Introduction to Porto
Porto is a vibrant and historic city located in the north of Portugal, situated on the beautiful Douro River. Known for its stunning architecture, its cobbled streets, and its many bridges, Porto is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. With its history dating back to the 13th century, Porto is steeped in culture and has much to offer visitors.

The city has a population of around 250,000 people, with many living and working in the city itself. It is a bustling port city and the second largest in Portugal after Lisbon. It is known for its many old churches, monuments, and buildings, as well as its vibrant nightlife. Porto is also home to one of the oldest football clubs in the world, Porto FC, which plays in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Porto’s iconic architecture and culture make it an ideal destination for those looking to explore a unique city. The city is filled with traditional, red-tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, and picturesque bridges. The old town, or Ribeira district, makes up the historic center of Porto and offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s history. This area is filled with ancient monuments and churches, as well as lively bars and restaurants.

Porto is also renowned for its food and wine. The city is particularly famous for its Port Wine, which is produced in the nearby Douro Valley. Visitors can explore the many wineries in the area and sample some of the best Port Wine the country has to offer. The city also offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes and traditional Portuguese cuisine, from bacalhau to caldeirada.

With its stunning views, unique architecture, and vibrant culture, Porto is a great destination for tourists looking to explore a new city. Here are some of the top places to see in Porto.

The Ribeira District

The Ribeira District is one of the main attractions in Porto, located in the heart of the city. This area is known for its cobblestone streets, ancient monuments and churches, as well as its lively bars and restaurants. It is a popular spot with both locals and tourists alike who come here to explore its winding alleyways and take in its stunning views of the Douro River.

The Ribeira district is also home to some of the oldest buildings in Porto. These include the Torre dos Clerigos, a baroque bell-tower that stands at 75 meters tall; the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso church; and the Casa do Infante, which was once home to Prince Henry the Navigator. These buildings are great examples of traditional Portuguese architecture and are definitely worth checking out during your visit.

The Palácio da Bolsa

The Palácio da Bolsa is another popular tourist attraction in Porto and is often referred to as “the pearl of Porto”. This grand neoclassical building was built in 1842 as a stock exchange and has since been renovated into one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto. The interior of the palace is even more impressive than its exterior, with its grand staircase, lavish salons, and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can explore this magnificent building on a guided tour where they will learn about its history and admire its many ornate details.

Ponte de Dom Luis I

The Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Porto and is a great place to take in views of the city. This double-decked bridge connects Porto to its neighboring town Vila Nova de Gaia and was built in 1886 by Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig. From the top deck of this bridge, visitors can take in stunning views of Porto’s old town as well as its vibrant waterfront area. The bridge also offers great photo opportunities and is definitely worth visiting during your stay in Porto.

The São Francisco Church

Located in the heart of Porto’s old town is the São Francisco Church – one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal. This ornate baroque church was built between 1716 and 1739 and features intricate stucco decoration on its façade as well as grandiose gilded woodcarvings on its interior walls. This church also houses a famous golden altarpiece which was designed by Manuel Pereira in 1750. Visitors can explore this church on a guided tour where they will learn about its history and admire its many ornate details.

Take a Tour of the Portuguese Riviera

One of the best ways to explore Porto is by taking a guided tour of the Portuguese Riviera. This tour will take visitors on a journey through some of Portugal’s most stunning coastlines, featuring picturesque beaches, charming seaside villages, and breathtaking cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Stop off at some of Portugal’s most beautiful towns such as Cascais, Estoril, and Sintra, where you can explore their quaint cobblestone streets, ancient monuments, and stunning beaches. On this tour, you will also have the chance to visit some of Portugal’s most famous wineries where you can sample some of the country’s finest wines. Book a tour of the Portuguese Riviera here.

Explore Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is another popular destination for tourists visiting Porto. This region offers stunning views of Portugal’s countryside as well as some of the finest wines in Europe. On this tour, you will have the chance to explore some of Portugal’s most picturesque vineyards located in the Douro Valley region, where you can sample some of their best wines such as Port Wine and Douro Red Wine. You can also explore some of Portugal’s most charming villages such as Pinhão where you can get lost in its narrow cobblestone streets or stop off at one of the many cafes to sample some traditional Portuguese food. Book a tour of Douro Valley here.

Take a Food Tour

One of the best ways to experience all that Porto has to offer is by taking a food tour around the city. On this tour, you will visit some of the best food spots around town where you can try some delicious traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (codfish) or carne de porco à Alentejana (pork with clams). You can also sample some local delicacies such as Francesinha (a sandwich made with ham, cheese, steak, egg and beer) or pastéis de nata (custard tarts). During your tour, you will also have the chance to explore some of Porto’s most iconic sights such as Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge or Ribeira District as well as learn about its history and culture from your knowledgeable local guide. Book a food tour here.

Conclusion

Porto is a vibrant city filled with stunning architecture, interesting history, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. With so much to see and do in this charming port city it can be hard to know where to start! But with our guide on Places To See In Porto you now have all you need to make your visit unforgettable. From exploring some of Porto’s most iconic attractions such as Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge or São Francisco Church to taking tours through Douro Valley or trying some delicious local dishes on a food tour – this guide will help you make the most out of your time in this beautiful city!