Porto, Portugal
Porto gets called a smaller Lisbon. It is not. The two are different cities that happen to share a country, and people in both will tell you so.
Lisbon is tile and pastel and spread across seven hills. Porto is granite and iron, stacked steeply into a river gorge, darker and more worked. Lisbon performs a little. Porto does not.
It sits on the Douro in the north, and one thing surprises most visitors: the port wine is not made in Porto. The lodges where it is aged are across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is a separate city with its own mayor. You walk over the bridge to reach them.
Porto’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a number of impressive buildings and monuments, including the Sé do Porto cathedral, the Palácio da Bolsa stock exchange, and the Torre dos Clérigos bell tower. The city is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, such as the Museu de Arte Sacra e Arqueologia and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves.
Porto is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the city, such as visiting the historic center, taking a boat trip on the Douro River, and sampling the local cuisine. Porto is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Festa de São João on June 23rd, when the tradition is to hit strangers on the head with a soft plastic hammer.
Here is a summary of some of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto:
- Ribeira: The Ribeira is the historic waterfront district of Porto. It is a neighborhood with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and a noise and movement. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the Ribeira, such as visiting the many shops and restaurants, taking a boat trip on the Douro River, or simply people-watching.
- Dom Luís I Bridge: The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River and connects Porto to Gaia. It is one of the best known landmarks in Porto and offers wide views of the city. Visitors can walk or bike across the upper deck of the bridge, or take a train or metro across the lower deck. If you can walk the bridge at sunrise for a truly serene experience.
- Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art: The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most important museums of contemporary art in Portugal. It is located in a beautiful park and houses a collection of Portuguese and international contemporary art.
- Port Wine Cellars: Porto is known for its port wine, and there are a number of port wine cellars located just across the river from Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia*, where visitors can learn about the history of port wine and sample different varieties. We enjoyed taking the tour at* Taylor’s Port and would recommend their experience.
- Livraria Lello: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello, has inspired many over the years. With its intricate neo-gothic and art nouveau design. Inaugurated in 1906, it is one of Portugal’s oldest bookstores. It’s most famous for its central wooden staircase, and said to have inspired the creation of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. You need a timed ticket to enter and the ticket fee is deducted if you purchase a book at the store.
- São Bento Railway Station: São Bento Railway Station is one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. It is known for its azulejo tile panels, which depict scenes from Portuguese history.
These are just a few of the many popular tourist attractions in Porto. With its historic center, its culture, and its delicious food and wine, Porto is a city that has something to offer everyone.
