A coastal city in the northwest part of the country, Porto, like Lisbon has amazing food, views, and historical landmarks. But Porto has such a different atmosphere from Lisbon, it almost feels like stepping into another country. Walking through the bustling Ribeira district with its multicolored river-front buildings, it almost feels like you could be in strolling through a New England port town – but with a medieval flare!
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Porto Travel Tips
- While not as steep and hill-y as Lisbon, Porto still boasts plenty of hills so wear proper shoes
- Public transport, Uber, and Bolt are all good options to get around.
- Head out to Foz do Rio Douro where the river joins the Atlantic for a beautiful sunset view; but be aware that you may encounter quite a bit of traffic on the road along the river that runs east-west.
- Try a francesinha, a sandwich originating in Northern Portugal.
- Some smaller restaurants don’t accept cards, so make sure you ask first if you don’t have cash.
- Livraria Lello, the “Harry Potter library,” is a tourist trap and not worth the crowd, in my opinion.
Best Views and Lookouts in Porto
- Foz do Rio Douro (at the west point of the city where the river meets the ocean)
- Best for: Ocean views
- Miradouro da Serra do Pilar (in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the bridge)
- Best For: Panoramic views of Porto’s historic center, the river, and the iconic bridge
- Jardim do Morro (near the top of the Dom Luís I Bridge (Gaia side)
- Best For: Relaxed picnic atmosphere with sweeping views of the Douro and Ribeira.
- Tip: Take the cable car up from the riverside for an extra scenic experience.
- Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)
- Best For: A bird’s-eye view from one of the tallest structures in Porto.
- Tip: Be prepared to climb 240 steps, but the 360-degree view is worth it.
- Passeio das Virtudes
- Best For: Watching the sunset with a backdrop of the river and Gaia.
- Tip: Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine
Vela Via Travel 