The best sights of Porto with photos and descriptions. Enjoy the silence and spaciousness of Porto City Park
Porto is not famous for world-famous masterpieces of architecture or outstanding museums, but it is still a must to go to Porto. For the atmosphere. Porto is like an old friend who will give you shelter, pour a glass of wine and drive away sadness and longing. It turned out pathetic, but, honestly, the way it is. Perhaps this Porto is a bit like, but, fortunately, there are fewer people on the streets here.
How to get to Porto
If you are traveling from Ukraine, you will have to fly with a transfer - for example, through Munich, London or Amsterdam.
Low-cost carriers are also an option. Wizzair flies to Porto from Budapest and Warsaw. Ryanair - from Eindhoven, Berlin, Copenhagen and many other European cities.
Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport is located approximately 11 kilometers from the center of Porto. The easiest way to get to the city is by subway. The airport is located on the purple line (E). Tickets can be bought at the stop directly at the airport. The cost depends on the specific route, but aim at around €2 plus €0.6 for a card that can be topped up and used on subsequent trips.
There are also buses - regular scheduled, private carriers, and even a special (and more expensive) shuttle that leaves every half an hour. But the subway is more convenient.
A taxi to the city will cost you 20-30 euros. Uber in Portugal works, but not always well. Our daytime trips around the center always went smoothly, but early in the morning to the airport, a malicious algorithm somehow tried to fit a car for us 20 minutes away from us with a double extra charge. So be vigilant - sometimes it's easier to negotiate with the nearest taxi driver on the street or call a car by phone.
If you are heading to Porto from Lisbon, the train is coming 2.5-4 hours, you can study the schedule on the carrier's website.
How Porto is organized and how to get around the city
Porto is a fairly compact city. Almost all tourist attractions are concentrated in the historical center called Ribeira.
Opposite, on the other side of the Duoro River, is Vila Nova de Gaia. Formally - another city. In fact, within walking distance from the heart of Porto. It was here that all the producers of port wine settled, dividing the city like mafia bosses.
To the west of Ribeira, on the ocean, is Matosinhos. Here are beaches, surf schools and fish restaurants.
The main way tourists travel around Porto is on foot. Be prepared for the fact that you will have to climb the hills, then go down. Comfortable shoes are a must.
The metro in Porto is inexpensive and convenient. If you need to get to the same Matosinhos not in 2 hours, but in 30 minutes, we recommend it. The subway website has a convenient route planning constructor. We also recommend.
We have already talked about the fact that there is an Uber in Porto. The cost of a trip around the city is within 10 euros.
Contacts of other taxi services (just in case):
Of the special attractions for tourists are a historical tram and a river taxi.
The tram is cool, has been running in Porto since 1872. The most popular route - number 1, goes along the embankment to the ocean. It costs 3 euros.
A river taxi transports those who are too lazy to go to the bridge or just want to take a boat ride to the other side of the Duoro. The cost is the same 3 euros.
What to see and do in Porto
Ribeira
The historical center of Porto can be slowly walked around in a day, carefully looking at beautiful houses and churches paved with the famous azulejo tiles, stopping for coffee and ice cream. If you are in a very, very hurry, you can run past the main attractions in half a day.
Anyway, don't miss the following places:
Good taverns with national cuisine where you can spend the evening: Taberna dos Mercadores, O Rapido, Casa Nanda, Restaurante Maria Rita, Sardines are the pride of Porto - perfect place for brunch on weekends. A cafe where it's hard to resist not ordering the entire menu. We highly recommend.
Rota do Cha is a great terrace where you can hang out for half a day with a kettle of tea.
But for pasteis de nata (the best cake in the world), it is better to go to Lisbon. In Porto, they are trying, but, in our opinion, they have not yet mastered the art of making this dessert as well.
Drink in the evening
The main party area in Porto is Rua da Galeria de Paris. Every door on this street is some kind of bar or club. Another cluster is the neighborhood of Rua das Oliveiras.
Check out the following establishments:
Aduela is a simple bar where it's good to drink wine on the street with old rock.
Maus Habitos is an art space where alternative bands play in the evenings and cool DJs play at night.
