Visiting Porto: What can I see?

Train, car, bus or even tram are some of the modes of transports that people can use to reach Porto. In the city there is a metro service, however walking around on foot is probably the best option, as it allows visitors to see every corner and discover every secret that Porto holds.

Cais da Ribeira

When searching for Porto on the internet, the first images that will appear are probably from Cais da Ribeira, right next to D. Luís I Bridge. The bridge crosses the Douro River, which separates Porto from Vila Nova de Gaia. When crossing the bridge, visitors will arrive at Gaia and from that side of the river, it will be possible to have a panoramic view of Porto, right next to the river in a green area.

When visiting Gaia, visitors may enjoy visits to Port Wine Caves, or alternatively delight in the variety of restaurants that are located in the area.

Torre dos Clérigos

The tower started to be constructed in 1732 and the works were finished by 1763. Besides the tower there is also a church, that may be visited. The historical building has bells, that ring to mark the time or to mark festive seasons. In the past a daily shot would be released, to tell the population that it was midday. It has been considered to be a national monument since 1910. Torre dos Clérigos is placed at the top of Rua dos Clérigos, and a visit costs €8.

Avenida dos Aliados

This is one of the most important avenues of Porto, being a place filled with historical buildings, with unique architecture. The place is great for a walk and it was the stage of two Popes that hosted a mass in Avenida dos Aliados, in 1982 and 2010.

Avenida dos Aliados was inaugurated in 1917 and begins in Praça da Liberdade and finishes in Praça do General Humberto Delgado and extends for 250 metres.

Casa da Música

One of the most important concert rooms in Porto, with amazing architecture, Casa da Música is a place to visit, even without the intention of watching a live show. The building is placed at Praça de Mouzinho de Albuquerque, with an architectonical piece unique in Portugal, the geometry of the building led to various engineering projects, postponing the construction of the concert room. Although, all the works were congratulated at a New York Times publication.

Livraria Lello

It may be hard to visit this place as the queues to enter are enormous. Constructed in 1869, it is probably one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. The number of visitors has increased, due to the story that J.K. Rowling was inspired by this place to create Dumbledore’s office in the Harry Potter saga. However, the writer has already denied the fact, as she never visited the book shop, despite having lived in Porto. Nevertheless, the book shop is worth visiting, as the interior is something that may not be seen everywhere. Currently, visitors must pay a €5 ticket to visit the shop although this is discounted off if you buy a book from the collections – which include English languages options.

The city of Porto has many places to discover, whether next to the river or inside the city with perhaps the biggest charisma in Portugal. Visitors must make sure to include on their route a visit to a Francesinha restaurant, and taste the flavours of this city, which will make every visitor want to come back!

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos