Porto – City of Wine and Narrow Streets

Porto, set on the banks of the picturesque Douro River in northern Portugal, is a city that blends centuries of history with a vibrant modern culture. Every corner here carries the spirit of the past, while modern life pulses in harmony with tradition. The city is famous for its exquisite Baroque churches, medieval buildings and colourful neighbourhoods that invite you to dive into its rich history. Porto is also home to the world-famous port wine, which you can taste in one of the many wine cellars in the neighbouring town of Vila Nova de Gaia, overlooking the beautiful banks of the Douro.

The city offers dozens of opportunities for adventure, whether you want to explore its cultural sights, enjoy the local food or simply soak up the atmosphere of this charming coastal city. A stroll through the historic Ribeira district is like travelling back in time – the narrow lanes, cobbled alleys and picturesque houses with bright façades clad in azulejo tiles create a truly magical atmosphere. In the heart of Porto you’ll find sights such as the Clérigos Tower, which offers a unique panoramic view of the city, and Livraria Lello – one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, famous for its magnificent interior. Don’t miss the chance to take in the view from the “Luís I” bridge, which links the two banks of the river, or to try traditional dishes such as the “francesinha”, which will give you an authentic taste of Portugal.

Porto is a destination that will inspire you with its culture, the warm hospitality of the locals and its unique mix of old and new. In this article I’ve gathered the 20 most interesting sights in Porto that you shouldn’t miss, along with a few tips that will make your stay truly unforgettable.

How do you get there?

The easiest way to get from Bulgaria to Porto is by plane, but sadly there are still no direct flights from home. You’ll most likely have to change at one of the bigger European airports, such as Lisbon, Madrid or Paris. From Sofia several airlines offer connections to Porto with one change, and the journey takes around 6–7 hours. We flew via the capital, Lisbon, and combined a visit to both cities.

From Porto airport you can easily reach the city centre by metro, taxi or bus. The metro is the most convenient and quickest option, with a line running straight from the airport into the centre.

When is the best time to visit Porto?

The best time to visit Porto is spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and the sights aren’t overcrowded. Summer is also fine for wandering around the city, although the heat can make sightseeing more tiring. In winter the city is quieter and wetter, but it still has plenty to offer for a cultural break. Even so, I personally wouldn’t go between November and March because of the rain. The climate there is quite different from that of the capital, Lisbon.

How do you get around the city?

Porto has a well-developed transport network made up of the metro, buses and – so typical of Portugal – trams. The metro is the most convenient and quickest way to get around, while the trams will carry you back to a more romantic past. Walking is also a great way to explore the centre of Porto, especially if you want to feel the atmosphere of its little lanes and historic quarters. Taxis and Uber are popular with visitors too, as they’re comfortable and quick.

What should you see in Porto?

The Cathedral (Sé de Porto)

Porto Cathedral, or Sé de Porto, is one of the most important religious buildings in the city and a symbol of its history. Built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, it went through a series of transformations over the centuries, gaining first Gothic and later Baroque elements. It stands on a hill in the historic centre and offers breathtaking views of Porto and the Douro River. Inside you’ll find richly decorated chapels, stunning stained-glass windows and a cloister with beautifully decorated arches. One of the cathedral’s chapels holds the tomb of the first king of Portugal.

Entrance fee: Entry to the cathedral is free, but if you want to see the cloister and the treasury, it costs around 3 euros.

Top tip: Come early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the views from the hill in peace.

A walk across the Luís I Bridge

One of Porto’s great symbols, the Luís I Bridge is a feat of engineering, built in 1886 by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel. It links Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia on the other bank of the Douro. It has two levels – the lower one for cars and trams, the upper one for pedestrians and the metro. A walk across the upper deck gives you an incredible view of the old town and the wine cellars on the opposite bank. It’s a must for anyone after panoramic views and great photos. The view from the bridge over Porto’s old town is simply one of a kind.

Top tip: I highly recommend walking across the bridge at sunset, when the light is at its loveliest and the views of the river and the city are truly spectacular.

Ribeira (Cais da Ribeira)

Ribeira is one of Porto’s most colourful and picturesque districts, right on the bank of the Douro. Its narrow cobbled lanes and old, brightly painted houses clad in azulejo tiles create a unique, almost magical atmosphere. Ribeira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beating heart of the city’s tourist life. Here you can wander around, tuck into traditional Portuguese dishes in one of the many restaurants or simply soak up the atmosphere of the old town. Ribeira is where Porto’s past and present meet, and a stroll along the riverside promenade is one of the most enjoyable things you can do in the city. It reminded me so much of the old part of Veliko Tarnovo – from a distance the houses seem to be perched on top of one another, just like in my home town of Tarnovo.

Top tip: Visit Ribeira in the early evening, when the lights of the restaurants dancing on the water create a magical atmosphere.

