🍇The city of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it encompasses so much about Portugal's rich culture and heritage.
🏰From the chapels, restaurants, castles, palaces, and of course the wine, the many wonders of Porto will leave you astonished.
🍷 Dive into all of the amazing things to do, see, eat, and drink in this amazing city below, as well as my recommendations for where to stay!
🏰Scroll through to the end to check out some super day trips from Porto!
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Porto Cathedral, also known as Sé do Porto, is a historic Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in the heart of Porto, Portugal. Dating back to the 12th century, it stands as one of the city's oldest and most significant religious landmarks, featuring impressive architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, nestled in the heart of a charming neighborhood, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape below. This picturesque viewpoint offers a serene moment to relax and take in the beauty of Porto, with its cobblestone pathways and quaint benches.
The station's grand facade and intricate blue-and-white tiles depict historical scenes, offering a visual feast for travelers. Beyond its practical function as a transportation hub, Porto São Bento stands as a cultural and architectural gem, immediately introducing you to the city by showcasing the historical, architectural, and artistic significance of Porto through the azulejo adorned station.
The Church of Saint Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) in Porto is a Gothic church that stands as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its unassuming exterior belies the opulence within, where the interior is adorned with intricate woodwork and covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning visual experience. The adjacent catacombs further add to the historical and spiritual significance of this iconic Porto landmark.
The Luís I Bridge in Porto is an iconic double-deck iron bridge that spans the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Designed by Gustave Eiffel's student Théophile Seyrig, the bridge is a stunning example of 19th-century engineering and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city. With its distinctive arches and intricate ironwork, it's not only a vital transportation link but also a symbol of the city's industrial heritage.
The Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar in Porto is a unique circular monastery perched on a hill overlooking the Douro River and the city. Built in the 16th century, its distinctive round shape and Renaissance architecture make it a standout architectural gem. The monastery offers panoramic views of Porto and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Sandeman tasting room in Porto provides a sophisticated and immersive experience for those interested in port wine. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, it offers tastings of Sandeman's renowned ports in a historic and atmospheric setting, complete with informative guides sharing the rich history of the brand. The room provides a perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of this iconic Portuguese wine while enjoying views of the Douro River and Porto's skyline.
The Majestic Café in Porto is a historic and opulent coffeehouse that exudes Belle Époque charm. Dating back to 1921, it's renowned for its ornate interior, featuring mirrors, chandeliers, and decorative details that transport visitors to a bygone era. A cultural icon in Porto, the Majestic Café offers a nostalgic and elegant atmosphere for indulging in coffee and pastries.
Famous for its stunning staircase and stained glass, this historic bookstore is a paradise for literature enthusiasts. The library was opened in 1881, it has inspired famous authors for 150 years.
This charming church, dating back to the 16th century, showcases a blend of architectural styles and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking a quiet escape in the heart of the city.
The Clerigos Tower in Porto is an iconic landmark that graces the city's skyline with its impressive Baroque design. Standing tall at over 75 meters, this historic tower offers panoramic views of Porto's picturesque landscape. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top for a breathtaking perspective of the city, making the Clerigos Tower a must-visit destination for those seeking both architectural marvels and stunning vistas in Porto.
Igreja do Carmo in Porto is celebrated for its exquisite blend of Baroque and Rococo architecture. The ornate facade, adorned with intricate details and statues, reflects the city's rich cultural history. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a serene atmosphere and a beautifully decorated interior.
Housed in a historic building, the museum showcases exhibits detailing the winemaking process, the region's vineyards, and the cultural significance of Port wine. Visitors can indulge in tastings, gaining a deeper appreciation for this iconic wine in a setting that beautifully intertwines tradition and education.
Built during the 14th century, these well-preserved walls feature robust stone structures and provide a scenic walkway along the city's elevated edges.
This waterfront promenade is a perfect place to soak in the local culture, enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine, and take in the breathtaking views of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Another unique and beautiful viewpoint to enjoy porto from is Pedra dos Gatinhos! Although this spot is a bit tricker to get to! You have to climb up a few makeshift steps.
The Sandeman tasting room in Porto provides a sophisticated and immersive experience for those interested in port wine. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, it offers tastings of Sandeman's renowned ports in a historic and atmospheric setting, complete with informative guides sharing the rich history of the brand. The room provides a perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of this iconic Portuguese wine while enjoying views of the Douro River and Porto's skyline.
Sandeman House offers affordable (and beautifully unique) dorm rooms for budget travel. They also have private suites! This is the perfect hotel for a really aesthetic stay in Porto (& a really cheap one!).
