The second largest city in Portugal, Porto is a vibrant metropolis renowned for its port wine, modern bridges, Beaux-Arts architecture, contemporary art scene, exciting nightlife, and traditional Portuguese cuisine with fresh seafood, and local dishes. This coastal city is a bustling tourist spot striking a perfect balance between old and new! Riverside areas in Porto are particularly fascinating with colorful buildings with red roofs and exhilarating views. Owing to a wealth of historical attractions and a flourishing art scene, Porto welcomes millions of tourists all round year.
Visit the old town of Porto with cobblestone streets and narrow alleys to step back into the medieval era of Portugal. Those interested in exploring the authentic life of Portuguese people should never miss this lovely town. If you are a beach person, you can spend some time at Porto’s beautiful beaches dazzling with golden sand and rugged shoreline. The best part! These beaches are not far from the city so you can definitely lounge in the sun while enjoying the stunning views of the Atlantic.
Find below the top Porto attractions you can’t miss out on –
Cais da Ribeira
A promenade along the Douro river, Cais da Ribeira has to be the top destination on your travel itinerary for Porto. Buzzing with activity, this place is packed with enthralling beauty thanks to the picturesque backdrop of pastel-colored facades near the waters of Douro. Take a stroll along the riverfront promenade and reward yourself with the enchanting views of Dom Luis bridge. This area is lined with authentic Portuguese restaurants and bars ready to satiate your cravings for yummilicious food.
Just above the waterfront, you’ll find the old town of Porto, which is also the historic center of the city. Such is the vibrance and charm of this town that it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Beautiful and elegant old houses with quaint streets are enough to blow you away. The view on the riverside is absolutely stunning, especially at nighttime. So make sure to explore the area to enjoy the lively nightlife of Porto as well as take in the gorgeous views.
Ponte de Dom Luís I
Bridges are a major highlight of Porto. In total, there are 6 bridges in the city, and Ponte de Dom Luís I, a double-deck arch bridge, is the most popular one. Built over the Douro river, it was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel. At the time of its completion, Ponte de Dom Luís I was the longest metal arch bridge in the world. This bridge has two levels that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper level of the bridge is for metro line D and the lower one is for general traffic. Both levels can be accessed by pedestrians.
The stupendous structure of the bridge will surely leave you astonished. Take a stroll along the upper level of this iconic bridge to enjoy beautiful views of the city and Douro river. If possible, catch the sunset from the upper level as it’s beautiful beyond words. After walking across the bridge, you can reach the Vila Nova de Gaia side by taking the cable car down to the riverside to taste some port wine from the nearby port wine cellars.
Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)
A popular Roman Catholic church in Porto, Se Catedral, or Porto Cathedral is located in the historical center of Porto. It’s the oldest, largest, and most significant religious monument in the city. The construction of the church began in the 12th century; it underwent several renovations since then. A blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and baroque architecture, this cathedral is a perfect example of the rich history of Porto.
The highlights of this magnificent fortress-like monument include cloisters with beautiful tile murals, the chapter house, and a stunning 13th-century rose window on the west front. You can definitely feel medieval vibes while exploring this historic landmark. Sitting at the top of a hill, this unique church has a perfect ambiance for enjoying tranquility as well as views of Porto city and the Douro river. It’s a must-visit spot if you are in Porto!
Torre dos Clérigos
Designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nason, Torre dos Clérigos is a 75m-high tower displaying baroque characteristics with exquisite contours, domes, and spires. You have to climb 225 steps to reach the top of the tower that rewards you with terrific views of the city as well as the Douro river. Enjoy 360 degrees views of everything around and beyond from the top. Night views from here are absolutely stunning owing to the reflection of lights on the river. Not to mention, sunset views are equally amazing.
Built using granite and marble, Porto’s tallest bell tower is visible from almost any point in the city. In fact, it’s one of the most iconic attractions of Porto. Constructed between 1754 and 1763, it also offers views of different monuments in specific directions. This spot has a really quiet atmosphere away from the buzzing city area. The tower is a part of an adjoining church, where you’ll find a collection of religious paintings and other artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Serralves Museum
If you want to get a glimpse of contemporary art and culture in Porto, a visit to the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is a must. The museum is truly an architectural gem! Located in a beautiful garden west of the downtown area in Porto, this impressive modern art museum in Portugal displays the works of great artists and architects worldwide. The museum doesn’t have a permanent collection of displays, but temporary exhibitions are held here on a regular basis.
You’ll find the main exhibitions in a modern building, which is also an artwork designed by architect Alvaro Siza Vieira. The building is a really attractive structure with a unique minimalist design and draws millions of travelers visiting Porto. In addition to the quirky architectural displays, you can also enjoy the stunning views of the gardens surrounding the museum. Constructed in the 1930s, Casa Serralves- an art deco mansion (or ‘the pink house’) on the site is also noteworthy thanks to its impressive exteriors.
Best time to visit Porto
It’s best to visit Porto during late spring or early autumn i.e. the month of June and September. And if you want to soak up the festive vibes in the city, plan a visit during the Festas Santos Populares celebrations.
To move conveniently from one part of the city to another, rent a car in Porto with PortugalRentalCars. It saves you from a lot of hassle associated with public transit and taxis and ensures easy travel throughout your stay. We have a wide variety of rental cars in different sizes and categories such as mini, compact, standard, full size, SUV, and luxury.
