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Portugal has long been my favorite, with great many sights to see. Once you arrive in Porto, you will undoubtedly be enchanted by the city’s beauty and mystique.
A Porto blog is all you need to decide amongst the top things to do in Porto.
Going on a 5 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Porto. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Let me share with you the best things to do in Porto and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Luís I Bridge
Considered as an icon of Porto, Luís I Bridge is a marvellous piece of architecture.
Quick Facts:
- This 45 m tall structure was designed by Théophile Seyrig, Léopold Valentin.
- The iconic bridge is built over the river Douro.
Address: Pte. Luiz I, Porto, Portugal
2. Clérigos Church + Clérigos Tower
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Clérigos Church + Clérigos Tower, which is regarded to be one of Porto’s most beautiful churches.
Frescoes and gold details adorn the ceiling of the church. The adjoining cemetry has got quite a few famous people buried.
Quick Facts:
- Touching a height of 76 m, the church was built in 18th century.
- Brought to life by the architect Nicolau Nasoni, church is a classic example of fine Baroque architecture.
- Some of the things Clérigos Church + Clérigos Tower features include an iconic bell tower.
Without a doubt this wonderful church is one amongst the top things to do in Porto.
Address: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
3. São Bento railway station
Quick Facts:
- Built in 19th-century, the highlight of the historic railway station includes the stunning azulejo tilework.
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of José Marques da Silva.
- The historic railway station was opened on 5 October 1916.
Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
4. Livraria Lello
A book nerd or not, those of you looking for a unique experience will not be disappointed.
When it comes down to architecture the building portrays a masterful blend of various classical designs. The wooden bookcases, furniture and the spiral staircase boasts of gorgeous details.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Livraria Lello features include an exterior done in art nouveau style.
- Easy to get to Livraria Lello is located in the parish of Cedofeita.
- Livraria Lello is also known as Livraria Lello.
- It is actually Francisco Xavier Esteves who is credited with designing this whole place.
With so much to offer, no wonder Livraria Lello is one of the top things to do in Porto.
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal Holiday opening hours
5. Bolsa Palace
Bolsa Palace is a site of great historic significance situated in Porto, Portugal.
One look and you will realize that it inherits the rich heritage of the Porto itself.
Be sure to get inside to really understand the scale of this historic site. Bolsa Palace is a grand edifice that adds to the square’s grandeur.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Joaquim da Costa Lima Júnior, historic building is a classic example of fine Neoclassical.
- The historic building was built somewhere around 19th-century.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
6. Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Porto, Portugal.
Classical music and organ performances are often held within the Basilica and sometimes outdoors too. Scale the church’s distinctive dome for a more comprehensive perspective of the city.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Porto Cathedral features include Gothic styled cloisters.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 12th-century.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Romanesque style.
- The cathedral is located Hilltop.
An incredible sight, Porto Cathedral scores high in the list of the best things to do in Porto.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
7. Monument Church Of St Francis
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, Monument Church Of St Francis is a house of christian worship located in Porto.
The church’s walls and ceilings are covered with detailed frescoes including works by notable painters. There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite.
Quick Facts:
- A beautiful example of Gothic architecture style, the church holds the burials of Fernão Brandão Sanches.
- The church was built somewhere around 14th-century.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
8. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Porto.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
It’s easy to spend an entire day here, wandering through these flourishing gardens. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal allows you to spend time actively – engage yourself in walking, running or cycling.
A natural crowd puller, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is right up there in the list of best things to do in Porto.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
9. Casa da Música
This is one of the few music venues that is worth visiting even when there isn’t a show taking place.
Quick Facts:
- The concert hall was built somewhere around 2005.
- Built in Contemporary architecture style, it is eye pleasingly pretty site to look at.
Address: Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal
10. Igreja do Carmo
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, Igreja do Carmo is a pretty old church located in Porto.
As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders. A special feature of the basilica is its high altar and ceiling, embellished with gold trimmings all around.
Quick Facts:
- Evident throughout its structure is the Baroque style.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Porto trip.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
11. Cais da Ribeira
A lively street located in Porto, popular equally amongst locals and tourists.
Hungary or thirsty, sit in one of many popular cafes and restaurants here. With so much going for it, a photographer has an abundance of subjects.
12. Liberdade Square
The Liberdade Square, an important urban square in Porto, is just as rich in architecture and art as city’s main square..
It hosts regular events, specially during the summer months. If you like people watching spend some time here.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Liberdade Square is located in Santo Ildefonso parish.
Add it to your Porto trip if you have time.
13. Soares dos Reis National Museum
Soares dos Reis National Museum is a compilation of art and culture in a beautiful setting.
Numerous luminaries of the era gone by may be found in the gallery here. Art expert or not, the Soares dos Reis National Museum has enough to enchant you for an entire day.
Quick Facts:
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of Joaquim da Costa Lima Sampaio.
- The art museum was built somewhere around 18th-century.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
14. Ribeira Square
The Ribeira Square, surrounded by historic buildings, is one of Porto’s principal squares.
It has been the city’s social and administrative centre for centuries.
Locals and visitors alike congregate on this wide main plaza to have a good time. This bustling square dates hundreds of year back when it held a high importance in the old kingdom.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Porto trip.
15. Funicular dos Guindais
Funicular dos Guindais is a short fun ride taking you to the higher part of the Porto.
The city planners built this system of funiculars to aid with transportation to and from the city’s upper areas. The funicular gives you an option to quickly go up and down the hill.
Because of its stunning views of the area, the funicular is quite a popular mode of transportation.
Quick Facts:
- It is constructed mainly using Granite.
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard.
- The funicular belongs to the Parish faith, but is visited by others too.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
16. Porto City Park
Porto City Park is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Porto.
It will not be wrong to say that Porto City Park is truly an icon of landscape architecture.
The Porto City Park is composed of numerous different sections including abundant lawns, fountains, a monument, shady trees and a variety of flower beds. The gardens are beautiful in nearly every season, but if there’s one time of year to visit, it’s around spring season..
Add it to your Porto trip if you have time.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal
17. Mercado do Bolhão
Mercado do Bolhão is a bustling local market with vendors selling various food items.
Apart from fruits and veggies you will also find meat, poulatry and sea food. With so much variety and quantity you can easily fill quiet a few supermarkets.
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal Holiday opening hours
18. Clérigos Tower
With hundreds of years of history, Clérigos Tower stands as a landmark of Porto.
Quick Facts:
- Touching a height of 76 m, the bell tower was built in 18th century.
- Brought to life by the architect Nicolau Nasoni, bell tower is a classic example of fine Baroque architecture.
Add it to your Porto trip if you have time.
Address: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Porto. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Porto for everyone.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Porto can be easily covered in a short itinerary. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Porto, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.