Guidebook for Porto
Sightseeing
This busy train station is a work of art by Porto’s most notable architect from the 19th to the 20th century, Marques da Silva. Once in the main entrance, look up and around for the 20.000 blue hand-painted tiles, evocative of the many battles and victories of the Portuguese. By Amass. Cook.
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São Bento Station
Praça de Almeida GarrettThis busy train station is a work of art by Porto’s most notable architect from the 19th to the 20th century, Marques da Silva. Once in the main entrance, look up and around for the 20.000 blue hand-painted tiles, evocative of the many battles and victories of the Portuguese. By Amass. Cook.
Ribeira is one of the oldest areas of Porto, and its history is intimately related to naval trade. Porto’s historical center’s rich legacy helped it to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A walk through Ribeira is one of the main things to do in Porto, and although it is visited by hundred of tourists, the view remains the same. Enjoy the privileged panoramic view over the Douro river, the Ponte Luís I and the Port wine cellars. By Amass. Cook.
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Ribeira station
Ribeira is one of the oldest areas of Porto, and its history is intimately related to naval trade. Porto’s historical center’s rich legacy helped it to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A walk through Ribeira is one of the main things to do in Porto, and although it is visited by hundred of tourists, the view remains the same. Enjoy the privileged panoramic view over the Douro river, the Ponte Luís I and the Port wine cellars. By Amass. Cook.
Porto’s highest tower is the masterpiece of the baroque architect Nicolau Nasoni. If you climb its 225 stairs, when reaching the top nor you nor your legs will see Porto the same way. By Amass. Cook
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Igreja dos Clérigos + Torre dos Clérigos
Rua de São Filipe de NeryPorto’s highest tower is the masterpiece of the baroque architect Nicolau Nasoni. If you climb its 225 stairs, when reaching the top nor you nor your legs will see Porto the same way. By Amass. Cook
The cellars in Gaia are essential for Port wine ageing. Here, you can find wooden vats that are almost the size of small houses, but the best is saved until the end, with the port wine tastings.
By Amass. Cook.
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Port Wine Cellars
The cellars in Gaia are essential for Port wine ageing. Here, you can find wooden vats that are almost the size of small houses, but the best is saved until the end, with the port wine tastings.
By Amass. Cook.
Porto’s imposing cathedral dates back from the city’s early days. The cathedral’s facade and interior are filled with architectural details that stretch from the Romanesque period to the 19th century. Also, don’t forget to visit the impressive bishop’s house, the Casa Episcopal.
By Amass. Cook.
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Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)
Terreiro da SéPorto’s imposing cathedral dates back from the city’s early days. The cathedral’s facade and interior are filled with architectural details that stretch from the Romanesque period to the 19th century. Also, don’t forget to visit the impressive bishop’s house, the Casa Episcopal.
By Amass. Cook.
This picturesque street is almost 500 years old and is home to several iconic buildings, such as the Igreja da Misericórdia and Casa dos Maias. It is also populated by great restaurants, bookstores and traditional commerce. By Amass. Cook.
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Rua das Flores
Rua das FloresThis picturesque street is almost 500 years old and is home to several iconic buildings, such as the Igreja da Misericórdia and Casa dos Maias. It is also populated by great restaurants, bookstores and traditional commerce. By Amass. Cook.
It is almost impossible to miss Ponte Luís I, but in case you intend to, please don’t. This 19th century bridge is composed by monumental ironwork that shapes all the of Ribeira’s landscape. From the upper deck you will have the most magnificent view of Porto and Gaia, and also some dizziness. By Amass. Cook.
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Ponte Luís I
Ponte Luís IIt is almost impossible to miss Ponte Luís I, but in case you intend to, please don’t. This 19th century bridge is composed by monumental ironwork that shapes all the of Ribeira’s landscape. From the upper deck you will have the most magnificent view of Porto and Gaia, and also some dizziness. By Amass. Cook.
