Porto: the biggest attractions (map, sightseeing plan, monuments, tickets, interesting facts)

From Village to Kingdom

Portugal owes its name to a small settlement called CaleIt was founded before our era (the exact date is unknown) on the banks of the river DouroWhen the Romans came to the settlement in the 1st century AD, they referred to it in their own language simply as "port Cale," which gave rise to a new name: Port Cale.
People like simplifications, so over time, two words merged into one that can be said faster and more simply: Portuguese (try repeating Portus Cale quickly a few times and the new name will come to you automatically).
Thanks to its excellent location, the port steadily developed. It gained importance, expanding its influence and control over the surrounding areas. Over time, Portucale came to refer not only to the city but also to the entire strip of land between the Douro and Minho rivers. In documents from the 7th to 9th centuries, "Portucale" no longer appears as a point on a map, but as a land.
The real breakthrough, however, came only after the successful expulsion of the Moors from the city's environs (868), when the magnate Vímara Peres was granted the title of Count of Portucale. From that moment on, the name entered official policy.
The final step, however, had to wait almost 300 years. It happened thanks to Afonso Henriques, who began as Count of Portucale and ended up as king. The sequence of events was typical: victorious battles, then alliances (1143 – the Zamora Agreement), and finally, the appropriate papers and the creation of a new kingdom. No longer "Portucale," but Portugal – a mature and short name.

So, what's next for Porto? Meanwhile, the same name, Portucale, referring to the former village, now a city, began to split into two parts. Much like a city that lives on both sides of the river. To quickly distinguish between the two, the area on the northern side of the river was called simply Port (i.e., Porto), while the area on the southern bank was called Cale (or, more commonly, Gaia).

Thus, the tiny village of Cale gave its name to the city and the country.

How to visit Porto

Porto offers tourists everything. It could be said to be a textbook of a thousand years of European history (its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), gathered on several hills connected by a single steel arch: the Dom Luis Bridge, designed by Theophile Seyrig, a partner of Gustave Eiffel (see the structural similarity to the Paris Tower?).
Exploring Porto is pure pleasure, provided you choose your destination wisely. The steepness of the streets here can impress tourists more than the baggage bill on budget airlines. The reward for the effort is views that make beauty filters on cameras unnecessary. No one needs much encouragement to explore the city, so I'll focus on organizing your sightseeing so that your legs don't fall off at the end of the day.

Below, you'll find a ready-made sightseeing plan I've created that you won't be able to complete. It's packed with attractions, and I don't think it's possible to do it all at once. Is this a strange idea? Why am I suggesting this plan?
The reason is simple and clever at the same time! Every reader enjoys seeing different things. My plan is a structured list of attractions from which you can eliminate everything that doesn't interest you, and what's left will still be enough for an adventurous exploration of the city. So, take my plan, leave only what you enjoy, and you've got a ready-made recipe for a perfect day in Porto. Doesn't that sound good?
This way, by writing a single guide, I can offer most of you a virtually personalized sightseeing plan! So don't be afraid to modify my ideas! Sightseeing is a pleasure, not an obligation to visit every attraction!
But don't change one thing! Don't change your sightseeing direction under any circumstances! Porto is truly steep and hilly. So I've planned the sightseeing route almost entirely downhill. Reversing the order will turn the sightseeing into a grueling, pre-Olympic training camp. Feel free to modify everything else.

To make it easier to navigate the map, I've assigned a unique number to each attraction described. You'll find these numbers in several places. You'll find them on maps, in the table of contents, and in the headings next to each paragraph. This will make navigating this post much easier, and you'll quickly find the information you need. In addition to making this post easy to navigate, I've also thought about making it easy to get around the city. That's why I'm also providing the invaluable (as you'll notice in practice) GPS coordinates.

Use GPS coordinates

I provide precise GPS coordinates for each attraction. This may not seem particularly useful at first glance, but in practice, the exact opposite is true. Thanks to these coordinates, you do not have to stick to a specific sightseeing path. You can explore the city basically as you like.
How to use GPS coordinates in practice? Just click on the link next to them. Then the navigation will open in your phone and it will automatically determine the path to the destination, but ... you don't have to follow this path! Walk as you like, wherever you feel like, and treat the indication on your phone only as information whether you are approaching your goal or maybe you have already taken the wrong direction.
After all, visiting a city is not about walking the shortest route, but about enjoying its atmosphere. Thanks to GPS coordinates, you don't have to worry about getting lost, and at the same time you have unlimited freedom to explore.
In short: click the coordinates, walk around and check from time to time if you are moving in the right direction. Without nerves, without stress, with pleasure. Simple and devilishly effective!
I assure you that you will quickly appreciate the GPS coordinates posted here.

Tickets to attractions

I think I say this in every guidebook: the weakest point of any plan is the attraction tickets. Just imagine arriving at your destination, and there's a line at the ticket window waiting for an hour (or more). You think to yourself, "OK, I'll wait. I'll manage somehow." An hour later, you're at the ticket window, asking for a ticket, and the lady at the window tells you the next available entry time is in two hours... What do you do?
Are you buying a ticket and waiting for the next two hours wasting your whole day? On this day, you will definitely not have time to see everything you wanted.
Or maybe you give up on entering the attraction you really wanted and for which you traveled thousands of kilometers? Just thinking about it makes me sick. Especially since I found myself in exactly this situation several times.

There are several attractions in Porto where it's worth getting your tickets in advance and purchasing them online. Some simply sell out quickly and sell out. Others sell tickets for specific times, and if you want to fit your entry time into your plans, you simply have to buy your tickets in advance. Otherwise, your carefully planned visit is guaranteed to fall apart.
Below you'll find a list of the most problematic attractions (in my opinion) and links to ticket vendors showing current availability. If the page opens in a different language, you can change the language in the top menu.

According to my knowledge, it is worth taking care of tickets in advance to:

Livraria Lello – Entry is by prior reservation (voucher); it's often sold out during peak season and on weekends. The bookstore sells tickets in the form of vouchers with additional privileges. Theoretically, admission is free, but this is only true if you purchase something from the bookstore. In such a case (to put it simply, as there are several types of vouchers with different privileges), the voucher amount will be deducted from the price of the purchased item.
Due to frequent accessibility problems, I am providing links to two distribution channels.

check out: introduction to Livraria Lello – [click] (provider: Tiqets)

check out: introduction to Livraria Lello – [click] (provider: GetYourGuide)

Palace of Bolsa – the tour takes place with a guide, entry takes place at specific times and the number of places is limited

check out: entrance tickets to the Palacio da Bolsa – [click]

Entry or discounts to the Palacio da Bolsa are also included in some ticket packages or city cards (e.g. -25% with Porto.CARD).

check out: Ticket packages and cards in Porto – [click] (Tickets)

Torre dos Clerigos – tickets can be purchased on site, but online sales and the ability to choose a time save time spent in line.

check out: tickets to Torre dos Clerigos – [click] (GetYourGuide)

Port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia (Taylor's, Sandeman, Graham's) – very popular with tourists, especially during mealtimes and later. Reservations are required. Various options are available, including live Fado performances.

check out: available dates in Porto cellars – [click] (GetYourGuide)

WOW Porto (wine museum complex) – several museums in one place; with combined tickets and in the summer season, online booking gives you guaranteed entry and better hours (especially when it comes to meal times or sunset).

check out: available tours and tasting options at WOW Porto – [click] (Tickets)

Porto City Card.CARD

Porto.Card This is the official city card. I'll try to describe it as briefly and specifically as possible.

Porto.CARD gives you the right to:
– free entry to Casa do Infante, Casa-Museu Marta Ortigao Sampaio, Museu Romantico, Museu do Papel-Moeda, Reservatorio
– up to 50% discount at Soares dos Reis National Museum, Museum of Transport and Communication, Museu do Carro Eletrico (tram museum), Porto Military Museum, Pharmacy Museum
– other discounts: Clerigos Tower & Church (-25%), Palacio da Bolsa (-25% on guided tour), Casa da Musica (-25%), Se Cathedral (€1 discount), Church of Santa Clara (-25% on unguided tours), FC Porto Museum & Estadio do Dragao (-15% on the museum + stadium package)

You can purchase a card with or without free public transport.
The transport card includes an Andante Tour ticket with unlimited transfers. You use it every time you start your journey and when changing lines or vehicles.
The card is valid on the metro, STCP buses, urban trains (including Paredes, Paramos, Vila das Aves, Lousado) and the Cais do Ouro-Afurada boat. Excludes: the historic tram and the cable car.

Which variant is for whom? (quick analysis)
- 24 hours without transport (7,50 EUR): when you have a list of 2-3 paid attractions from the discount catalog (e.g. Clerigos, Palacio da Bolsa) and you mostly walk

- 48 h with transport (27 EUR): ideal for 2 days of intensive sightseeing (center + Gaia + Foz/Serralves), many transfers, access to/from the airport by metro.

- 72-96 h with transport: if you combine Porto with trips by agglomeration train (e.g. beaches/surroundings) and want to visit more museums.

check out: Porto.Card cards – [click] (Tickets)

Travel Insurance (Is It Necessary?)

I don't want to spend too much time on this topic, so I'll be really specific. I'll be brief: I never leave home on a trip alone without insurance. On a trip we are constantly moving to new places, our heads are occupied with delights and other pleasures. We are more relaxed and it is not difficult to have an adventure. Lack of insurance is asking for serious trouble.
It is also worth remembering that the so-called EHIC, i.e. the insurance that we have as citizens of the European Union, does not reimburse everything. It only reimburses what is reimbursed in a given country (e.g. in France, 35% of the costs of state rescue services are paid out of pocket). We could go into details for a long time, but doing so is pointless, because a solid weekly insurance for one person in Europe, compared to the cost of the entire trip it's surprisingly cheap. You can easily find really good deals for around 10-15 EUR total for the whole week (!!!), which is the equivalent of two or three beers.
I usually look for the best deals in this area offer comparison - [click] (in this case it's Rankomat) and I buy them online. You can do it really quickly and cheaply.

