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,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
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.
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
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
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
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.