Where to go from the port for 1 day. Ocean view: what to see in Porto in one day. Ocean coast, beaches, lighthouses and the best fish restaurants

I want to tell you about small ancient town of Porto, in which the oldest traditions of Portugal have been preserved to this day. It will appeal to everyone who wants to get acquainted with medieval times, its unique culinary traditions and not go broke, as well as lovers of narrow streets, interesting houses, temples and, of course, the best port wine in the world.

Attractions in the main areas of Porto

A special tourist map will help you find your way around the city. On it you will find all the main attractions, metro lines and street names will also be indicated there. As a tourist you will need visit only 3 main areas to get into the spirit of Porto, Portugal and see all its attractions.

Ribeira area

This is one of the oldest and most colorful areas. Its streets, just 1.5 meters wide, meander between blocks of old houses, which are decorated with blue and white tiles. These colorful houses are built right next to each other and look like a child's applique, but this is what gives the entire area charisma.

Here it is Praça da Ribeira Square, where in the old days there was a huge market, but now it is rather a gastronomic point.
Not far from the square you will see Fountain of Cuba da Ribeira, which was erected in 1780. It's still impressive to this day. statue of John the Baptist at its base and with a coat of arms decorating it.
Further on your way you will meet Casa do Infanti house, where the heir to King John the First was born back in 1394.
Located nearby Church of Igrejade San Francisco And the majestic fortress wall of Fernandina, which was built in the 14th century.

In my opinion, this area is best explored by bike. Because just a walk through the crooked streets without a special route will show you how slowly the locals live. Try some port wine in Praça da Ribeira and be transported briefly back to a typical medieval day in Porto.

Did you know? Residents of the Ribeira district in Porto are called "tripeiros", which means "offal".

Afterwards, be sure to take a stroll through the beautiful promenade of Cais da Ribeira, which is located on the coast of the Douro River and pay attention to the yachts moored to its banks. Some of them used to transport port wine, and now they take tourists for rides.
Being on the embankment, you will not pass by Luis I Bridge, which was opened in 1886 year. This incredible two-level creation connects the Ribeira area with the suburb of Villa Nova de Gaia and has pedestrian areas on each of the “floors”.

Vila Nova di Gaia

This is an area not so much of attractions for the “eyes” as for “soul and taste”. On this shore there are the best port wine cellars from a wide variety of producers, as well as warehouses and cork factories.

At the end of it will be waiting for you wine degustation.

In addition, you will find here wine merchants' club Feitoria Inglesa, which was built at the end of the 18th century, and the Port Wine Museum.
pay attention to church, dating back to the 16th-century Serra do Pilar monastery.
They depart from the embankment cruise excursions with a program of 1 hour, but during this time you will see all the bridges of Porto.
There is also on this shore cable car, which connects the river bank with the small territory of the Serra do Pilar monastery, which offers wonderful views of the immediate surroundings of the city.

After such a walk, you will still feel the heady aroma of the best wines of Portugal and a pleasant tiredness as a memory of this wonderful area.

Historical center of Porto

The historic city center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. And the most striking attraction here is rightfully considered Exchange Palace, where in the 18th century. there was a trading exchange.

Be sure to go to Porto Cathedral, which was built in the 12th – 13th centuries and is visible from anywhere in the city. They say that it was around this cathedral that the city began to form.

It is open to the public from 9:00 to 19:00, and a ticket costs 3 EUR.

Among the main attractions are Sao Bento station.

Sao Bento Station

Porto Cathedral

When you reach the main pedestrian streets of Rua de Santa Catarina, then it’s time to choose a cozy cafe and get acquainted with the local cuisine. Check out the iconic Cafe Majestic, which is located in a building built in 1921, and there you will be offered a cup of coffee at any time of the day.

Also go through Avenida dos Aliados, which will open up a huge amount for you rich mansions period of the XIX – XX centuries. It is considered one of the most beautiful temples in the city church of sao francisco 1233, made in the Gothic style with Baroque elements.

Did you know? One of the most important symbols of Porto is the 75-meter high Clérigos Tower. Previously, it acted as a landmark for ships that entered the port. Today, from its observation deck you can see the city for just 2 EUR.

Beaches of Porto

Porto is surrounded by a huge coastline, and if time permits, I recommend sunbathing in the immediate vicinity of the city. This is a great opportunity to plunge into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and, if desired, learn to surf.