Discover the remains of the medieval wall that once surrounded and protected the old city. By Amass. Cook.
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Muralha Fernandina
17 Escada dos GuindaisDiscover the remains of the medieval wall that once surrounded and protected the old city. By Amass. Cook.
A 19th century lighthouse in the middle of the Atlantic with a cinematic view of the city. Visit up close only when deemed safe by the authorities. By Amass. Cook.
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Farolim de Felgueiras
A 19th century lighthouse in the middle of the Atlantic with a cinematic view of the city. Visit up close only when deemed safe by the authorities. By Amass. Cook.
Porto’s main avenue is surrounded by Neoclassic buildings with ornamented domed roofs. The equally imposing City Hall building is opposite to the grand facade of the Palácio das Cardosas. By Amass. Cook.
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Avenida dos Aliados
Avenida dos AliadosPorto’s main avenue is surrounded by Neoclassic buildings with ornamented domed roofs. The equally imposing City Hall building is opposite to the grand facade of the Palácio das Cardosas. By Amass. Cook.
Next to an art school and gallery this garden is a favorite for post-work relaxation, with a perfect view of the sunset over the Douro. By Amass. Cook.
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Passeio das Virtudes
Passeio das VirtudesNext to an art school and gallery this garden is a favorite for post-work relaxation, with a perfect view of the sunset over the Douro. By Amass. Cook.
If you’re up for a small challenge, walk up (or down) the Escadas do Codeçal. You’ll endeavor through ancient Porto, pass a beautiful baroque church and walk under the Ponte Luís I. By Amass. Cook.
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Escadas do Codeçal
Escadas do CodeçalIf you’re up for a small challenge, walk up (or down) the Escadas do Codeçal. You’ll endeavor through ancient Porto, pass a beautiful baroque church and walk under the Ponte Luís I. By Amass. Cook.
This monument is known as the “golden church” due to the abundant and detailed gilded woodwork. The underground floor is composed by the tunnels of church’s catacombs. By Amass. Cook.
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Igreja Monumento de São Francisco
Rua do Infante Dom HenriqueThis monument is known as the “golden church” due to the abundant and detailed gilded woodwork. The underground floor is composed by the tunnels of church’s catacombs. By Amass. Cook.
If you’re not afraid of heights and enjoy exclusive viewing points, then why not ride the cable car at Gaia, that offers amazing views of Ponte Luís I, Gaia, Douro and Ribeira. By Amass. Cook.
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Teleférico de Gaia - Estação Cais de Gaia
331 Av. de Ramos PintoIf you’re not afraid of heights and enjoy exclusive viewing points, then why not ride the cable car at Gaia, that offers amazing views of Ponte Luís I, Gaia, Douro and Ribeira. By Amass. Cook.
The terrace of an uninhabited house that was once used as a military base to protect the city from sieges, now its only propose is giving you an epic view over Porto. By Amass. Cook.
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Miradouro da Vitoria
11 R. de São Bento da VitóriaThe terrace of an uninhabited house that was once used as a military base to protect the city from sieges, now its only propose is giving you an epic view over Porto. By Amass. Cook.
Hidden behind a baroque entrance this tiny gothic and apparently humble church is a finding. The interior, completely covered in gilded woodwork, is really a rare sight. By Amass. Cook.
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Igreja de Santa Clara
Largo Primeiro de DezembroHidden behind a baroque entrance this tiny gothic and apparently humble church is a finding. The interior, completely covered in gilded woodwork, is really a rare sight. By Amass. Cook.
Shopping
You’ll want to do this sooner than later, as Mercado do Bolhão will be closing for construction work and moved to a temporary location. A visit to one of the most fascinating and authentic spots of the city, with plenty of funny salespeople and delicious produce. By Amass. Cook.
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Mercado do Bolhao
322 R. FormosaYou’ll want to do this sooner than later, as Mercado do Bolhão will be closing for construction work and moved to a temporary location. A visit to one of the most fascinating and authentic spots of the city, with plenty of funny salespeople and delicious produce. By Amass. Cook.
