During your city trip to Porto (the second city of Portugal), you’ll encounter many beautiful spots. To ensure you don’t miss the most important ones, we’ve compiled a list of must-see Porto attractions for you. This way, you can be certain that your stay in this northern Portuguese city will be a great success.
Are you heading to Porto soon? Discover the city best by bike and book a bike tour!
Porto is a fantastically beautiful city and a big favorite among both international travelers and local tourists. And we understand why. Porto is the largest city in Portugal after the capital Lisbon. It is also one of the oldest cities in the country with a lot of history. Since 1996, Porto’s old city center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
There is so much to do, see, and experience in Porto. Activities and attractions that will allow you to truly get to know the city and immerse yourself in the local culture. If this northern Portuguese city is on your visit list, be sure to check out our tips with Porto highlights.
- Tip: If you want to visit multiple museums or attractions in Porto, the ‘Porto Card with transportation’ is the ideal solution to save money during your visit or city trip.
With the card, you can combine multiple day trips or excursions + admission tickets for museums + free public transport + a visit to a Port wine cellar and a discount on the hop-on/hop-off city bus.
With our list of the 20 Porto attractions, you can be sure you won’t miss anything important. If Porto is not yet on your visit list, quickly add it along with all the mentioned Porto highlights. Porto is more than worth a city trip, and we are convinced that if you are not yet sure, you will be after reviewing the attractions and Porto highlights below!
The attractions in Porto you must see
- The Luis I Bridge in Porto
- Visit Ribeira and discover the most beautiful neighborhoods
- Enjoy a delightful lunch or dinner at Cais de Ribeira
- Torre dos Clérigos: the gem among cathedrals in Porto
- Livraria Lello & Irmão: more than a bookstore!
- Enjoy original ‘pastéis de nata’
- Tile painting workshop: Gazete Azulejos
- Cycling in Porto: discover places you wouldn’t otherwise visit!
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
- Igreja de São Francisco
- Sé do Porto
- Palácio da Bolsa
- Casa da Musica
- The Café Majestic
- Soares dos Reis National Museum
- São Bento train station
- Funicular dos Guindais
- Miradouro da Vitória
- Discover Porto’s nightlife
- Indulge at the Mirra Porto Spa
1. The Luis I Bridge in Porto
When you think of Porto, there’s one Porto must-see that will likely come to mind immediately. We’re talking about the city’s most famous bridge. The Luis I Bridge, also known as Ponte de Dom Luis I, is an attraction you can’t miss. Built between 1881 and 1886, this bridge connects the city of Porto with Villa Nova de Gaia, an artistic district in the south of the city. The imposing bridge stands 85 meters high and has two levels where you can walk and cycle.
The upper deck is 395 meters long, and the lower deck is 172 meters long. Both levels of this bridge have a pedestrian path, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant walk while taking in the views of the Douro River and Porto’s old city center. If you’re traveling by train, you’ll cross the upper deck. If you’re driving, you’ll use the lower deck. Walking or cycling is possible on both the lower and upper decks.
The bridge was designed by a protégé of Gustave Eiffel, who is responsible for the design of the Eiffel Tower. This influence is evident in the bridge’s design. Taking a walk or bike ride across this bridge is a fun activity where you can stay active while enjoying breathtaking views of the Douro and the city.
2. Visit Ribeira and discover the most beautiful neighborhoods
Porto is made up of various charming, colorful neighborhoods. A long city walk will ensure you discover many of these neighborhoods. To make sure you don’t miss the most delightful one, you should definitely add Ribeira to your walking or cycling itinerary.
Ribeira is a district located in Porto’s old city center. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city and lies along the riverbank. It features many charming narrow streets that give you the impression of experiencing the real, authentic Porto, making it a must-see. It’s a very picturesque neighborhood where getting lost is no punishment.
If you want to take a break from wandering through this neighborhood, sit down in one of the many cafés it offers. Drinking Port in Porto while enjoying colorful houses with orange roofs probably sounds like music to your ears. And here, it’s all possible!
3. Enjoy a delightful lunch or dinner at Cais de Ribeira
Why does dining in this neighborhood deserve its own mention? Let us explain. Porto has many unique neighborhoods and dining spots, but nothing is more enjoyable and offers a better view than dining by the water.
If you’re truly looking for that vacation feeling, dining here and enjoying a lovely time is a must. It will feel like you’ve stepped into a movie, so beautiful and idyllic is your view. You’ll overlook the Douro with beautiful, colorful houses with the well-known orange roofs on the other side of the water.