If you need a good source of insurance outside of Poland, check out the highly rated EKTA insurance company - [click], available in several languages ​​and selling insurance that works worldwide. If the page opens in the wrong language for you, simply change the language (top right).

Below is an example of a good and not at all the cheapest offer from a price comparison site (for an entire week in 2025).

I never choose the cheapest offer, because the price difference between the cheapest and a really solid offer with high insurance values ​​is usually around 3 EUR (around 15 PLN). This is not a saving worth the risk.

Two parameters are key in the offers:
- goat goat (KL) - the minimum amount is PLN 250 (EUR 000)
- Civil protection (OC) - the minimum amount is PLN 250 (EUR 000)

it is worth paying attention to two additional parameters:
- Consequences of Accidents (NNW) - at your discretion
- travel luggage insurance - at your discretion

Porto - map of tourist attractions

Below, I've included the most important thing: the map. It will be your primary tool for planning your visit to Porto. It's a map of the city's tourist attractions, along with their locations, that I created specifically for this guide. It looks simple, but it's packed with information. It has everything you'll need for planning and sightseeing, and it's free from unnecessary information.
Spend a few minutes looking at the information provided (tourist attractions, my suggested sightseeing route, viewpoints, cable car and funicular, historic tram no. 1), and then proceed to the short explanation below the map.

WARNING!
There is a code on the Porto attractions map QRIts presence makes using a guidebook in the field incredibly easy! Print the map on a piece of paper and when you need to open the guidebook on your phone, you don't have to search for the website address online. Simply scan the code on the card and you'll instantly jump into the guidebook. You can also share the code with other tourists! The guidebook works in several languages, so after scanning the QR code, simply change the language (the default is Polish) and you're done!

Porto – sightseeing plan

I've routed the main sightseeing route through a total of 25 points. As I mentioned earlier, the itinerary is packed with attractions, and it's unlikely to be completed in one day. However, the idea behind this itinerary is different. You have a plan and a desire to explore, so you go to the places that interest you, skipping anything you don't want to see. You can even add and remove points during the tour (you can simply skip them or not—it's as simple as that). This way, you'll fill the entire day with only the things you enjoy while exploring, while still having the same itinerary in hand.
I like this idea. I hope you like it too!

The full route takes in the following attractions:
1. Capela das Almas
2. Mercado do Bolhao
3Rua de Santa Catarina
4Cafe Majestic
5. Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso
6. Sao Bento
7. Livraria Lello
8. Igreja do Carmo
9. Igreja dos Carmelitas
10. Torre dos Clerigos
11. Centro Portugues de Fotografia
12. Mosteiro de Sao Bento da Vitoria
13. Miradouro da Vitoria
14. Se do Porto
15. Paco Episcopal
16. Palacio da Bolsa
17. Igreja de São Francisco
18Tram 1 – Passeio Alegre
19. Ribeira
20. Dom Luis I Bridge
21. Caves do Vinho do Porto
22. Teleferico de Gaia
23. Jardim do Morro
25. Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

If we approach this route from the point of view of specific data:
– length of the entire route: approximately 8 km
– time to complete the entire route: 2 hours (does not include the time spent visiting attractions)

These numbers are very misleading, so don't let them fool you. This will be a truly long and demanding tour, and along the way, you'll change your mind many times and decide to explore many attractions in more detail, from the inside.

If that wasn't enough for anyone, I've also included markers on the map for additional attractions that the tour route doesn't include, but may be interesting for many:

24. WOW Porto
26. Funicular dos Guindais
27Casa da Musica
28Serralves

Nothing stops you from changing your itinerary a bit more. You'll have the necessary information at your fingertips. So, change the layout, change the attractions, and don't be afraid to modify the plan to suit your needs and interests.

Or maybe you'll be in Porto for more than one day? Then the extra attractions and flexible itinerary will be even more helpful.

Detailed descriptions of attractions in Porto

1. Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas)

In the heart of Rua de Santa Catarina stands a chapel that cannot be missed. The Capela das Almas (also known as the Capela de Santa Catarina) is a small church, but its size should not be measured in meters but in tiles. Its walls are covered with 15,947 blue and white azulejosThis approximately 360 square meters of beautiful, glazed tile depicting St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine of Alexandria was designed by Eduardo Leite, and the tiles were made by the renowned Lisbon manufacturer Viúva Lamego. Although the decoration is 20th-century (1929), it is deliberately styled after 18th-century Portuguese Baroque classics.
You will spot various scenes on the tiles, including the death of St. Francis, the martyrdom of St. Catherine, and the meeting of the saint with Pope Honorius III.

Until 1929, the chapel was smooth, plastered and white.
The first wooden chapel in honor of St. Catherine was built here in the late 18th century, when the Brotherhood of the Souls and Wounds of St. Francis moved there. Today's building is neoclassical, with a tower on the left side and the coats of arms of both patrons in the pediment. The interior is surprisingly modest, especially when viewed immediately after the opulent facades.

Opening hours (approximately)
Mon-Fri: usually 7:30-17:30 / 18:00-19:00 (varies depending on the day)
Sat: 7:30-12:30, sometimes again in the afternoon for shorter hours
Sun: 7:30-12:30

Please note: the times listed are realistic, but subject to change! They depend on masses and parish events. The most reliable information is on the notice board at the entrance and in current announcements.

Chapel of Souls, GPS coordinates:
41°08’59.6″N 8°36’20.4″W
41.149879, -8.605658 - click and route

2. Porto's Historic Market (Mercado do Bolhao)

If you want to catch the pulse of Porto, head to the Mercado do Bolhão, where the smell of coffee, the cries of vendors, and the gleam of silver fish have collided for over a century. This market occupies an entire block between Rua Formosa, Sa da Bandeira, Alexandre Braga, and Fernandes Tomas.
It's not just a hall, it's an urban stage with galleries running around the perimeter, covered stalls in the courtyard, and exits to all four corners of the world. After renovations completed in September 2022 (designed by architect Nuno Valentim) and a temporary relocation to the La Vie shopping center, the market has returned to its former glory. It retains its character but has been given a new lease of life: new logistics, a direct connection to the metro, and amenities that make it feel just like it used to be, only… without the chaos of delivery trucks in front of the facade.

The organization of the market is very clear:
– the ground floor is the kingdom of fresh products (fresh fish and seafood, cheeses, cold cuts, vegetables, fruits, flowers)
– on the first floor there are restaurants (they serve “petiscos” or Portuguese snacks, which are the Portuguese equivalent of Spanish “tapas” and dishes based on products from the bottom floor)
– there are shops operating in ground-floor windows outside

Curiosity:
The southern entrance from Rua Formosa is adorned with a portal and a coat of arms above the entrance, supported by two stone figures: Mercury and Flora. These are allegories of commerce and agriculture, and one of those subtleties most easily noticed when waiting for friends at the door…

Opening hours
Market Square: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00, Sat 08:00-18:00, Sun and public holidays: closed
Restaurants (indoor): Mon-Sat 08:00-24:00, Sun closed
External stores may have their own hours.

If you need a little advice on what and where to buy and eat in the hall, you will find some specific information below.

Start: coffee + something to eat (before entering the hall)
Confeitaria do Bolhao – a classic pastry shop opposite the south entrance (Rua Formosa). Stop by for a cimbalino (an espresso coffee named after the "La Cimbali" brand of coffee machines) and a yeast-based pastry or pastel de nata (traditional Portuguese custard muffins with a crisp, shortcrust pastry, filled with a sweet cream made from egg yolks, sugar, milk, and flour). The place opens early in the morning, so it's a good "starter" before the crowds at the stands.

A sweet alternative: Leitaria da Quinta do Paço – their famous éclairs with homemade chantilly (a cream made with whipped cream, sugar, and chantilly in classic, caramel, or crunchy versions). If you prefer something later, come back for dessert.

Lower level of the hall: quick snacks and shopping
Very Rissol (in front of the hall): Try two or three rissois (fried dumplings with fillings)—for example, with shrimp, bacalhau (salted and dried cod), or mussels in sepia ink. This is a great little tasting set to start with.

Minerva – Fábrica de Conservas A Poveira / Minerva Bar: tasting of Portuguese canned goods (sardines, tuna, mackerel) often with a glass of wine.

Salty and sweet takeaways: check out Saboriccia (products from Tras-os-Montes) and Horta do Bolhao (vegetables).

Lunch at the gallery (floor)
Nelson dos Leitoes – Original da Bairrada (R01) – specialty: leitao (roasted suckling pig) straight from Bairrada, in a portion or in a sandwich; pairs perfectly with sparkling wine from the region.
Please note the days and hours: the restaurant is only open on Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat (10:00-16:00 and 17:30-22:00)

Culto ao Bacalhau (R08): specializes in dishes made with salted, dried cod ("bacalhau" in Portuguese). The menu includes "a Bras"—cod with thin potatoes, egg, and onion, pan-fried—and "ao lagareiro"—roasted or grilled cod, generously drizzled with olive oil, with garlic and potatoes.
Open Mon-Sat 12:00-17:00 and 18:00-22:30; closed Sundays. Reservations are recommended.

Peixe no Mercado (R05) – fish and seafood from a charcoal grill;
Open Mon-Sat until midnight. A good place if you want to linger.

And one more free recommendation, approximately 5 minutes from the hall:
Casa Guedes (Poveiros Square 130): Their famous sandwich with roasted pork shoulder (Portuguese: sandes de pernil) and Serra da Estrela sheep's cheese (a very creamy cheese from the mountains of central Portugal) makes a perfect dinner or a plan B if you prefer meat sandwiches to fish.

