The ancient city of Portugal, Porto, which bears the name of the entire country, is an inexhaustible source of wonder. Its atmosphere is so unique and authentic that every visitor will find something different in Porto. Walking along its streets, you will be captivated by ancient buildings, bright houses with dark red roofs, many museums, majestic Baroque churches and other interesting sights.
What you should see first in Porto
Of course, visitors to the city will always have a lot to explore in Porto in one day, but to really immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this ancient port city, it is better to leave at least about a week. In this review, we will look at the most exciting places to make your experience of Porto as educational and unforgettable as possible.
Ribeira Quarter
Ribeira is the ideal place to start your trip to Porto. Here you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of real Portugal, thanks to the ancient cobbled streets and picturesque monuments of the past. The sounds of taverns and restaurants that fill the air along the coast of Ribeira create a unique atmosphere that does not subside from morning to evening. The old houses of this area, up to three hundred years old, each with its own unique history, add a special flavor and charm to it.
Santa Catarina Street
A charm for tourists, Calle Santa Catarina is one of the most important attractions in Porto. Here you will find many shops, cafes and pastry shops that attract attention with their unique style. A visit to this street is the first thing to do for those who come to Porto for the first time. Here everyone can buy quality goods and memorable souvenirs. A walk around Santa Catarina is reminiscent of visiting an interesting museum, where shop windows act as unique exhibits. This area does not calm down until late at night - every tourist strives to visit as many souvenir shops, shops and cafes as possible in order to plunge into the atmosphere of this picturesque place.
Freedom Square
Liberty Square in Porto is one of the main attractions of the city. In its center stands a monument to King Pedro IV, created by the artist Diego Delso. This square is surrounded by stately mansions and office buildings designed in an Art Nouveau style, creating a contrast with the varied architecture of the Ribeira area. All buildings around the square follow the same architectural style, giving it a harmonious appearance. The monument to King Pedro IV, erected in the 19th century, is the final highlight of this beautiful square.
Lello and Sons Bookstore
The Lello and Sons bookshop is a magnificent landmark in Porto, famous for its unique interior and architecture. This place attracts tourists from all over the world, who not only come here for books, but also to enjoy the beauty of the building, recognized as an art heritage. Created in 1894 by the Lello brothers, the store was decorated by a talented architect of the time, who brought to life impressive details: exquisite wooden carvings, a curved staircase, stained glass ceilings and a luxurious Art Deco facade - all of which surprise and delight visitors to this day.
Cafe Majestic
A symbol of Portugal, the Majestic Street Café on Santa Catarina Street is an integral part of Porto's cultural heritage. With its centuries-old heritage, it attracts the attention of visitors, captivating them into the atmosphere of the country's sophisticated coffee culture. Its interior, designed in Art Nouveau style, surprises with its sophistication: carved ceilings, exquisite furniture made of natural wood and sculptures create the unique appearance of the establishment. Here guests can enjoy fresh pastries and a wide selection of the best Portuguese coffees, immersing themselves in an atmosphere of the past that combines luxury and coziness.
Bourse Palace
The Palace of the Exchange, an important landmark of Porto, takes pride of place in Infanta Henrique Square. Built on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery that was destroyed by fire in the 19th century, it witnessed changes and historical events. This neoclassical building, built on the foundations of the past, impresses with its interiors, which are still preserved in perfect condition. Today, the majestic palace attracts visitors not only with its architecture, but also with a unique collection of sculptures and paintings that tell the history of this wonderful place.
Bishop's Palace
The Bishop's Palace is an iconic landmark of the city of Porto. Imagine a stunning view of the Bishop's Palace, located in the heart of the city, on a small hill next to the cathedral. This palace was built in the Middle Ages as the residence of bishops and remained so until the 19th century. Today its appearance is the result of a careful reconstruction of the original building, made in the Romanesque style. In the 18th century it was significantly expanded, and its architectural style acquired features of Rococo and Baroque.
Sao Bento Station
In the center of Porto there is the famous Sao Bento train station, which is located in Almeida Garrett Square. This station is the city's main railway hub, receiving trains from all over Portugal. However, its attractiveness for tourists is not limited to this. Sao Bento station is one of the most significant landmarks in Portugal, which arose on the site of a Benedictine monastery destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century. This station is also famous for its unique architecture - its interior walls are decorated with colorful azulejos tiles, which depict important events from the country's history.
House of Music
We invite you to get acquainted with the amazing architecture of the House of Music in Porto, which is a concert hall in the round Boavisto Square. This unusual architectural masterpiece in the deconstructivist style was opened quite recently, in 2005. In a short time it became a symbol of the city and one of its main cultural centers. The building seats about one and a half thousand people and offers visitors not only a concert hall, but also a restaurant, cafe, music store and rehearsal rooms. Immerse yourself in music and culture at this unique venue in the center of Porto.