Restaurant Terra Nova, perfect for cocktails, and Fish Fish, where you can savor the local catch, stand out above the rest. Delicious snacks and drinks at reasonable prices with an invaluable view? Who wouldn’t want that!
4. Torre dos Clérigos: the gem among Porto’s cathedrals
You’ll discover many churches and cathedrals in Porto. But which one is truly worth a visit? Of course, you can visit them all, but as you’ll notice, many churches and cathedrals in Porto resemble each other. It’s somewhat similar to the temples in Asian countries. Visiting one is fantastic, two is nice, but by the third, you might feel you’ve seen it all. You want to immerse yourself in the splendor of these holy houses, but you also want to see something different each time. You’re looking for that one gem that’s just a bit different from the other churches and cathedrals.
Igreja dos Clérigos truly stands out and is therefore a must-visit. This church features a very tall tower that can be spotted from any point in the city. This impressive tower is over 76 meters high. You can even climb the tower. Ascend 225 steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire city, dotted with picturesque houses, a bird’s-eye view of the Douro, and pure enjoyment.
Tip: Visit the tower just before sunset to enjoy an even more spectacular view.
5. Livraria Lello & Irmão: more than a bookstore!
The Livraria Lello & Irmão, also known as the Lello Bookstore, is a bookstore you must visit when in Porto. Even if reading and buying books aren’t necessarily your interests, Livraria Lello & Irmão is well worth your visit.
Just for the architecture of the building, both inside and out, this attraction should be on your visit list. Livraria Lello & Irmão is a true Porto must-see, and you can’t leave the city without visiting this unique bookstore.
If you love reading and books, this is truly a gem to behold. You can find limited editions of both Portuguese and international books here. You can also find office supplies such as pens, notebooks with beautiful covers, and folders. If you’re not into books but still want to take home a souvenir, there are always keychains that make for a nice keepsake.
Once inside, you’ll feel like you’re in a magical world, as if you’ve stepped into an old, whimsical fairy tale. In the middle of the store stands a large staircase with wooden railings and burgundy steps. These lead you upstairs, where you can enjoy tall, colorful stained glass windows. The section of the ceiling directly above the staircase is also made of stained glass, providing a spectacular view.
The bookstore is quite narrow, but that doesn’t detract from the experience. The large windows make the store feel more spacious. There are also cozy reading nooks where you can retreat and lose yourself in a book (if it’s not too crowded). Expect long wait times if you plan to visit this bookstore during the high season. Arrive as early as possible so you can also take some nice photos.
6. Enjoy authentic ‘pastéis de nata’
When you think of the Netherlands and its treats, you think of a tompouce or stroopwafels. When you think of Portugal, you think of pastéis de nata. This Portuguese custard tart is finger-licking good. Although it was originally created in Lisbon, the residents of Porto have further developed the recipe to perfection. You must try this sweet, creamy delicacy during your stay in Porto.
In this list, we discuss various attractions and must-sees. This is a must-eat you absolutely cannot skip! Trust us, you’ll regret it immensely if you do.
Pastéis de nata literally translates to ‘cream tart’. Pastéis means ‘tart’ and nata means ‘cream’. Although you can find these custard tarts throughout Porto, there are three places where you can get the best ones for about one to two euros each.
- Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata, R. de Alexandre Braga 24
- Fabrica Da Nata, R. De Santa Catarina 331 335
- Nata Lisboa, R. De Santa Catarina 506
7. Tile painting workshop: Gazete Azulejos
Are you creatively inclined and feel inspired by all the beauty you’ve seen in Porto? Do you want to express your creativity and have a very special and unique memento of your city trip to Porto? Then make your own keepsake. Let’s be honest, it’s a bit more fun than buying a souvenir.
As you’ve probably noticed, Porto is known for its cheerful and colorful tiles. These tiles are very characteristic of Porto. If you want to take a tile home, why not make one yourself? This is also the perfect activity for a rainy day when you don’t feel like exploring the city.
Gazete Azulejos is a tile painting workshop where you can take various courses. From single-day courses to longer ones, they offer painting sessions for both children and adults.
In this workshop, you’ll learn a lot about the art of painting these tiles and the history of this art form. It’s a super fun activity and a great way to soak up the authentic Portuguese atmosphere. During the workshop, you’ll get two tiles to paint, and an average session lasts about two hours.
After painting, the tiles need to be fired. This is done in the evening after the studio closes to the public. You can pick up your tiles the next day. So make sure if you plan this activity, you don’t do it on your last day in Porto.
It’s best to book your spots in advance via their website. You can find the studio at Rua do Duque de Palmela 230, 4000 372 Porto.