Bolhao Market, GPS coordinates:
41°08’57.8″N 8°36’25.7″W
41.149382, -8.607145 - click and route

South entrance from Rua Formosa, GPS coordinates:
41°08’55.6″N 8°36’26.8″W
41.148772, -8.607449 - click and route

3. Promenade on Rua de Santa Catarina

Rua de Santa Catarina is a long, mostly pedestrianized street. It cuts through the city center from Batalha Square in the south to Marquês de Pombal Square in the north. It's about 1,5 km of shop windows, cafés, and small, family-owned shops, interspersed with brands you'll recognize from any European capital. Santa Catarina offers elegant Art Nouveau facades, mosaic pavements underfoot, and… everyday life: musicians, the smell of freshly ground coffee, elderly gentlemen stopping for a quick conversation. It's no wonder it's considered Porto's most important shopping street and a natural landmark for walkers.

For inclement weather and a place to wait, Via Catarina Shopping is the most convenient. The center has a direct street entrance, and its dining area is styled after traditional Portuguese townhouses (a nice touch).

A landmark on Rua de Santa Catarina, GPS coordinates:
41°08’53.5″N 8°36’22.9″W
41.148190, -8.606361 - click and route

4. Cafe Majestic

The light marble facade is adorned with intricate shapes, cherubs "hold" a garland beneath the MAJESTIC sign, and mirrors and brass lamps twinkle behind the windows. It's hard to ignore. Cafe Majestic is not just a venue, but a 1:1 preserved fragment of Porto's Belle Epoque.
The story began on December 17, 1921, when the Cafe Elite company was formed and the ground floor of the building was leased. The grand opening to the public took place on December 2, 1922, under the Majestic banner. The interior design was by Jose Pinto de Oliveira, and a few years later, a back room was added, with an entrance on Rua de Passos Manuel, designed by João Queiroz.

The interior is a textbook example of Art Nouveau: large mirrors made of "Flemish crystal," decorative stucco with figures, dark wood, and soft sofas, and at the back, an intimate winter garden that once connected the two addresses. In the 20s, Porto's elite frequented this place: politicians, writers (Teixeira de Pascoaes, Jose Regio, Leonardo Coimbra), artists, and professors from the local School of Fine Arts. Decades of stagnation followed. Only classification as a monument of "Imovel de Interesse Publico" rank (1983) and a thorough renovation allowed the restaurant to reopen on July 15, 1994. Today, the Majestic is once again the "city's living room," a place where you can enjoy a coffee and touch Porto's history.

Curiosity:
J.K. Rowling often appears in descriptions of Cafe Majestic. The "Harry Potter" author has repeatedly corrected myths (e.g., that she wasn't inspired by the Lello bookstore), but she has confirmed that she used to write at the Majestic and called it "probably the most beautiful cafe I've ever written in." Cafe Majestic is hardly the "cradle of Potter," but rather the author's actual workplace, which sounds even more interesting than a mere urban legend.

Menu
The menu includes "French toast Majestic style" or Portuguese rabanada (sweet toast) and "Afternoon Tea" served from 15:00 p.m. to 19:00 p.m., which includes sandwiches, scones with jam and mini-desserts (approximately €35/person).
Coffee is more expensive here than in regular cafes – espresso around €6 (2025)

Opening hours
Monday - Saturday: 09:00–23:00
Sunday: closed
Opening hours are adjusted seasonally and change frequently.

Cafe Majestic, GPS coordinates:
41°08’49.9″N 8°36’24.0″W
41.147190, -8.606674 - click and route

5. Church of St. Ildefonso (Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso)

St. Ildefonsus welcomes pilgrims and strollers from the top of a wide staircase, between the two bell towers. The church was built in stages between 1709 and 1739, and before it was erected, an older, decaying chapel, "Santo Alifon," known from mentions as early as 1296, stood here. It was after its demolition that construction of the new church began.
The most recognizable feature, however, is the façade: in 1932, it was covered with approximately 11 blue and white azulejos designed by Jorge Colaco (the same man who created the famous panels in the hall of the São Bento station). The tiles depict scenes from the life of St. Ildefonso and allegories of the Eucharist.

Curiosity:
During work in 1996, 19 burials were discovered under the floor from a now-defunct cemetery belonging to the earlier temple.

Opening hours
Niedziela: 09:00-12:45 i 18:00-19:45
Monday: 15:00-18:00
Wtorek-Piątek: 09:00-12:00 i 15:00-18:30
Sobota: 09:00-12:00 i 15:00-20:00

Church of Santo Ildefonso, GPS coordinates:
41°08’45.9″N 8°36’24.0″W
41.146084, -8.606659 - click and route

6. Sao Bento Station

The São Bento train station boasts an elegant, structured "French" facade designed by Jose Marques da Silva. Inside, it's Portugal's most famous train station hall, where 20,000 blue tiles tell the country's history. The azulejos cover a total area of ​​approximately 551 square meters. They were designed and painted by Jorge Colaco between 1905 and 1916, and manufactured at the renowned factory in Sacavem.
Some scenes depict fragments of great history (including Arcos de Valdevez, Egas Moniz before King Alfonso VII, the entry of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster into Porto, and the conquest of Ceuta), while others depict everyday Portuguese life. A colorful frieze depicting the history of transportation runs above all, culminating in the birth of the railway.

Curiosity:
The station was built on the site of the former Benedictine monastery of Sao Bento da Ave-Maria, which was rebuilt after a fire in 1783 and operated until the late 19th century. Only the death of the last nun in 1892 paved the way for demolition and new construction. The cornerstone for the station was laid in 1900 with the participation of King Carlos I. Rail service began on a provisional basis on November 8, 1896, and the station's official opening took place 20 years later.

Opening hours and entrance
The station is open 24/7 (entrance to the lobby is possible 24 hours a day).
The best time to see azulejos is early in the morning (9:00 a.m.) or late in the evening (less crowds after 20:00 p.m.).

Sao Bento, GPS coordinates:
41°08’44.1″N 8°36’38.1″W
41.145584, -8.610577 - click and route

7. Lello Bookstore (Livraria Lello)

A bookstore that has become a city landmark. Livraria Lello, opened in 1906 and designed by engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, from the outside resembles a guide to late Art Nouveau with its neo-Gothic façade. Inside, however, it's a veritable "book palace": a gallery on the first floor, carved arcades, and the famous red staircase winding like a double ribbon. The interior is illuminated by colorful light streaming through the ceiling stained glass window, which features the Latin motto "Decus in Labore" ("dignity in work"), created by Dutch master Samuel Van Krieken.
Lello's story, however, begins earlier. In 1894, brothers Jose and Antonio Lello took over the Chardron bookstore (an important Porto publishing house) and commissioned the construction of a new building on Carmelitas Street. Inside, there was also space for a gallery with busts of Portuguese writers (including Eça de Queirós, Camilo Castelo Branco, and Guerra Junqueiro), sculpted by Romao Junior. Interestingly, some of the "wood" is stucco painted to look like wood. A typical trick of the era, combining decorative elements with modern construction.

Curiosity:
There's a hidden symbol in the stained glass ceiling. During restoration in 2018, a tiny yellow "smiley face" was added. It's the typical emoticon we send each other in text messages. If you look closely, you'll find it nestled among the 55 panels of glass, each measuring approximately 8 x 3,5 meters. It's a subtle joke that nicely balances the seriousness of the "Decus in Labore" slogan.

What about urban legends? Of course they exist!
The most popular theory is that this is where J.K. Rowling invented Hogwarts. The author has expressly denied this: she admitted that she has never been to Lello and that the bookstore did not inspire "Potter."
Well… I think the bookstore will do just fine without this legend.

Opening hours
Daily 09:00-19:30.
Closed: January 1, Easter, May 1, June 24, December 25.

Livraria Lello, GPS coordinates:
41°08’48.5″N 8°36’53.6″W
41.146809, -8.614876 - click and route

Tickets
Entry is by prior reservation (voucher); during peak season and on weekends, it's often sold out. The bookstore sells tickets in the form of vouchers with additional benefits. Theoretically, admission is free, but this only happens if you purchase something from the bookstore. In such a case (to put it simply, as there are several types of vouchers with different benefits), the voucher amount will be deducted from the price of the purchased item.
Due to frequent accessibility problems, I am providing links to two distribution channels.

check out: introduction to Livraria Lello – [click] (provider: Tiqets)

check out: introduction to Livraria Lello – [click] (provider: GetYourGuide)

8. Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo)

In Porto, it's easy to lose count of how many times you've passed a facade adorned with azulejos. At the Igreja do Carmo, however, your instinct tells you to slow down. It's here, across the entire eastern wall of the church, that you'll find a gigantic painting of blue-and-white azulejos. One of those projects that explains the Portuguese obsession with ceramics without a word. The church itself was built between 1756 and 1768 for the Third Order of Carmelites in a late Baroque style with a strong, port-style Rococo: an undulating stone facade, gilded altars, and lavish decoration.

The Carmo forms an inseparable duo with the neighboring Igreja dos Carmelitas. These two separate churches are divided by a surprising gap, into which the Casa Escondida, or "Hidden House," is built, connecting the two churches. Only about 1-1,5 meters wide, it served for years as a residence for the clergy and staff of the nearby convent hospital. Today, it serves as the entrance to the paid "Circuito Turistico" tour, which takes in the house, the church, small catacombs, the vestment room, and the stately interiors.

Curiosity:
Urban legend has it that Casa Escondida was built to circumvent a law prohibiting the construction of churches side by side. The space between the churches was then built over, and the problem disappeared.

