Dom Luis I, Bridge
Dom Luís I Bridge: This is one of the symbols of Porto. Over the Douro river separates the centric Ribera borough and the city of Vila Nova de Gaia where all the wineries are. It remembers me to the Eiffel tower as it looks very industrial. You can cross it walking through the top level and no worries about the highs I’m normally very scared and it was actually a nice walk.
Clerigos Tower / Torre dos Clerigos: Entry is 5€ per person, free children under 10yo. Be ready to walk lots of stairs, take it as a workout. The views are impressive. Make sure to go on a sunny day and when there are not many people as the stairs are very tight. There is also a night shift from 19h to 23h which is also 5€, just be aware that with this shift there is no discount included in the Porto Card.
Cathedral: We didn’t have it in our plan but we stumble upon it as it is close by the bridge and we loved its beautiful views. There is a 3€ entrance fee but the interiors are worth visiting with beautiful blue and white tiles.
São Bento railway station: While walking in the city centre you will probably pass by the station. Give it a try and go inside for some pics. It’s a small station but definitely nice interior walls and ceiling.
Librería Lello: One of the most popular places to visit in Porto. Entry is 4€ per person and you get a 4€ discount if you decide to buy book. Also, you can accumulate two discounts for one book. It’s a nice library with picturesque stairs and decoration but if you are rushing and don’t have much time don’t worry too much for not visiting it… Is not so awesome and most of the time overcrowded (at least before COVID)…
Ribera neighbourhood: This is the old city centre, awesome to walk and get lost. Colour houses, small streets…
Funicular de Guimaraes: Pass is 2,50€ per person and the ride takes around 3 minutes. The view of the bridge is totally stunning so, for me, a must-go in the city. The only “but” is that is so fast you will want to repeat it a million times.
Serralves Foundation & gardens: A bit far away from the city centre, we decided to go by Uber as it was pretty cheap to get there. The entry fee is 10€ per person but worth the visit if you are very into arts. You can see the exhibition and gardens. The architecture of the building itself is amazing, but be aware that they focus their art collection only in portuguese artists.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso: Even if you are not a great fan of churches this is a very charming one and inside you can see amazing stained glass windows and sculptures. If you pass by don’t forget to get inside.
Capela das Almas or Chapel of Souls: Most shared picture from Porto! You definitely have to check it either or not you are an instagramer.
Rua Santa Catarina: It is the most known shopping area in the city centre of Porto. It is only for pedestrians use and here you will find apart from international brands H&M or Zara, the known Cafe Majestic. It is actually pretty crowded so I would recommend you, if you want to take a break for a coffee, to go to any other cafeteria on the street as you will find several.
Fado: This traditional Portuguese music can be found in Porto, however there is not a lot of variety. If you are an avid lover of this kind of folk music, then Lisbon is the better place to go.
Others: Praca da Liberdade & Av dos Aliados, Casa da Música, Lighthouse in Foz do Douro (u can take the tram 1 from Placa do Infante), Tram Seaside (fresh fish and seafood), Palacio de cristal, Mercado do Bolhão, Teleférico (6€ per person).
Winery Tour: On the other side of the bridge, in Villa Nova De Gaia, you will find all the wineries with lots of options to have a first experience with Porto wine. We decided to do the Calem tour which is 12€ and includes two tastings, 15€ 3 tastings (we recommend one of each for 2 people as you will then be able to experience 5 different wines). It takes around one hour and you get an idea of how a winery is and how port wine is made. Also, you can just go around the wineries and enjoy a nice port wine for 2,5€ each. We recommend Porto Cruz as there is an awesome rooftop.
Food: If you come to Porto and you don’t try the “Francesinha” is as if you were had never been here. This is, at least for me, the most known this in this area of Portugal. It is a kind of meat sandwich with cheese and soaked in a beer sauce. Try this with a SuperBock and you won’t need to eat anything else for the rest of the day.
If you want to know more about where and what to eat in Porto check here.
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