8. Cycling in Porto: discover places you wouldn’t otherwise visit!
The best way to get to know all these beautiful attractions is to hop on a bike with our enthusiastic guide and enjoy our Porto Highlights Bike Tour. In just a few hours, you’ll see the best of this city. Don’t worry about the hills, as you’ll be cruising comfortably on an e-bike. This bike tour is fun, educational, and relaxing.
If there’s one thing we Dutch are known for, it’s cycling. We cycle everywhere, so why not on holiday abroad? Exploring a city by bike is a fantastic experience. You visit many different places and see numerous attractions. You can book various bike tours, but this 3-hour tour with a Dutch guide is highly recommended.
Enjoy cycling through the unique narrow streets of Porto and admire the ancient buildings and their architecture, while also taking a ride along the beaches of Northern Portugal. Porto has a lot to offer, and a bike tour is a great way to discover it. This way, you stay active and see a large part of the city and its surroundings in just a few hours.
You will be fully guided by a Dutch or English-speaking guide, allowing you to learn a lot about the area. This is quite different and often much more enjoyable than wandering the streets alone without really knowing what you’re seeing. The guide is there to answer all your questions and make your Porto experience even more special.
9. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Until 1951, Oporto had its own glass palace. It was demolished in the 1950s to make way for a new building. A kind of dome was erected in its place, and not everyone is happy about it. The dome has been competing for the title of ‘ugliest building’ in Europe for years.
Now you might wonder, why should I visit this place? While the dome might not be worth the trip, the accompanying garden certainly is and is a Porto attraction you shouldn’t miss. The gardens that belonged to the glass palace have always been well-maintained. It somewhat resembles a blend of the Palace Het Loo and the gardens of Versailles.
The Jardins do Palácio de Crista offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the hectic and sometimes chaotic city. You can bring your own snacks and drinks for a picnic in the park, or visit the park’s restaurant and enjoy the terrace.
10. Igreja de São Francisco
Igreja de São Francisco is a must-see in Porto. This unique church, much loved by locals, is incredibly distinctive in its decor. For tourists, it might feel a bit ‘too much’. The decor leans towards the kitschy side, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. All the decorations in the church are made of gold. It’s a collection of various golden objects on display. However, there are now so many that it feels like you’re being immersed in a golden bath. We can guarantee you’ve never seen a church like this. It’s truly a sight to behold.
11. Sé do Porto
After visiting the kitschy Igreja de São Francisco, every other church and cathedral might feel a bit somber. This is also true for the Sé do Porto cathedral. From the outside, it looks like a typical cathedral, but inside, it’s quite special and definitely a must-see in Porto.
You might not be dazzled by golden objects like in the Igreja de São Francisco, but you can enjoy beautiful murals in the typical Porto style, in blue and white. These are painted over the cathedral’s white tiles, giving it a beautiful, artistic appearance. This cathedral is considered the oldest in the city. The first stone was laid over a thousand years ago, in 1110. Construction began then, but the cathedral was only completed in the 18th century.
Because the construction spanned several centuries, you can see various architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic and everything in between. If you have a passion for old architectural styles, this attraction is not to be missed.
12. Palácio da Bolsa
The old stock exchange of Porto is built in a neoclassical style. Both outside and inside, you’ll feel like you’re visiting a true palace. It’s an enormously impressive building with large pillars and towering windows.
Nowadays, you can also enjoy a delightful lunch or dinner here. Restaurante O Comercial has different opening hours. In Porto, they sometimes take a siesta, so this restaurant is available at specific times. You can visit for lunch until about 3:00 PM or for dinner. The restaurant is closed between 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM. On Sundays, the restaurant is also closed. Check the current opening hours to avoid disappointment.
13. Casa da Musica
Porto is known for its history, old neighborhoods, and colorful houses. There’s not much modern architecture. Porto attractions are generally not modern in style. However, there is one building that stands out from the historical architecture Porto is known for: the Casa da Musica.
The Casa da Musica is located at the Rotunda da Boavista and even has a Dutch touch. The design is by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. As the name suggests, house of music, it’s a space dedicated to music. You can find a concert hall and theater here.
It’s also interesting to know that many students can be found here since it’s also the home of the local art academy. Many concerts and activities are organized here. You can also book guided tours.
A great tip if you’re looking for something different from the old historical attractions. A beautiful building to admire from the outside and experience from the inside.
14. The Café Majestic
The oldest café in Porto is Café Majestic. It is also the most beautiful café in Porto and even ranks in the top 10 of the most beautiful cafés worldwide, making it one of the top Porto attractions. When you step inside the café, it feels like you’ve stepped into a time machine and traveled back a few decades, but in the best possible way. The café on Santa Carina has a chic appearance, and you can enjoy delicious local specialties.
