Neighbourhood · UNESCO
Ribeira
Porto, Portugal
Porto's riverside old quarter of colourful tall houses, cafes and lanes.
City · Portugal · Norte
Porto
A granite riverside city of tiled churches, iron bridges and port wine cellars.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Porto matters
Porto climbs steeply up from the Douro River, a jumble of blue-and-white tiles, narrow lanes and iron bridges. Across the water in Vila Nova de Gaia, old wine lodges offer tastings of the fortified wine that carries the city's name. It is a friendlier, grittier cousin to Lisbon, with strong food traditions, including the famous francesinha sandwich. The riverside Ribeira district is a World Heritage area, and sunset from the upper deck of the big bridge is unforgettable.
Talking points
- Port wine ages in lodges across the river in Gaia.
- Tiled church facades are a Porto trademark.
- The francesinha is a heavy, local sandwich.
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What to see in Porto
Bridge
Dom Luis I Bridge
Porto, Portugal
A two-level iron arch bridge spanning the Douro, with great views.
Shopping
Livraria Lello
Porto, Portugal
A Neo-Gothic bookshop with a sweeping red staircase, often called one of the world's prettiest.
Food and drink
Port Wine Cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto, Portugal
Historic lodges across the river where port wine is aged and tasted.
Tower
Clerigos Tower
Porto, Portugal
A tall baroque bell tower that you can climb for a view of Porto.
Palace · UNESCO
Palacio da Bolsa
Porto, Portugal
A 19th-century stock exchange palace famous for its gilded Arab Room.
Other
Sao Bento Railway Station
Porto, Portugal
A working station whose hall is covered in blue-and-white azulejo tiles.
Market
Mercado do Bolhao
Porto, Portugal
Porto's historic market hall, renovated and full of local produce.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Porto Cathedral
Porto, Portugal
A fortress-like cathedral on a hill, with tiled cloisters and a terrace view.
Museum
Serralves Museum and Park
Porto, Portugal
A contemporary art museum and a pink Art Deco villa in a beautiful park.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.