Clérigos Church Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)

The Clérigos Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Porto and a key part of the city’s skyline. Built in the 18th century, it rises to 76 metres and offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Climbing the 225 steps to the top can be a challenge, but the incredible view is your reward. The church itself is also a remarkable example of Baroque architecture.

Entrance fee: 5 euros to climb the tower. Entry to the church is free.

Top tip: To avoid the crowds, visit the tower early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The Carmo and Carmelitas Churches

The Carmo and Carmelitas churches stand side by side in the heart of Porto and form an impressive ensemble of Baroque architecture. The façade of the Carmo Church is covered in traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles (azulejos) depicting scenes from religious life. The two churches are separated by the narrowest building in Porto – a slim passage that was once used to keep the men’s and women’s convents apart. Inside, both churches are rich in gilded decoration, and their history is closely bound up with the city’s religious traditions.

Entrance fee: 3 euros to visit both churches.

Top tip: Take a good close look at the tile panels on the Carmo Church – they’re a real masterpiece of Portugal’s ceramic tradition.

São Bento Railway Station (São Bento)

São Bento is one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world and is famous for its exquisite blue-and-white ceramic tiles (azulejos). The tiles depict scenes from Portuguese history and culture, including battles and other historic events. The station’s interior is a museum in its own right, yet it still works as a busy railway hub. São Bento is a wonderful spot for lovers of history and architecture – and don’t forget to admire the building from the outside too, where the grandeur of Porto’s old town really reveals itself.

Top tip: It’s best to visit the station early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when there are fewer people and you can enjoy the details of the tiles.

Liberdade Square (Praca da Liberdade)

Liberdade Square is Porto’s main square and one of the liveliest parts of the city. Right in the centre, it’s surrounded by monumental buildings and is where old and new Porto meet. In the middle of the square stands an equestrian statue of King Pedro IV, an important figure in Portuguese history. Here you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants, and it’s also the gateway to the city’s main shopping streets.

Top tip: If you’re on the square around lunchtime, grab a seat in one of the nearby cafés and watch city life bustle around you.

Church of Saint Ildefonso (Saint Ildefonso)

A cruise on the Douro River

A cruise on the Douro is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Porto and its surroundings from a different angle. There are several kinds of cruise, from short trips along the river to longer ones that include wine tours with port tastings. On the way you’ll see Porto’s famous bridges and Vila Nova de Gaia, the city’s historic quarters and the picturesque vine-covered hills of the Douro Valley.

Price: Between 15 and 20 euros for a short cruise.Top tip: Prices for longer cruises that include wine tours in the Douro Valley can vary a lot, but they’re well worth it for true wine lovers.

Livraria Lello Bookshop (Livraria Lello)

Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful and famous bookshops in the world, is a must for every visitor to Porto. Its neo-Gothic interior, with its carved wood, stained glass and sweeping curved staircase, has inspired countless writers and artists. The bookshop is also known for its link to the “Harry Potter” books – it’s said to be one of the places that inspired J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.

Entrance fee: 5 euros (you can use it as a discount if you buy a book).

Top tip: The bookshop is hugely popular, so it’s a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance and skip the long queues.

Bolsa Palace (Palacio da Bolsa)

The Bolsa Palace is one of Porto’s grandest buildings and the city’s former stock exchange. Its architecture blends neoclassical and Moorish elements, and its most spectacular room is the Arab Room, decorated in an oriental style with lavish ornamentation. Important events and receptions are still held here, and the room is open to visitors. A tour of the palace is a unique chance to get a feel for the history of trade and the wealth of 19th-century Porto.

Entrance fee: 10 euros for adults; discounts for children, students and pensioners.

Top tip: Tours of the palace are guided and packed with fascinating stories about the building and Porto’s trading past.

Vila Nova de Gaia (Vila Nova de Gaia)

Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite bank of the Douro, is home to the world-famous port wine cellars. It’s easy to reach by walking across the Luís I Bridge, and it offers all sorts of tours and wine tastings in its celebrated cellars. Vila Nova de Gaia also has wonderful views of Porto and is the perfect place to enjoy good food with a glass of port.

Entrance fee: The district itself is free to explore; prices for wine tours and tastings vary (around 15–20 euros per tasting).

Top tip: To get the full experience, book a wine tour in advance, as places often fill up quickly.

Port wine tasting

Port is one of Portugal’s most iconic products, and no visit to Porto would be complete without tasting this sweet, full-flavoured wine. Vila Nova de Gaia is home to the most famous cellars, which offer tours and tastings of different styles of port – white, ruby and tawny. On the tours you’ll learn about how port is made and about its history, while the tastings give you the chance to try some of the finest vintages.

Price: Tastings start at 10 euros and vary depending on the cellar and the wines you choose.

Top tip: If you want to try really good port, look for cellars that offer premium tastings of rare and aged wines.