Vitoria Village is a 4-star spa hotel located in central Porto. They offer rooms for as low as $150/night! They have an amazing outdoor space as well, making this the perfect relaxation spot in Porto.
With postcard views stretching over the sparkling Douro River, this home has features befitting of its origin as an 18th-century townhouse. Each morning, you'll open up traditional shutters, then wander into an open-plan living area. Splashed with a water-inspired colour palette, how about tucking into a local breakfast with your loved ones beside the decorative wall tiles? Better yet, the kitchen leads you out onto a small balcony, so you can enjoy the complimentary coffee with a view. Or, once you've enjoyed an excursion, return to this laidback space to watch a pretty sunset.
This minimal pad is located in the heart of Porto and offers an ideal stay on the doorstep of the Sé do Porto and Clérigos Tower. Plus, São Bento Metro station is a few minutes away on foot, connecting you to the entire city with ease. The apartment itself is modern, though the kitchen is a little compact – that said, some of the area's best restaurants are a short walk away. With space for up to four guests, two of whom will be on the living room sofa bed, it'll do very nicely as a city base.
Situated in Porto's Baixa district, this city bolthole sets you up for a practical stay in the heart of the action. From here, many of the top attractions are within easy walking distance, including Clérigos Tower, Igreja do Carmo, and Livraria Lello, with the Aliados Metro stop a five-minute stroll away. While there are space limitations here, the home features a handy kitchenette suitable for preparing light bites – though there's no oven. The dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace, ideal for those on business trips.
The private balcony is perfect for relaxing with a beer in hand at the end of the day.
Sitting right on Rua das Flores – one of Porto’s most beautiful, popular streets – this stunningly bright apartment not only puts you in a wonderfully central location from which to explore the city but offers a true taste of Portuguese living too.
Stepping into the compact yet wonderfully curated living area, you’ll immediately be dazzled by the amount of natural light pouring in through the pair of whitewashed French doors that lead out onto a narrow, private balcony. Equipped with a bistro set, this privileged outdoor space is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee while indulging in some people-watching or sipping a sundowner while admiring the fading light glistening across the colorful, tiled buildings opposite.
The main bedroom offers equally enchanting street views to wake up to each morning with its own set of French doors, while the window-side desk space here offers a most inspiring spot from which to catch up on work.
The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled atop a hill in Coimbra, Portugal, its historic campus includes the Royal Palace of Alcáçova and the Joanina Library, known for its resident bat colonies that protect the ancient manuscripts. With a rich academic and cultural legacy, the University of Coimbra continues to be a prestigious institution and a symbol of Portugal's intellectual heritage.
The Biblioteca Joanina is a stunning Baroque library located within the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Built in the 18th century, its architectural grandeur is matched by its collection of rare books and manuscripts, some of which are protected by resident bats to prevent damage. Visitors to this historical gem can marvel at its intricate design, explore the valuable literary treasures, and appreciate the unique role that the bats play in preserving its contents.
Sé Velha, or the Old Cathedral, in Coimbra is a Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 12th century. With its imposing architecture and historic significance, it served as the city's main cathedral for centuries until the construction of the current Coimbra Cathedral. The Sé Velha continues to be a captivating site, offering a glimpse into Portugal's medieval religious heritage.
The New Cathedral (Sé Nova) in Coimbra is a stunning Baroque and Neo-Manueline church built in the 17th century. Serving as the current seat of the Bishop of Coimbra, it stands adjacent to the Old Cathedral and features intricate architecture, ornate decorations, and beautiful chapels. The New Cathedral is a significant religious and architectural landmark in Coimbra, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and cultural heritage.
The Aqueduto de São Sebastião in Coimbra is an impressive aqueduct built in the 16th century to supply water to the city. Stretching over 6 kilometers, it features a series of arches and stands as a testament to both engineering prowess and historical significance in Coimbra.
An American in Paris... Milan, Lisbon, Athens, London...
I grew up between the Southwest and the Gulf Coast, but feel most at home in a bustling European city, typically with one of my trusty canvas totes by my side!
I am a firm believer that anyone can travel well, regardless of budget, and I want everyone to understand that there’s more out there than just the popular spots you see on instagram. I yearn to connect with the locals wherever I travel, leading to authentic (and sometimes unexpected) adventures. I consider myself an off-the-beaten-path type of traveler, avoiding crowded areas and seasons, searching for hidden gems wherever I find myself in the world. I take pride in carefully curating trips for the traveler I am booking for, making for an extremely unique and memorable trip!
