Best of Porto

Porto Essentials

Porto’s landscape is defined by the 19th-century Dom Luís I Bridge and the azulejo-clad facades of São Bento Station and the Chapel of Souls. This selection covers the city's architectural evolution, from the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral to Rem Koolhaas’s modern Casa da Música. Key landmarks include the neo-Gothic Lello Bookshop, the ornate Arab Room within the Stock Exchange Palace, and the historic Ribeira district, alongside traditional Port wine cellars across the Douro River.

chicadelatele / CC BY 2.0

Dom Luís I Bridge

Double-deck metal arch bridge spanning the Douro River, known for its striking design and scenic views connecting two cities.

jad99 / CC BY-SA 2.0

Clerics Tower

An 18th-century baroque bell tower designed by Nicolau Nasoni. Standing 75 meters tall, it features a spiral staircase of 225 steps leading to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city and the Douro River.

Alegna13 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Lello Bookshop

Historic bookstore renowned for its art nouveau and neo-gothic architecture, housing an extensive collection of Portuguese literature.

Ugo.sou / Public domain

Ribeira Square

The Ribeira Square is a historical square in Porto, Portugal. It is included in the historical centre of the city, designated World Heritage…

IngolfBLN / CC BY-SA 2.0

São Bento Railway Station

Historic train station known for its stunning azulejo tile panels depicting Portuguese history and rural scenes. It serves as a key hub for local and regional train services and is recognized as a cultural heritage site.

Bobo Boom / CC BY 2.0

Porto Cathedral

Romanesque and Gothic cathedral from the 12th and 13th centuries with Baroque remodelings, serving as an important historical and religious monument.

Public domain

Stock Exchange Palace

Historic 19th-century neoclassical palace with richly decorated interiors and the distinctive Moorish Revival Arab Room. It functions as a museum and cultural site showcasing Portuguese commercial history and architecture.

Yellow.Cat / CC BY 2.0

Church of São Francisco

Historic Gothic and Baroque church known for its ornate gold-leaf wood carvings and rich architectural details. It also functions as a museum with religious artifacts and a collection of presepi.

jad99 / CC BY-SA 2.0

Serra do Pilar Monastery

16th-century circular monastery recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, notable for its architectural design and panoramic views of the surrounding city and river.