands of books, intricate stairways, and even small bridges connecting the two sides of the bookstore. To ensure the shop isn’t too busy, you do need to get a ticket beforehand.
Enjoy the Rest of Porto’s Architecture
Although we’ve looked at a lot of Porto’s architecture, there are still plenty of great buildings to see. If you enjoy modern architecture, Porto’s Casa da Musica is beautiful. It’s 12-storeys high and an irregular shape, so you can’t miss it. If you enjoy opera, you can find performances by the National Orchestra of Porto here.
Another great example of modern architecture is the Vidago Palace Spa, a minimalist building made of white marble that the Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Alvaro Siza Vieira designed. Enjoy a zen spa day here after your days of walking around the city.
To enjoy all of Porto’s architecture at once, head up to Clerigos Tower and climb 240 steps to the top. It’s an 18th-century baroque tower that gives you a 360-degree view of the city. Just make sure you have your walking shoes on!
Visit the Beach
No trip to sunny, hot Portugal would be complete without a visit to the beach. Porto is on the country’s coast, Costa Verde, so you can find plenty of white sand beaches. One of the closest beaches is Praia do Carneiro, perfect if you have a limited amount of time. If you like to surf, Praia de Matosinhos has great, strong waves. For couples looking for a bit of romance, Praia do Senhor da Pedra is an isolated beach on the south of Porto.