Jardim do Morro Garden (Jardim de Morro)

Jardim do Morro sits on a hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, directly opposite Porto’s historic centre and the Luís I Bridge. It’s a favourite spot for a stroll and a rest for locals and visitors alike, and it offers one of the most impressive panoramic views of Porto, the Douro and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The garden is planted with exotic trees and flowers, and its pretty paths create a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Open-air music events are often held here, and in the evening the garden becomes the perfect place to watch the sun set over Porto. The view of the Luís I Bridge is especially popular – lit up at night, it makes for a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.

Top tip: Come to the garden in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset – the view is unforgettable, and the photographers among you will love the magical light at that time of day.

Serra do Pilar Monastery (Serra do Pilar)

The Serra do Pilar Monastery stands on a high hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, right next to Jardim do Morro, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its round church and is a fine example of 17th-century monastic architecture. From the monastery courtyard you get some of the most breathtaking views of Porto and the Douro. The spot is popular with tourists and photographers alike, who come here for the perfect panoramic shot.

Entrance fee: 2 euros to visit the monastery.

Top tip: If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet, visit the monastery early in the morning. You’ll be able to take in the stunning view of Porto in a calmer, more secluded setting before the tourists start to flock in.

Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal)

The Crystal Palace Gardens are among the loveliest and most peaceful parks in Porto, set on a hill with stunning views of the Douro and the city. The park was laid out in the 19th century around the now-vanished Crystal Palace, which took its inspiration from London’s palace of the same name. Although the original building was demolished in the 1950s, the gardens have kept their magic, with sweeping lawns, flower-lined paths, ponds and quiet corners for a stroll.

The gardens are divided into several themed areas, such as the French Garden, the Garden of Feelings, the Rose Garden and the Magnolia Avenue. As well as the beautiful plants and the calm atmosphere, you may well bump into some handsome peacocks wandering freely among the visitors and adding an extra touch of exotic charm.

Entrance fee: Free.

Top tip: The best time to visit is in the early evening, when you can watch the sun set over the Douro.

The Wine Museum (World of Wine | WOW)

World of Wine, or simply WOW, is one of Porto’s newest and most innovative museums, set in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia – on the opposite bank of the Douro, home to the famous port cellars. It’s a huge cultural and culinary complex with several museums, restaurants and shops. The main focus is the history of wine and its importance to Portugal, but there are also exhibitions on various aspects of Portuguese culture, design, traditions and food.

The exhibitions include interactive tours where you can learn more about how wine is made, tastings of different wines, and displays devoted to drinking vessels, ceramics and glassblowing. There are also separate spaces dedicated to chocolate, the cork industry and traditional Portuguese crafts.

Entrance fee: Prices depend on which exhibitions you choose – between 20 and 40 euros for combined tickets covering several of the complex’s museums.

Top tip: If you’re planning to see more than one museum in the complex, get a combined ticket, which gives you access to several exhibitions for less. It’s also a great spot for lunch or dinner, with several restaurants serving excellent food and incredible views of Porto.

Casa Pastel de Bacalhau (Pastel de Bacalhau)

If you want to try one of Portugal’s most popular dishes – pastel de bacalhau (crispy fried salt cod and potato cakes) – Casa Pastel de Bacalhau is the place to enjoy this delicious traditional treat. You can also try traditional Portuguese wines here, which makes a visit even more enjoyable. It’s a cosy place with an authentic atmosphere.

Entrance fee: Free – you only pay for what you eat and drink.

Top tip: Try your pastel with a glass of port – it’s a pairing you really shouldn’t miss.

The Serralves Foundation (Serralves Foundation)

The Serralves Foundation is the home of contemporary art in Porto, housed in a modern building surrounded by a beautiful park and extensive gardens. The collection includes modern and contemporary works, and there are often temporary exhibitions by international and local artists. The park around the museum is an impressive place in its own right, with ponds, leafy paths and sculptures. The foundation is one of Portugal’s leading cultural centres, with a programme that’s constantly refreshed with new exhibitions and events.

Entrance fee: 24 euros for adults; discounts for students and pensioners.

Top tip: Check out the current exhibitions here beforehand so you can plan your visit around your interests – the foundation often hosts touring exhibitions by world-famous artists.

FC Porto Stadium (Estádio do Dragão)

For football fans, FC Porto’s stadium, the Estádio do Dragão, is a must. It’s home to one of the most successful football clubs in Europe and offers behind-the-scenes tours where you can see the dressing rooms, the tunnels and the club museum. The tour also tells the story of FC Porto, the titles it has won and the great moments in the club’s history.

Entrance fee: 20 euros for adults, including a tour of the stadium and the museum. You can buy tickets here.

Top tip: If you can, plan your visit around an FC Porto match – the atmosphere in the stadium on match day is unforgettable.