Porto, porturgal
Attractions Guide

Introduction

Porto is Portugal's second largest city and located in the northern part of the country, with most of the city's attractions huddled around the historic centre of Porto, which is a UNESCO world heritage site earned from its beauty.

Livraria Lello Bookstore

One of the city's most famous attractions is the highly intricate and gorgeous Livraria Lello, a bookstore which inspired settings for the Harry Potter movies. Nearby you can admire the lovely Square Carlos Alberto plaza, which is surrounded by colorful buildings.

Clerigos Church

Nearby the Livraria Lello are two of the city's finest churches, the beautiful baroque Clerigos Church with its grandiose interiors and iconic Clerigos Tower (one of the symbols of Porto).

Azulejo Tiled Buildings

Nearby the Clerigos Church is Igreja do Carmo with its baroque facade and blue and white azulejo tiled exterior side, which creates a massive elegant art piece that's very complex.

Around Porto you'll find several similar tiled churches, including the Church of Saint Ildefonso with its tiled facade, and the Chapel of Souls with its exterior completely covered in blue and white azulejo tiles that make up elaborate designs.

Another amazing azulejo structure is the Porto Sao Bento rail station, inside of which you'll find incredible blue and white tiled murals. Adjacent to the train station you can admire the azulejo facade of the Saint Anthony's Church Congregados as well.

Ribeira District

Porto's main church is the towering Porto Cathedral, which an imposing romanesque exterior and a remarkable gothic cloister.

Nearby the cathedral you can tour the grand Paco Episcopal do Porto palace with its historic interiors and see the remnants of Porto's medieval Muralha Fernandina city walls (and walk along them). The walls tower above the Douro River below, which is spanned by another Porto landmark, the Luis I Bridge. Be sure to take in scenic views from below the bridge along the river.

From across the bridge you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Porto from the roof of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar monastery. You can also take in excellent views looking up at Porto from the riverside below the bridge.

More Attractions

Bolsa Palace

The city's most famous palace is the 19th century Bolsa Palace, which showcases incredibly lavish ornate interiors that you can tour. The Bolsa Palace is definitely a must-see attraction.

Monument Church os St. Francis

Next door to the palace is the impressive baroque 14th century Monument Church of St. Francis, which features extravagant interiors covered in gold and underground catacombs.

Gardens of the Crystal Palace

One more attraction to consider is the 19th century Gardens of the Crystal Palace, which feature beautiful manicured gardens overlooking the river from high above, located to the west of Porto's historic centre. Another great place to take in views over the river is from the Parque das Virtudes park.