Livraria da Baixa is a rare example of a bar in Porto where they really know how to make cocktails.
Candelabro is a small bar for locals with a great atmosphere.
Casa do Livro is a former bookstore with funk on the playlist.
Café Piolho is a budget student bar. Cheap and cheerful, but fun.
Breyner85 and Rua - jam sessions and gigs.
Gare is techno.
Where to live in Porto
Porto is one of those cities where the AirBnB offer is better than hotels.
Since Porto is a small city with good transport infrastructure, the location, in our opinion, is not critical. If you want to surf every day, stay closer to the beach. Walk around the center and move in the evenings from bar to bar - closer to Ribeira.
The only thing is to carefully study the reviews of other tourists regarding the noise level when choosing accommodation, so as not to accidentally settle above a hostel or a violent bar.
More things to do in Porto
First of all, it is good to walk in Porto, admire the city, slowly drink port wine or Portuguese wine somewhere by the ocean. But if you're tired, there are other options.
Surfing
For surfing, head to the beaches of Matosinhos. The road from the city center (metro and a little on foot) will take no more than an hour. An excellent school, verified by editorial friends and their friends–
I was in Porto one day, having arrived from Lisbon by plane, having reached the city center by metro, got off at the Sao Bento station, and started exploring the city from the Sao Bento railway station, the main advantage of the Sao Bento railway station is its hall, the walls are lined the famous Portuguese azulejos tile, which depicts fragments from the history of Portugal. After that, I moved towards the Livraria Lello bookstore, a visit to this store was one of the main reasons for a trip to. And this store is interesting primarily for fans of Harry Potter, as it turned out, there are quite a lot of them among adults. Although the store was built in the 19th century. unusual in and of itself. The wooden staircase attracts attention; it served as a prototype of the Hogwarts stairs from the movie about G. Poter
Well, if you are not interested in a bookstore, you can visit the Torre dos Clérigos tower without reaching it.
If you wish, you can go upstairs and see Porto from above. Well, then, after inspecting the tower, go down to the Porto waterfront, or rather, before reaching the waterfront, visit the Church of St. Francis (Monument Church Of St Francis). The church is included in the UNESCO list, an impressive building made in the Gothic style, both outside and inside. The richness of the interior decoration of the church is amazing, most of the interior space (ceiling, walls, columns) are decorated with gilded wooden panels made by Portuguese baroque carvers.
After visiting the church, we go down to the Ribeira embankment, where you can either just take a walk or sit in a cafe and admire the river and the local bustle created by tourists. From here, the Ponte Luís I bridge is perfectly visible, the architect of which was not just anyone, but the student and companion of Gustave Eiffel - Theophilus Sayrig. Walking along the Ribeira embankment towards the bridge, we reach the Ribeiro lift. You can use it, you can climb the stairs. to get into the area, and going upstairs, inspect the cathedral. And then, if you are interested in shopping, take a walk along Rua de Santa Catarina, this is a shopping street, walk to Praça da Liberdade square. I had enough impressions for one day, although of course it is impossible to get to know the city in one day.
And one more thing, when buying a ticket, tell me what you need to get to San Bento Station ( São Bento ) to get directly to the old part of the city, the historical center of Porto, recognized
UNESCO world heritage and under its protection.
So, we bought a ticket to San Bento, got on the train and drove off. For 3 hours you don’t have to think about anything, just look-look-look out the window. When you arrived in Porto - this is the final station, get off and change to another train to Sao Bento: look at the signs. There is no need to buy a ticket, you have already bought it in Lisbon.
When you exit Sao Bento Station, turn right, go up to the church on the corner on the left and walk along Santa Catarina Street ( Santa Catarina ). This is a street where commercial centers, cafes, restaurants and markets are located.
Pay attention to the cafe "Majestic" ( Majestic ). It is said that the author of Harry Potter sat in this cafe for hours, working on a book.
Mario Suares and Georges Sampaio have also been here. Here, together with the consul of Macau, a farewell dinner was arranged when Macau gained independence.
Take a look at the Bulyau market ( Bo lha o ), built in 1839 and intended for the sale of fresh products.
