The best places you can visit In Porto, Portugal

This magnificent structure features a mix of architectural styles, including Neoclassical and Romantic elements. The palace boasts over a dozen impressive spaces, including grand halls, galleries, offices, a library, and a courtyard. One of the most notable rooms is the opulent Arab Room, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

Location: Rua Ferreira Borges, Porto. The palace is located in the historic center of Porto, just a short walk from many other top attractions.

How to Get There: The Palácio da Bolsa is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Porto’s city center. Nearby public transportation options include metro stations and bus lines.

What Can See: Visitors can marvel at the palace’s lavish interiors, including the stunning Arab Room, the glass-covered Pátio das Nações, the grand staircase, and the portraits of past Porto dignitaries. The palace also houses sculptures by renowned artist Soares dos Reis.

What Can Do: Guided tours are available to explore the palace’s hidden treasures. The palace also hosts official visits, events, and exhibitions throughout the year.

Conclusion: The Palácio da Bolsa is a must-see for anyone visiting Porto, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Construction began in the 12th century and continued over several centuries, resulting in a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. The cathedral features a majestic façade, a beautiful cloister, and an impressive main altar.

Location: Terreiro da Sé, Porto. The cathedral is located in the heart of Porto’s historic center, overlooking the Douro River.

How to Get There: The Sé do Porto is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Porto’s city center. Nearby public transportation options include metro stations and bus lines.

What Can See: Visitors can admire the cathedral’s stunning Romanesque portal, the Gothic main chapel, and the Baroque organ. The cloister features beautiful azulejo tiles and offers panoramic views of the city.

What Can Do: Attend mass, explore the cathedral’s museum, and climb to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking views of Porto.

Conclusion: The Sé do Porto is a testament to the city’s rich religious heritage and a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and history.

The bookstore was founded in 1906 and has since become a beloved landmark in Porto. Its interiors feature intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and a stunning stained glass ceiling.

Location: Rua das Carmelitas 144, Porto. Livraria Lello is located in the heart of Porto’s historic center, just a short walk from the Clérigos Tower and the Bolhão Market.

How to Get There: The bookstore is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Porto’s city center. Nearby public transportation options include metro stations and bus lines.

What Can See: Visitors can marvel at the bookstore’s stunning interiors, including the famous red staircase, the stained glass ceiling, and the intricate wood carvings. The store also features a wide selection of books in Portuguese and other languages.

What Can Do: Browse the bookstore’s extensive collection, take photos of the stunning interiors, and enjoy a cup of coffee in the cozy café.

Conclusion: Livraria Lello is a must-visit for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of literary and artistic delights.

the tower was completed in 1763 and features a Baroque style with touches of Rococo. Visitors can climb the 225 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River.

Location: Rua de São Filipe de Nery, Porto. The tower is located in the heart of Porto’s historic center, just a short walk from the Livraria Lello and the Bolhão Market.

How to Get There: The tower is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Porto’s city center. Nearby public transportation options include metro stations and bus lines.

What Can See: From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Porto’s historic center, the Douro River, and the surrounding hills. The tower’s interiors feature intricate carvings and decorations.

What Can Do: Climb to the top of the tower for stunning views, explore the Clérigos Church at the base of the tower, and visit the Clérigos Museum to learn more about the tower’s history and architecture.

Conclusion: The Torre dos Clérigos is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Porto from a unique vantage point and learn about the city’s rich history and culture.

The museum is housed in the Carrancas Palace, an 18th-century building that once served as a private residence for notable figures such as Jean-de-Dieu Soult and Pedro I of Brazil. The museum’s collection features a wide range of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, and glass objects.

Location: Rua D. Manuel II, Porto. The museum is located in the heart of Porto’s historic center, just a short walk from the Palácio da Bolsa and the Ribeira district.

How to Get There: The museum is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Porto’s city center. Nearby public transportation options include metro stations and bus lines.

What Can See: Visitors can admire the museum’s impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by renowned Portuguese artist António Soares dos Reis. The museum also features a beautiful garden that offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

What Can Do: Explore the museum’s collection, attend temporary exhibitions, and relax in the tranquil gardens.

Conclusion: The National Museum Soares dos Reis is a must-visit for anyone interested in Portuguese art and history, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage.

Housed in a former prison building, the museum features rotating exhibitions showcasing the work of Portuguese and international photographers. The museum’s collection includes over 300,000 photographs and negatives, making it one of the largest photography collections in the country.

Location: Rua da Picaria, Porto. The museum is located in the historic center of Porto, just a short walk from the Palácio da Bolsa and the Ribeira district.

How to Get There: The museum is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Porto’s city center. Nearby public transportation options include metro stations and bus lines.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the museum’s temporary exhibitions, which feature a wide range of photographic styles and subjects. The museum’s building itself is also a work of art, with its striking architecture and former prison cells.

What Can Do: Attend photography workshops and lectures, browse the museum’s bookshop, and explore the city’s vibrant photography scene.

Conclusion: The Centro Português de Fotografia is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art of photography, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience that combines art, history, and social justice.

Originally built in 1865 to host the International Exhibition of Porto, the pavilion has since served as a venue for various cultural and sporting events. The current building, designed by architect Júlio Brito, was constructed in 1951 to host the World Roller Hockey Championship.

Location: Avenida de Fernão de Magalhães, Porto. The pavilion is located in the Crystal Palace Gardens, overlooking the Douro River and the city of Porto.

How to Get There: The pavilion is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby metro stations and bus lines. Visitors can also reach the gardens on foot from the city center.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the pavilion’s interior, which features a large auditorium and exhibition spaces. The surrounding gardens offer beautiful views of the city and the Douro River.

What Can Do: Attend concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events hosted at the pavilion throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the Crystal Palace Gardens, which feature a variety of plants and sculptures.

Conclusion: The Pavilhão Rosa Mota is a versatile venue that showcases Porto’s commitment to arts and culture, while also offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

which once served as the residence of King Carlos Alberto of Sardinia. The museum’s collection focuses on the Romantic period in Portugal, featuring furniture, decorative arts, and costumes from the 19th century. The museum also includes a beautiful garden that was recently renovated and reopened to the public in 2018.

Location: Rua de Entre-Quintas, Porto. The museum is located in the Crystal Palace Gardens, just a short walk from the Pavilhão Rosa Mota.

How to Get There: The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby metro stations and bus lines. Visitors can also reach the gardens on foot from the city center.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of 18th and 19th-century furnishings, textiles, and decorative arts, which provide a glimpse into the lives of the Portuguese upper class during the Romantic era. The museum’s garden is also a highlight, offering a peaceful retreat from the city.

What Can Do: Attend temporary exhibitions, participate in educational programs, and enjoy the tranquility of the museum’s garden.

Conclusion: The Museu Romântico offers a unique opportunity to learn about Portugal’s cultural heritage and the Romantic period, while also providing a beautiful setting for relaxation and contemplation.

Completed in 2005, the building features a striking, asymmetrical design that has become an iconic landmark in Porto. The Casa da Música hosts a variety of musical performances, including classical concerts, jazz, and world music. The building also houses a music school and several restaurants.

Location: Avenida da Boavista, Porto. The Casa da Música is located in the Boavista area of Porto, just a short distance from the city center.

How to Get There: The concert hall is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby metro stations and bus lines. Visitors can also reach the building by car or on foot from the city center.

What Can See: Visitors can marvel at the Casa da Música’s unique architecture, which features a glass façade and an auditorium with excellent acoustics. The building also houses several works of art, including sculptures and murals.

What Can Do: Attend a concert or performance at the Casa da Música, take a guided tour of the building, and visit the on-site restaurants and shops.

Conclusion: The Casa da Música is a testament to Porto’s commitment to contemporary architecture and culture, offering a world-class venue for musical performances and a stunning addition to the city’s skyline.

The museum, designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, features a collection of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on Portuguese artists. The park surrounding the museum covers an area of 18 hectares and includes gardens, forests, and a farm.

Location: Rua D. João de Castro, Porto. The Fundação de Serralves is located in the western part of Porto, about 5 kilometers from the city center.

How to Get There: The foundation is accessible by public transportation, with nearby bus lines. Visitors can also reach the site by car or on foot from nearby neighborhoods.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection, which includes works by renowned artists such as Cindy Sherman, Damien Hirst, and Yayoi Kusama. The park offers a peaceful escape from the city, with its diverse landscapes and historic buildings.

What Can Do: Attend temporary exhibitions, participate in educational programs, and enjoy a stroll through the park’s gardens and forests.

Conclusion: The Fundação de Serralves is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art and architecture, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural experiences.

The fort was originally built to protect the city of Porto from naval attacks, but today it serves as a popular tourist attraction and exhibition space. The castle’s name comes from the nearby Queijo beach, which is known for its rocky formations that resemble cheese.

Location: Rua do Castelo do Queijo, Porto. The castle is located in the Foz do Douro neighborhood of Porto, about 5 kilometers from the city center.

How to Get There: The castle is accessible by public transportation, with nearby bus lines. Visitors can also reach the site by car or on foot from nearby neighborhoods.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the castle’s fortifications, which include bastions, ramparts, and a keep. The castle also offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Douro River estuary. Temporary exhibitions are often held in the castle’s interior spaces.

What Can Do: Enjoy the views from the castle’s ramparts, visit the nearby Queijo beach, and attend temporary exhibitions and events hosted at the castle.

Conclusion: The Castelo do Queijo is a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to explore Porto’s maritime heritage and enjoy the city’s stunning coastal landscapes.