Visit of Porto

Porto is a truly beautiful city. Lying on the river, the Portuguese city is a perfect combination of suggestive atmospheres, monuments and… wine!
A visit of Porto can only start from its most emblematic district, the Ribeira. A place that perfectly embodies all the beauty of the city, not surprisingly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

VISIT OF PORTO

THE COLORS OF PORTO

The beautiful district of Ribeira, with its wonderful colors and the most representative monuments, represents the ideal beginning of a visit of Porto.
In this splendid area, next to the Duero river, you can stroll through the maze of cobbled streets, between eighteenth-century buildings, low houses with colorful facades, shops, bars and restaurants serving classic dishes of the popular tradition.
There is even no shortage of proposals for your evenings, even if they are not too quiet. If you are into rock, the Hard Club offers many evenings of good music.

The Ribeira offers a truly unique and suggestive urban landscape, where you can admire the main beauties of the city, such as the Cathedral, the churches or the historic Palácio da Bolsa. In this neighborhood, even a train station (São Bento) becomes a monument to be admired!
And for a truly unique view, be sure to take a trip with the historic Guindais Funicular: from above you will have a truly magnificent view of the Dom Luis I Bridge and all of Porto.

By day, and by night, when Porto is all lit up, strolling along the riverside is truly unique. Along the banks of the Duero, you will find the typical boats that today transport tourists along the river. On board the “barcos rebelos” you will be able to admire Porto from a different perspective!

PORTO CATHEDRAL

Photo ©, Alessandro Grussu

For the Portuguese it is simply the Sé, or the Cathedral. It does not go unnoticed. It rises on a hill and dominates the city, from wherever you look at it, with its two domed towers and solemn and austere architecture.
Built in the 12th century, on a pre-existing site, it is a beautiful example of Romanesque style. It underwent numerous changes until the 17th century.
Inside you can admire the splendid cloister decorated with beautiful azulejos, the Sacristy, the Chapel of João Gordo and an interesting display of works of sacred art.
Do not miss the climb to the top of the Tower, for a truly unique view over the whole city.
It is open every day, from November to March, from 09:00 to 17:30. From April to October, from 09:30 to 18:30.
To access, you pay an entrance ticket of €3 per adult. Children enter for FREE.

SÃO BENTO STATION

On holiday in Porto, it can also happen that you reach a train station without having to take any train.
To the north of the Ribeira, in fact, there is the beautiful station of São Bento, considered among the most beautiful in all of Europe.
The station dates back to the early 1900s. The atrium is richly decorated with azulejos that tell the story of Portugal.
A truly unique place, all to be admired.

CHURCH-MONUMENT OF SAO FRANCISCO

Photo ©, Porto Convention & Visitor Bureau

Wonderful Gothic church founded by the Franciscan order in the thirteenth century and declared a national monument in 1910.
The only one of its kind in the whole city, it represents the starting point for what to see in Porto
The rose window is beautiful but, above all, the baroque interiors that richly decorate the whole room.
A place rich in history and beauty, which rises near the Palacio da Bolsa.
It is not possible to take photos inside.
The ticket with a visit to the Museum costs €9 for adults and €2.50 for children aged 6 to 12.
Open every day from 09:00 to 20:00.

PALACIO DA BOLSA

Photo ©, Kirk Siang

The Palácio da Associação Comercial do Porto
it is located in Rua Ferreira Borges, near the beautiful Church of Sao Francisco and the historic market.
The historic 19th century building is best known for its beautiful interiors, among which the neo-Moorish “Arab Room” stands out. Today it is used for the reception of eminent personalities and state leaders visiting Porto.
Also beautiful is the Pátio das Naçoes (Courtyard of the Nations), closed by the staircase of Gonçalves and Sousa.
The palace also houses the old studio of Gustave Eiffel, who spent a short time in Porto.
The Palácio da Bolsa is open every day from 09:00 to 18:30. The ticket costs €12 per adult. Children 12 and under go free with a paying adult.

BRIDGE DOM LUIS I

An iconic bridge, a true symbol of the city, and, as such, an essential stop on what to see in Porto.
It connects the Ribeira district to the other bank of the Duero and is spread over two floors: the lower part, with road and sidewalk, is reserved for vehicles and pedestrians; in the upper part passes the metro.
The bridge is the work of Theophile Seyrig, a Belgian engineer who was a pupil of the more famous Gustave Eiffel, to whom the homonymous street perpendicular to the beginning of the bridge was dedicated.
From the bridge and the “Miradouro” it is possible to admire splendid views of the city.