What to see in Porto in 1 day

If you are passing through Porto and are very limited in time, then here is an approximate route to the main places of the city:

You get to the city center and have breakfast at one of the city’s many coffee shops. Will you try coffee, welded by unique recipes.
Climbing up Clérigos Tower and look around at the panorama of the entire city.
Buy a ticket for the tram going in the direction Ribeira area. This way you will travel through the historical center of the city and see the main attractions, including the tram itself.
Walk in the Ribeira area several narrow streets and enjoy the flavor of the oldest part of the city.
On Praça da Ribeira square dine on authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Go down to the banks of the Douro River and get acquainted with embankment.
Cross the river via the Luís I Bridge and enter Vila Nova di Gaia area.
Try several varieties of the best port wine, and on this pleasant note your day will come to an end.

Clérigos Tower

And be sure to bring not only a magnet from Porto, but also save all the sights you see in photos.

Traveling around Porto with children

Visit Crystal Palace Park. It is equipped with everything necessary for children's leisure - playgrounds, recreation areas - and is decorated with many sculptures. Most of all, children will remember the peacocks, who walk freely along the lawns of the park, you can feed them, and they are not afraid of visitors.
Sea Life Porto Aquarium will be an unforgettable experience for the kids. The diversity of the marine world that is around you as you move through the glass tunnel is simply mesmerizing. You will be able to watch how the local inhabitants are fed, and also look at the ocean from a special observation deck.
Your children will be delighted if you bring them to book Shop, which is located on Rua das Carmelitas. It became the prototype for the library for the book “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” and some scenes from this movie saga were also filmed here.

Sea Life Porto Aquarium

Porto and city attractions (video)

Porto is one of the oldest cities, the former capital of the country and the current capital of port wine. You will learn more about the city of Porto in this video from Eagle and Tails with presenters Petya and Regina. Enjoy watching!

Transport within the city

Metro– has 6 lines, one of which originates at . Stations open at 6:00 and end at 1:00. The price of one journey is 1.85 EUR.
Buses– there are daytime flights and special night flights from 1:00 to 5:30 am. A single ticket costs 1.85 EUR, a day ticket costs 7 EUR, and a 3-day ticket costs 15 EUR.
Trams– this is not just transport, but also one of the attractions of Porto. Rare trams were launched back in 1872.
Bicycles– can be rented for 2 hours (from 6 EUR) or for a day (from 15 EUR) depending on the chosen model.

Important! At night, taxi prices increase by 20%.

In my opinion, the city of Porto is not just sights and port wine. It is a combination of modern with old quaint traditions.

I may have missed some places, but I tried to tell you about what I remember most. If you find something more interesting, please tell me about it in the comments, and I will envy you a little.

Aveiro - "Portuguese Venice"

The northern capital of Portugal, Porto, is a beautiful and multifaceted city. You can walk here for days and even weeks, but still not fully enjoy the atmosphere of the city, its architecture and energy. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, which means Greater Porto has equally beautiful places scattered around it.

São Bento Train Station (Estação de São Bento) is an ideal starting point. It is from here that most regional trains and electric trains start. Railway routes passing through Porto are served by the transport company SR, and here you can also see the train schedule.

The railway connection in Porto is excellent, comfortable trains run to the cities described below almost every hour. Low ticket prices are another compelling argument in favor of trains. The only negative: the lack of toilets on the trains.

There are no ticket machines inside Sao Bento. To buy a ticket you need to print a ticket with a number from the machine. The machine is located to the right of the entrance to the ticket office. On the scoreboard, select the “Regional” section. The cashier will give you an Andante magnetic smart card. Save the card, you can top it up before your next trip to the suburbs of Porto. Before boarding the train, ALWAYS validate your ticket in a special machine on the platform.

So, the briefing has been completed, tickets have been purchased and validated. So where can and should you go from Porto for a day?

Aveiro

Aveiro is worth visiting for several reasons. First of all, it's beautiful there. Secondly, he is on his way to Costa Nova. And thirdly, there is a wonderful restaurant “Salpoente”.

Aveiro is called the “Portuguese Venice”. The town is crossed by a whole network of canals along which you can ride on painted “moliceiros” boats. In the old days, these boats were used to collect seaweed and sargassum, but today they are a tourist attraction. But don't rush to jump into Moliceiros, you can explore the city on foot or on the free bugas bike provided by the city council.

What can you see in Aveiro? The main beauty of the city is concentrated along the central canal: a row of Art Nouveau buildings. A complete list of buildings and their locations are indicated on the map, which can be obtained from the travel agency.

