2 days in Porto

The Ponte Luís I (Dom Luís I Bridge) is one of the most famous landmarks in Porto, Portugal. This impressive iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting the city of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, where the famous port wine cellars are located.

The bridge was completed in 1886 and was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, so it has a similar look to the Eiffel Tower, with its beautiful iron arches and strong structure. The bridge has two levels—the upper level is used by the city’s metro and pedestrians, while the lower level is for cars and also has a walkway.

Walking across the top level gives you one of the best views of Porto, with red rooftops, church towers, and the river below. It’s especially magical at sunset, when the whole city lights up in golden colors.

The Ponte Luís I is more than just a bridge—it’s a symbol of Porto’s charm, engineering skill, and history.

São Bento Station in Porto, Portugal is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Located in the historic city center, it may look simple from the outside, but inside, it’s truly a work of art.

The main hall is covered with around 20,000 blue and white azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles), painted by artist Jorge Colaço in the early 20th century. These tiles show important moments from Portuguese history, including battles, royal events, and scenes of everyday life. The detailed artwork and calm blue tones make the station feel more like a museum than a transport hub.

The station itself was opened in 1916 and is still in use today, with trains connecting Porto to nearby towns and cities. Even if you're not taking a train, São Bento Station is worth visiting just to admire the incredible tile work and experience a piece of Porto’s culture and beauty.

It’s a perfect stop on any walk through the city, especially since it’s close to other top sights like the Cathedral (Sé do Porto) and Avenida dos Aliados.

Santa Catarina Street (Rua de Santa Catarina) is one of the most popular and lively streets in Porto, Portugal. Located in the heart of the city, it’s known as Porto’s main shopping street, filled with stores, cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings.

The street is perfect for walking and exploring, as most of it is pedestrian-only, making it easy and enjoyable to stroll. You’ll find everything from international brands to local shops, as well as charming street performers and buskers adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

One of the most famous spots on Santa Catarina is the beautiful Capela das Almas, with its stunning blue and white tiled façade. Another highlight is the historic Majestic Café, a beautifully decorated 1920s café known for its grand interiors and delicious pastries.

The second floor of ViaCatarina Shopping in Porto is a hidden surprise for many visitors. While the mall itself is modern and filled with popular shops, the upper level has a unique and charming food court that looks like a traditional Portuguese village.

Instead of a typical food court design, the restaurants and cafés on this floor are built to look like little old-fashioned houses with tiled roofs, colorful shutters, and lanterns. It creates a warm, cozy, and very authentic atmosphere, making it a great place to relax after shopping.

The Mercado do Bolhão is one of the most traditional and beloved markets in Porto, full of local flavor, history, and charm. Located in the heart of the city, just off Rua de Santa Catarina, this market has been a part of Porto’s life since the 19th century.

Recently restored and reopened in 2022, the Bolhão Market kept its original spirit while adding a fresh, clean, and modern touch. Inside, you’ll find friendly local vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, flowers, and regional products like cheese, olives, and traditional sweets.

The market is also a great place to taste authentic Portuguese food, with small restaurants and food stalls offering petiscos (Portuguese tapas), local wines, and homemade meals in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

The Igreja do Carmo is one of the most beautiful and eye-catching churches in Porto, known for its stunning azulejo-covered side wall and its unique twin appearance. Located near Praça dos Leões, this 18th-century church is a great example of Baroque architecture.

What makes it really special is that it stands right next to another church—the Igreja dos Carmelitas—and between them is one of the narrowest houses in the world, just 1 meter wide, built to separate the monks and the nuns who once lived in each church.

The side of Igreja do Carmo is covered in a giant blue and white tile mural, added in the early 1900s, showing scenes from the life of Our Lady. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Porto.

Inside, the church has gold-covered altars, detailed carvings, and a peaceful, elegant feel. Whether you're exploring the area, taking photos, or stepping inside for a quiet moment, the Igreja do Carmo is a must-visit for its beauty, history, and unique character.

The Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto, Portugal. Built in the 18th century, this tall Baroque-style bell tower stands at 75 meters high and offers some of the best views of the city.

The tower is part of the Clérigos Church, designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who is also buried there. Its elegant shape and height made it one of the tallest buildings in Porto at the time—and even today, it’s a symbol of the city skyline.

To reach the top, visitors climb 225 steps, and the effort is rewarded with a 360-degree view over Porto’s rooftops, the Douro River, and many historic buildings. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the city glows in golden light.

