Discover the Best Attractions in Porto - Portugal
I. Introduction II. Landmarks and Sightseeing
Livraria Lello
São Francisco Church
Palácio da Bolsa
Ponte Dom Luis I III. Cultural Attractions
Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro
Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
Fundação de Serralves IV. History and Heritage
Ribeira
Porto Cathedral
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso V. Conclusion Introduction
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a destination that offers visitors a rich blend of culture, history, and beauty. Known for its picturesque streets, historic monuments, and excellent wine, Porto is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Portugal. In this post, we'll explore the top things to do in Porto, including the best landmarks, sightseeing, cultural, and historical attractions.
Landmarks and Sightseeing
Torre dos Clérigos One of the most iconic landmarks in Porto, the Torre dos Clérigos is a 76-meter tall bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can climb the 240 steps to the top of the tower for a fee.
Livraria Lello Considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is a must-see for literature lovers. The Art Nouveau building features beautiful stained glass windows and an impressive central staircase.
São Francisco Church This Baroque-style church is known for its ornate decoration, including gilded wood carvings and intricate azulejo tilework. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the church's history and art.
Palácio da Bolsa This 19th-century palace was built to house the Stock Exchange and now serves as a cultural center and event space. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the impressive architecture and learn about the palace's history.
Ponte Dom Luis I This iron bridge over the Douro River offers excellent views of the city and the river. Visitors can walk or take the metro across the bridge for a different perspective of Porto.
Cultural Attractions
Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro This museum is dedicated to the work of Portuguese poet Guerra Junqueiro, who lived in the house at the end of the 19th century. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life and work of the poet, as well as the opportunity to see the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture of the house.
Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis This national museum is dedicated to the work of Portuguese sculptor Soares dos Reis and features a collection of his sculptures and other artwork. The museum also has an interesting collection of 19th-century Portuguese art.
Fundação de Serralves This contemporary art museum is located in a stunning Art Deco building and features a collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as temporary exhibitions. The museum also has a beautiful park and gardens to explore.
History and Heritage
Ribeira This historic neighborhood on the banks of the Douro River is known for its picturesque streets and traditional architecture. Visitors can take a stroll through the neighborhood and see the colorful houses and quaint shops.
Porto Cathedral This ancient cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is an important example of Romanesque architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn about its history and see the impressive carvings and frescoes.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso This 18th-century church is known for its impressive Baroque decoration, including gilded wood carvings and azulejo tilework. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the church's history and art.
Conclusion
Porto, Portugal is a destination that offers visitors a rich blend of culture, history, and beauty. Whether you're interested in landmarks and sightseeing, cultural attractions, or history and heritage, there is something for everyone in this charming city. Be sure to add these top things to do in Porto to your travel itinerary for a truly unforgettable experience. If you are looking for a safe area to stay, check out our selection of quality apartments in Flowerstreet54, right in the historic center of Porto (and one large apartment in Matosinhos Beach), or our low-budget apartments OPorto Cheers Gaia in the heart of Gaia. You can easily explore the city and its attractions on foot thanks to our convenient and safe location in Porto or by car in our safe location in Gaia.