After exploring the city to your heart's content, visit the Aveiro Museum, located in the Convent of Jesus. The main value here is the mausoleum of Princess Saint Joan, daughter of King Afonso V, and the interior decoration of the church: gilded wooden carvings. Wooden carvings can also be seen in abundance in the Chapel of Senhor das Barrocas, and in more modest decoration in the Church of Mercy (Igreja da Misericórdia).

For lunch, go to the above-mentioned restaurant, specializing in seafood and more, “Salpoente”. Today it is ranked number one by TripAdwiser.

Try the traditional Aveiro sweet “Ovos moles” (soft eggs), a dessert made from eggs and sugar. “Soft eggs” are sold in wooden barrels, often wrapped in thin layers of dough in the shape of sea elements.

In the vicinity of Aveiro there are many places worth visiting. Here you will find salt mines (salt is mined in Aveiro) and the National Reserve “Dunes of St. Jacinto” (Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto) with its almost wild beaches. The tallest lighthouse in Portugal on Barra beach (Praia da Barra). Or you can go to the famous Costa Nova coast with its bright houses and restless ocean. What we will do with you.

How to get from Porto to Aveiro: By train from Sao Bento. You can also take high-speed trains, but in this case you need to change trains at the Porto-Campanha railway station. Trains are not much faster, but they are more expensive. See schedule, travel time and cost.

Costa Nova

Costa Nova is just some kind of art therapy. The town consists entirely of wooden houses "Palheiros" painted with stripes. Previously, these were fishermen's houses, where each had its own color as a landmark, now it is a tourist attraction. We tourists like this move. Walking around the town, you get the feeling that you are on a film set. The houses are so bright and photogenic.

After taking plenty of photographs, we head to the beach. Praia da Costa Nova is a wonderful place for a walk or a picnic. You won't be able to swim here: the sea is rough, but you can go surfing. You can admire the ocean forever, so don't miss the last bus to Aveiro.

How to get from Aveiro to Costa Nova: by bus, the schedule can be obtained from the information kiosk at the train station. You can take the bus near the central canal. Buy a two-way ticket from the driver at once. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes. On the way you will see a lagoon, salt mountains, the town of Barry with a lighthouse.

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus

Braga

Braga is the religious center of the country. You can fully experience this if you come here to celebrate Holy Week (Festa da Semana Santa) and St. John (Festa da do São João). Thousands of pilgrims flock to Braga to watch processions, dances, fairs and fireworks. However, Braga is also the youngest city (by age of population) in Portugal.

Republic Square unites the old and new towns in Braga. And it is the starting point for exploring the city; all significant attractions are concentrated nearby.

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, visit some of the many churches, and admire the rows of houses and historic buildings. Don't miss the Palácio do Raio, also known as the Casa do Mexicano, the Theatro Circo and the Arco da Porta Nova. Later, sip coffee at the famous Café Brasileira while contemplating the traffic on the central avenue, Avenida Central.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Braga is the Raio Palace (Palácio do Raio), also known as the Mexican House (Casa do Mexicano), the facade of which is almost completely covered with blue azulejos:

Traditional cuisine of Braga - “Bacalhau à Braga” - a cod dish, as well as baked kid and egg pudding with caramel “Abbot de Priscos” (pudim Abade de Priscos).

7 km. from Braga there is the shrine of Portugal - the Santuário do Bom Jesus - one of the main centers of pilgrimage in the country. A majestic staircase, framed by chapels and spring fountains, leads to the temple on the mountain. This staircase symbolizes the Way of the Cross of Christ to Golgotha. Among a sea of greenery, it offers an amazing panoramic view of the city.

In addition to Bom Jesus, outside Braga, the Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães and the Chapel of S. Frutuoso de Montélios deserve no less attention. Nature lovers can head to the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Tourists often practice combining Braga and Guimarães in one day. My advice to you: stay in Braga the whole day! The status of the youngest city is revealed in all its glory in the evening.

How to get from Porto to Braga: by train from Porto Campanhã or from Porto S. Bento. See the website for schedule, travel time and cost.

Guimarães

Guimarães is considered the “cradle” of Portugal, because Afonso Henriques, the first Portuguese king, was born here.

The historical center of Guimarães is included in the UNESCO List. The medieval mansions of Mota Regu, Vila Flor, Toural and others create the unique atmosphere of the city.

The city tour will begin in the heart of the “lower city” - Oliveira Square (largo da Oliveira), where the memorial sign of Padrão do Salado and the Church of Our Lady of the Olive Tree (Igreja e Colegiada de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) rise. After passing the city hall (Paços Municipais), we come to Santiago Square (Praça de Santiago), which in the Middle Ages served as a shelter for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella.

