What to Visit in Porto

Porto is full of charming places to discover and is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal to explore.

Whether it’s for its breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, its traditional streets, or its historic monuments, exploring Porto is truly captivating.

To help you make the most of your visit and not miss any of its highlights, we’ve gathered 24 must-see places in Porto that are absolutely worth visiting.

Santa Catarina Street is an excellent starting point for your visit to Porto. Lined with restaurants, shops, and even a shopping center, this street is perfect for a stroll in the morning or late afternoon — whether you want to shop or sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal.

For example, you can stop by Fábrica da Nata to taste a delightful pastel de nata or visit Pérola do Bolhão, a traditional shop selling cheeses and cured meats.

The street stretches from Marquês de Pombal Square to the Majestic Café — a modernist-style café and one of Porto’s most iconic — and, along the way, you’ll also find several beautiful churches worth admiring.

Chapel of Souls (Santa Catarina)

It’s well worth visiting the Chapel of Souls in Porto, as it features one of the most beautiful façades in Portugal. Covered with more than 16,000 blue and white tiles, the façade depicts scenes from the lives of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saints of the chapel.

The church is designed in the neoclassical style, and inside you’ll find the image of Our Lady of Souls, dating back to the 18th century.

Built in that very century, the chapel is located at the corner of Santa Catarina Street and Fernando Tomás Street and is open to visitors daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you’d like to buy and taste regional products while on holiday in Porto, then Bolhão Market is one of the must-visit spots.

Here you’ll find fresh fruit, meat, vegetables, and fish, all supplied by local producers and guaranteed to be of the highest quality.

Bolhão Market is also a historic landmark of Porto, as it was inaugurated in 1914 and remains open to this day, featuring two floors filled with local products.

The market is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays until 1:00 p.m.

Avenida dos Aliados

Just like Santa Catarina Street, Avenida dos Aliados is another excellent place for a stroll in Porto — though for different reasons.

While Santa Catarina stands out for its shops and restaurants, Avenida dos Aliados shines for its monuments, such as the statue of Dom Pedro IV, who proclaimed Brazil’s independence and became its first emperor.

You’ll also find the Porto City Hall located here. Along the avenue, you can admire the modernist buildings clad in granite and white marble, which give this area its grand and elegant character.

Finally, make sure to stop by the McDonald’s located here — surprising as it may sound, it’s considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world, as it has preserved its modernist interior design.

São Bento Train Station

Historic and beautiful — that’s how visitors describe São Bento Train Station.

It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the ruins of an old convent, and its main hall is decorated with over 20,000 tiles depicting important moments in Portugal’s history.

So, even if you don’t need to catch a train, it’s well worth visiting São Bento Station — especially if you want to explore a historic site filled with the country’s memories and heritage.

Clérigos Tower

Another historic landmark to visit in Porto is the Clérigos Tower, located next to the Clérigos Church.

Standing 76 meters tall, the tower offers one of the most stunning views of the city to those who climb it. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 240 steps, which can be a bit tiring — but once you get there, you’ll see it’s absolutely worth it for the breathtaking view over Porto.

Entrance to the church is free, but there is an admission fee to climb the tower. Still, we assure you — the view makes it completely worth it.

The Clérigos Tower is open to visitors every day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lello Bookstore

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you absolutely must visit this bookstore. Why?

First of all, it’s important to know that the Lello Bookstore served as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, for several scenes in her best-selling books. Among the many reasons for this — besides the fact that Rowling lived in Porto for two years — is that this bookstore is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

What stands out the most is its neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau style, which makes you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time about a hundred years.

Opened in 1906, the Lello Bookstore has two floors and a stunning wooden staircase that captures every visitor’s attention.

Due to the high number of tourists, there’s an entrance fee of €5, which can be deducted from the price of a book purchase. The bookstore is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Carmo Church

Just a few meters from the Lello Bookstore stands the Carmo Church, one of Porto’s most beautiful churches, built between 1756 and 1762.

Its main façade features a Rococo style, while the side façade is adorned with a magnificent panel of blue and white tiles depicting the foundation of the Carmelite Order. Inside, you’ll find golden Rococo altarpieces dating back to the 18th century.

After visiting the church, take a moment to relax on one of the benches in Gomes Teixeira Square nearby.

Flores Street

To taste the local cuisine, head to Flores Street.

Here you’ll find a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional northern Portuguese dishes such as octopus à lagareiro, bacalhau à Brás, or the famous francesinha. Some of the best restaurants in this area include O Buraquinho da Sé and Petisqueira Voltaria.

Beyond its excellent gastronomy, Flores Street is also one of the most historic and beautiful streets in Porto, lined with heritage buildings such as Casa dos Maias, Casa da Companhia, Casa dos Sousa e Silva, Casa dos Constantinos, the Church and Museum of Misericórdia do Porto, Casa dos Cunhas Pimentéis, and the Porto Puppet Museum.

Vitória Viewpoint

Another perfect spot to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city of Porto.

The Vitória Viewpoint offers a stunning perspective over the Ribeira district, the Douro River, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Santo Ildefonso Church

Another church you absolutely must visit in Porto is the Church of Saint Ildefonso, built between 1709 and 1730. Its façade is decorated with 11,000 blue and white tiles depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and from the Gospels. Inside, you’ll find stained-glass windows with religious scenes, two Baroque-style paintings, an 18th-century Baroque-Rococo altarpiece, and a large pipe organ.

Admission is free, and it’s open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Porto Cathedral

For those who are religious, the Porto Cathedral is the main monument to visit in the Invicta city.

This church was built in the 12th century and is located in the Batalha district. It stands out for its Gothic style and its 14th-century tile decorations depicting religious scenes.

