Top Sights in Porto: A City Guide for Tourists

Porto is a vibrant city in the north of Portugal, located right on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second-largest city in Portugal and has a rich history, culture and architecture. Porto is known for its port wine production and its tasty gastronomy, and is a popular tourist destination. It is full of amazing sights and attractions and is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a unique experience. In this guide, we will explore some of the top sights in Porto, from its historical attractions to its picturesque vistas.

History of Porto

Porto has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements as far back as 300 BC. It was founded in 868 AD as “Portus Cale” by a vassal of the King of Asturias, and quickly became an important center of trade. Throughout its history, Porto has been home to many different cultures and civilizations, including the Romans, Visigoths and Moors.

Porto experienced a period of prosperity during the 18th century with the development of the port wine industry. This industry made Porto one of the most important trading ports in the world and helped transform the city into a modern center of commerce and industry. The city also experienced a period of growth during the 19th century when it became an important industrial center.

Famous Landmarks

Porto is full of famous landmarks that are worth visiting. One of the most renowned sights in Porto is the historic Ribeira district, which is located along the Douro river. The area is full of old buildings and cobbled streets that date back to medieval times, and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine and drinks.

The Clerigos Tower is another iconic landmark in Porto. This 18th-century bell tower was constructed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, and it stands 75 meters tall. There are views from the top for those who want to make the climb, and it is one of the most popular attractions in Porto.

Another must-see attraction in Porto is the Stock Exchange Palace, which is located in the downtown area. This impressive building was built in the 19th century and is home to the oldest stock exchange in Portugal. The palace features an ornate neoclassical façade and is a great place to take a stroll and admire its beauty.

Beaches

Porto boasts some beautiful beaches that are worth visiting. The city has several beaches along its coastline, including Matosinhos Beach, Foz Beach, Miramar Beach and Granja Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just taking a leisurely stroll along the sand.

The beaches of Porto also offer plenty of activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding. There are also some great beach bars where you can enjoy a cool drink after a long day at the beach.

Food and Drink

Porto is famous for its delicious food and drinks. The city is home to many traditional Portuguese dishes such as francesinha (a sandwich filled with meat and covered in a tomato-based sauce), caldo verde (a soup made with kale), and bacalhau (salted cod). Porto also has plenty of seafood dishes such as sardines, octopus and clams.

The city is also well-known for its port wine production. Port wine is made from grapes grown in the region’s Douro Valley, which is located just outside of Porto. There are many different types of port wine available, ranging from sweet reds to dry whites. For those looking to sample some local wines, there are plenty of wineries in Porto that offer tastings and tours.

Shopping

Porto has plenty of great shopping opportunities for visitors. The city has several large shopping centers such as Centro Commercial de Campanha and Centro Comercial Colombo where you can find everything from clothing to electronics. There are also plenty of local boutiques located throughout the city that offer unique items that cannot be found anywhere else.

For those looking for a more unique shopping experience, there are several markets throughout Porto where you can find local crafts, antiques and food items. The most popular markets are located in Ribeira Square, Aliados Square and Santa Catarina Street.

Popular Activities

Aside from sightseeing, there are plenty of activities for people who want to experience Porto like a local. One popular activity is taking a cruise on the Douro river which offers stunning views over the old town. Another popular activity is to take a walking tour through the city’s narrow streets and visit some of its hidden gems.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can take a kayaking tour down the Douro river or go on a bike tour around the city’s hilly streets. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of parks in Porto where you can relax and enjoy some fresh air.

Book a Tour: Viator’s ‘Highlights of Porto’ Tour

For those looking to experience all that Porto has to offer in one day, Viator’s ‘Highlights of Porto’ tour is an excellent choice. The tour includes visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Clerigos Tower, Ribeira district and Stock Exchange Palace as well as stops at some lesser-known attractions such as São Bento Train Station and Tram 28E which gives visitors an authentic experience off the beaten path. The tour also includes stops at some of the city’s most popular beaches such as Matosinhos Beach and Foz Beach where visitors can take a refreshing dip in the ocean. The tour also includes plenty of opportunities to sample some delicious local cuisine as well as chances to shop for souvenirs at some of Porto’s best markets. With Viator’s ‘Highlights of Porto’ tour, visitors can experience all that this beautiful city has to offer in one day. Book Viator’s ‘Highlights of Porto’ Tour here.

Book a Tour: GetYourGuide’s ‘Best of Porto’ Tour

For those who have limited time in Porto but want to make sure they see all the best sights, GetYourGuide’s ‘Best of Porto’ tour is an excellent option. This tour includes visits to all of the city’s must-see attractions including Clerigos Tower, Ribeira district and Stock Exchange Palace as well as stops at some hidden gems such as Praça da Ribeira Square and Dom Luís I Bridge which provide spectacular views over the city. The tour also includes visits to some of Porto’s best beaches such as Matosinhos Beach and Foz Beach where visitors can take a refreshing dip in the ocean. Additionally, GetYourGuide’s ‘Best of Porto’ tour includes plenty of opportunities to sample some delicious local cuisine as well as chances to shop for souvenirs at some of Porto’s best markets. With GetYourGuide’s ‘Best of Porto’ tour, visitors can experience all that this beautiful city has to offer without missing out on anything important. Book GetYourGuide’s ‘Best of Porto’ Tour here.

Conclusion

Porto is an amazing city with lots to see and do for tourists visiting for the first time. Its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture make it a great destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. This guide has outlined some of its top sights including famous landmarks, beaches and places to shop and eat as well as two popular tours so that visitors can make sure they don’t miss out on anything important during their stay in this wonderful city.