Opening hours
Church (free admission): daily 09:30-18:00.
"Circuito Turístico" (Casa Escondida, catacombs, state rooms):
usually open daily 09:30-18:00;
current hours may change periodically (rarely)

The Carmo Church, GPS coordinates:
41°08’50.5″N 8°36’58.6″W
41.147347, -8.616269 - click and route

9. Carmelite Church (Igreja dos Carmelitas)

The Igreja dos Carmelitas is the second of the churches connected by the Casa Escondida, the narrowest house in Porto, although Carmelitas is older than the Carmo. This church, built by the Discalced Carmelites, was built in the first half of the 17th century, during the period when Porto was transitioning from late Mannerism to Baroque. Its architecture is more "ascetic" than its neighbors: a granite façade, a tripartite order, and niches above the entrances depicting St. Joseph, St. Teresa of Jesus, and Our Lady of Mount. The distinctive bell tower with its onion-shaped dome is clad in blue azulejos, used sparingly. The interior features a single nave with six side chapels and rich, gilded woodcarving in the Baroque-Rococo style.

Curiosity:
Following the dissolution of the order, the monastery buildings were taken over by the Military Police (Guarda Nacional Republicana), but the church remained open for liturgical purposes. Part of the building serves a… well, if it serves the National Guard, then I guess you could say it's military.

Opening hours
Igreja dos Carmelitas: varies depending on the day and liturgy;
most frequently available for sightseeing
Monday – Friday 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00,
Saturday 8:00-12:00.

Church of the Carmelites, GPS coordinates:
41°08’50.3″N 8°36’59.3″W
41.147313, -8.616467 - click and route

10. Tower of the Clerics (Torre dos Clerigos)

The Clerigos Tower, a slender, Baroque bell tower (built in 1763), rises over 75 meters and is reached by exactly 240 steps. The tower is part of the Clerigos Tower complex, a church with an elliptical interior, one of the most interesting in Portuguese Baroque architecture. Interestingly, Nasoni himself (the Italian architect of the church's design) became associated with the Clerigos brotherhood and, as he wished, was buried in the church's crypt.
From above, you can clearly see Ribeira, the bridges over the Douro and the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia; from below, the filigree stone carvings.

Today, the Clerigos complex is not just a viewpoint, but a complete complex: a church, a museum, and a tower. The entire complex is located in the historic center of Porto, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tickets for Torre dos Clerigos can be purchased on site, but online sales and the ability to choose a time slot save you time spent queuing.
For the day you can buy a package for the tower + museum, and during the season night visits to the tower are available (separate tickets).

check out: tickets to Torre dos Clerigos – [click] (GetYourGuide)

Technical details: There are 240 narrow and steep steps to the top, so be prepared for some serious exertion. It's usually crowded during sunset hours. Arrive early to secure a good spot at the railing.

Torre dos Clerigos, GPS coordinates:
41°08’44.3″N 8°36’52.9″W
41.145642, -8.614683 - click and route

11. Portuguese Center of Photography (Centro Portugues de Fotografia)

The Portuguese Center for Photography has a dark history. For nearly two hundred years, the building served as a prison and the seat of the Court of Appeal (Cadeia e Tribunal da Relacão do Porto). Designed by Eugénio dos Santos (the same architect who rebuilt Lisbon's Baixa district after the earthquake), its monumental weight perfectly suited its function. The building's appearance alone commanded respect.

Curiosity:
It was here (in the cells of the former "Relacão") that Camillo Castelo Branco and Ana Placido, lovers accused of adultery, were held. Their relationship unfolded literally between the walls of the courthouse and the prison. Camilo, one of the most important writers of Portuguese Romanticism, wrote at lightning speed (in two weeks) his most famous romance, "Amor de Perdicão" (Love of Perdition), which remains an icon of Portuguese Romanticism to this day and gives its name to the square in front of the building: Largo Amor de Perdicão.

Today, the interiors, filled with austere, thick stone walls and steel grates, provide a backdrop for the art and history of photography. The Portuguese Centre of Photography collects and exhibits photographs, cameras, and photographic archives.
You will find here:
– firstly, temporary exhibitions – usually several at the same time, well distributed across the floors.
– secondly, the Nucleo Museologico Antonio Pedro Vicente and the Hall of Remembrance – permanent exhibitions telling the history of photography and the place itself.
– thirdly, a collection of cameras, from early cases to 20th-century models, including intriguing spy cameras, tiny devices hidden in cigarette cases, and buttons that capture the imagination. This is one of the most popular sections of the route with visitors.

Opening hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00-18:00
Weekends and holidays: 15:00-19:00
Monday: closed
Admission: free

Centro Portugues de Fotografia, GPS coordinates:
41°08’41.0″N 8°36’57.6″W
41.144718, -8.616003 - click and route

12. Monastery of Saint Benedict of Vitoria (Mosteiro de Sao Bento da Vitoria)

If you enjoy places where history doesn't end with a pretty facade but truly comes alive inside, this Porto address is a good choice. The Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitoria is a massive Benedictine complex in the Vitoria district, just a few minutes' walk from the Clerigos Tower and the former Cadeia da Relacão prison. Construction of the monastery began in 1604, and work lasted almost a century. This long process is still evident today: the architecture blends Mannerism with Baroque, and the church decorations come from various periods and workshops.
First came the grand construction, and then the furnishings (the altars, carved and gilded retables, and organs were completed in the 18th century). It is this blend of asceticism and decorative grandeur that makes the Church of São Bento da Vitoria appeal to the senses differently than most churches in Porto.
Then came turbulent times. During the Napoleonic Wars (1808), the complex was converted into a military hospital, and after the dissolution of the monasteries (1834-1835), it became a military and penitentiary institution (including a tribunal and a prison). The 20th century added its own: the renovations and demolitions of the 1970s and 1980s left brutal marks on the interior.
Today, the space is hosted by, among others, a theater (Teatro Nacional Sao Joao), which organizes performances and concerts here.

Opening hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 14:30 PM - 19:00 PM
Sunday: 14:30 PM - 17:00 PM

Guided tours
(Mosteiro de Sao Bento da Vitoria) Monday, Wednesday, Friday 15:30
(Teatro Sao Joao) Tuesday - Saturday: 12:30

WARNING! For this facility, please check the website for tour availability in advance.
more information: official website of the facility – [click]

Entrance to Mosteiro de Sao Bento da Vitoria, GPS coordinates:
41°08’38.3″N 8°36’56.6″W
41.143984, -8.615724 - click and route

13. Vitoria Viewpoint (Miradouro da Vitoria)

There are viewpoints in Porto that make you "wow," and others that create atmosphere. The Miradouro da Vitoria falls into the latter category. Instead of a stainless steel barrier, you'll encounter a crumbling wall; instead of a café, silence interrupted by the laughter of a group of friends; instead of crowds, there are neighbors with dogs and photographers who know at what time the setting sun will paint colors on the Ribeira's roof tiles. It's a terrace, sandwiched between the Church of Our Lady of Vitoria and the post-industrial, somewhat unindustrial buildings, from which a classic landscape unfolds: the Douro, the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Se of Paco Episcopal, and a long stretch of rooftops stretching all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia. The view is picture-postcard, but the setting is anything but picture-postcard, which, paradoxically, is definitely a plus.
The point I've mentioned is located on private property, and for years a sign saying "Acesso autorizado a turistas" (meaning: no tourists allowed) hung at the entrance. In practice, visitor access was tolerated as an unwritten neighborly agreement.
The city has been grappling with the legal status and ownership of this patch for years (the matter even went to court), so there are times when the gate is closed or the area is temporarily cleaned up. From a practical perspective, this means you can usually enter, but it's not an official tourist attraction.
The rule is simple: if the gate is open, you enter, if the gate is closed, do not force it.

Although the place is sometimes called "hidden," the secret is no longer a local secret. It can get crowded on weekends before sunset, but the atmosphere remains local; there are no souvenir vendors, and the only "amenities" are a low wall where people sit and the uneven ground on this small patch of land.
If you want the best view, arrive 30-40 minutes before sunset.

Miradouro da Vitoria viewpoint, GPS coordinates:
41°08’35.4″N 8°36’57.2″W
41.143168, -8.615886 - click and route

14. Porto Cathedral (Se do Porto)

There are places in Porto that linger in your mind long after you leave. One such place is the Se do Porto, a cathedral that looks as if it were about to repel an attack before receiving a procession (two massive towers, battlements, a geometric rosette above the portal). It stands on a rocky outcrop known as Terreiro da Se, precisely where for centuries the city guarded the passage between the escarpment and the river. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and a perfect summary of its history: Romanesque roots (12th–13th centuries), Gothic additions, and later Baroque refinements.
Entering the interior cools the emotions: the cool, stone nave, tall as the hull of an upturned ship, carries the sound of footsteps and the scent of incense. Light filters through delicately, in narrow streams, drawing a mesh of shadows across the floor. And only in this semi-darkness can one clearly see all the styles working together. The Baroque splendor doesn't cover the Romanesque framework, but settles upon it like a golden accent on a gray fabric.
From the southern arm of the transept, steps lead directly to the cloister. This is one of the most beautiful "gardens in stone" in all of Porto. Gothic pointed arches and exquisite keystones play off the blue of the 18th-century azulejos. On the terrace one floor above, a surprise appears: panels with motifs from ancient mythology (a rarity in a church setting, and a real find in Porto).

In the square in front of the cathedral stands another piece of the history of law and power: the twisted column of the pelourinho (pillory). This is not the medieval original, but a reconstruction erected in 1945 during the major reconstruction of the Se area. In the 30s and 40s, entire blocks were demolished to give the cathedral a new lease of life and create today's broad square. The pillory's form was taken from a 1797 engraving, hence the impression of "historicity." The original pillory stood lower down, in the Ribeira, and was primarily used for the execution of punishments and the public display of condemned persons.

