15 Top-Rated Attractions in Porto

Along the banks of the Douro River right by the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Porto is a popular tourist attraction. With its cobbled streets and castles as well as cathedrals and synagogues, you will see a variety of architectural beauty. And with the warm climate, outdoor activities are also popular.

Porto has a plethora of green space from parks to gardens with the largest and most notable being the City Park (Parque da Cidade) covering over 200 acres. Wherever you go, drop your bags at a Porto suitcase storage facility first. Exploring a city is a lot more fun without bags and backpacks slowing you down! 

Parks

• Vila Nova de Gaia

This entire city is full of parks and beaches so make sure it is on your itinerary. See it all, from the Gaia Biological Park with 86 acres and hundreds of animals to the 17 beaches along the coastline. Praia da Granja used to be a Bishop Farm for Monks and Priests, but today it is a gorgeous beach with lifeguards and concessions. 

• City Park (Parque da Cidade) 

With six miles of trails, a water pavilion, and the Sea Life Porto Aquarium, City Park is the largest and most popular park in Porto. You can walk along the Atlantic Ocean, feed the ducks, or just sit back and take in the beauty. Bring a camera along to get some pics to share on social media.

• Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal)

What used to be an actual palace torn down in 1956, the gardens along the bluff have views of the Douro River are spectacular. Be sure to bring your camera because something is always blooming in the Crystal Palace Gardens. See sculptures, fountains, and ancient olive trees as well as amazing views.

Museums

• National Museum of Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis)

With art dating back to the 1500s, this is one art museum you must not miss. Paintings from Dutch and Flemish artists and a gorgeous collection of gold and silver, as well as glassware and ceramics, are spread throughout the majestic 18th-century palace. And stop by the museum shop for unique souvenirs.

• Port Wine Museum (Museu do Vinho do Porto)

Whether you drink wine or not, you should take the time to visit the Port Wine Museum. You can see hundreds of antique items including bottles dating back to the 1800s. Learn how they used to make port wine back in the 1600s and how it is done now. After your tour, stop at the restaurant for a taste.

• World of Discoveries

Learn about the voyages of Portuguese explorers from the 1400s who set out to find new land at the World of Discoveries. It is more than just a museum, though, it is also a park full of interesting exhibits and interactive displays. Take an exciting boat ride before trying exotic cuisine from Brazil, Japan, China, and Africa. 

Churches and Other Religious Buildings

• Church of São Francisco (Igreja de São Francisco)

Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this 15th-century church is a Gothic architectural wonder. The inside is just as spectacular with its Baroque decorations and rose windows. The 13th-century polychrome granite statue of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Tree of Jesse altarpiece are both important and stunning.

• Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo)

Carmo Church is one of the most famous in Porto with blue and white tiles of artwork along its façade. The gilt carvings and other art inside are also well worth the visit. The woodwork is brushed with gold in one of the finest examples of Rococo in Portugal. The statues and other architectural beauty are also stunning.

• Se Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina)

The seat of the East Indies Patriarch and Cathedral of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Daman and Goa is also a World Heritage Site. Founded in 1619, you can see gunpowder mill stones from the factory, an ancient tower, and the Golden Bell of Goa. Don’t miss the detailed work on the altar.

Palaces and Castles

• Bolsa Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)

Also known as the Stock Exchange Palace, this historical building was built in the 1800s in Neoclassical style and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is decorated by an octagonal dome with metallic and glass panels designed by Tomás Soler and busts by Antonio Teixeira Lopes and Antonio Soares dos Reis. 

• Castle of Santa Maria da Feira 

The Castle of Santa Maria de Feira was built in the 9th century and is one of the oldest monuments of defense in the country. The Baroque chapel on the exterior wall was added in 1656 by the Countess of Feira. It also has parapets, balusters, and pinnacles that make this castle unique. 

• Castle of Almourol 

Constructed in 1171, the Castle of Almourol along the channel of the Tagus River was built on the site of a castro from ancient times. Once controlled by the Knights Templar, you can see some of the battlements, allures, and the strategic views the castle had back in the day. 

Landmarks

• Dom Luis I Bridge

When this bridge was built in 1886, it was the longest bridge in the world at 564 feet. Spanning the Douro River between Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto, this amazing double-decker structure is made of iron and has a huge 566-foot arch that supports it. The piers on each end are moored to the riverbanks.

• Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)

Part of Clérigos Church, this 248-foot-tall tower gives you an amazing view if you can climb the 240 steps to get there. Built in the early 1700s, the tower is a National Monument and a main point of interest in Porto. With baroque style and stunning architecture, the tower and church are beautiful inside and out. 

• Porto Pergola (Pergola da Foz)

One of the most iconic scenes in Porto, this promenade along the ocean is the perfect spot to meander along and enjoy the view. The sunsets from here are legendary and can be seen all over social media. The neoclassical style of the bold structure makes the Pergola a fantastic spot for selfies too. 
What you choose to visit in Porto depends on your interests and time. If you have enough time to visit all of these attractions, you really should. The history, beauty, and fun of the city are not to be overlooked. Even if it is not as large and popular as Lisbon, this fantastic destination is still a fantastic place to explore.