Things To See In Porto

Porto is the vibrant and beautiful second largest city in Portugal and the cultural and economic hub of the north of the country. Situated by the Douro River, Porto is an exhilarating mix of cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, bustling markets, lively squares, and impressive monuments. It is a city full of life and culture, where the locals are warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere is bustling and exciting.

Porto has a long and fascinating history, having been founded in the 4th century by the Celts. It was then occupied by the Romans who called it Portus Cale, before being taken over by the Moors in the 8th century. The modern city of Porto is a mix of the old and new, where traditional architecture is still very much alive alongside modern constructions. It is also one of the oldest cities in Portugal, with a population of around 250,000 people, making it the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon.

Porto is a city with a unique atmosphere, where you can lose yourself in its narrow streets, discover hidden gems in its old churches, explore its lively squares, and sample its delicious gastronomy. It is one of the most visited cities in Portugal and is famous for its port wine production and its rich history and culture. From its vibrant nightlife to its stunning architecture, there are so many things to see and do in Porto, making it an ideal destination for travelers.

History of Porto

Porto’s history is closely linked to its location on the Douro River. The port of Porto has been an important trading post since antiquity, and it was here that the Romans founded the city of Portus Cale. During the Middle Ages, it was an important port for trade between Portugal and England, and in 1387 it became part of Portugal’s monarchy.

The city’s architecture reflects its long history, with a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings. One of the most impressive monuments in the city is the Sé do Porto (Cathedral of Porto), which dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Portugal. Other noteworthy monuments include the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace), a former stock exchange built in 1842; the Torre dos Clérigos (Clerics Tower), an 18th century bell tower; and the Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St. Francis), which was built in 1383.

Things to See in Porto

There are so many amazing things to see and do in Porto that it can be difficult to know where to start. Here is our guide to some of the best attractions in the city:

Ribeira

Ribeira is one of the oldest and most picturesque districts of Porto. Located on the banks of the Douro River, it is a vibrant area full of colorful buildings, lively squares and cobbled streets. Here you can find some of the city’s most iconic monuments, such as São Bento train station and the Church of São Francisco. Take some time to explore the narrow streets, sample some local delicacies at one of the many cafés or restaurants, or take a boat ride along the river for stunning views of Ribeira and the Douro Valley.

Câmara Municipal de Porto

The Câmara Municipal de Porto (Porto City Hall) is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Located on Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square), it was built in 1777 and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. The building is adorned with sculptures, frescoes and statues, as well as a spectacular view over Praça da Liberdade from its balcony.

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. Located on Rua das Carmelitas, it is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and was even voted one of the most beautiful bookstores on Earth by National Geographic. Built in 1906, it has an impressive interior featuring stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings, wrought iron balconies and an ornate staircase. It is a must-see for any visitor to Porto.

Jardim do Morro

Jardim do Morro (Garden on the Hill) is a beautiful park located on a hill overlooking Ribeira. It offers stunning views over the city, as well as a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Porto’s attractions. The park is also home to several monuments including a statue of King Afonso Henriques and a monument to Vasco da Gama.

Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is one of Porto’s most important museums. Located on Rua de Carlos Alberto, it houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The museum also features temporary exhibitions showcasing pieces from international artists as well as contemporary Portuguese art.

Ponte de Dom Luís I

Dom Luís I bridge is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1886 by architect Teófilo Seyrig, it connects Porto’s old town to Ribeira on the other side of the Douro river. The bridge offers stunning views over both sides of Porto and is particularly impressive when lit up at night.

Popular Tours in Porto

In addition to exploring all that Porto has to offer on your own, there are also several popular tours available for visitors looking to experience the city from a different perspective. Here are two popular tours for tourists visiting Porto for the first time:

Port Wine Tour

The Port Wine Tour is one of the most popular tours for visitors to Porto. On this tour you will visit several different wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across from Ribeira. Here you will learn about the history and process of port wine production and sample some of the different varieties available. This tour also includes visits to some of Vila Nova de Gaia’s most iconic monuments such as Dom Luís I bridge and São João Baptista church. You can book a port wine tour here for an unforgettable experience.

Douro Valley Tour

The Douro Valley Tour is another popular tour for visitors to Porto. On this tour you will travel through stunning landscapes lined with vineyards, olive groves and quaint villages. You will also visit some iconic monuments such as Pinhão railway station with its brightly colored tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese folklore, São João da Pesqueira castle and Régua riverfront promenade. You can also sample some traditional Portuguese cuisine along this tour as well as explore some picturesque villages such as Pinhão or Régua. You can book a Douro Valley tour here for an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

Porto is an incredible city with something for everyone. From its vibrant nightlife to its stunning architecture and delicious gastronomy, there are so many things to see and do here that you could spend days exploring it all. Whether you’re looking to explore its iconic monuments or experience its culture through its delicious food or its port wine tours, there are plenty of things to see in Porto to keep you busy during your stay here!