It is worth walking along the Military Square ( Praç a da Batalha ) and Naberezhnaya Square ( Praç a da Ribeira),
go to St. Francis Church Igreja de Sao Francisco - Playing da Sau Francisco.
If you turn left from the station, you will reach the mouth of the Douro River, cross the Don Luis Bridge and enter the village of Vila Nova de Gaia ( Vila Nova de Gaia ) - this is the center of winemaking.
The place where they are concentrated all cellars with
world reserves of Portuguese port wine - Porto. Each cellar has its own coat of arms and flag.
On the way back from Vila Nova da Gaia to the historic center of Porto, you can use the funicular to go up to the bridge (save some time and effort). The funicular is next to the bridge.
You can also get to Porto by the Rede Expressos bus from the Sete Rios bus station, st. metro Gardim Zoologico. Buses leave every hour, starting at 6 am, on the way 3.5 hours. The last bus from Porto is at 21:30. The fare is 19 euros one way. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online.
I will answer questions in the comments.
Thank you for visiting.
Be healthy and happy you and your loved ones.
Light, warmth and sun to your hearts, homes and souls.
Lyudmila Medvedeva was with you.
I want to tell you about small ancient town of Porto in which the oldest traditions of Portugal have been preserved to this day. It will appeal to everyone who wants to get acquainted with the medieval, its unique culinary traditions and not go broke, as well as lovers of narrow streets, interesting houses, temples and, of course, the best port wine in the world.
Attractions in the main areas of Porto
A special tourist map. On it you will find all the main attractions, metro lines and street names will also be indicated there. As a tourist you will need visit only 3 main areas to get into the spirit of Porto, Portugal and see all its sights.
Ribeira area
This is one of the oldest and most colorful districts. Its streets, only 1.5 meters wide, meander between blocks of old houses, which are decorated with blue and white tiles. These multi-colored houses are built right next to each other and look like a children's appliqué, but that's what gives charisma to the whole area.
- Here it is Praça da Ribeira square, where in the old days there was a huge market, and now it is rather a gastronomic point.
- Not far from the square you will see Fountain of Cuba da Ribeira which was erected in 1780. To this day he is impressive. statue of John the Baptist at its base and adorning it with a coat of arms.
- Further on your way you will meet Casa do Infante house, in which the heir to King Juan the First was born back in 1394.
- Nearby is located Church of Igrejade San Francisco and the majestic fortress wall of Fernandina which was built in the 14th century.
In my opinion, this area is best explored by bike. Because it is a walk along the crooked streets without a special route that will show you how slowly people live locals. Taste a port wine at Praça da Ribeira and be transported briefly to a typical medieval day in Porto.
Did you know? Residents of the Ribeira region in Porto are called "tripeiros", which means "offal".
- After that, be sure to take a walk along the beautiful promenade of Cais da Ribeira, which is located on the coast of the Douro River and pay attention to the yachts moored to its banks. Some of them used to transport port wine, and now they ride tourists.
- Being on the embankment, you will not pass by Luis I bridge which was opened in 1886 year. This incredible two-level creation connects the Ribeira area with the suburb of Villa Nova de Gaia and has pedestrian areas on each of the "floors".
Vila Nova de Gaia
This area is not so much sights for the "eyes" as for "soul and taste". On this shore are the best cellars with port wine from a variety of manufacturers, as well as warehouses and cork factories.
At the end of it, you will be expected wine tasting.
- In addition, you will find here vintners' club Feitoria Inglesa, which was built at the end of the 18th century, and the Port Wine Museum.
- pay attention to church relating to the monastery of Serra do Pilar of the XVI century.
- Depart from the embankment cruise excursions with a program of 1 hour, but during this time you will see all the bridges of Porto.
- Also on this coast cable car, which connects the river bank with a small area of the Serra do Pilar monastery, which offers a wonderful view of the immediate surroundings of the city.
After such a walk, you will still feel the heady aroma of the best wines of Portugal and a pleasant tired memory of this wonderful area.
Historic center of Porto
The historic center of the city has been listed as a famous world heritage UNESCO in 1996. And the most striking attraction here is considered to be Exchange Palace, where in the XVIII century. there was a marketplace.
