Essential Things to See and Do in Porto, Portugal
Porto is a vibrant, thriving little city, with something new and fascinating around every corner. While it’s a wonderful place to just let your feet wander and take you where they will, there are a few essential sights you need to see in order to really experience the magic of Porto. Here are the best of them:
Vila Nova de Gaia
Just across the Douro river is Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto’s companion city. Vila Nova de Gaia extends westward along the river and wraps around the coast, with scenic views and experiences that range from the urban to the beach in just a short distance. Vila Nova de Gaia is the center of the port wine trade, and wine has been aged in cellars (called caves) along the riverbank for centuries. At least 20 of these port caves are open for tours, where you can learn about the different types of port, and how the history of the wine is integral to the history of Portugal itself.
Ribeira
Ribeira is the medieval heart of Porto, a network of colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets, lined with cafes, restaurants, and small shops. At the heart of it all is Ribeira Square, once the center of Porto’s trade and industry, where imported goods and fish fresh from the boats were sold in open-air markets, and locally produced merchandise was sold to foreign traders. Today it’s an amazing spot to admire the architecture, savor local food, and people-watch.
Clerigos Tower
The Torre dos Clérigos is one of Porto’s most famous and visible landmarks, and dominates the landscape as a symbol of the city itself. It’s the baroque bell tower of the Clerigos Church, and it was completed in 1763. With more than 250 years of history, the church, tower, and associated museum are not to be missed.
Palacio da Bolsa
The Neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa is the Palace of the Stock Exchange and headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto. Construction of this landmark building began in 1842, but the stunning interiors were not finished until 1910. Today, the incredible building is open for tours, hosts conferences, and houses a gorgeous restaurant.
Dom Luis Bridge
The iconic Dom Luis Bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, and is an emblem of the city. It is a natural visual companion to the nearby Dona Maria Pia bridge. The Dona Maria Pia was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Dom Luis Bridge was designed by one of his disciples. To this day, the people of Porto feel a special connection to the work Eiffel, and honor his impact on their city. The top deck of the Dom Luis Bridge has a pedestrian walkway, offering breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime views of the legendary river and the jewel-like cities on each side.
Porto Cathedral
The Sé do Porto is one of Porto’s oldest and most important monuments, and is the most important religious edifice in the city. Construction of the present cathedral was begun in the 12th century, on the site of an earlier religious building. Built near the original medieval defensive walls of Porto, the cathedral has a comparatively plain facade with crenels that resemble a fortress. As the church was expanded and embellished over the centuries, it came to incorporate Gothic and Baroque archtecture in the original Romanesque design. The cathedral and attached cloister are among the best and most popular attractions in the city.
Serralves Museum
The Serralves Museum is the most important contemporary art museum in Portugal, and one of the most visited in Europe. The stunning space is a triumph of modern architecture, and the space alone attracts many visitors and admirers of the work of architect Alvaro Siza Vieira. It has no permanent collection, but features rotating exhibitions by invited artists every year, often including site-specific installations and experiences. It showcases a dynamic program that includes films, dance, music, and performance art, making every visit to the Serralves Museum a unique and unrepeatable experience.
Whatever your plans in Porto, make sure you take the time to see these essential spots, and make the most of your time in this unique city.