Church of Carmo and Carmelites
Another integral element of the Portuguese capital is the Carmelite Church, combined with the Carmo Temple into a single architectural complex. Built at the end of the Middle Ages, these two majestic structures dominate the historical center of Porto. The façade of the Carmo Church combines Baroque and Rococo elements, while the façade of the Carmelites is an example of the classicism characteristic of many Portuguese churches. The interior of both temples is striking in its exquisite decoration, including elegant details and gold decorations.
Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral is an iconic landmark of the city. The massive cathedral is located in the heart of historic Porto, right on the banks of the Douro River. Rebuilt and added to over the centuries, it is an architectural treasure with a variety of styles. The exterior of the building, with its austere lead-gray tones, creates an impression of grandeur and imposingness. The inimitable decoration of the facade is a romantic rose window, and the most valuable treasure of the cathedral is considered to be an altar weighing 800 kilograms, made of silver and embedded in its walls.
Church and Tower of Clérigos
An icon of Portugal, the Clérigos Tower is another amazing piece of architecture that attracts the attention of everyone who comes to Porto. The tall tower, standing out among the city houses, served as a landmark for both local residents and sailors entering the port. Built in the 18th century, it is part of the Clérigos complex, which also includes a church open to the faithful. The baroque facade of the temple is decorated with elegant sculptures and reliefs, and an elegant staircase with curved balustrades leads to the entrance.
Soares dos Reis Museum
The Soares dos Reis Museum, located in the former Carrancas Palace, is an important landmark in Porto. This museum, one of the most famous in Portugal, houses an extensive collection of national art created by local artists. From works by court artists to works confiscated from monasteries, the museum's collection is rich and varied. A special place in the exhibition is occupied by the works of António Soares dos Reis, the sculptor in whose honor the museum took its name.
Church of St. Francis
The Church of St. Francis in Porto amazes with its grandeur and rich history. The construction of this temple began in the 13th century with the founding of the Order of the Poor by Saint Francis. However, its completion occurred in the 15th century, when King Ferdinand I made a significant financial contribution to the completion of the project. The exterior of the church impresses with its austere Gothic style, while the interior boasts luxurious Baroque decor, including more than 300 kilograms of gold. This temple is not only an important landmark in Porto, but also a unique testimony to art and religious history.
Dragão Stadium
Pride of Porto "Dragao" is the home of the Portuguese football team, created specifically for the 2004 Championship and has become an important historical landmark. It is the second largest stadium in Portugal and currently hosts matches for the national team. Can accommodate more than 50 thousand fans. The name of the stadium comes from the dragon depicted on the emblem of the Portuguese club.
Port Wine Museum
Interesting Attraction of Porto, Exposition of the Port Wine Museum. Within a historic winery located in the Alto Douro, one of Portugal's oldest regions, lies the Port Wine Museum, an ode to the famous local drink. Visitors who left their impressions note the informative tours, which detail the history of port wine, its production process, and also demonstrate the various tools used in winemaking. In addition, guests are always invited to the tasting room to enjoy a variety of high-quality port wines.
Luis I Bridge
The famous landmark of Porto is the two-level Luis I Bridge against the backdrop of the majestic cityscape at sunset. There are many bridges scattered throughout Portugal, crossing the country's numerous rivers, but among them, the Luís I Bridge, erected at the end of the 19th century, especially stands out. Getting to this famous location is not difficult if your path leads through the Ribeiro quarter, because the bridge connects Ribeiro with the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. This majestic structure is a gigantic metal structure consisting of two levels: the upper level is for the movement of cars, and the lower one is for trams. You can also walk along the bridge and admire its grandeur - there are special sidewalks for pedestrians.
Cable car
The funicular is an indispensable attribute of Porto, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the Duoro River and the medieval Ribeira quarter. In a city where the altitude varies significantly, the funicular becomes an unusual and convenient form of transport. A single cable car line connects the popular tourist area of Ribeira with the cozy Batalha district, allowing you to enjoy a 280-meter journey in just 3 minutes.
Portugal surprises with its ancient houses, narrow streets and majestic walls, and local port wine, varied cuisine and walks along the embankment leave an unforgettable impression. Getting to know Porto will be a bright moment in your life if you contact the travel agency TurPoisk. We will carefully and taking into account all your wishes search for tours in Porto for sightseeing holidays and sightseeing in the city. The trip will be remembered for a long time, once you hit the road.
