Porto: What To See & Do In Portugal's Vibrant City
Produced in Collaboration with WOW, The New Cultural Center
Photography & Words by Alison Engstrom
There are many reasons to plan a trip to Porto, Portugal including eating your way and visiting a range of museums at the new WOW Cultural District, exploring sunlit streets in the historic neighborhood of Ribeira that dazzle with colorful tile, climbing to see memorable backdrops framed by terracotta roofs, sipping on port wine, and more. If you plan on checking out a few destinations in Portugal, carve out two or three days to explore the best this distinct Porto region has to offer. Ahead are some places to consider when venturing to this memorable city.
Above The remarkable exterior of the São Bento train station.
São Bento Train Station
Train stations provide a gateway to places near and far, and some are destinations in themselves, like São Bento, in the heart of Porto. The splendid interiors, which are a must when visiting the city, are adorned with 22,000 azulejo glazed tiles created by artist Jorge Colaço in the early 1900s and depict key moments in Portuguese history, like the Conquest of Ceuta.
Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
Above Historical scenes depicted in the interior of the station.
Above Wild flowers and boats near the Douro River.
Above The morning sun in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Above The circular exterior of the the Serra Do Pilar Monastery.
The Monastery of Serra do Pilar
For terrific views of the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Douro River, Porto’s terracotta roofs and environs, scale the steep incline to visit this former circular monastery, perched high above in Vila Nova de Gaia. This impressive building was originally built in the 16th century, but was destroyed during the siege of Porto in the 1800s and was later rebuilt in the 19th century. Visitors are welcome to explore the interiors and surroundings, which are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, for two euros.
Hours Tuesday to Sunday from10:00 am to 6:30 pm; it is closed on Monday.
Above The panoramic view from atop the Serra do Pilar Monastery of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge
If heights paired with stellar views beckon to you, take a saunter across the Dom Luís I Bridge, which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. This vast arched structure, which crosses over the Douro River, was designed in 1881 by Théophile Seyrig, a partner of Alexandre Gustave Eiffel who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Rising just shy of 150 feet off the ground, it offers splendid views over both cities, as well as of the nearby coast on a clear day. There are narrow sidewalks on each side and it’s also where the Porto Metro trains cross regularly.
A special note: For those who aren’t as keen on being up so high, you can also walk across the lower part of the bridge that is raised just above the water.
Go Back to The medieval Period
Above The Caminho Nova Steps that meander past the Fernandine Walls.
Since Porto is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll certainly discover a destination brimming with history including remnants of the Medieval era. Just off the banks of the Douro, you’ll uncover Postigo do Carvão, a14th century stone gate the last remaining in the city, where 18 once existed. Further afoot, you might have to convince yourself to climb the sizable, slightly off-kilter stone steps of Caminho Nova, but it will be worth it once you reach the top. Enveloped by the Fernandine Walls, you catch slivers of the river, Vila Nova de Gaia, and you’ll be on your way to discover higher points like the verdant Jardines del Palacio de Cristal.
Above Medieval buildings nestled on Rua da Reboleira in Porto’s historic Ribeira neighborhood.
Above The towering Fernandine Walls that still stand from 13th century.
Above Arriving on the Douro River taxi from Vila Nova de Gaia.
Hop on a boat and cross the douro river
There are a few ways to cross the Douro River from Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto. The easiest way is to hop on the Douro River taxi, which makes daily trips every 15 minutes from 10 am to sunset.
Learn More dourorivertaxi.com
Explore the vibrant Ribiera Quarter
Wind your way through the Ribeira neighborhood, one of the city’s most picturesque spots, which is cradled among cobblestone streets and a kaleidoscope of buildings. Here you’ll find cafés, boutiques, churches—a must to check out is the Porto Cathedral—and narrow lanes to wander.
Above The banks of the Douro River in the morning light.
marvel at the tiles at Igreja do Carmo
This stunning rococo church, which was built in the 18th century, is bedecked with Porto’s signature tiles illustrating the Carmelite Order. The entrance to the church is free and it’s open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except on Monday, when it opens at noon.
Address Rua Carmo, Porto 4050-164
Climb to the top of the Clérigos Tower
Above The striking entrance to the Baroque Clérigos Church.
The Clérigos Tower has become an emblem of the city rising nearly 250 feet above Porto. Built in 1754 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, visitors can purchase a ticket (it will also admit you into the Clérigos Church) and climb the 254 steps to the top and soak in the unparalleled views.
Address R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto
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