The “lower” and “upper” cities are connected by Santa Maria Street, where the Convento de Santa Clara, the Arco mansion and others are located. Next you can head to the Castle, dating back to the 10th century. Afterwards, you can visit the José de Guimarães International Arts Center (Centro de Artes Internacional José de Guimarães) or the Martins Sarmento Archaeological Museum (Museu Arqueológico Martins Sarmento).

Not far from the city center, the Palace and Cultural Center of Vila Flor (Palácio and Centro Cultural Vila Flor) is worth a visit with its hanging gardens, frescoed houses and rocaille decorations.

You can complete our walk on Monte da Penha, which offers one of the most amazing panoramas of Guimarães and Northern Portugal in general.

How to get from Porto to Guimarães: by train from Porto Campanhã or from Porto S. Bento. See the website for schedule, travel time and cost.

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal. The city is located near the sea and the mouth of the Lima River. There is a yacht marina, a commercial port, a fishing port with a pier for fishermen and a shipyard.

Viana is rich in palaces, churches and monasteries, fountains and standpipes: all of them are part of the city's rich history. Walking through the historical center, we will certainly end up at Republic Square - the heart of the city. Here you can see the House of Mercy and the fountain, which date back to the 16th century, as well as the building of the former town hall of Paços do Concelho. The cathedral (Sé) and the main church of Matriz (Igreja Matriz) are nearby.

In Viana do Castelo, in addition to historical architecture, there are a couple of buildings and structures created according to the designs of famous modern architects of Portugal. These are Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade), the library, the Axis Hotel, the cultural center of Viana do Castelo and others.

It is impossible not to mention the calling card of the city, the “Heart of Viana” (coração de Viana) - a unique gold product of local craftsmen. Today, the “Heart of Viana” is one of the symbols not only of the north, but of the entire country.

Appearing at the end of the 18th century, this sign served to strengthen faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and combines a cornucopia, a heart and flames.

How to get from Porto to Viana do Castelo: by train from Porto Campanhã or from Porto S. Bento. See the website for schedule, travel time and cost.

Traditional Portuguese "barco rabelo"

Douro River Valley

The Douro Valley, which extends to Barca de Alva, is considered the world's oldest demarcated wine-growing area.

Doru cut deep valleys, and Man followed her and turned the slate mountains into soil by planting grapes on it. Turning to the wisdom of his ancestors, the man tilted the terraces so that the vines bathed in the sun's rays, so necessary for making good wine. So, as a result of the tandem of nature and man, wine and the uniquely beautiful landscapes of the Douro Valley were created.

Discovering the Douro Valley begins in Porto. To get acquainted, you can use various types of transport: railway, road, motor ship, cruise, etc.

So we have an article about escaping from Porto for just a day, I advise you to go to the Vila Nova de Gaia pier. From there, excursion boats depart along the banks of the Douro all the way to Regua. The number of days of walking depends on the distance you want to cover.

We recommend visiting some of the many wineries called quintas. Take part in the grape harvest between September and October. Visit the winegrowing villages of Barcos, Provesende, Salzedas, Trevões, Ucanha and Favaios. True, this is another story, obviously not one day long.

Church "Senhor da Pedra"

To the ocean

It's just a stone's throw from Porto to the ocean. Public transport will quickly take you to the wide beaches of the Atlantic. Pay attention to Miramar Beach (Praia de Miramar). An excellent beach with developed infrastructure, but the main attraction of the beach is the church on the rock (Capela do Senhor da Pedra). The chapel was built on the holy rock of Senhor da Pedra in the 17th century. This rock has been an object of worship since pagan times. At low tide it can be reached by land; at high tide the church is completely surrounded by ocean water. How the church remains intact during winter storms is anyone's guess.

You can get from Porto to Miramar by train from Sao Bento. Schedule here. Travel time: 30 min.

Where did you go near Porto? Share valuable tips and life hacks in the comments.

Porto is the second largest center of Portugal and the northern capital of the country. Porto is not at all like Lisbon: the only similarity can be seen in the fact that both of these cities are located on the coast. Porto offers a special atmosphere, unique historical architecture, football spirit and amazing views.

There are so many attractions in the city that it is simply impossible to visit them all in a few days. They are literally located at every step. To make your task easier, we have compiled a selection of the most interesting sights in Porto with photos and descriptions.

So, what to do and see in Porto for the best experience?

1. Take a walk around the Ribeira quarter

The best place to start sightseeing in Porto is the atmospheric Ribeira quarter. Many tourists fall in love with this distinctive area, and this is understandable: every house in it is interesting. This is where you can feel the spirit of real Portugal, walking along the embankment or narrow streets and enjoying the authentic beauty of cozy houses with bright tiles on the roofs.

