Lisbon is not alone among the gems of Portugal: get ready to explore Porto, a colorful folk city full of attractions. The wine of the same name, Ribeira region, the churches and the atmosphere of the city, washed by the Douro River and always ready to amaze with new glimpses of beauty. You simply must discover all its beauty with us.
Long before the trip, many tourists book a car in Portugal online to get a favorable rental rate, see more attractions and not depend on tour groups. In Lisbon, the cost of renting a compact class car starts from 15 euros per day, if you rent for a longer period, you can get a discount.
Don Luis I Bridge
One of Gustave Eiffel's students, Théophile Seyrig, designed this iron bridge connecting Ribeira with Vila Nova de Gaia city: the scenic effect of the bridge in the evening or at sunset will leave you speechless. Work began in 1881 and ended 5 years later. Today, the trains of the new Porto Metro pass on the top floor of the building, while trams, buses and pedestrians run on the bottom floor. You will have a wonderful walk 400 meters long, with a river flowing under your feet. Before it was built, pedestrians had to cross a kind of bridge made of old boats tied together.
Church of San Francesco
A few steps from Palacio Da Bolsa, Church of San Francesco, built in 1245, is another place not to be missed. Inside this Baroque temple are three naves covered with gilded carvings (about 100 kilograms of gold dust were used), a beautiful polychrome wood sculpture of the Tree of Jesse, and catacombs that contain an extensive crypt. In this church, you will be able to admire the inlay technique all over the gilded wood.
Ribeira area
This is the perfect start for your walk: the area develops around the Douro River and has become part of the World Heritage Site. You will find low-rise colorful houses, squares with lush trees, balconies full of flowers, and craft shops that create a unique atmosphere. The terraces are filled with people stopping by for a bite to eat or a glass of wine. During the walk you will see several rabelos on the shore, traditional Portuguese boats used to transport barrels full of port wine from the vineyards to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, a small sister city.
Cathedral of Porto
Porto Cathedral, located in the upper part of the city, in Batalha district, is one of the oldest buildings and the most important from a religious point of view. This 12th-century church, with its austere exterior, captivates with its beautiful Gothic gallery, adorned with 14th-century tiles depicting religious scenes. The interior is very simple, 3 naves are decorated with baroque chapels. In addition, this area leads to the "Casa do Cabildo", where religious objects are exhibited, considered "treasures of the cathedral." The Plaza de la Catedral has a column that was once used to execute criminals and a terrace that offers a magnificent view of the city and Douro River.
Sao Bento Station
Even if you don't have to take the train, this impressive station is well worth getting into. Built in the early 1600s on the ruins of an ancient monastery, this building impresses with its hall, decorated with over 20,000 tiles painted in white and blue, depicting important episodes in the history of the country and vehicles. Jorge Colaco, the greatest Portuguese decorator, was supposed to sign at the beginning of the twentieth century. The best time to visit is at sunset when the sun illuminates the tiles and creates a magical atmosphere.
Mercado do Bolhao
Mercado do Bolho, opened in 1914 and reopened in 2020 after several years of restoration, is one of the emblematic places that captures the essence of the city. In the market you will find all kinds of stalls where you can eat and buy quality products: fruits, meat, cheese, vegetables, fish (especially cod). Not forgetting the section on flowers. The market is spread over two floors with a large patio that fills up during the day. The institution is an exquisite neoclassical iron structure on two floors. Here you can discover the history and curiosities of the Mercado do Bolhao.
Lello Library
You will enter one of the most important and magical places in Porto: housed in a neo-Gothic building from 1906 in the heart of the city, Lello e Irmao bookstore was the inspiration for the famous writer J.K. Rowling, who spent two years in the city and used it to create some of the scenes of his successful Harry Potter saga. The two-story library will take you back over 100 years with its impressive wooden staircase and neo-Gothic exterior façade. This "cathedral of the book" was built in the late 1800s.
What to see in Portugal
Portugal is full of treasures: the magic of Lisbon, the colors and cellars of Porto and the diversity of Braga. In this last place, you can relive the whole history started by the Romans and lent by the Swabians under the influence of the Arabs. The main symbol of the city is the cathedral. "Portuguese Rome" will surprise you with its 30 churches between Gothic and Baroque buildings. Enjoy Central Avenue and get lost in museums, parks and gardens. Among other charms there is Guimarães, the first capital of the kingdom, the main attraction of which is the castle.