Top Sites Travel Guide to Porto, Portugal

Porto:

Funky Fact: Porto is lovingly known as “Invicta” and the Portuguese from Porto are known as “Tripeiros”(a famed regional dish).

1. Livraria Lello

This incredibly charming little bookstore once had a coffee shop upstairs is said to have been the inspiration for the scenery in the Harry Potter films as J.K. Rolling was writing her famed books, she was living in Porto in the 1990s. I suggest buying an online ticket for 5 euros. I waited for only 10 min. If you want to buy at the ticket counter, the wait can take up to 3 hours.

Webpage and Information: Livraria Lello

2. Cais da Ribeira

Running along the banks of the river, Cais da Ribeira is a lively street lined with shopping and restaurants. It really charms guests in the evening when buskers sing and the sunset turns the river into a mirror of color.

3. Luís I Bridge

This iconic arched bridge straddles the river and connects the two cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It was built in 1886 and is a gem of the city. You can walk along the top and bottom story of this double-decker beauty and take in stunning sweeping panoramas of the city.

4. Church of São Francisco

Historic baroque style church famed for opulent carved gold leaf interior. The Church of São Francisco is one of the oldest buildings in the city and dates back to the 13th century.

5. Rua das Flores

This Street opened in 1521 and is now a bustling shopping street. In the 19th century, it was the wealthiest neighborhood and continues to flourish. Don’t forget to peek down the side streets and find the giant blue cat, likely drawn to all the sardines.

6. Clérigos Church or Torre dos Clérigos

This iconic 75-meter-tall bell tower was built in 1750 and has a stunning baroque facade. Visitors can climb its steep steps and take in a stunning city view from the top veranda.

7. Porto Cathedral and the Pillory of Porto

The Roman Catholic Church is perched high above the city. Also known as the Sé Cathedral it was constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, it’s one of the most famous buildings in the city.

8. Muralha Fernandina

Check out the Walls of Dom Fernando, also known as the Fernandine Walls. They are the remains of the medieval fortification that was built in the 14th century, they were restored in the 1920s and can be seen in various areas throughout the city.

9. Gardens of the Crystal Palace – Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The original crystal palace was built in the 1860s and replaced by what is called the ‘UFO’ in the 1950s. Today the landscaped gardens offer fountains, ponds, peacocks, paths, and stunning visas of the Douro river.

10. Port Wine Caves

A must when visiting Porto is a cave tour paired with a sampling of Port wine. Just up the river from the city is the Douro Valley, which has been growing wine for centuries. There are dozens of distillery caves all over the city but my favorite was Quevedo. I tasted three aged ports (10-25 euro) and fell in love with their family’s secret: the 30-year-old aged white port. It’s toasted hazelnuts in a glass! Simply heavenly.

11. Igreja do Carmo

These two Churches are a must-visit on your trip to Porto. This appears to be one massive church but is actually two churches separated by a thin house to separate the monks from the nuns. The most famous part of this site is the stunning azulejos facade. The lovingly handprinted blue tiles on the exterior depict and rich baroque and rococo style scene showing the Brown Scapular imposition on Mount Carmel.

12. Mural ‘Mira’

Mural ‘Mira’ by street artist Daniel Eime. This huge stencil graffiti piece shows the strength of the city in its old age.

13. Mercado Ferreira Borges

This 1885 glass ceiling posts stunning original iron work. Once uses as a fruit market hall it’s now home to a nightclub and restaurant.

14. WOW Porto the Culture District

A place where culture, history, and dining collide this artistically renovated district has a playful labyrinth of discoveries. Everything from world-class museum experiences, twelve restaurants, bars and cafés, shopping, gallery exhibits, and even a wine school.

Webpage and Information: WOW Porto the Culture District

15. Jardim do Morro

Take the cable car up to the most romantic sunset views in the city. This palm tree-lined garden is at the summit of the hill and gives visitors the perfect vista of the city.

16. Half Rabbit

A towering commentary on human consumption, this three dimensions sculpture clings to the facade on a street corner. Composed of recycled trash the rabbit poses still half colorful and hopeful to the future and half dark and ominous. It can be found down a quiet street in Gaia, Portugal.

17. Igre de Santo Ildefonso

This 18th century church is the perfect place to catch a photo with those stunning blue tiles and avoid the crowds of people.

18. Rua de Miguel Bombarda

This lesser known art street has tons of hidden gems for the street art aficionado. It also filled with art galleries, shopping, stunning tile buildings, and restaurants.

19. Mercado Bom Sucesso

This fully renovated market hall has modern flair and is full of different restaurants, eateries, and bars with a huge variety of cuisines and drinks to try.

20. Sao Bento Station

One of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. This gem was constructed in 1900 and named after the Benedictine monastery that once stood here. The wall of the entrance hall dazzle visitors with rich blue and white tile splendor. It’s especially stunning as sunset as the light filters through the stained glass windows.

21. Pasteis de Nata

This Portuguese delicacy is a must try on your stay in Porto. Its signature flaky crust and sweet custard filling are world-famous and will have you hooked.

22. Postigo do Carvao

An unusual city site is the Postigo do Carvao. It’s the only remaining gate built into the medieval Fernandine Walls.

23. Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

An indescribable experience this place is a riot of color that celebrates two Portuguese delicacies: the codfish cake (pastel de bacalhau) and Queijo da Serra (Serra cheese).

24. Portuguese Sardine Factory

An unusual touristic stop is to one of many sardine canneries in Porto. Decorated like a candy store they house massive collections of artisanal canned fish. This traditional food has been a staple in Portugal for ages and you can visit one such as ‘O Mundo Fantástico das Sardinhas Portuguesas’ for a fishy treat.

25. 3+ ARTE

Hybrid space that runs on art and wine. Fabulous service and wonderfully quirky art to enjoy while you sip some of the finest glasses of port.