Porto is a city in northern Portugal and is home to some of the most wonderful sites to see in the country. The city boasts beautiful architecture, stunning views, delicious food, and friendly people. Make sure you don’t miss these great sites in phenomenal Porto!
Rua Santa Catarina
Shop ’til you drop on Santa Catarina street! This pedestrian friendly area is filled with beautiful buildings that hold shops, churches, cafés, and more. It’s well worth wandering through and spending some time there people watching.
You can visit the famous Majestic Café, located in an Art Nouveau building. This café was the favorite gathering place for a generation of artists, authors and politicians. It’s a great place for a light breakfast or coffee break.
Not far from the café is the Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso church. This 18th century church features blue and white ceramic tiles. It’s well worth passing by to see, and you can also go inside. It has seven rooms displaying religious artifacts.
São Bento Railway Station
Feast your eyes on 20,000 painted tiles lining the walls of the São Bento Railway Station. This is definitely top of our must-see sites in Porto! Installed between 1905-1916, these tiles tell the story of Portugal’s history. The building sits upon the site of a Benedictine monastery destroyed by fire in 1783. The monastery was rebuilt but was later torn down to make way for the station and expanding railway system in the late 19th century.
Liberdade Square
Liberdade Square is located in the heart of the city and is the home of Porto’s city hall. This is where all of the important decisions of the city are made. Check out the statue of King Pedro IV on his horse and enjoy the decorative granite buildings surrounding the square. If you are ready for some American food, the McDonald’s there is worth visiting, if only for it’s striking modernist design!
Torre dos Clérigos
The iconic Clérigos Tower is a definitely one of the must-see sites for all visitors to Porto. The 18th century tower is in the baroque style and tops a church. Climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of the city. In the summer the tower is open both day and night so you can experience different views.
Livraria Lello
Lore holds that the beautiful Livraria Lello bookstore inspired J.K. Rowling to write the Harry Potter series. Once you enter in and wander around, you will understand why. Dating from 1906, it’s a booklover’s dream. It has an admission fee that is waived if you buy something, and you most certainly will.
Sé do Porto
Located next to the historic city walls in the highest part of the city, the Porto Cathedral is one of the most formidable sites to see in Porto! Dating back to the 12th century, it contains a mix of architectural styles. Don’t miss the cloisters featuring painted tiles of Biblical scenes. Also check out the Casa do Cabildo which contains the Cathedral’s religious artifacts.
Palácio da Bolsa
The Bolsa (Stock Exchange) Palace is a remarkable building dating from the mid-19th century. Visit the enclosed glass courtyard, feel like royalty as you climb the marble staircase, and marvel at the Golden Room that is covered with gold leaf paint. If you aren’t already impressed with this building, wait until you enter the Arab Room decorated in Moorish style.
Cais da Ribeira
Ribeira Square sits on the Douro River and presents the most picture-perfect view of Porto. Enjoy a walk along the river looking at the delightful multi-colored houses lining the water. Savor a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants such as Wine Quay Bar.
Make sure to walk over the Dom Luis Bridge for great views back at the historic city center and of the river. Better yet, embark on a two hour boat tour to see the entire area from the water.
Capping off our list of sites to see in Porto is Casa Kopke, the oldest port wine house in Porto. Established in 1638, it is located right on the river on the Gaia side of Porto. You can taste various types of Port wines and other wines produced in the Douro Valley in Portugal. Even better, you get Arcadia chocolate to pair with your tasting! A small menu of appetizers is available as well.
Which of these sites most tempt to visit during your time in Porto?
Tell us below! You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post.
