Porto Tourist Attractions

Northern Region of Portugal

Porto cod. Port wine. The Capital of the North

World Heritage: One of the best destinations in Europe and the World

Porto: Best City Destination in the World at the World Travel Awards 2022

With its Historic Center declared World Heritage by Unesco, Porto, second most important city in Portugal, European Capital of Culture, was also chosen Best European Destination 2017 and Best City Destination in the World, by World Travel Awards 2022.


Statue on Avenida dos Aliados, City of Porto, © Antonio Sacchetti / Images of Portugal
Statue on Avenida dos Aliados, City of Porto,Porto © Antonio Sacchetti / Images of Portugal


Main Tourist Attractions in Porto

Check below the unmissable attractions of the city of Porto:

1. Historic Center

The heart of the old medieval city. There are many relevant attractions in this central district of Porto. Oldest part of the city of Porto, Historic Center (Old Porto) is declared World Cultural Heritage by Unesco. Medieval quarter, with its alleys and imposing historic monuments that resisted wars and time.
The highlight is the Porto Cathedral, in Terreiro da Sé.


2. Baixa do Porto

One of the most relaxed and pleasant places in the city, these are moments of great pleasure that you will experience in this typical part of Porto. Some places, avenues and streets of the busiest in the city. The highlight is the iconic Porto City Hall. More: Downtown Porto


Café Majestic, Belle Époque Café in the Historic Center of Porto, Porto © / illustration
Café Majestic, Belle Époque Café in the Historic Center of Porto, Porto © / illustration



3. Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Church Tower in the listed part World Cultural Heritage by Unesco. One of the postcards of Porto and the North of Portugal, the Clérigos Church Tower stands out among the attractions of Porto. Unmissable.


4. Ribeira do Porto

One of the most relaxed and pleasant places in the city, these are moments of great pleasure that you will enjoy in this typical part of Porto.


Walk on the banks of the Douro River, Porto © Google Earth Pro
Walk on the banks of the Douro River, Porto © Google Earth Pro



5. Miguel Bombarda Arts Quarter

Another unmissable visit in Porto. An initiative by the owners of the neighborhood's art galleries, the Quarteirão das Artes Miguel Bombarda quickly became a meeting and visit point for tourists visiting the city, especially art lovers.

6. Stock Exchange Palace

National Monument of great beauty, in neoclassical style. From the 19th century, the Porto Commercial Association building - Palácio da Bolsa - is one of the most visited places in the Historic Center (Old Porto). Its Arab Room is one of the highlights.


7. Lello Bookstore

An unmissable visit to this very traditional Porto bookshop. Many say it is one of the most beautiful in the world.


Traditional Livraria Lello, emblematic bookshop of the city, located in the Historic Center, Porto © / illustration
Traditional Livraria Lello, emblematic bookshop of the city, located in the Historic Center, Porto © / illustration



8. Bolhão Market

It is worth a visit to discover the daily life of the inhabitants and their customs. Not to mention the color and discovery of the various products of the region.
Learn more: Mercado do Bolhão


Pearl of Bolhão

Perhaps the most traditional grocery store in the city of Porto. Founded in 1917 by António Rodrigues Reis, it was dedicated to trade in various products, including teas, coffees and spices. An unmissable visit (image below), which It will definitely be worth some photos!


Traditional grocery store Pérola do Bolhão, in Baixa do Porto, Porto, Northern Portugal © Images of Portugal, illustration
Traditional grocery store Pérola do Bolhão, in Baixa do Porto, Porto, Northern Portugal © Images of Portugal, illustration



9. Foz do Douro

Take a walk along the right bank of the Douro River, watching the movement of the boats and admiring the silhouette of Vila Nova de Gaia, in the background. Further to the left, the D. Luís Bridge.


10. São Bento Station

São Bento Station, with its famous tile panels that illustrate the history of Portugal, is another emblematic building of the city of Porto. One of Porto's postcards, it is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations.

"The atrium walls of the passenger building are covered with more than 22,000 tiles - the largest representation of national railway network tiles - , by Jorge Colaço, painted between 1905 and 1908, which represent a chronology of means of transport, various myths and pictures of the History of Portugal, scenes of rural work and ethnographic customs, as well as an allegory to the railway" [IP Patrimônio].

Find out more: São Bento Railway Station, Porto


11. Gastronomy

Porto is as proud of its traditional gastronomy as it is of its gourmet bets. Land of excellent wines, olive oil, fish and shellfish - not to mention fiel amigo (faithful friend), ie. codfish - visitors who love good food will have plenty of reasons to celebrate their choice having come to the capital of the North.

12. Serralves Foundation Museum of Contemporary Art

In addition to other museums of interest, the Serralves Museum is a visit to be included in your schedule when visiting Porto.

13. Night

Anyway, as it should be, the program for your nights in Porto will have several options. From the classic fado night to other less conventional outputs.


14. Sports

In the land of Futebol Club do Porto or FC Porto (or simply Porto), in addition to football, several other sports modalities are available for amateurs and professionals. From hiking to golf, passing through horsemanship.





Top Cities

Greater Lisbon

In addition to the largest urban agglomeration in the country (Lisbon), Sintra, Cascais, Loures, Almada and Oeiras complete the podium of the Top 5 largest cities in Portugal.

Greater Porto

In the north of the country, in Greater Porto, other important cities are Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, Matosinhos, Gondomar and Guimarães.

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