Santa Catarina is most definitely the busiest shopping street in Porto. Now, it is somewhat dominated by big brands, but the street vendors, chestnut roasters, painters and other artisans remain loyal to this street. By Amass. Cook.
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Rua de Santa Catarina
Rua de Santa CatarinaSanta Catarina is most definitely the busiest shopping street in Porto. Now, it is somewhat dominated by big brands, but the street vendors, chestnut roasters, painters and other artisans remain loyal to this street. By Amass. Cook.
Arts & Culture
Porto’s contemporary art museum was projected by Pritzker awarded architect Álvaro Siza, and is surrounded by vast formal gardens, which withhold a farm, and an enchanting tea house facing a tennis court. But surprises aren’t over yet: Casa de Serralves is one the most important Art Deco Villas of Portugal. By Amass. Cook.
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Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Fundação de Serralves)
210 R. Dom João de CastroPorto’s contemporary art museum was projected by Pritzker awarded architect Álvaro Siza, and is surrounded by vast formal gardens, which withhold a farm, and an enchanting tea house facing a tennis court. But surprises aren’t over yet: Casa de Serralves is one the most important Art Deco Villas of Portugal. By Amass. Cook.
Casa da Música is not only Porto’s most important concert hall, but it is also one of the city’s most bizarre and beautiful buildings, designed by Dutch architect Rem Khoolhaas. Take a tour, or better even, attend one of the many concerts. By Amass. Cook.
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Casa da Música
Casa da Música is not only Porto’s most important concert hall, but it is also one of the city’s most bizarre and beautiful buildings, designed by Dutch architect Rem Khoolhaas. Take a tour, or better even, attend one of the many concerts. By Amass. Cook.
This massive building with neoclassical features used to hold Porto’s courthouse and prison. Now it hosts the Portuguese Centre of Photography (CPF); the exhibitions and the intriguing interior may be visited for free. By Amass. Cook.
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Centro Português de Fotografia
Largo Amor de PerdiçãoThis massive building with neoclassical features used to hold Porto’s courthouse and prison. Now it hosts the Portuguese Centre of Photography (CPF); the exhibitions and the intriguing interior may be visited for free. By Amass. Cook.
Located in front of the railway of Tram 1, the Museu do Carro Eléctrico preserves the long history of the many trams that once circulated through Porto. By Amass. Cook.
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Museu do Eléctrico
51 Alameda de Basílio TelesLocated in front of the railway of Tram 1, the Museu do Carro Eléctrico preserves the long history of the many trams that once circulated through Porto. By Amass. Cook.
Livraria Lello is one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, and home to some of J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Harry Potter. By Amass. Cook.
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Livraria Lello
144 R. das CarmelitasLivraria Lello is one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, and home to some of J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Harry Potter. By Amass. Cook.
A museum by one of the oldest charity institutions in Portugal with a display of painting, jewelry and sculpture from the 16th century onwards, and the annexed 16th century church.
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MMIPO - Museu da Misericordia do Porto
15 R. das FloresA museum by one of the oldest charity institutions in Portugal with a display of painting, jewelry and sculpture from the 16th century onwards, and the annexed 16th century church.
The museum, already nominated for Best European Museum, displays the many national and international titles of FC Porto along its 130 years of existence. By Amass. Cook.
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Museu do FC Porto
The museum, already nominated for Best European Museum, displays the many national and international titles of FC Porto along its 130 years of existence. By Amass. Cook.
This 19th century palatial building remains one of the most preserved and authentic buildings in Porto. The main hall is lit by a giant skylight and embellished by intricate artisan woodwork on the floor and furniture. But the most extraordinary work of art is to be admired in the Oriental hall, and this is really one of the best things to do in Porto. By Amass. Cook.
