Portugal is a trend destination, there is no doubt. Different tourism awards confirm Portugal as a top destination in recent years. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and its colorful old town is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We invite you to discover the top things do in Porto at the beginning of your Portuguese Way, believe us it is worth arriving two days before to enjoy this unique city!
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What should a pilgrim do in Porto: places to visit
A Ribeira
Top things to to in Porto – A Ribeira and the Luis I Bridge
The image of Porto is always linked to the River Douro, the river through which the boats landed with barrels of the Porto wine and whose recreations we can see docked at the riverbank. This neighborhood with the terraces overlooking the Douro River and the Luis I bridge is undoubtedly one of tourist’s preferences.
Moreover, you can enjoy the good views while listening to a fado or enjoy one of the typical dishes of Portuguese food.
Crossing the Bridge of Luis I, you will reach Vilanova de Gaia from where you will enjoy another perspective of Porto.
Vilanova de Gaia
Top things to do in Porto – Porto views from Vilanova de Gaia
Once you cross the bridge either from the part of A Ribeira you will arrive at Vilanova de Gaia, where there are numerous Porto wine cellars. We recommend you stroll around Vilanova de Gaia, you can see Porto from another perspective and you can visit a winery and learn more about the history of this sweet wine, eat in one of the restaurants and even get on the funicular that will take you to the top of Vilanova de Gaia.
Sé, the Cathedral
Porto Cathedral
Sé means Catedral in Portuguese. The Sé district is one of the oldest areas in the city, where there are still remains of its walls that protected the city. You can walk around the Cathedral and visit the interior where its cloister stands out. From the balconies of the Cathedral square, you can enjoy another of the great views of the city. From here you can see the Douro River, the Ribeira and Vilanova de Gaia.
Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro
On the other hand, if you who want to escape the bustle of the city, visit the Barrio de Foz, one of the most expensive in the city and from where you can see the mouth of the Douro River in the Atlantic Ocean. Here, stands out the Foz Castle, where the Ocean breaks.
What should a pilgrim do in Porto: momuments
The Luis I Bridge
The Luis I bridge
As mentioned, the Luis I Bridge is one of the bridges of Porto that communicates with the other side, Vilanova de Gaia. It is one of the symbols of the city and the views from it are beautiful.
Clérigos church
Clérigos Church is a Baroque Church built in the 18th century for the Clérigos Brotherhood. We recommend you go up the stairs to the bell tower and enjoy the views. This building also is a symbol of the city.
Lello and Irmao Bookstore
Lello e Irmão bookstore
A few meters from the Clérigos Church, you will find the Lello and Irmao Bookstore considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in Europe. You can visit it once you pay the ticket entrance. Enjoy taking pictures on the stairs where Harry Potter lived some of his adventures, since this library was one of the scenes of Harry Potter films. It is undoubtedly one of the places to see in Porto.
São Bento train station
Top things to do in Porto – Visit the São Bento train station
If you walk through the Porto downtown, you will find the São Bento train station near the famous Avenida dos Aliados. It is one of the most beautiful buildings of Porto, full of the typical Portuguese tiles.
Fundação Serralves – modern art
Fundação Serralves – garden sculpture
In Porto you will find many exhibitions and a great cultural offer. In the Fundação Serralves, there is a large collection of Contemporary Art and where you can also take a pleasant walk through its beautiful gardens.
You may also be interested: Way of Saint James routes in Spain and Portugal
Finally, we invite you to live the experience of the Portuguese Way and discover what to see in Porto and the top things to do.
Let us be your incoming travel agency for the Way of Saint James!
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