Opening hours and tickets
Cathedral (nave):
April-October: 09:00-18:30
November-March: 09:00-17:30
Mass: daily 11:00
Closed: Christmas and Easter Sunday.
Admission: free

Cloister, terrace, treasury (Casa do Cabido) and tower:
IV-X: 09:00-18:00 (the tower closes at 18:00)
November-March: 09:00-17:00 (tower until 17:00)
Ticket: 3 EUR (2025) (children up to 10 years free of charge)

Se do Porto, GPS coordinates:
41°08’33.6″N 8°36’42.1″W
41.142654, -8.611696 - click and route

15. Bishop's Palace (Paco Episcopal)

The Episcopal Palace (formerly the Bishop's Palace), located right next to the cathedral, is not a royal palace, although it was long considered the city's first "true" palace. Its present appearance stems from an 18th-century renovation, when, at the request of Bishop Frei João Rafael de Mendonca, the medieval residence was commissioned to be renovated.
The austere structure immediately catches the eye, with its façade filled with a rhythm of Baroque windows and a portal surmounted by the bishop's coat of arms. The interior offers a striking contrast, with a monumental staircase featuring neoclassical painted decorations and a collection of bishops' portraits. The highest rooms offer a superb view of the meandering Douro (one of the most beautiful panoramas in the area).
Although Paco Episcopal is part of Porto's UNESCO-listed historic center, it's often overlooked by busy tourists rushing between the cathedral and the Ribeira. Unjustly so, in my humble opinion. If you have the time, I recommend exploring the interior.

The history of the site dates back to the 13th century, when it was already a bishop's residence. The palace was expanded in the 15th-17th centuries, and the political events of the 19th century left their mark: during the Siege of Porto (1832-33), part of the complex served as a defensive position and suffered damage in the fighting; after its reconstruction (from 1868), the palace actually became the seat of the city government for several decades (1916-1956). Today, in addition to its representative and residential functions for the bishops, a permanent tour route operates here (as of 2016, it has become a museum), where, in addition to the staircase and enfilade rooms, you'll see, among other things, a reconstruction of the dining room with the sumptuous "Baixela Manueline" and a set of silverware designed by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

Interesting facts:
Above the main portal you will see the coat of arms of the Bishop of Mendonca, the "master" of the reconstruction; it was thanks to him that the façade gained its current palatial appearance.

Philippa of Lancaster stayed at the medieval palace (the predecessor of the present-day palace) in 1386. A few months later, on February 2 and 14, 1387, she married King John I in Porto (part of which took place in the cathedral). This marriage sealed the Anglo-Portuguese alliance known as the Treaty of Windsor (1386), the oldest unbroken alliance in Europe. Her children, including Henry the Navigator, the future King Duarte (Edward), Pedro of Coimbra, Isabella (Duchess of Burgundy), and Ferdinand "the Holy Prince," went down in history as the "Inclita Geracao," or "Famous Generation."
Philippa of Lancaster was renowned for her piety, her attention to the education of her court, and her efficient management of the royal household; chroniclers portrayed her as a model queen. She died during the plague epidemic in the summer of 1415 (most often attributed to Odivelas near Lisbon) and was buried in the monastery of Batalha in the Founder's Chapel, in a shared tomb with her husband. Their figures on the sarcophagus are shown holding hands (symbolizing the alliance between Portugal and England).

Paco Episcopal, GPS coordinates:
41°08’31.9″N 8°36’42.0″W
41.142198, -8.611657 - click and route

16. Stock Exchange Palace (Palacio da Bolsa)

The Palacio da Bolsa is Porto's flagship and commercial pride. It was built on the site of the cloisters of a Franciscan monastery destroyed in 1832. A year later, Queen Maria II handed the ruins over to merchants, and on October 6, 1842, the cornerstone for the neoclassical palace was laid. The austere order of the building's façade consciously contrasts with the opulence of the interior, whose decorations were refined well into the 20th century.
Tours usually begin in the Patio das Nacoes, a courtyard covered by an octagonal glass dome, along the edge of which runs a frieze displaying the coats of arms of the countries with which Portugal maintained 19th-century trade relations. Subsequent rooms tell the story of Porto's mercantile business. The Sala do Tribunal recalls the activities of the commercial court, while the Sala da Assembleia Geral offers another curiosity: plaster cladding imitating carved wood. The culmination is the absolutely phenomenal, Alhambra-inspired Salao Arabe. Gilded arabesques, perfectly ornate Arabic inscriptions, a floor combining several exotic wood species… and a small imperfection that local guides like to mention. These are small, deliberate asymmetries in the decorations. These are explained by a maxim from Muslim tradition: "Only God is perfect."

The entire structure still serves as the city's most representative hall for ceremonies. It is here that Porto receives heads of state.

During your visit, be sure to check out the "Gabinete de Gustave Eiffel" (a room dedicated to the engineer who designed, among other things, the Maria Pia Bridge in Porto). Also, check out the telegraph room, which houses a device once used to transmit news of ships entering the Douro.

Curiosity:
The Palacio da Bolsa is still the headquarters and place of business of the Associacao Comercial do Porto (Porto Commercial Association).

Sightseeing and tickets
Visiting hours:
daily 09:00 – 18:30 (note: some rooms may be temporarily closed due to internal events).

Tours of the Palacio da Bolsa are guided, entry takes place at specific times, and the number of places is limited.

check out: entrance tickets to the Palacio da Bolsa – [click]

Entry or discounts to the Palacio da Bolsa are also included in some ticket packages or city cards (e.g. -25% with Porto.CARD).

check out: Ticket packages and cards in Porto – [click] (Tickets)

Stock Exchange Palace, GPS coordinates:
41°08’28.9″N 8°36’55.4″W
41.141349, -8.615391 - click and route

17. Church of St. Francis (Igreja de Sao Francisco)

Behind the Palacio da Bolsa stands a church that looks modest from the outside, but inside… it's literally awash in gold. The Igreja de São Francisco is Porto's most important Gothic church, built (1383–1410) alongside a Franciscan convent. Its façade is recognizable by its intricate rose window and portal with a triangular gable.
Almost the entire interior of the church is clad in carved and gilded wood, covering the pillars, the vaults of the aisles, the window frames, and the altars. This is a showcase of local Baroque architecture and one of the most famous "golden" churches in Portugal.

Below, you'll find catacombs where brothers and benefactors of the Third Order Brotherhood are buried. In one of the corridors, under a glass pane, you can peer into an ossuary containing thousands of bones. Adjacent to it is a small museum with a Third Order chapel and treasury. The tour takes 45 to 75 minutes.

Opening hours
open every day
April 1 – September 30: 09:00 a.m. – 20:00 p.m.
October 1st – March 31st: 09:00 a.m. – 19:00 p.m.
Closed December 25th. (Note: Selected spaces may be temporarily closed, e.g., for liturgical or conservation reasons.)
Admission is paid.

Igreja de Sao Francisco, GPS coordinates:
41°08’27.6″N 8°36’57.7″W
41.141009, -8.616018 - click and route

18. Tram number 1 (Tram 1)

If you want to see Porto "from the water" and experience the city as the city's inhabitants did on their way to the seaside, hop on Tram 1 at the Infante stop, just a few steps from the Church of São Francisco. This historic tram, with its wooden interior dating back to the 20s and 30s, slowly rumbles along the tracks along the northern bank of the Douro, passing the former quays, under the Arrabida Bridge, and ending its run in the leafy Jardim do Passeio Alegre in the Foz district, where the river meets the Atlantic.
The route itself is a short lesson in the history of Porto's urban planning:
on the left (from the river): boats, dock outlets and views of Gaia,
on the right: warehouses, former workshops and stops remembering the times when this line took entire families to the seaside.
Today, the tram is a "living museum," a tourist attraction, but also a real means of transport, best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon, when it's quieter and easier to get a window seat on the south side of the car (better shots on the Douro).

The history of the local tramway begins in 1872 with horse-drawn lines known as "Carros Americanos." Electrification arrived in 1895, when Porto was a pioneer on the Iberian Peninsula. Today, the historic network consists of two regularly operating lines (1 and 18), but it's "1" (along the river) that is the most picturesque. The lacquered wood and brass interiors, the click of the switches on curves, and the driver's steady bell add an atmosphere to the ride that can't be replaced by anything else.

Route and stops
Line 1 connects Infante with Passeio Alegre, stopping along the way at Alfandega, Cais das Pedras, Museu do Carro Eletrico (worth a quick hop off), Ponte da Arrabida, Fluvial, and Cantareira. The entire journey usually takes around 23–30 minutes. Actual journey time depends on the season and traffic. At the end of the walk, you'll reach the Farol de Felgueiras lighthouse and the oceanfront promenade.

Interesting facts:
The first line (horse-drawn) was launched in 1872. Electric trams were introduced in 1895 (among the first on the Iberian Peninsula). Today's Line 1 largely follows that 19th-century coastal route.

At the Museu do Carro Eletrico stop, you'll find the Tram Museum, housed in a former power plant dating back to 1914. It's a great addition to your ride. Your tram ticket includes a discount at the museum (depending on ticket type).

Operating hours and frequency
Every day, from 09:00 to 20:35,
runs approximately every 20 minutes (schedule depends on the season).
One-way journey time approximately 25-30 minutes.

Tickets and prices (2025)
Adults:
1 trip – €6,00
"2-trip" ticket (there and back on the same day) – EUR 8,00
2-day ticket – 12,00 EUR

Children (4-12 years):
1 trip – €3,50
2-day ticket – 6,00 EUR

Where to buy a tram ticket?
Only from the tram conductor (applies to single, 2-trip and 2-day tickets).

Discount for the Tram Museum: coupon on the ticket (30-50% depending on the type).

Please note: Andante Tour 24/72h tourist cards are not valid on historic trams.