In the cathedral square, you’ll also find a column that was once used to execute criminals and a terrace offering fabulous views over the city of Porto.

Aldas Street

If you want to make the most of your time in Porto by enjoying stunning views of the city, you must also visit Aldas Street. Here, you’ll find a viewpoint offering a panoramic view over the historic centre and the Douro River.

This viewpoint is located next to the Church of São Lourenço dos Grilos, built between the 16th and 18th centuries.

In addition to visiting the viewpoint, take the opportunity to stroll through the charming surrounding streets, such as Largo da Pena Ventosa, Rua Santa Ana, Rua dos Mercadores, and the Barredo neighbourhood.

Stock Exchange Palace

Declared a national monument, the Stock Exchange Palace is another place to visit and be amazed by.

The building features a neoclassical style, and inside there is a large central courtyard covered by a glass structure that allows plenty of natural light.

The staircase, made of granite and marble, leads to some of the most beautiful rooms you will ever see. There is a room lined with wood, another covered in gold leaf, one showcasing a French Renaissance style, and even an Arab Room inspired by the Alhambra in Granada.

To visit the interior of the Stock Exchange Palace, you must book a guided tour, available at the following times: every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. between April and October, and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the remaining months.

Convent of Santa Clara

The Church of Santa Clara, located just a few steps from the Porto Cathedral and once part of a Franciscan convent, is considered one of the most remarkable expressions of Baroque architecture in the city.

Despite its modest Gothic-style façade and elegant Renaissance portico, it is the interior that truly captivates visitors — a genuine national treasure filled with exquisitely detailed gilded woodwork and tile panels depicting the souls in Purgatory.

Ribeira Quay

Ribeira Quay is one of the most beautiful places to stroll in Porto, thanks to the colorful façades of its buildings — but that’s not all.

Here, you can walk along the banks of the Douro River, between the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Arrábida Bridge. If you go for a walk at sunset, the scenery is truly breathtaking.

At Ribeira Quay, you’ll also find several restaurants and cafés with terraces that offer perfect views of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia. Some of the best places to eat here include Escondidinho do Barredo and Porto Escondido.

Dom Luís I Bridge

The Dom Luís I Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Porto, connecting the Invicta city to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Inaugurated in the 19th century, it’s the perfect place for an evening walk. At sunset, with the colorful houses on both riverbanks and the boats sailing along the Douro River, the scenery from the bridge is truly magnificent.

This iron bridge has two levels and was designed by Téophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel — which explains its resemblance to the Eiffel Tower.

Jardim do Morro

And since there are several places in Porto that offer fantastic views, here’s another one: Jardim do Morro.

This viewpoint is perfect for sitting back and relaxing while admiring the Dom Luís I Bridge and the entire city.

At one end of the gardens, you can take a cable car that will take you down to the Vila Nova de Gaia riverside, offering beautiful views of the river, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and Ribeira along the way.

Serra do Pilar Monastery

Another historical monument to add to your list of places to visit in Porto — or, in this case, in Vila Nova de Gaia.

The Serra do Pilar Monastery was built in the 16th century and played an important military role, as it was once used as a fortress.

Its viewpoint also offers magnificent views over the old town and the Douro River.

When visiting the monastery, besides the stunning views, you can also explore the church and the former cloister.

Port Wine Cellar

If you enjoy a good wine, you simply must try a Port wine.

Even better than tasting it is learning about the entire process behind its production.

Fortunately, you can do both at once by visiting one of the Port wine cellars.

In the city of Porto, you’ll find several options to explore — including the cellars of Cálem, Cockburn’s, Croft, Graham’s, Sandeman, and Ferreira.

To discover the full winemaking process, you can easily book a guided tour at any of these cellars through their official websites.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Open to the public since 1860, the Crystal Palace Gardens are a wonderful place for a stroll and to be enchanted by their romantic style.

Here, you’ll be surrounded by nature, with plenty of walking paths to explore. Lose yourself in Emílio David Garden, the Avenue of Lindens, or the Avenue of Chestnut Trees. Wander through the woods and themed gardens, such as the Aromatic Plants Garden, the Medicinal Plants Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Garden of Feelings.

It’s the perfect spot to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

World of Discoveries

Explore the Age of Discoveries at this unique museum in Porto.

The World of Discoveries is an immersive experience that takes you back to the era of exploration — one of the most fascinating periods in Portugal’s history.

This museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Portugal’s past and its great explorers, such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends and public holidays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Miguel Bombarda Street 

For those who want to experience Porto’s more artistic side, Miguel Bombarda Street is a must-visit spot.

It’s a route filled with art — from its creatively painted walls to its many galleries, art studios, and independent design shops.

It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for an alternative and creative atmosphere, away from the city’s main tourist attractions.

Casa da Música

Music and architecture fan? If so, Casa da Música is an absolute must-visit.

This concert hall stands out for its futuristic architectural design, which breaks away from the traditional aesthetic of Porto.

Musically, Casa da Música offers a diverse concert schedule featuring both emerging Portuguese artists and international performers. So, if you visit Porto at the right time, you can enjoy a memorable musical experience in an architectural masterpiece.

It truly is the best of both worlds — art and architecture combined.

Where to stay in Porto?

If you’re visiting the Invicta city, whether for leisure or business, we’ve already shared a list of excellent places to visit in Porto.

Now it’s time to suggest where you can stay in this beautiful city.

Our recommendation is AP Aeroporto Porto. This hotel is located just 2 minutes from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and close to the metro, making it easy to explore the city and visit all the top spots we’ve highlighted.

Visit the official website to know more about this hotel in Porto for your stay.

Source: https://www.viajeroscallejeros.com/10-lugares-visitar-oporto-imprescindibles/