The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Porto, Portugal. Located in the city’s historic center, next to the Igreja de São Francisco, this 19th-century palace was built to impress—and it truly does.

Originally used by Porto’s Commercial Association, the building was meant to show the city’s wealth and importance in trade. From the outside, it looks elegant and classic, but the real magic is inside.

The palace is filled with richly decorated rooms, marble staircases, and detailed woodwork. The most famous room is the Arab Room, inspired by Moorish architecture, with golden walls, colorful patterns, and a ceiling that looks like something from a fairytale—it’s often used for official ceremonies and concerts.

Visitors can only explore the palace with a guided tour, which makes the experience even more special. You’ll learn about Porto’s history, the importance of trade, and the stunning architecture all around you.

Ribeira do Porto is one of the most charming and lively areas in Porto, located right along the Douro River. With its colorful houses, narrow cobbled streets, and amazing river views, Ribeira is a place full of life, history, and local culture.

This old neighborhood is part of Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s perfect for walking, relaxing, and taking beautiful photos. The riverside promenade is lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese food, a glass of Port wine, and watch the boats pass by.

From Ribeira, you also get great views of the Ponte Luís I (Dom Luís I Bridge) and the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river. At sunset, the whole area lights up with golden colors, making it one of the most magical places in the city.

The Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau in Vila Nova de Gaia is a great place to try one of Portugal’s most famous snacks—pastel de bacalhau, or codfish cake. It’s right next to The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines and close to the Dom Luís I Bridge, in a fun and busy area by the river.

This isn’t just any codfish cake—they make it extra special by adding Serra da Estrela cheese inside. It’s hot and crispy on the outside, and soft, creamy, and full of flavor on the inside. Many people enjoy it with a small glass of Port wine, a local favorite.

The shop is really pretty inside, with soft music and a traditional Portuguese feel. You can sit down, relax, and enjoy your snack with a nice view of the river or the city of Porto across the water.

If you're walking around Vila Nova de Gaia, visiting the wine cellars, or just exploring the area, this is a perfect place to stop for a delicious and easy-to-love Portuguese treat.

Sunset at Jardim do Morro is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. This peaceful hilltop park sits right next to the upper level of the Dom Luís I Bridge, offering incredible panoramic views of the Douro River, the city of Porto, and the colorful houses of the Ribeira district.

As the sun goes down, the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and gold, and the whole city begins to glow. You’ll often see people sitting on the grass, listening to live music, enjoying a drink, or simply relaxing with friends and taking in the view.

It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, and the atmosphere is always friendly and laid-back.

Praia de Matosinhos is one of the best and most popular beaches near Porto, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Located in the town of Matosinhos, just a 20-minute metro ride from Porto’s city center, it’s easy to reach and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

The beach is wide and sandy, with plenty of space to walk, sunbathe, or play sports. The waves are usually gentle, making it great for swimming and learning to surf—there are even surf schools right by the beach if you want to take a lesson.

Along the seaside promenade, you’ll find lots of cafés, restaurants, and seafood places, especially known for serving fresh grilled fish and octopus. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a view of the ocean.

The Farolim de Felgueiras is a charming lighthouse located at the end of the mole (stone pier) in Foz do Douro, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean in Porto. It's one of the city's most iconic coastal sights, offering a dramatic and beautiful view—especially when the waves crash against the pier.

Built in the 19th century, the lighthouse guided ships safely into the river and port for many years. While it’s no longer active, it remains a beloved symbol of Porto’s maritime history.

Walking along the Molhe da Foz, especially at sunset, gives you stunning views of the ocean, the coastline, and sometimes even daring surfers riding the waves nearby. The sea breeze, the sound of the crashing water, and the lighthouse standing strong at the edge of the pier make it a perfect place for photos, reflection, or a peaceful stroll.

The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) are some of the most beautiful and peaceful green spaces in Porto. Located on a hill overlooking the Douro River, these gardens offer amazing views of the city, the river, and even Vila Nova de Gaia across the water.

The gardens were created in the 19th century, around the old Crystal Palace (which no longer exists and was replaced by the Super Bock Arena), but the name and charm have remained. The area is filled with winding paths, fountains, sculptures, exotic plants, and even peacocks walking freely through the park.

There are several themed gardens, like the Rose Garden, the Aromatic Plants Garden, and areas with benches perfect for relaxing or reading. It’s a favorite place for locals to take a quiet walk, enjoy a picnic, or watch the sunset over the river.