In the Ribeira quarter there is a huge number of small cafes overlooking the embankment, and their prices are not bad. Be sure to go to some establishment, and best of all, try the signature Portuguese sandwich Francesinha, which can be baked in an open oven right before your eyes.

In the evening, the Ribeira quarter turns into the most romantic place in the city, so if you are traveling to Porto with your loved one, then go here for dinner or an evening walk.

From the Ribeira promenade you can take a river cruise on the Dora or walk to the Don Luis Bridge, which offers beautiful views of the area.

2. Admire the view from the Don Luis Bridge

The Don Luis Bridge, designed by a student of Eiffel himself, is one of the main attractions of the city of Porto. We can say that this bridge is for Porto what the Eiffel Tower is for Paris. Its unusual silhouette is often depicted on the labels of Portuguese port wine. In the evening, when the lights come on, the bridge takes on a special charm. To visit Porto and not take a photo there is simply unforgivable.

Tourists unanimously say that the best views of the city of Porto, the Douro River and the Ribeira quarter with its red-orange roofs open from this building. Photos against the backdrop of such a magnificent panorama look like postcards. But the attraction is interesting in itself – for its unusual two-tier design: cars travel on the lower tier, and metro trains travel on the upper tier. There are sidewalks for pedestrians on both levels. Local daredevils jump into the water from the lower tier, collecting one euro from tourists for their exploits.

The Don Luis Bridge connects the city center with Villo Nova di Gaia, where port wine tastings are held at the historic winery. Therefore, the final point of the walk can be planned here. Be sure to walk across the bridge and look at the panorama that opens up - it will give you a special experience.

From the top level you can take the funicular which takes you down to Porto's waterfront. Those who buy a ticket for the funicular are sometimes given flyers for tasting wines produced in Portugal. Worth the trip 2.5 € one way.

The most convenient way to get to the attraction is by metro. You need to get off at Jardim do Morro or Sao Bento station, and then walk a little.

3. Attend a football match at the FC Porto stadium

Everyone knows that Portugal is a football country. Therefore, going to the home stadium of the legendary football club is worth it even for those who do not consider themselves fans of this sport. Who knows, maybe after visiting this stadium you will become an ardent fan too!

The grandiose Dragau stadium was built for the European Championship in 2004. During this time, five championship matches have already been held there. Here everyone can feel the sports and football atmosphere of the city. Many people consider it to be one of the main modern attractions of Porto and Portugal in general.

If you can’t buy a ticket for the match, you can simply look at the stadium outside and inside, visit the football museum and book a tour in English. Inside the attraction there is a brand store of the Porto club, where numerous souvenirs for football fans are sold at fairly high prices.

The most convenient way to get to the stadium is by metro. You need to get off at Estádio do Dragão station (yellow line).

Location: Via do Futebol Clube do Porto, Porto 4350-415, Estádio do Dragão
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 – 19:00.

4. Visit the FC Porto Museum

The Porto Football Club Museum is located inside the Dragao stadium, which we wrote about above. Numerous reviews from tourists indicate that this museum will be of interest to everyone, and for football fans it will become a real holiday. Here you can also learn a lot of interesting things about sports in Portugal.

This is a very large and informative museum with many trophies, artifacts and interactive screens. Even if you don’t know anything about FC Porto, you will still understand and understand its importance. It is best to book a tour, which includes a visit to the stadium. They will tell you about the history of the Porto club, show you the interior and the football field itself.

Allow at least an hour and a half to visit the museum. A combined tour of the museum and stadium will cost 15 € for an adult, 10 € for a child under 16 years old and free for children under 4 years old. A visit to one museum will cost 12 euros for an adult and 8 euros for a child. Pensioners over 65 years of age receive discounts on tickets.

Address: Estádio do Dragão, Porto 4350-415.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:00.
Ticket prices: from 12€.

5. Climb the bell tower of the Clérigos Church

The tallest bell tower in Portugal, Clérigos, should be a must on your list of what to see in Porto in 3 days. This tall tower (75 meters) can be seen from different parts of Porto, which is why it is considered one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Previously, it served as a landmark for ships that entered the harbor.

The bell tower belongs to the Baroque church of the same name from 1732-1748. buildings, which are also very beautiful, interesting and worthy of a visit. In 1910, it was officially recognized as a national treasure of Portugal.

