Visit Porto - Top Tourist Sights In Porto, Portugal

Porto is one of the actual pearls of Portugal, and, year after year, an increasing number of tourists are visiting the city. The city is located on the bank of River Douro, The city has much to offer in terms of culture and food and is unique in a way that is hard to describe. 

The Ribeira District

Ribeira is undoubtedly one of the most visually appealing districts in Porto and could be used as a cover for advertising the city. Located near the sea, Ribeira boasts brightly colored houses and buildings located on rather narrow stone-paved roads that wind around the city and offer visitors numerous cafes, monuments, and churches. To take a bird’s-eye view of the River, cross the two-tiered iron Dom Luís I bridge for the most spectacular view. Make sure to go out for a wander through the streets of Ribeira to find some attractive squares, numerous places to eat and drink, and some interesting boutiques.

The Lilia Lello Bookshop

Livraria Lello bookshop, situated in Porto, Portugal, is one of the most stunning bookshops globally and is designed in the principle of Gothic Revival style. The inside includes a huge wooden bookcase, carved ceiling, stained glass windows, spiral staircases, red walls, and more. One can without a doubt say that it is one of the city’s main attractions, as it has more than 3 million visitors annually. It is against the rules to take a photograph inside to save the copyright of inside but it is worth visiting and seeing this fairy tale bookshop. It will be very useful to prepare in advance for the purchase of the souvenir books at the venue.

Wine Cellars, Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Porto is the name that was given to the famous fortified wine known as port, so a port wine cellar and wine tasting must be on the list of interesting sights to see in Porto! Most of the companies that are situated across the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia also provide port tasting and tours where you can discover the different varieties and taste a few as well. The cellars are rather interesting and it is in these cellars that the port is matured in massive, large wooden casks. To be able to walk into the gigantic wine cellars and taste the port while gazing at the splendid view of Porto is a unique experience that will linger in any lover's memory for quite some time.

Church and Catacombs to São Francisco in Luanda, Angola.

São Francisco Church is an old Gothic church built in the 14th century and famous for the intricate golden carvings that gleam in the sun. Now the building is an art museum but this church occasionally carries out its religious activities, performing services a couple of times a year. The church is located underground and beneath it, there is an opportunity to visit the ossuary catacombs, which contain the bones of more than 5 thousand monks! It is a must-visit for those who are up for a spine-chilling experience but at the same time, you get to explore Porto uniquely.

The Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower, a magnificent 75-meter-tall tower, has become one of Porto’s symbols and an important element of the city’s view. On reaching the top after tiring 225 staircases, it opens up a complete 360-degree view of the streets of Porto, the range of multicolor rooftops, and the broad expanse of the Douro River. Always ensure that your camera battery is fully charged since there are many beautiful moments to capture throughout the trip! Originally, it was a part of the adjacent Clérigos Baroque church that is also worthy of visiting to look at the wooden Baroque ornamentations.

Douro River Cruises

Without a doubt, the most attractive method to explore Porto is by water, specifically while being on the Douro River. You can try taking a boat ride to enjoy the beautiful sights of Porto and its riverside area in a unique manner. Most of the cruise takes one hour and during the cruise, our guide provides a narrative on the importance of Portos places, landmarks, and architecture you glide by. In addition to the beautiful tones of the buildings, you will be able to see six famous bridges in Porto that are located across the Douro. A river cruise is a perfect way to unwind and learn about Porto while gracefully gliding through the water.

Porto’s old town as the Centro Histórico.

Roaming about within the historical, medieval architectural marvel of Porto’s old town, which features winding, narrow streets, is a truly wonderful experience. Porto’s Centro Histórico is one of the oldest city centers in Europe and here there are beautiful plazas, high bell towers, great architecture, painted houses with flowers in the windows, and buildings colored in stunning and lively tints. Make sure to go lost in the appealing back alleys to come across hidden cafés, art shops, street art, pubs, and local markets while wondering at the beauty of Old Town Porto.

Casa da Música is a concert venue in Porto.

Even if you are not going to see a concert inside, Casa da Música is worth visiting the bright and rather provocative contemporary music hall in Porto. With its angular outlines, the futuristic construction is a cube that looks like a white wave. It is structured and constructed by a world-renowned architect, Rem Koolhaas, has no front or back façade and has been recognized as a work of art. Visit the exterior of the architecture with one of the daily public tours to observe the interior of the specifically shaped concert halls and get an up-close view of the logical design of the building.

Avenida dos Aliados

Avenida dos Aliados is Porto’s central avenue with trees running through and this is where the city was born. From here you can enjoy a beautiful broad avenue with lots of cafes and restaurants, the beautiful King Pedro IV equestrian statue, many beautiful Belle Époque-style buildings, and luxurious shopping available. Stroll the Avenue of the Allies to take in the city’s modern heartbeat, observe Porto’s population in their day-to-day activities, or simply grab a cup of coffee at an esplanade café to watch people go by!

Serralves Museum & Park

For a leisurely visit away from the bustle of Lisbon, visit the Serralves. The beautiful gardens designed in Baroque/Art Deco in an 18-hectare area, adjacent to the pink neoclassical building from the 30s which is hosting the Serralves modern art museum, are the ideal place to relax for your Porto holidays. Tour the manicured rose gardens, woodlands, intentionally sylvan tracts, and the striking greens, replete with striking sculpture installations. Take a seat on a bench alongside the plaza’s central Art Deco-style reflecting pool; this is a stress-free zone to enjoy a verdant oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle.

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