Porto is Portugal's second-largest city, made one of Europe's most beloved destinations by the picturesque valley of the Douro river, the world fame of port wine and its stunning Baroque architecture. Strolling the steep streets of the UNESCO-listed old town, at every corner another azulejo-tiled facade, atmospheric restaurant or breathtaking viewpoint awaits. The city doesn't try to compete with neighbouring Lisbon, its own character, its tough-minded, proud identity make it special. Discover the ten best spots in Porto with us!
1. Ribeira district (UNESCO World Heritage)
Stretching along the bank of the Douro, Ribeira is Porto's oldest and most picturesque district, part of the World Heritage since 1996. The colourful houses stacked on top of one another, the narrow alleys and the riverside promenade radiate a romantic atmosphere. Sitting on Praça da Ribeira, you look out over the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia opposite and the Dom Luís I Bridge. In the evening the illuminated riverfront is especially magical, it's worth having dinner here too.
2. Dom Luís I Bridge
Designed by Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and opened in 1886, this two-level iron bridge is Porto's iconic symbol. The upper level is the realm of pedestrians and the metro, from here, 45 metres up, there's an unmatched panorama over Ribeira and Gaia. On the lower level cars and pedestrians pass, and from here you can photograph closest to the water. The bridge can be approached from both sides, but it's worth starting from the Gaia side to admire the view of the Porto side.
3. Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)
This 76-metre Baroque bell tower is Porto's best-known symbol, designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 1750s. After climbing 240 steps, a 360-degree panorama unfolds from the city's highest point. The interior of the neighbouring Clérigos church is beautiful too, and can be viewed for free. The best light is early in the morning and at dusk, that's when it's worth going up for photos.
4. Livraria Lello
Opened in 1906, this bookshop is often cited as one of the world's most beautiful, and is said to have inspired J. K. Rowling when writing the Harry Potter series. Behind the neo-Gothic facade you're greeted by a red, winding staircase and a beautiful wooden ceiling. Admission costs €5, but this is deducted from any book purchase. To avoid queuing, buy a timed ticket online and, if possible, visit on a weekday morning.
5. Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)
This 19th-century neoclassical stock exchange palace is a witness to Porto's economic golden age and one of the city's most spectacular interiors. The stunning Moorish-inspired decoration of the Arab Room (Salão Árabe) was made with 18 kilograms of gold leaf, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. The building can be visited only on a guided tour, offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The tour takes about 30 minutes, and it's worth booking a ticket in advance during high season.
6. Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
The city's oldest building dates from the 12th century, made unique by the blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. The walls of the cloister are covered with wonderful 18th-century blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting biblical scenes. From the terrace in front of the cathedral there's a great view of the city and the Douro Valley. Admission to the church is free, while the cloister and treasury require a separate ticket.
7. Foz do Douro
Lying where the Douro river meets the Atlantic Ocean, this district is Porto's seaside face, lined with elegant villas, promenades and fish and seafood restaurants. From the Farol de Felgueiras lighthouse you can watch a beautiful sunset over the ocean. The small beaches of Praia dos Ingleses and Praia do Carneiro are popular bathing spots in summer, though the water is cool. The Art Deco promenade of the Pérgola da Foz is ideal for an afternoon coffee by the sea.
8. Majestic Café
Opened in 1921, this café is a preserved gem of Porto's Belle Époque elegance, with its Art Nouveau interior and huge mirrors. J. K. Rowling is said to have written the first chapters of Harry Potter here while living in Porto. The coffee and pastries aren't cheap (an espresso is about €5), but the atmosphere and historical value of the place are worth every cent. It's located on the Rua de Santa Catarina shopping street, so you can fit it into your shopping tour.
9. São Bento station
Porto's central station is not merely a transport hub but a genuine work of art: the walls of the waiting hall are covered with around 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles. The painter Jorge Colaço created the panels between 1905 and 1916, depicting grand scenes from Portuguese history. The hall is free to view, it's worth coming early in the morning, when there are still few people around. The station is Porto's ideal starting point for train trips into the Douro Valley and northern Portugal.
10. Port wine cellars (Vila Nova de Gaia)
In the Vila Nova de Gaia district on the opposite bank of the Douro, more than 50 wine cellars offer tastings and cellar tours. Taylor's, Graham's, Sandeman and Cálem are the most visited cellars, where you can learn the centuries-old traditions of making port wine. A basic tour with tasting costs €10–15, while premium tastings offer rare vintages for €25–40. Sitting on the terraces of the Gaia quay with a glass of tawny port in hand, you get the best view of Ribeira across the river.
Practical tips
- Porto Card: the 24–72-hour tourist card includes free transport, discounted admissions and one wine-cellar tasting, worth it already for 2 days.
- Comfortable shoes are essential: Porto too is made of steep, cobbled streets, and there's a serious climb from Ribeira up to the Sé.
- Francesinha is a must: Porto's iconic sandwich is made with meats, cheese and a beer-tomato sauce, try it at Café Santiago or Lado B.
- eSIM for Portugal: with a Portuguese eSIM you'll have mobile internet already at the airport, so you can navigate and book right away, save on roaming costs.
- Douro Valley excursion: if you have a free day, take a boat trip or train ride into the Douro Valley, the terraced-vineyard landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.