In Porto, it smells of incense and money. In almost every corner you can feel the rule of canons and merchants, while long-established patrician families set the tone. Henry the Navigator was born here. At a historical moment, he acted as the director of world history. However, you will look in vain for feudal palaces. The king left behind neither castle nor castle. Only the merchants’ stock exchange palace granted lodging to visitors to the city. Porto is not a city of eye-catching individual buildings, but a confused work of art in Portugal.
Porto – between “scraped” beauty and creation
![Porto, Duero](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Porto_262697807-380x253.jpg)
A stroll through the city, casual and relaxed – simply Porto
![Porto, City Hall](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Porto_533230537-380x253.jpg)
![Porto, Ribeira Square](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Porto_1013813110-380x253.jpg)
Between wine tastings and coffee house culture
For more than 300 years, the city has been famous for the port wines named after it. For years, the delicious drops are stored in wooden barrels and develop their typical fruity-sweet taste. Rustic port wine cellars invite you to taste. A magnificent bookstore goes beyond all ideas of a library. The “Cathedral of Books” is hidden behind a neo-Gothic, narrow façade and is one of Porto’s main tourist attractions. A special eye-catcher is the opulent, curved staircase with red steps that leads to the upper floor. The writer Joanne K. Rowling was once inspired here – this is how the swinging stairs of “Hogwarts” wizarding boarding school were created. Porto also has a long coffee house tradition. The Majestic is the most famous café in the city. It has been restored true to the original. Today it shines in the old/new face with the interior of 1921.
Magnificent views in Porto
![Porto Douro](https://reisemagazin-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Porto_365359853-380x253.jpg)
Top 7 things to do in Porto
Porto, the charming city on the Douro, is known for its rich history, impressive architecture and famous Port wine.
The city combines tradition and modernity in a unique way and offers numerous sights that you should not miss during your visit.
Here are the seven must-see attractions in Porto.
1. Ribeira
The Ribeira is the historic heart of Porto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The quaint, narrow streets and colorful houses on the banks of the Douro River offer a fascinating insight into the history of the city.
2. Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
The impressive interior, with its curved staircase and ornate glass windows, attracts visitors from all over the world.
3. Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)
The Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks.
The baroque bell tower offers stunning views over the city after climbing 225 steps.
4. Palácio da Bolsa
The Palácio da Bolsa, Porto’s historic stock exchange building, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture.
The Arabic-inspired “Salão Árabe” is particularly impressive.
5. Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte Dom Luís I)
The Dom Luís I Bridge is an iconic landmark of Porto.
The two-story iron bridge that crosses the Douro River connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and offers spectacular views of the city.
6. Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
Porto Cathedral, also known as Sé do Porto, is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the city.
The cathedral impresses with its Romanesque architecture and offers a magnificent view of the Douro.
7. Igreja de São Francisco
The Igreja de São Francisco is a Gothic church with an impressive Baroque interior.
The church is particularly known for its richly decorated gold decoration and the impressive lower church.
The 3 most important museums in Porto
1. Museu Serralves
The Museu Serralves is the most important museum of contemporary art in Portugal.
It displays a diverse collection of modern works of art and offers regularly changing exhibitions. Address: Rua Dom João de Castro, 210, 4150-417 Porto, Portugal Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Admission: 12 EUR
2. Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is the oldest art museum in Portugal.
It houses an impressive collection of Portuguese artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Address: Rua de Dom Manuel II, 56, 4050-342 Porto, Portugal Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Admission: 5 EUR
3. Casa da Música
Casa da Música is an architectural masterpiece and one of Porto’s most important cultural centers.
The building is known for its avant-garde architecture and regularly hosts concerts and other cultural events. Address: Avenida da Boavista, 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission: 10 EUR (guided tour)
Where to stay in Porto
Luxury Hotel: The Yeatman
The Yeatman is a luxurious 5-star hotel with a magnificent view of the Douro River and the city of Porto.
It offers elegant rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and an award-winning spa. Address: Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
4-star hotel: NH Collection Porto Batalha
Located in the heart of the city, the NH Collection Porto Batalha offers stylish rooms, a modern design and excellent service.
It is ideal for travelers looking for comfort and central location. Address: Praça da Batalha, 62, 4000-101 Porto, Portugal
3-star hotel: Hotel Moov Porto Centro
Housed in a historic building, Hotel Moov Porto Centro offers modern, comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
It’s an excellent choice for budget travelers. Address: Praça da Batalha, 32, 4000-101 Porto, Portugal
Budget hotel: Hotel ibis Porto Centro
The ibis Porto Centro hotel offers simple but clean and comfortable rooms in a central location.
It is ideal for travelers on a budget who want to explore the city. Address: Rua da Alegria, 29-33, 4000-041 Porto, Portugal
Popular Restaurants in Porto
1. Café Santiago
Café Santiago is famous for its Francesinha, a traditional Portuguese sandwich.
The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike. Address: Rua de Passos Manuel, 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal
2. Cantina 32
Cantina 32 offers creative Portuguese cuisine in a trendy, industrial setting.
The dishes are innovative and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Address: Rua das Flores, 32, 4050-262 Porto, Portugal
3. ODE Porto Wine House
ODE Porto Wine House is an upscale restaurant specializing in Portuguese cuisine.
It offers a carefully curated wine list and an intimate atmosphere. Address: Largo do Terreiro, 7, 4050-603 Porto, Portugal
4. Taberna dos Mercadores
Taberna dos Mercadores is a small, family-run restaurant serving authentic Portuguese dishes.
It is known for its fresh fish and seafood specialties.
Address: Rua dos Mercadores, 36, 4050-373 Porto, Portugal
Bibliography
- Information about attractions and museums: Visit Porto
Article revised on August 21, 2024