Be sure to come to Cathedral of Porto, which was erected in the XII - XIII centuries and is visible from anywhere in the city. It is said that it was around this cathedral that the city began to form.
It is open for visits from 9:00 to 19:00, and a ticket costs 3 EUR.
The main attractions include Sao Bento train station.
Sao Bento Station
Porto Cathedral
When you reach the main pedestrian Rua de Santa Catarina streets, then it's time to choose a cozy cafe and get acquainted with the local cuisine. Take a peek into the iconic Cafe Majestic, which is located in a building built in 1921, and there you will be offered a cup of coffee at any time of the day.
Also go to Avenida dos Allados street, which will open up a huge number of rich mansions period of the XIX - XX centuries. One of the most beautiful temples in the city is considered Church of San Francisco 1233, made in the Gothic style with elements of the Baroque.
Did you know? One of the most important symbols of Porto is the 75-meter Clerigos Tower. Previously, it acted as a guide for ships that called at the port. Today with her observation deck you can see the city for only 2 EUR.
The beaches of Porto
Porto is surrounded by huge coastline, and if time permits, I advise you to sunbathe in the immediate vicinity of the city. This is a great opportunity to plunge into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and, if you wish, learn to surf.
What to see in Porto in 1 day
If you got to Porto by road and are very limited in time, then here is an approximate route for you through the main places of the city:
- You get to the city center and have breakfast in one of the many coffee towns. Will you try coffee, welded according to unique recipes.
- Climbing up Clerigos tower and take in the panorama of the entire city.
- Buy a ticket for a tram going in the direction Ribeira region. So you go through historical center city and see the main attractions, including the tram itself.
- Walk in the Ribeira area several narrow streets and enjoy the color of the oldest part of the city.
- On the Praça da Ribeira square dine authentic Portuguese cuisine.
- Go down to the banks of the Douro River and get acquainted with embankment.
- Cross the river on the Luis I bridge and get into Vila Nova de Gaia area.
- Tasting several varieties of the best port wine, and on this pleasant note, your day will come to an end.
Clerigos tower
And be sure to bring not only a magnet from Porto, but also save all the sights you see in the photo.
Traveling in Porto with children
- Visit crystal palace park. It is equipped with everything necessary for children's leisure - playgrounds, recreation areas - and is decorated with many sculptures. Most of all, children will remember peacocks that roam freely on the lawns of the park, they can be fed, and they are not afraid of visitors.
- Oceanarium Sea Life Porto will be an unforgettable experience for the kids. Diversity sea world, which is around you while moving through the glass tunnel, is simply mesmerizing. You will be able to watch how the local inhabitants are fed, as well as take a look at the ocean from a special observation deck.
- Your children will be delighted if you bring them to book store, which is located on Rua das Carmelitas. It became the prototype of the library for the book "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", and some scenes of this movie saga were also filmed here.
Oceanarium Sea Life Porto
Porto and sights of the city (video)
Porto is one of the oldest cities former capital countries and the current capital of port wine. You will learn more about the city of Porto in this video from Orel and Tails with the hosts Petya and Regina. Happy viewing!
Transport within the city
- Metro- has 6 lines, one of which originates in. Stations open at 6:00 and close at 1:00. The price of one ride is 1.85 EUR.
- Buses– there are daytime flights and special night flights from 1:00 to 5:30 in the morning. A single ticket costs 1.85 EUR, a day ticket is 7 EUR, and a 3-day ticket is 15 EUR.
- Trams is not just transport, but also one of the attractions of Porto. Rare trams were launched back in 1872.
- Bicycles– can be rented for 2 hours (from 6 EUR) or for a day (from 15 EUR) depending on the chosen model.
Important! At night, taxi prices rise by 20%.
In my opinion, the city of Porto is not just sights and port wine. This is a combination of modern with old quirky traditions.
Perhaps I missed some places, but I tried to tell you about what I remember the most. If you found something more interesting, please tell us about it in the comments, and I will envy you a little.
The church was built over 18 years - from 1732 to 1750.
The baroque church was built for the Brotherhood of Clerics by the Italian architect and artist Nicola Nasoni. Subsequently, Nikola Nasoni joined the Brotherhood of Clerics. And after his death, according to his last will, he was buried in the church crypt.
