Best Things to do in Porto Portugal

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, while moving briskly into the modern world still retains Old World charm.  Here are some great things to see while visiting Porto Portugal

Azulejo Tiles

The thing that stuck out to me most in Porto was the number of buildings covered in tiles (known as azulejo). There were even buildings I thought were brick, that upon closer inspection, were actually tile. Just walk anywhere and you will see them.

That may look like brick or paint, but its tile

Sao Bento Train Station

Even the train station has azulejo tiles.

Ribeira District

The Ribeira waterfront district has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Simply stroll along the Douro waterfront district and you will have your choice of numerous restaurants, bars and shops.

Walk across the Dom Luis I Bridge to get an iconic view of Porto.

Walk the narrow cobblestone streets.

Be sure to see Placa da Ribeira. You may want to stop and eat.

Porto Cathedral (Se’ do Porto)

If you like churches (we do) you have to visit the Porto Cathedral. It’s free. Plus there is a great view of Porto and the River Douro from the plaza in front.

Church of St. Francis (Igreja de Sao Francisco)

Though it has a plain stone facade, it’s much nicer inside.  €3.50. Though, for free, the Porto Cathedral is nice too if you just want to see a church.

Church of Clerigos

Ok, I guess you can tell I like churches. You can climb the tower in this one. It’s worth going inside even if you don’t climb the tower.

Placa Dom Henrique and

Stock Exchange Palace (Palacio da Bolsa)

Old City Wall (Muralha Fernandina)

Cross the Dom Luis I bridge and you get a look at the only remaining part of Porto’s city wall.

Avenida dos Aliados

This is the view from our hotel room

With city hall at the far end, take a stroll along this grand avenue. (There was a concert when we were there; normally that tent isn’t blocking the view)

Crystal Palace Gardens

Crystal Palace Garden; Source (via Wikimedia Commons)

Unfortunately, the Crystal Palace, after which the park was named, is no longer there.  However, if you want to get away for a quiet stroll at a park, this is the place to go.  The closest Metro stop is Aliados on the D (yellow) line.

The gardens are free to roam until dark.

Wine Tasting

Porto is the home of port wine, so you should consider a wine tour or at least a wine tasting.  Opportunities abound all over Porto, but the best cellars are across the Douro river on the south bank in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Lello Bookstore (Livraria Lello)

An amazing old bookstore with with a grand staircase. It’s like something you would see in a movie. It has been called by some, The most beautiful bookstore in the world.

We arrived when it opened at 10:00 and there was a huge line two blocks long.

At the front we noticed a sign that said vouchers €5. I think that means you can get a voucher to skip the line but I don’t know where you get it.

Apparently J.K. Rowling would frequent Lello when she was living in Porto. That’s probably why the line was so long.

Rua das Carmelitas 144 (Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 19:00)

Summary: Things to do in Porto Portugal

To be honest, I just flew into Porto as a place to start my Portugal trip other than Lisbon. I admit I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed Porto much more than I thought I would. I’m glad we went there. I actually enjoyed Porto more than Lisbon

Tomorrow: Coimbra