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Palácio da Bolsa
This 19th century palatial building remains one of the most preserved and authentic buildings in Porto. The main hall is lit by a giant skylight and embellished by intricate artisan woodwork on the floor and furniture. But the most extraordinary work of art is to be admired in the Oriental hall, and this is really one of the best things to do in Porto. By Amass. Cook.
Set as the royal customs in the 14th century, Casa do Infante is one of the city’s oldest buildings and is now a museum, besides holding the important archives of Porto’s history. Henry the Navigator is believed to have been born in this building. By Amass. Cook.
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Casa do Infante
10 R. da AlfândegaSet as the royal customs in the 14th century, Casa do Infante is one of the city’s oldest buildings and is now a museum, besides holding the important archives of Porto’s history. Henry the Navigator is believed to have been born in this building. By Amass. Cook.
Parks & Nature
The first thing you’ll see is the huge 1950s UFO-like sports pavilion by the architect José Carlos Loureiro. Also, there are many thematic romantic gardens, a lake, dancing peacocks and gorgeous views over the river. By Amass. Cook.
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Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Rua de Dom Manuel IIThe first thing you’ll see is the huge 1950s UFO-like sports pavilion by the architect José Carlos Loureiro. Also, there are many thematic romantic gardens, a lake, dancing peacocks and gorgeous views over the river. By Amass. Cook.
Parque da Cidade is Porto’s largest public park, spanning over 83 ha of green spaces, lakes and all kinds of birds. Perfect for a walk, a picnic or a nap under a tree. By Amass. Cook.
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Parque da Cidade do Porto
Estrada Interior da CircunvalaçãoParque da Cidade is Porto’s largest public park, spanning over 83 ha of green spaces, lakes and all kinds of birds. Perfect for a walk, a picnic or a nap under a tree. By Amass. Cook.
At the former grounds of an important horticultural company, Jardim das Virtudes is divided into high terraces of lush gardens that overlook Alfândega, Gaia and the Douro. By Amass. Cook.
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Parque das Virtudes
53-3 Passeio das VirtudesAt the former grounds of an important horticultural company, Jardim das Virtudes is divided into high terraces of lush gardens that overlook Alfândega, Gaia and the Douro. By Amass. Cook.
Food Scene
A juicy pork leg roasted for hours in secret sauce, expertly sliced and fit in a bun? Yes, please. At Casa Guedes, you’ll get the best and most authentic. By Amass. Cook.
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Casa Guedes
130 Praça dos PoveirosA juicy pork leg roasted for hours in secret sauce, expertly sliced and fit in a bun? Yes, please. At Casa Guedes, you’ll get the best and most authentic. By Amass. Cook.
Eat a Francesinha
So you might have heard about our monster sandwich. It’s ok if you haven’t. But after you’ve tried it you’ll never forget the cheesy, spicy, sauce-laden refuge for a clan of grilled meats, confined between two slices of white bread. By Amass. Cook.
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Cervejaria Brasão Aliados
28 R. de Ramalho OrtigãoEat a Francesinha
So you might have heard about our monster sandwich. It’s ok if you haven’t. But after you’ve tried it you’ll never forget the cheesy, spicy, sauce-laden refuge for a clan of grilled meats, confined between two slices of white bread. By Amass. Cook.
The speciality is the traditional fried octopus fillets and rice, which is a must-have dish for all seafood lovers. By Amass. Cook.
Casa Inês
20 R. de MiraflorThe speciality is the traditional fried octopus fillets and rice, which is a must-have dish for all seafood lovers. By Amass. Cook.
Widely known as Porto’s most iconic cafe, Majestic is immersive in its amazing Belle Époque style, and just perfect for a coffee and a sweet. Be aware that there will be queues. By Amass. Cook.
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Cafe Majestic
112 Rua Santa CatarinaWidely known as Porto’s most iconic cafe, Majestic is immersive in its amazing Belle Époque style, and just perfect for a coffee and a sweet. Be aware that there will be queues. By Amass. Cook.
Buraquinho is an old tavern with new owners, but the same essential dish. Mixed pork bits, boiled to perfection, accompanied by broa and wine. Tongue, blood sausage, stomach, floured intestines, belly, pickles, and more. By Amass. Cook.
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Restaurante O Buraquinho
33 Praça dos PoveirosBuraquinho is an old tavern with new owners, but the same essential dish. Mixed pork bits, boiled to perfection, accompanied by broa and wine. Tongue, blood sausage, stomach, floured intestines, belly, pickles, and more. By Amass. Cook.
A delicacy from Northern Portugal: a poignant rice made with braised chicken, wine and blood. By Amass. Cook.
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Rei dos Galos de Amarante
121 Rua das TaipasA delicacy from Northern Portugal: a poignant rice made with braised chicken, wine and blood. By Amass. Cook.
If you like pork, you might like bifana: a sandwich made with shredded pork stewed in a very hot sauce. And drink a fino (20 cl beer) to cool it off. By Amass. Cook.
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Conga
318 R. do BonjardimIf you like pork, you might like bifana: a sandwich made with shredded pork stewed in a very hot sauce. And drink a fino (20 cl beer) to cool it off. By Amass. Cook.
Life isn’t the same without chocolate, so buy delicious artisanal chocolate from these local makers. You’ll find a myriad of flavors, including Port wine. By Amass. Cook.
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Chocolataria Equador
637 R. de Sá da BandeiraLife isn’t the same without chocolate, so buy delicious artisanal chocolate from these local makers. You’ll find a myriad of flavors, including Port wine. By Amass. Cook.
Nibble on delicious petiscos like pataniscas de bacalhau (shredded cod in batter, fried), bolinhos de bacalhau (cod fritters), rojões (pork belly) and pastelão de sardinha (sardine omelette), and listen to Fados on Tuesday afternoons. By Amass. Cook.
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Adega Rio Douro
223 R. do OuroNibble on delicious petiscos like pataniscas de bacalhau (shredded cod in batter, fried), bolinhos de bacalhau (cod fritters), rojões (pork belly) and pastelão de sardinha (sardine omelette), and listen to Fados on Tuesday afternoons. By Amass. Cook.
From the street, in the distance, you can see the small glassed-in terrace on the top of the city's first reinforced concrete building. More closely, for those who climb up to the 17th floor of the Hotel Dom Henrique, the view is disarming and inadvisable for those who suffer from vertigo, because it is 150 meters above sea level. By Evasões
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17th Restaurant & Bar
223 R. do BolhãoFrom the street, in the distance, you can see the small glassed-in terrace on the top of the city's first reinforced concrete building. More closely, for those who climb up to the 17th floor of the Hotel Dom Henrique, the view is disarming and inadvisable for those who suffer from vertigo, because it is 150 meters above sea level. By Evasões
Drinks & Nightlife
The area of Galerias de Paris is the trendiest drinking and partying block of Porto, so be sure to wade into the crowd and check out the amazing bars. By Amass. Cook.
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Rua da Galeria de Paris
Rua da Galeria de ParisThe area of Galerias de Paris is the trendiest drinking and partying block of Porto, so be sure to wade into the crowd and check out the amazing bars. By Amass. Cook.
Wine is a big deal in Portugal, as you might have already guessed. So why not join the movement and try out the wonderful wines from the whole country at a specialized spot, such as Wine Quay Bar. By Amass. Cook.
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Wine Quay Bar
111 Cais da EstivaWine is a big deal in Portugal, as you might have already guessed. So why not join the movement and try out the wonderful wines from the whole country at a specialized spot, such as Wine Quay Bar. By Amass. Cook.
Portuenses love beer, so if you want something other than the local Super Bock, why not try the creations of the new generation of beer brewers. By Amass. Cook.
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Craft Beer House
126 Praça de Carlos AlbertoPortuenses love beer, so if you want something other than the local Super Bock, why not try the creations of the new generation of beer brewers. By Amass. Cook.