Infante – starting stop of tram no. 1, GPS coordinates:
41°08’26.1″N 8°36’58.9″W
41.140578, -8.616364 - click and route

Passeio Alegre – the final stop of tram no. 1, GPS coordinates:
41°08’51.7″N 8°40’03.6″W
41.147682, -8.667677 - click and route

19. Ribeira

Ribeira is the heart of old Porto. With its terraced mix of houses and narrow streets, the district descends down the slope to the Douro River. The name itself means "riverside" in Portuguese. Since the Middle Ages, a port, warehouses, markets, and workshops have operated here, and life centered around today's Praca da Ribeira and the Cais da Estiva and Cais da Ribeira quays. In the 18th century, as the city sought better communication between the coast and the "mountain," Governor João de Almada e Melo opened the new Rua de São João and rebuilt the square. The result is regular frontages with arcades on the north and west sides. From the south, the square now opens onto the river (the former section of walls was demolished in 1821). In the niche of the Fountain of St. John stands a contemporary sculpture by João Cutileiro (2000), and a few steps further you will find the "Cubo da Ribeira", a contemporary, cube-shaped accent over the relics of a 17th-century well.
It could be said that Ribeira currently combines several layers of time: medieval streetbeds, the Enlightenment order of the square and 21st-century art in public spaces.

A stroll along the waterfront leads to the Ponte de Dom Luis I (a steel arch from 1886), designed by Theophile Seyrig (an associate of Eiffel). This double-decker bridge connects Ribeira with Gaia: pedestrians and buses pass below, while metro D trains run above, and pedestrians also stroll, enjoying one of the most beautiful panoramas of Porto and the vineyards on the slopes of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Ribeira itself is a leisurely stroll: Rua da Fonte Taurina, Rua da Reboleira, and the alleys of Barredo reveal the everyday dimension of the district: laundry on balconies, small workshops, and staircases winding between houses. At the junction of the waterfront and the old town, the Postigo do Carvão gate (1348) also survives. It's the only surviving remnant of the medieval Muralhas Fernandinas, through which goods entered the city (the name commemorates coal: carvão). It's also a great place to appreciate how close the port, warehouses, and city walls once were.

Before the railway was built, barrels were floated down the Douro River in flat-bottomed rabelo boats. You can still see their silhouettes along the quay. Today, they are mainly used as excursion boats on the popular "Six Bridges Cruise" (approximately 50 minutes along the six bridges of Porto and Gaia).
Tickets can be difficult to find at midday. Online booking is a good option. Below are links to various offers from several carriers.

check tickets: Porto – Six Bridges Cruise – [click] (GetYourGuide)

WARNING!
When it comes to food, the first row of restaurants along the river has spectacular views and prices. More interesting options at better prices can often be found a street or two down the street (including around Rua da Fonte Taurina and Reboleira).

Curiosity:
In Porto, a tradition persists that Infante D. Henrique was born on March 4, 1394, in what is now Casa do Infante (the former royal customs house and mint on the quay). This version is supported by two documents: a narrative by the chronicler Fernão Lopes, who in his "Cronica de D. João I" simply names Porto as his birthplace, and a medieval parchment from the Municipal Archives (kept in Casa do Infante) recording the city's expenses for the baptism ceremony four days after his birth.
But where exactly did Casa do Infante come from? In the 14th century, it was the largest secular royal complex in the city: a warehouse, customs office, and mint, with quarters for officials and facilities for hosting the court during their stays in Porto. This suggests that the royal couple may have stayed here, and that the birth is most likely here. Thus, the name "Prince's House" and the local tradition, later perpetuated in the museum narrative, were born. It should be noted, however, that this is a reconstruction based on rather credible evidence, not a signed birth certificate with an address.

Riverside, landmark at the quay, GPS coordinates:
41°08’27.0″N 8°36’47.1″W
41.140842, -8.613072 - click and route

20. Dom Luis I Bridge

Many bridges have been built across the Douro, but only one has become the city's symbol. A two-story iron arch, intricately riveted like lace, connects Ribeira with Gaia and has, for over a century, demonstrated that engineering can be an art. The Dom Luis I Bridge, designed by Theophile Seyrig (a close collaborator of Eiffel and the designer of the earlier Maria Pia railway bridge), won a competition announced in 1880. Construction was commissioned to the Belgian Societe de Willebroek. On October 31, 1886, the upper deck was opened, and two years later, the lower deck was completed. At the time of its completion, it was the longest span of its kind in the world (172 meters).

Today, the upper level serves pedestrians and the Metro Line D, while the lower level serves pedestrians, bicycles, public transport, and taxis. The upper level opens almost directly onto the Jardim do Morro and the Serra do Pilar terrace (two of the best viewpoints for watching the sunset over the rooftops of Ribeira).
If you're wondering whether to go to watch the sunset from the bridge, I suggest a better vantage point is the terrace at Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (24). The views (and photos) are definitely more interesting when the bridge is visible against the sunset backdrop.

Curiosity:
At the foot of the bridge at Ribeira, next to the exit of the lower deck, stand the pillars of the former suspension bridge Ponte Pensil (1843–1886).

WARNING!
How to get up a mountain without climbing?
The Funicular dos Guindais runs from Ribeira. I've marked its location on the attractions map. This way, you can quickly get from Ribeira to the top of the bridge, or, at the end of a day of sightseeing, return from Gaia via the upper deck and descend to Ribeira for dinner.

Dom Luis I Bridge, coordinates in the middle of the footbridge length, GPS coordinates:
41°08’24.0″N 8°36’34.1″W
41.140000, -8.609463 - click and route

21. Porto Cellars (Caves do Vinho do Porto)

On the other side of the Douro, opposite Ribeira, lies the "kingdom of port." Rows of black tile roofs conceal cellars where fortified wine from the Douro Valley has matured for centuries. These are not small cellars, but vast warehouses and storage rooms where, in the twilight, oak pipas (approximately 550 liters) and enormous toneis (up to tens of thousands of liters) preserve ruby, tawny, and white ports in an ideal microclimate: cooler, more humid, with Atlantic breezes. Historically, maturation was moved here to avoid the summer "baking" in the scorching Douro; today, some houses recreate these conditions in the mountains, but Gaia remains the heart of tradition.

Curiosity:
The Douro is one of the oldest wine regions (1756) demarcated by boundaries and effectively regulated by law and quality requirements. While Chianti (1716) and Tokaj (1737) have earlier legal acts, it was the Douro that quickly and effectively integrated boundaries, production supervision, classification, and trade control into a single, coherent, efficient system when speculation and counterfeiting disrupted the port trade in the mid-18th century.
When demand grew faster than quality, even elderberry juice (baga de sabugueiro) was added to lower-quality wines to artificially deepen their color. In 1756, the Marquis de Pombal opted for strict state control of the market. He established the Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro (Royal Company – later Real Companhia Velha), creating the world's first such comprehensive and effective mechanism for controlling and maintaining wine quality.
He also introduced additional restrictions on the reputation of Port's rapid improvement: the company's monopoly on trade with selected markets (including England and Brazil), control over aguardente vínica (wine distillate used for fortification), and a ban on the cultivation and use of elderberries in the region to curb the practice of "coloring" the wine.
In Gaia, a customs and warehousing zone was established. It became the port's hub for exports. Until 1986, the law preferred (and even required) that wines be matured and shipped exclusively from Gaia.
The barrels were brought down to the quay in Gaia in flat-bottomed boats (rabelos), and after the construction of dams, locks, and railways in the second half of the 20th century, they were replaced by tankers. Today, the boats serve as a tourist attraction.

For visitors, Porto's wineries today represent a parallel universe: on the one hand, grand, historic houses (Taylor's, Graham's, Sandeman, Ferreira), and on the other, museums, viewing terraces, and fado concerts (e.g., at Cálem). Some wineries combine tastings with dinner and views of Porto (Vinum restaurant at Graham's; the garden and terrace at Taylor's), while others focus on archives and historical narratives (Ramos Pinto, Ferreira).

Visiting hours:
Most cellars are open daily, usually from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 (19:00 p.m.). Longer in the summer.
Reservations are required and there are limited places in each round.

WARNING!
Port wine cellars are extremely popular with tourists, especially during mealtimes and afterward. Advance reservations are essential. Various options are available, including live Fado performances.

check out: offers and available dates in Porto cellars – [click] (GetYourGuide)

– Porto's main cellars: a short guide

Before you start booking, learn briefly about the differences in the offer and nature of visits offered by the most famous wineries.

Taylor's – audioguide, garden with terrace, large selection of tastings
This is one of the most elaborate visits to Gaia: a year-round audio guide in 13 languages ​​(including Polish) leads through the museum exhibition (films, photos, exhibits) and the barrel cellars. After the tour, you sample three wines: Chip Dry – Extra Dry White (dry white), LBV (late bottled, from a single vintage), and 10-Year-Old Tawny (10-year-old tawny). For an additional fee, you can upgrade to older tawnies or a classic vintage. Located right next to the cellars are the Barao Fladgate restaurant and The Yeatman hotel, both with terraces overlooking Porto. The tour ends at the garden terrace, Taylor's Terrace, which many choose for a quiet tasting.

Taylor's, GPS coordinates:
41°08’02.3″N 8°36’50.7″W
41.133984, -8.614088 - click and route
address: Rua do Choupelo 250

Sandeman – "Don", bottle museum and waterfront terrace
It's hard to miss the white building with the large SANDEMAN lettering and the silhouette of "Don," a figure in a black cape (a Portuguese student cape) and sombrero hat. This famous logo was created in 1928 by Scottish graphic artist George Massiot Brown. Inside, you'll find Sandeman Hall and a free introductory exhibition about the brand's history and one of Europe's most interesting collections of vintage bottles (with examples dating back to the 17th century). Then, you'll walk through the halls with vats and barrels to the tasting rooms.
Types of visits:
– Short Porto Sandeman Visit (50 min / 3 wines: white, ruby, tawny)
– 1790 Visit (approximate duration: 1h 30min, tasting of 5 wines)
– Old Tawnies (approximate duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, tasting of old wines: 10, 20, 30 and 40 years old)
– Wine & Chocolate (approximate duration: 1 hour, tasting of 3 wines + chocolate)
– Mastering (approximate duration: 3 hours, tasting of 5 wines)

Sandeman, GPS coordinates:
41°08’15.6″N 8°36’44.8″W
41.137662, -8.612439 - click and route
address: Largo Miguel Bombarda 47

Calem – sightseeing and fado concert
Calem offers a popular combination: cellars + tasting + fado. First, a short, combined tour of the cellars and interactive mini-museum, followed by a 45-minute fado concert (usually a duet of voices and guitars), with two glasses of port (white and red) served during or after the concert.