What about going up? In Porto, I personally liked the views from natural sites more. But if you really want to, then you can :), especially not very difficult (225 steps).
We visit the church and move down.
2. We go down to the central square Save Freedom (Praça da Liberdade), where you can see the city hall (in the center in the background), a monument to King Peter IV, who granted the constitution to Portugal (1866).
3. Walking a little forward and turning left - we see main station Port of Sao Bento. It's worth visiting even if you don't have to go anywhere.
The walls of the main hall are decorated with blue and white mosaic paintings depicting scenes from the life of the brilliant monarch João I, under whose reign Portugal flourished.
4. We move on, first down and then up Avenida Dom Afonso Henriques.
We see a pointer to the Xie Cathedral, but for now we pass by and move on.
Admiring how the abandoned houses are originally hidden
And after a few meters...
Yes, we are on the upper tier of the most beautiful bridge in Porto - the Luis I Bridge.and the weather got a bit worse.
The bridge has a length of 385.25 m and weighs 3045 tons, the length of the arch span is 172 m, and its height is 44.6 m.
In general, the bridge is multifunctional, it is both railway and automobile, and even pedestrian. It was built in 1886 according to the project of the student and companion of Gustave Eiffel Theophile Seyrig and named after King Luis I.
On it you can go to the satellite town of Vila Nova de Gaia. On one side of the Porto bridge - on the other, Vila Nova de Gaia.
5) When the bridge and the city from above are explored, you can return and inspect Cathedral Se.
For those who liked the mosaic of the railway station, you can visit the Se patio, also tiled - or in the correct "azulejo".
In general, many houses in Porto are decorated with the help of azulejos. By the way, the word itself came from the Arabs - it was they who brought tiles from the East to Spain and Portugal, and the oldest azulejos were brought to Portugal from Seville.
6) Now we go down (first along the stairs, in the previous photo) to the embankment. Any street leading down, you can go through the museum on Largo do Colégio.
And here we are at Praça Ribeira. Yellow, red, green azulejos and overcast sky are nothing for us :)
7. After walking along the promenade, we continue along Rua Reboleira and exit at Rua Infante Dom Henrique.
And in front of you will probably be the most beautiful church in Porto - Sao Francisco (circa 1400), the interior of which is richly decorated with gilded wooden carvings. (I didn't manage to take a picture :()
8. We leave the church and take tram number 1 (you can buy a ticket from the driver) and go to the ocean. The old trams themselves are one of the main attractions of Porto.
If there is little time at all, then we skip 9.
9 Hello, ocean!
10. Now go back 1 to stopMuseo do carro Electricoand change to tram 18, which will bring us to the Church of Do Carmo.
On the side wall, scenes of the founding of the Carmelite Order on the sacred Israeli Mount Carmel (azulejo) are depicted.
11 We pass the square DOS Leões and on Rua das Carmelitas we visit one of the most beautiful bookstores, where, unfortunately, photography is not allowed.
Although there are those who can :) you can see here http://zyalt.livejournal.com/376565.html, though of course it's better live.
12. Now we cross shopping center and we are again in front of the Clerigos Tower.
I tried to describe one of the ways to see the main sights of the city in a day. There are, of course, others, for example, to ride a tourist bus.
Now, as for the tasting of port wine - you need to do this in Vila Nova de Gaia
By the way, port wine is a fortified wine produced in the north-east of Portugal in the Douro River Valley. According to international marketing law, only drinks produced in the designated region of the Douro Valley according to the established technology are entitled to carry the name "port wine". And they produce it inVila Nova de Gaia, andYou can get there in 2 ways:
1) Near Clerigos - at the end of tram 22, take the funicular (rarely goes, because it waits for the trailer to pick up), you can go down the stairs - go down to the embankment, (well, or just go down to the embankment from anywhere)
Walk along the lower tier of the bridge and you are already on the promenade of Vila Nova de Gaia. - a great end to the day I think :)
2) Cross the upper level of the bridge (or take the subway fromSao Bento) and go down cable car(or again down the winding road).
On the waterfront you can both Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, you can take a boat and ride.
And you can go off v the park Jardins do Palacio de Cristal.
Or to the market