Climbing up the narrow stairs to the bell tower is not an easy task. The observation deck is also quite cramped, but it offers stunning views of the city. So it's definitely worth the climb.

Address: Rua Sao Filipe Neri, Porto 4050-546
Cost of visit: 4 € during the day (until 7 pm) and 5 € in the evening (from 7 to 11 pm). Children under 10 years old are free, students have a 50% discount. A day ticket includes admission to the museum.
Working hours: 9:00-19:00 (tower + museum). The tower is open until 23:00.

6. Conquer the Arrábida Bridge on the Porto Bridge Climb excursion

If you have 3 days to see the sights of Porto and you like extreme entertainment, be sure to become a “rock climber” on the Arrábida Bridge. The organizers of the Porto Bridge Climb project invite everyone over 12 years old to climb the 262 steps of the arch on the bridge structure, rising to a height of 65 meters. Prepare for the climb to be exciting, but completely safe and not extreme.

All groups (from one person) are accompanied by an experienced guide. You can book a ticket for the climb in advance, but it is better to come straight to the place: the lift schedule is posted here. Allow about an hour for the ascent and descent and wear comfortable sports shoes.

From the height of the structure you can look at the ocean and the city from an unusual angle. Also, a pleasant surprise awaits everyone who goes upstairs. For the most incredible experience, climb the bridge during sunset

Location of the attraction: Ponte da Arrabida, Porto
Prices: lift in a group from 1 to 13 people – 12.5 €, in a group from 14 to 39 people – 11 €, in a group of more than 40 people – 10 €.

7. See the Karma and Carmelite churches separated by the narrowest building in the world

One of the most beautiful churches in Portugal, the luxurious Rococo Church of Carmo, is located in Teixeira Square, in the historical center of Porto. Right next to it stands the Carmelite Temple. The churches are built so close that it seems as if they are one big temple. But in fact they are separated by a house only 1 meter wide, which is considered the narrowest building in the world.

Most of all, the Carmo Church, built in the 18th century, delights tourists with the traditional tiles of Portugal - azulejo tiles, reminiscent of Gzhel in appearance. The walls of the church are decorated with large mosaic paintings with images of the Carmelites, which are impossible not to admire. In addition, the temple is decorated with statues of evangelists and sculptures of prophets. Its interior decoration is no less rich. That is why the church is considered one of the most significant attractions of Porto and the surrounding area.

It is worth noting that the luxurious beauty of the Karmu Church is emphasized by a chic fountain with sculptures of lions, which is located on the square in front of the temples.

Address: Rua Carmo, Porto, Portugal.

8. Visit the “Harry Potter library” Livraria Lello

In fact, Livraria Lello is a beautiful historical bookshop from the 1890s, which features a unique wooden staircase - almost exactly like the one in Hogwarts in Harry Potter. According to some versions, it was this staircase that JK Rowling was inspired by when she described the Hogwarts library.

The Livraria Lello store in Porto is considered the third most beautiful bookstore in the world, so many travelers and Harry Potter fans want to see it. That is why queues often form at the entrance, and the inside of the store becomes crowded due to the numerous visitors.

Entrance to the store costs 4 €: you can use this money to buy a book, but most of the books presented are in Portuguese, although you can also find copies in English.

Address: Rua Carmelitas 144 | Vitória, Porto 4050-161.
Working hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-19:40, Sat-Sun 10:00-19:00.

9. Take a photo of Porto City Hall

The famous Porto City Hall began to be built on the city square in 1920, although it appears much older. The building has six floors, not including the basement. The main decoration of the city municipality is its 70-meter tower with chimes, which can be reached by climbing 180 steps.

The Town Hall is considered one of the most photogenic buildings in Porto. It fits harmoniously into the overall appearance of the square and emphasizes its slightly pompous beauty. Take a closer look at this monumental building and you will see a huge number of decorations: sculptures, columns and arches. Please note that the windows of the town hall are made in a variety of shapes: rectangular, round, oval.

To take the best photos, come to the town hall early in the morning, when the square is not yet filled with tourists.

Location of attraction: Praça General Humberto Delgado, Porto 4000-172.

10. Try port wine at the Vinicola Ramos Pinto winery

While in Porto, you should try the famous local port wine. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by its taste, and you will take a bottle or two home with you.

It is best to taste this drink at a historical winery: for example, Casa Ramos Pinto, which was founded back in 1880 by the Ramos brothers. Here you can visit the winemaking museum and see how port wine is prepared and stored. Tasting of two budget port wines is included in the price of the excursion. For a fee you can taste young wines, vintage and elite ports.