Calem, GPS coordinates:
41°08’17.5″N 8°36’39.4″W
41.138206, -8.610953 - click and route
address: Av. de Diogo Leite 344
(right on the waterfront, 2–3 minutes from the lower level of the Luiz I Bridge)

Graham's – 1890 Lodge and Vinum Restaurant
The "1890 Lodge" on a hill above Gaia combines a guided tour (museum, barrel and bottle halls) with a guided tasting in rooms overlooking the river. It's best to book an hour in advance and combine your visit with a meal at the Vinum restaurant, open daily from 12:00 noon to midnight (cuisine featuring oven-roasted meats and fish, among other dishes).

Graham's, GPS coordinates:
41°08’14.7″N 8°37’24.8″W
41.137423, -8.623561 - click and route
address: Rua do Agro 141

Burmester – first stop at the bridge
Burmester is located literally next to the lower end of the Dom Luis I Bridge on the Gaia side (Largo Dom Luis I square). It's a convenient first stop after disembarking from the bridge: quick access, regular guided tours, and several tasting packages (from the classic "2-3 glasses" to chocolate pairings).
The interiors are compact and the narrative focuses on the brand's history (since 1750).

Burmester, GPS coordinates:
41°08’20.8″N 8°36’32.5″W
41.139099, -8.609016 - click and route
address: Largo Dom Luís I (near the Dom Luís I Bridge)

Ferreira – the trace of "Ferreirinha", the Vintage museum and the hall with azulejos
Porto Ferreira is a Portuguese icon dating back to 1751, closely associated with Dona Antonia Adelaide Ferreira ("Ferreirinha"), an entrepreneur who developed the Douro vineyards in the 19th century and left behind an impressive Vintage cellar.
The visit usually begins at Dona Antonia's House, leads through long galleries lined with vats and barrels, continues through the Vintage Museum, and ends with a tasting.

Types of visits (examples):
– Porto Ferreira Visit (approximate duration: 50 min, tasting of 3 wines: white, ruby, tawny)
– Dona Antonia Visit (approximate duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, tasting of 5 wines bearing her name)
– Port & Chocolate (approximate duration: 1 hour, tasting of 3 wines + chocolate)
– Porto Vintage Visit (approximate duration: 1h 30min, tasting of 4 wines, including 2 Vintage),
– Mastering (approximate duration: 3 hours, tasting of 5 wines)

Ferreira, GPS coordinates:
41°08’13.0″N 8°37’09.4″W
41.136944, -8.619263 - click and route
Address: Av. Ramos Pinto 70

– which port to choose: a quick guide

Ruby – a ruby ​​style, "fruity and power." It matures briefly in steel tanks or large vats to retain the color and fresh fruit aromas rather than barrel notes. Reserve/Reserva (a better selection of wines – fuller and juicier),
LBV – Late Bottled Vintage (from a single vintage, 4-6 years in wood, often ready to drink immediately),
Vintage ("king" class – only the best vintages, quickly bottled and further matured in glass).

Crusted Port – Ruby's less common cousin. This is a blend of several vintages, bottled after 3-4 years in wood, and then aged in the bottle for at least 3 years. Sediment ("crust") is the norm here, so decanting (i.e., carefully pouring the liquid from above the sediment) is a good habit. Taste-wise, it tends to be closer to a young Vintage than a straight Ruby.

Tawny – a "tawny, brick-red" style, aged in barrels and thus possessing distinct notes of nut, caramel, and orange peel. Basic Tawnys are young and lighter, but the magic happens with the age designations (10/20/30/40 years) – this is the age profile of the blend (simplified, the average age of the wines), not the age of the youngest wine.
From 2021, IVDP also allowed "50-year-old" (in selected homes).

White – White ports ranging from extra dry (very dry) to muito doce (very sweet). Besides young, citrus-floral styles, it's worth exploring Reserve White (approx. 7 years in wood) and Aged White with ages 10/20/30/40 – the profile and method are similar to Tawny, but made from white wines. There's also White Colheita (white, from a single vintage) and, ideally, Porto Tonico = white port + tonic water + ice + a slice of lemon/lime.

Harvest – This is a single-vintage tawny, aged for at least 7 years in barrel (often many times longer – sometimes 20, 30, or 50 years in wood), with the year and bottling date indicated on the label. The flavor changes with time in the barrel: from firm, dried, and fruity to tea-like, nutty, and balsamic.

Rose (pink) – a new, light, and aromatic style (first wide release: Croft Pink, 2008). Made by briefly maceration red grapes without oxidation, it can be drunk well chilled or in cocktails. Perfect for summer.

Our Cellar – A curiosity for connoisseurs: first, the barrel, then long-term maturation in glass demijohns (demijohns) for at least 8 years, and only then bottling. A unique style (plum, herbs, old wood, fresh glass). Today, it's practically a niche phenomenon, associated with the Niepoort house.

22. Gaia Gondola (Teleferico de Gaia)

a gondola lift, which in our sightseeing plan solves a very specific problem: how to overcome the difference in height between the riverside boulevard and the upper level of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the metro station on line D without getting out of breath.
The cable car route runs parallel to the Douro River: on one side, the red roofs of the lodges (cellars), on the other, the Ribeira and the iron arch of the bridge. The best time to ride down is at sunset, when the river turns copper, but in our case, there are so many attractions that there's no need (or time) to aim for a sunny sunset.

Technically, it's a short section. It's approximately 600 meters long and takes 5 minutes to ride. Average gradient: 9,1%. The upper station is located at an elevation of approximately 63 meters above sea level, right next to the Jardim do Morro and the bridge (upper deck), while the lower station is located near the Cais de Gaia market and the cruise terminals. Cabins accommodate 8 people, and capacity reaches approximately 850 people per hour. In practice, this means smooth traffic "everywhere," without long queues.

Opening hours:
October 25-March 23: 10:00-18:00
March 24-April 25: 10:00-19:00
April 26-September 24: 10:00-20:00 (June 23 – usually shorter due to the Sao Joao holiday)
September 25-October 24: 10:00-19:00
Closed only on December 25th

Lower station (Cais de Gaia) cable car, GPS coordinates:
41°08’14.4″N 8°36’58.3″W
41.137333, -8.616181 - click and route

Upper station (Jardim do Morro) cable car, GPS coordinates:
41°08’16.5″N 8°36’34.3″W
41.137929, -8.609534 - click and route

23. Garden on the Hill (Jardim do Morro)

Jardim do Morro literally means "garden on the hill," with its lawn, palm trees, and paths overlooking the Ribeira, the Clerigos Tower, and the arch of the bridge. In our plan, it serves as a place for a short rest and relaxation (if you need it) while waiting for the almost cinematic sunset over Porto. Before sunset, crowds spread out blankets, and street performers warm up the terrace with music.
If you want, you can watch the sunset from this point, but I recommend going further to point (24).

Jardim do Morro, GPS coordinates:
41°08’14.0″N 8°36’34.2″W
41.137227, -8.609507 - click and route

24. WOW Porto

A dozen renovated former wine warehouses combine here to create a terraced village with a square, museums, restaurants, and postcard-perfect views of the Ribeira. The WOW – World of Wine project opened on July 31, 2020. Adrian Bridge, who transformed approximately 55 square meters of former factory space into a contemporary cultural quarter, created this notion of a vast wine museum, but a carefully curated mix of attractions: from the roots of the cork oak, through the history of the Porto region, to the pink madness of the Pink Palace. Most importantly, it's still a vibrant part of the city: outdoor concerts, temporary exhibitions at the Atkinson Museum, a wine school, and long evenings on the terraces. If you want a place that combines Porto, both vinous and innocent (however that sounds), this is it.

I treated WOW Porto as an additional attraction in my sightseeing plan and didn't include it in the main sightseeing route for two reasons: firstly, it's a bit off the beaten track, and with so many attractions, I had to save time (this argument is a bit far-fetched, because it's only a dozen or so minutes' walk from the upper level of the Dom Luis I Bridge and the upper cable car station), and secondly, when you get to WOW, you'll stay here longer than you should... it's just nice (and that's the real reason I left WOW out of the sightseeing plan... but please don't tell anyone about this, or I'll be finished as a guidebook author).

If you have more time in Porto or would consider blowing your entire itinerary to indulge in the delights WOW has to offer, here's some more information to help you.

– what to visit in WOW: 7 museums (with short explanations)

TheWineExperience – an interactive exploration of winemaking: climate, soil, varietals, and process. A good warm-up for the rest.

Planet Cork – everything about cork (Port. cortiça): ecology, techniques, applications.

Porto Region Across the Ages – the history of Porto “through the ages” with video mapping, tram and halls.

The Bridge Collection – The Art of Drinking – or “the art of drinking”, 9000 years of vessels and rituals; 2000+ exhibits from the Adrian Bridge collection.

The Chocolate Story (symbolic geographical belt 20|20) – cocoa from Mesoamerica to the on-site factory; finale with tasting and the Vinte Vinte brand (20°N-20°S – the so-called cocoa belt).

Pink palace – an accessible “course” on rosé wine with five mini-tastings and selfie-scenographies (including a pink Cadillac).

The Atkinson Museum – space for large temporary exhibitions (the program rotates seasonally).

