Porto Portugal - What to See and Do.

The port city of Porto, Portugal is best known as the birthplace of Fernando Pessoa, a famous novelist and poet. The city is also the birthplace of Port wine, one of Portugal's most famous exports. If you are wondering what to see and do in Porto, rest assured there are  many attractions that you should not miss when you visit this beautiful city!

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a beautiful port city. It was first built by the Romans and has been successful ever since. Porto is a thriving industrial centre, second only to Lisbon. It was the capital of the country for about 750 years, starting in 1139.

The port city of Porto, Portugal is best known as the birthplace of Fernando Pessoa, a famous novelist and poet.

​The city is also the birthplace of Port wine, one of Portugal's most famous exports. At over 100km long, it has many attractions that you should not miss when you visit this beautiful city!

Unlike Lisbon, it guarded its independence and because of this was able to become a University City during periods when new universities were being founded (Portugal became possibly the first nation to establish university towns).

This shopping area is easy to get to and has many different shops, as well as a market that is colourful. Tourist attractions are found mostly in this historic part of the city.
​

The Attractions in Porto, Portugal: What to See and Do

​Porto's Old Town

Porto's Old Town is one of the most popular attractions in the city. This historic district is full of narrow streets, picturesque buildings, and lively cafes. It's the perfect place to spend a day exploring.

One of the highlights of Porto's Old Town is the Clérigos Tower. This 18th-century baroque tower offers stunning views of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top!

Another must-see in Porto's Old Town is the Palácio da Bolsa. This 19th-century building was once a stock exchange, and it now houses a museum. The Palácio da Bolsa is known for its beautiful neo-classical interior, which is definitely worth a visit.

If you're looking for an authentic Portuguese experience, Porto's Old Town is a great place to start.
​Porto's Old Town

Porto's Old Town is one of the most popular attractions in the city. This historic district is full of narrow streets, picturesque buildings, and lively cafes. It's the perfect place to spend a day exploring.

One of the highlights of Porto's Old Town is the Clérigos Tower. This 18th-century baroque tower offers stunning views of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top!

Another must-see in Porto's Old Town is the Palácio da Bolsa. This 19th-century building was once a stock exchange, and it now houses a museum. The Palácio da Bolsa is known for its beautiful neo-classical interior, which is definitely worth a visit.

If you're looking for an authentic Portuguese experience, Porto's Old Town is a great place to start.

Duque Square

Duque Square is one of the most popular attractions in Porto, Portugal. The square is located in the city center and is home to a number of important landmarks.

One of the most notable landmarks in Duque Square is the Palacio da Bolsa. This beautiful building was once the stock exchange for the city of Porto. Today, it is open to the public as a museum.

Another popular landmark in Duque Square is the Igreja de Sao Francisco. This church is known for its ornate Gothic architecture and its beautiful interior. 

Duque Square is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the sights and sounds of this busy square.

Porto Cathedral

​The Cathedral of Porto

The Cathedral of Porto is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portugal.

The cathedral is a Romanesque style church that was built in the 12th century.

It is located in the historical center of Porto, on the site of an earlier church from the 4th century.

The cathedral has two towers, one with a height of 80 meters (262 feet) and the other with a height of 60 meters (197 feet). The cathedral is open to the public and there is no entrance fee.

​Visitors can explore the interior of the cathedral and climb to the top of one of the towers for views of the city.

​
San Francisco Church

The San Francisco Church is one of the most popular attractions in Porto, Portugal. This church is known for its unique baroque architecture. The church is also home to a number of important artworks.

The San Francisco Church is located in the heart of Porto's old town. It is situated on a hill, which provides visitors with stunning views of the city. The church is open to the public and there is no admission fee.

Visitors can explore the church at their own pace or take a guided tour and also explore the underground crypt, which contains the remains of some of Porto's most famous citizens.

The San Francisco Church is an important religious site for Catholics in Portugal. However, it is also a popular tourist destination. The church attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see its unique architecture and artworks.


National Library of the University of Porto

The National Library of the University of Porto is one of the most important attractions in Portugal. It is the largest library in Portugal and has a collection of over two million books. The library is open to the public and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Portugal.

The National Library of the University of Porto is located in the heart of the city and is easy to find. It is a short walk from the metro station and there are plenty of buses that stop nearby. The library is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free for all visitors.


Clérigos Church

Clérigos Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto, Portugal. The church is a Baroque-style building with a tall bell tower that offers stunning views of the city.

Visitors can also climb to the top of the tower for an even better view.

The church is located in the historical center of Porto and is surrounded by other important landmarks such as the Palacio da Bolsa and the São Bento train station.

The Clérigos Church is definitely worth a visit when you're in Porto!


Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Porto is a must-see for anyone interested in maritime history. The museum houses a collection of maritime artifacts, including ship models, nautical instruments, and paintings. The museum also has a library with a wealth of information on maritime history.

The Maritime Museum is located in a beautiful building on the banks of the River Douro. The location is perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of the river. The museum is open every day except Monday, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Admission is free for children under the age of 12.


Museum of Art on Pape

The Museum of Art on Pape is one of the most popular attractions in Porto, Portugal. The museum houses a collection of art from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from Portuguese and European artists. The museum also has a garden with a fountain and views of the city.

The Museum of Art on Pape is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Portugal. The museum offers tours in English and Portuguese. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.


São Bento Station

São Bento Station is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto, Portugal. The station is known for its beautiful tile work. The walls and ceiling of the station are covered in blue and white tiles that depict scenes from Portuguese history. The station is also home to a number of shops and restaurants.

Visitors to São Bento Station can take a tour of the station, which includes a visit to the tile workshop. Here, visitors can see how the tiles are made and learn about the history of the station. The tours are conducted in both English and Portuguese.

São Bento Station is a must-see for anyone visiting Porto, Portugal. Its beautiful tile work and rich history make it a truly unique attractions


Day Trips From Porto

There are plenty of great day trips that you can take from Porto. If you're looking for some beautiful scenery, you can head to the Douro Valley. This valley is home to many vineyards, and it's a great place to go for a hike or bike ride. You can also take a boat ride down the river.

If you're interested in history, you can visit the city of Guimaraes. This city is considered to be the birthplace of Portugal, and it's full of medieval architecture. You can also visit the Castle of Guimaraes, which is one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal.

If you're looking for a beach day, you can take a short drive to the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. This town has several beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars here, so you can enjoy some time in the sun with a refreshing drink. And after a day in the sun, you can head back to Porto.


​Take a trip to Ribeiro Frio Beach.

To get there, you'll have to drive to nearby Vila do Conde. This beach is definitely worth the trip, as the sand and water are both spectacular here. Stop by the restaurant right on the beach for a bite to eat and enjoy your time in this beautiful spot. 

I have covered just some of the Visitor Attractions in Porto, so as you can imagine there is so much more to see and do.

You will only be limited by the length of time you are able to spend enjoying all the attractions Porto, Portugal has to offer.

To make the most of your time it is best to book car rental from Porto Airport in advance.

---