You can get to the winery from the Don Luis Bridge by going down the funicular or by stairs. You can combine a visit to it with a walk around the Ribeira quarter.

Address: Avenida Ramos Pinto 380, Porto 4400-266.
Price: from 6 € – depending on the choice of drinks.
Working hours: 10:00-18:00.

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11. Enjoy the silence and space of the Porto City Park

If you have already seen enough of the architectural attractions and are looking for what to see in Porto among the natural beauty, visit the city park Parque da Cidade do Porto. A walk through this spacious park can be combined with a beach holiday on the Atlantic coast, since on one side the park opens directly onto the embankment.

In this place you can relax in peace and quiet from the noisy city and enjoy the picturesque paths and lawns, inhaling the fresh breeze. Various birds (ducks, geese, etc.) swim in the ponds of the park and are not afraid of people. It’s not for nothing that visitors call this park the green oasis of Porto.

The park is located quite far from the center, so it is better to get to it by metro or bus No. 500. Allow approximately half a day for the visit.

Where is: Avenida da Boavista, Porto 4100-121.

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12. Understand the city metro system

If you want to change the way you think about the metro, take the Porto subway. However, the word subway is not entirely suitable here, because subway trains in Porto mostly run on the surface. With this transport you can comfortably reach the airport, train station, beach and many attractions.

But immediately note that paying for tickets in Porto is quite complicated. First you need buy a card for 60 cents and add several trips to it ( cost of one trip will be 1.4 or 1.5 €). The entire metro system is divided into zones: as soon as you move to another line, you need to apply your pass again.

The peculiarity of the metro in Porto is that trains of different lines can run on the same tracks. Therefore, check the direction indicated on the train itself so as not to travel all over the city looking for your station.

This is the program we offer for those who want to see the sights of Porto in 3 days. But of course, you can create a completely different route, focusing on your interests; in the northern capital of Portugal there are interesting places for every taste.

All the sights of Porto described in the article are marked on the map in Russian.

The video of Kasyo Hasanov from Porto is positive and educational.

What to see in Porto in 2 or 3 days on your own? Iconic sights of the wine capital of Portugal, how to plan a route and what to get around on? As well as 2019 prices for travel, hotels and excursions - in the review of the site

Porto is strongly associated with port wine and the Luís I railway-automobile-pedestrian bridge. An openwork structure reminiscent of some important spare part from the Eiffel Tower, due to someone’s negligence, abandoned on the banks of the Douro.

Nothing else comes to the undeveloped mind. And it turns out that it is these two attractions that attract tourists here.

It won't be enough! Should I give up the idea and not go? No way, as Bunsha would say! After all, Porto, like any ancient city, has many faces. And he can easily give you a fresh idea of what to see even on the 3rd day - not like the first.

Not quite a gift - you have to dig out what you need. However, we have already done this for you.

What to see in Porto - 1 day

We will give what you need to a tourist who is in a hurry or simply does not have a few days at his disposal. “The City of Port Wine” can be seen quickly! Having saved several dozen bright frames in the memory of your smartphone, you will also have colorful memories in yourself. About a cute and what can I say - a very original city!

By the way, excursions are conducted here in Russian. And, by the way, they are inexpensive! On average 20-30 € per person!

Let's assume you've already had your fill, everything you can from Lisbon and south, and now you're off to explore the north. The smartest way to travel is by bus. They arrive at metro station 24 de Agosto, and the traveler can immediately continue using public transport.

The only thing you need to do additionally is to validate the card every trip (no more than 1 hour) in a special yellow machine. When transferring to another metro line, you have to validate again.

The next stop on the green line of the Porto metro is the famous Bolhão market. It seems like the Barcelona Boqueria of the period when only every second tourist knew about it. But we recommend going to the Trindade junction and changing to the yellow line.

Because this is where the Sao Bento train station is located. The station hall is lined with blue azulejo tiles, with paintings illustrating iconic moments in Portuguese history. It’s difficult to understand the plots without a guide, but everything looks colorful and festive. There are a lot of tourists, it’s like being in a museum.

By the way, it is from Sao Bento that trains depart to " "

Old city

Having finished with the station, you should not rush and rush headlong to the Cais da Ribeira embankment in order to fully saturate yourself with the original flavor of Porto. Make a short detour to the north, climb the Torre Clérigos igloo, and look at the city from above. 240 steps and you are soaring above an ocean of red tile roofs.

Next on the program is the Porto Cathedral, Se. A stern-looking fortress on a hill, a gentle staircase leading up, a rare beauty Gothic rose of the 13th century in the center of the facade. What is that twisted column in the middle of the square in front of the cathedral? This is a pillory erected here in 1698.