– restaurants and terraces: where to sit

Mira Mira by Ricardo Costa – two Michelin stars
Ricardo Costa's signature cuisine: a 2-star restaurant (Michelin 2025), with a sunset-facing terrace. The menu combines tasting and à la carte menus; dishes feature a rich seafood and precision: for example, "carabinero" shrimp with garlic and cilantro, sea spider cannelloni with fermented cucumber and jalapeño, rice with fish and seafood, cod with beans and shrimp, and veal shank with gnocchi.
price level: high

Golden Catch – fish and seafood
A great place for mariscada (a large seafood platter) and classics with a modern twist. The signature dish is the Seafood Platter (cold, hot, or mixed; serves 3-4 people), featuring oysters, shrimp, mussels, mussels in garlic-cilantro sauce, shrimp tempura, and mussels in cream.
price level: medium – high

T&C – a classic of Portuguese cuisine
"Comfort food" from the Douro: caldo verde (kale and chourico soup), arroz de pato (duck with rice), rojões (fried pork), bacalhau in various forms, and (be careful!) francesinha (a local toasted sandwich in beer and tomato sauce). A great spot for your "first dinner after the museums."
price level: low – medium

Root & Vine – plant accents and a light "fusion"
The greenest spot on the square: salads, lighter fish, coconut, sesame – a mix of Portuguese with a delicate fusion (a creative blend of influences) and vegetarian options. The menu includes some vegetarian options, but this isn't strictly vegan.
price level: medium

PIP – pizza, pasta, burgers for families
Casual, family-friendly, with a view. Oven-baked pizza and other simple things.
price level: low

Angel's Share – wine & cocktail bar with live music
Best during golden hour and after sunset. Cocktails, port, and wine with views of Ribeira.
Live music Fri and Sat 10pm – 1am.
During the week, the bar is open from afternoon until late at night. Guests can enjoy the terrace or elegant interior – depending on their mood.
Price level: after two drinks, irrelevant

WOW Porto, GPS coordinates:
41°08’06.7″N 8°36’49.6″W
41.135204, -8.613769 - click and route

25. Monastery of Serra do Pilar (Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar)

The Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar is unique: the church and cloister have a circular plan. This layout is rare in Europe. It is the only structure of its kind in Portugal. The idea for this "perfect geometry" has been developing since the 16th century, when, following the reform of the Order of Canons Regular of St. Augustine, the decision was made to relocate the community from the decaying Grijo to a hill above the Douro (construction began in 1537-1538). Its present form is the result of a long history. Construction began in 1597 and lasted 75 years.
Currently (2025) the facility is under renovation (not available for visitors), and in our plan it will serve as a viewpoint, from which (in my opinion) there is the best view of the sunset, the city and the bridge.

This is where our sightseeing tour ends, and a long evening of Portuguese music and wine begins. The conditions are favorable, as you're now on the side of the city where port wine is plentiful. After a long day of sightseeing, we all deserved a reward and some relaxation.

The best sunset viewpoint is on the terrace at Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, GPS coordinates:
41°08’17.7″N 8°36’30.8″W
41.138259, -8.608546 - click and route

26. Guindais Cable Car (Funicular dos Guindais)

The Guindais Funicular connects the Ribeira waterfront with the upper city at Praca da Batalha, climbing the slope just outside the medieval walls (including the Muralha/Freiras section). The route is short but intense: 281 meters long and 61 meters vertical drop, with a maximum gradient of 36,1%. The ride takes less than 2,5 minutes, so for locals it's like a high-speed elevator from the bottom to the top. Tourists sometimes treat it as an additional tourist attraction.
The device works automatically (controlled from the upper station), and the carriages have self-leveling floors, so you stand in the cabin as if on a flat surface, even though the slope can be like a wall.
Technically, it's a classic monorail with a passing loop in the middle, where two carriages (each holding 25 people) are pulled by a cable. The frequency of approximately 10 minutes is sufficient to keep traffic flowing smoothly even during peak tourist seasons.

Hours of operation:
IV-X: Sun-Thu 08:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 08:00-24:00;
XI-III: Sun-Thu 08:00-20:00, Fri-Sat 08:00-22:00;

Prices (2025):
adults: €4,00 one-way, €6,00 ​​round-trip;
children 4-12 years: EUR 2,00 one-way, EUR 3,00 round-trip;
with Porto.CARD: adults €3,00, children €1,50;

Lower station Funicular dos Guindais, GPS coordinates:
41°08’27.4″N 8°36’34.2″W
41.140948, -8.609496 - click and route

Upper station Funicular dos Guindais, GPS coordinates:
41°08’31.8″N 8°36’31.3″W
41.142174, -8.608694 - click and route

27. House of Music (Casa da Musica)

I'm putting Casa da Musica on the waiting list, primarily for those interested in contemporary architecture. This is, of course, due to the building's unusual shape, which is unmistakable: a white polygon with windows like frames cut from a movie.
Casa da Musica, designed by Rem Koolhaas, opened its doors the year Porto became European Capital of Culture (2001). The heart of the building is the Sala Suggia (named after Porto cellist Guilhermina Suggia), one of the few halls in the world designed to accommodate performances in natural light. The two ends of the hall are enclosed by undulating glass panels, offering both audience and musicians a panoramic view of the city. The hall seats approximately 1238 and is enclosed by a network of paths, platforms, and stairs.

House of Music, GPS coordinates:
41°09’30.9″N 8°37’50.9″W
41.158576, -8.630797 - click and route

28. Garden City of Art: Serralves

Serralves is a large (18-hectare) complex on the western side of Porto city centre, where the white, minimalist walls of the Alvaro Siza Museum meet a powder-pink Art Deco villa and a vast park with sculptures and a treetop walkway.
The tour begins in the contemporary art gallery, continues through the gardens, and ends in the elegant interiors of Count Vizela's interwar residence.

The Serralves Museum, opened in 1999, was designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira, an architect who favors buildings that almost blend into the landscape. The U-shaped plan is designed to literally draw the garden inside: light and greenery flow into the rooms, and the view outside the window is as important as the work on the wall.

Designed in the 1930s by French urban planner and horticulturist Jacques Greber, the park features a system of formal gardens, forest paths, and a former farmstead. Over 8,000 trees and shrubs (approximately 230 species) grow here, and artists' works can be found among the greenery. There is also a treetop walkway.

The highlight of a visit is the Casa de Serralves, the villa of Count Carlos Alberto Cabral (Conde de Vizela). It's textbook Art Deco in its fullest form: from the architecture to the furnishings and craftsmanship. The interiors were co-designed by masters of the era: Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann (furniture), Rene Lalique (glass), Edgar Brandt (artistic blacksmithing), and Jean Perzel (lamps). Pink marble, geometric floors, the polished handrails of the spiral staircase, and the view of the ground floor from the balconies – all this contributes to an experience of interwar luxury.

The Serralves layout is completed by the Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira (literally "House of Cinema," dedicated to Portugal's most famous director). The building houses a screening room, exhibition space, and archives.

Opening hours:
X-III: usually 10:00-18:00 on weekdays, 10:00-19:00 on weekends.
April-September: usually 10:00-19:00 (Mon-Fri), 10:00-20:00 (weekends and holidays).

Combined tickets (Museum + Park + Villa + Treetop Walk + Casa do Cinema): €24;
Park only: 15 EUR;
Children up to 12 years old free of charge.

Porto is not everything

Within an hour or two of Porto, you'll find places that combine landscape and history in a completely different way: Aveiro with its lagoon and colorful, flat-bottomed moliceiro boats, the rugged Paiva River valley with its wooden footbridges, and the picturesque Douro vineyard terraces, carved by human hands for centuries. If you have more time, you can visit these places without even needing a car. Organized day trips depart from Porto. Below you'll find links to selected suggestions, but the landing page for your chosen tour usually also displays other, similar options. Perhaps there's something for you?

Aveiro, Paiva footbridge and suspension bridge

Douro Valley with Boat Trip, Wine Tasting and Lunch

Portugal sightseeing plan

This entry is part of a complete one Portugal sightseeing plan - [click]. The guide contains plans, maps and descriptions of specific sightseeing routes.
To see all currently available descriptions of attractions in Portugal, click on the link: Continental Portugal - [click].

Safe car rental guide: Portugal - car rental without credit card, no deposit

Porto – accommodation and hotels

The best accommodation in Porto is one that allows you to truly experience the city's atmosphere. It's worth putting in the effort to find the most attractive accommodation to ensure you enjoy your stay.
As usual, I've prepared special filter links that prevent offers from appearing that could unnecessarily clutter the search results and narrow the search to the section you're interested in. This eliminates the need to manually enter this information each time. Results are generated in real time, so the list of results will change depending on availability and current promotions. I recommend using these links, as they simplify your search and save you time.

check out: list of attractive accommodations in Porto – [click]

Below, I've also included a few specific suggestions that can be a good starting point for your own search. Don't consider them a definitive guide to the hotels I recommend. Instead, consider them a good starting point for further research. The links I've included utilize a search engine mechanism, which, alongside a specific hotel, always suggests other, similar options, often at more attractive prices.

Browse, book and enjoy!

Blau 1911 – [click]

Porto By Heart – [click]

Virtudes City Lofts – [click]

Cheap flights

Below, you'll find a tool I created that looks like a regular search engine, but is actually really fast and clever. It allows you to instantly check flight prices to your destination.
One click on the "OK" button without entering anything, you can check the current prices of airline tickets from all airports in the country (Poland is entered by default). The form works in real time and immediately generates current call prices! If you want to check connections from another country (or city), simply enter its name in the box. Later (if the list proves interesting), you can modify the search parameters on the landing page (starting city, dates, currency, language, etc.). The search engine works on all devices (phone, computer, tablet) and automatically adjusts functionality to the device type and screen size.


The landing page is probably the world's largest airline ticket comparison and search engine: Skyscanner
The website works in 24 languages ​​and if it opens in a language other than your preferred one, simply switch it (in the menu or the globe icon in the upper right corner).

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