15. Soares dos Reis National Museum
Among the locals, the Soares dos Reis National Museum is the favorite art museum. Many international travelers also love to visit this art museum. The museum has a very extensive collection of artworks dating from the fifteenth to the twentieth century. From paintings to sculptures, you can admire it all.
The fun part about this museum is that artworks are displayed both inside and outside. In the large garden of the museum, you can also see many porcelain works and special furniture. This makes your visit a bit more dynamic and interactive.
If you want to learn more about the artworks you can admire here, book a tour with a guide who will tell you all the ins and outs and answer all your burning art questions.
16. São Bento train station
When you think of grand impressive train stations, you might quickly think of Grand Central Station in New York. But did you know that the São Bento train station in Porto has been ranked as the most beautiful train station worldwide for years?
It’s a very old and authentic train station equipped with the most modern conveniences. When you walk into the train station, you might think you’re in the wrong place, as it looks a lot like a museum or cathedral. Towering gates with stained glass windows, painted ceramic wall tiles in the blue and white style Porto is known for.
It’s fantastic to walk through here and, of course, it’s completely free. The train station is one of the Porto attractions you shouldn’t miss. The train station is a good reflection of Portugal’s architectural history.
17. Funicular dos Guindais
Porto has an adventurous attraction you should add to your list. The Funicular dos Guindais is a cable car that takes you from Freiras to Mosteiro de Serra do Pilar. The ride in the cable car lasts only three minutes, but during those three minutes, you get a unique view of the old city center. The cable car is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In the summer months, these opening hours may vary, and you can often use the cable car for longer. This is definitely one of the must-see attractions in Porto.
18. Miradouro da Vitória
The Netherlands has a relatively flat landscape, unlike Portugal. Portugal features mountains, and even though they aren’t all super high, they add a bit more dynamism to the landscape and create unique viewpoints.
Miradouro da Vitória is one such viewpoint, a Porto attraction you can visit for free. This is the highest point in Porto and offers a stunning view of the city. If you visit just before sunset, you’ll have the most beautiful view of the city. The setting sun glistens on the Douro River and reflects on the Dom Luis I Bridge. You can also see the 76-meter-high Torre dos Clérigos towering above the city. It’s a sight you shouldn’t miss. If you’re looking for a great spot to take a photo that perfectly captures Porto, this is the place to visit.
19. Discover Porto’s nightlife
After a day full of sightseeing, you might want to escape all the historical activities and let loose. Can you go out in Porto? Absolutely. It’s just a bit different than in the Netherlands. There aren’t many large clubs and discos. Typically, everyone starts with drinks on terraces, mainly in the Ribeira district, before heading to a club like Lust Porto.
Porto is truly a student city with a relatively young crowd, so keep that in mind. If you’re not necessarily into dancing but enjoy having drinks and chatting with old and new friends, you’ll feel right at home in one of the many cafes in the Ribeira district. The charm of this area is its perfect mix of tourists and locals. Young and old blend well here, and you’ll encounter lots of live music. Just on the street, simply because it’s possible. It’s all very accessible, and even if you’re traveling alone, you’ll quickly meet new people here.
20. Relax at the Mirra Porto Spa
After a day of cycling or walking through Porto, you’re probably in need of some relaxation. And where better than in a real spa? Like in any city, you can find various spas and massage salons, but the Mirra Porto Spa stands out above the rest. It’s a luxurious private spa where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and find complete tranquility.
They offer a variety of treatments. Book a delightful massage or enjoy a private sauna. Massages can be booked individually or as a duo package. If you’re going with a partner, friend, or companion, this is highly recommended as it’s slightly more economical.
Even though Porto is not an expensive travel destination, the prices at this spa are similar to the average prices in the Netherlands. However, that shouldn’t spoil the fun. It will be worth every penny! From massages to other beauty treatments and sauna use, this is the place to recharge and relax completely.
If a spa isn’t quite your thing but you’re traveling with someone who loves a massage treatment, don’t worry. The spa is located in a lively neighborhood where you can easily entertain yourself for a few hours. Just admiring the street art here is a cool free activity you can enjoy.
The spa is open every day; check their website for current opening hours. You can find the spa at Rua do Alferes Malheiro 199, 4000-059 Porto.
We hope that with this list of Porto attractions and must-sees, your city trip to Porto will be unforgettable. As mentioned earlier in this article, discovering the city of Porto by bike is a unique and exciting experience. Be sure to check out our Baja Bikes website for all the possibilities. Enjoy your trip!
Tip: Want to take day trips from Porto? Check out our top 10 day trips from Porto.