The view towards the river is very good. You will definitely want to take a photo of the amazing cloister courtyard, as if from a historical film, whose arcades are lined with the same azulejos. By the end, the local blue and white tiles will become so familiar that they will seem like home.

The Ribeira promenade, with its authentic colorful houses and crooked streets, is the calling card of the city. Taverns, shops, souvenir shops, the murmur of a multilingual tourist crowd. Boats associated only with this place, barcoux rabelos, with barrels of (!) port wine.

Once upon a time, entire flotillas scurried along the river, delivering freshly made wine from the Douro Valley to. Now it is a magnet for tourists, attracting with its bright originality a fragment of the past.

You will have time to see Vila Nova in the evening. Having crossed to the other side via the Luis Bridge, which, by the way, was not built by Gustav Eiffel. And even stock up on a bottle or two of that same, real port wine. Before catching the light rail train at your local subway and returning to your starting point.

Where to stay

Finding an inexpensive hotel in the center of Porto or even within walking distance of it (up to 1.5 km) is an extremely difficult task. The cost of a decent room for two starts from 90-100 € - and that’s without breakfast! We can recommend the República House guest house, half a kilometer from the Clérigos Tower, and My Ribeira Guest House next to the famous promenade.

If you don't mind walking a little, consider the offer of HF Tuela Porto, 3 km from the center - here you will also get food for 80-90 €.

Day 2

We suggest starting the continuation of the banquet with a visit to the Church of St. Francis in Porto. If you think that gilding everything around is a purely Russian tradition, a visit to the designated temple will cure you of your delusion. There are so many gilded carvings here that they would be enough for a large royal palace.

Leave some admiration for the masterfully carved Tree of Jesha, depicting the genealogy of Jesus Christ, and move on. The neighborhoods adjacent to the Ribeira promenade are just a stone's throw away...

Vila Nova di Gaia is worth exploring in detail this time. And perhaps pay tribute to the wine by tasting one of the world-famous brands. You shouldn’t necessarily get hung up on the now-talking Sandeman. Pay attention to the houses Barros, Calem, Cockburn, Graham's, Taylor...

Numerous excursion boats depart from the local embankment for cruises along the Douro. A notable landmark of the suburb is the Teleférico de Gaia cable car, which runs parallel to the coast.

Day 3

It's worth starting with a visit to Porto's key museum. You can pay tribute to Portuguese art: both painting and sculpture, ceramics and applied arts, at the National Museum of Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis). Paintings, statues, furniture, dishes and trinkets, fabrics made by national masters, as well as those that came from India, China, Japan... It will take 2 hours, if not more, to view the collection.

Another interesting attraction of Porto is the literally fused together churches of the Carmelites (Igreja dos Carmelitas) and Do Carmo (Igreja do Carmo). In fact, they are separated by a 1 meter wide residential building. Because the law states that churches cannot have common walls.

The Church of the Carmelites, the one on the left, dates from the first half of the 17th century and was once part of a convention, now defunct. The bell tower has been preserved. The baroque Do Carmo was commissioned in the mid-18th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, when decorating buildings with azulejo tiles became fashionable, the side wall of the church also received a huge “canvas”.

Climbing up the arch of the Arabida Bridge, curved like the back of an angry cat, will be the highlight of your visit to Porto. 65 meters above Douro level, magnificent views of the city. And it’s not such an easy entertainment: you’ll have to go up and down on foot.

The church was built over 18 years - from 1732 to 1750.

The Baroque church was built for the Brotherhood of Clerics by the Italian architect and artist Nicola Nasoni. Subsequently, Nicola Nasoni joined the Brotherhood of Clerics. And after his death, according to his last will, he was buried in the church crypt.

As for the climb up? In Porto, I personally liked the views from natural platforms more. But if you really want to, then you can :), especially not very difficult (225 steps).

We visit the church and move down.

2. We go down to the central square Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade), where you can see the city hall (in the center in the background), a monument to King Peter IV, who granted the Constitution to Portugal (1866).

3. Walking a little forward and turning left, we see the main station of Porto Sao Bento. It's worth visiting even if you don't have to go anywhere.

The walls of the main hall are decorated with blue-and-white mosaic paintings depicting scenes from the life of the brilliant monarch João I, under whose reign Portugal flourished.

4. We move further, first down and then up along Avenida Dom Afonso Henriques.
We see a sign to Se Cathedral, but we pass by for now and move on.

We admire how the abandoned houses are hidden in an original way

And after a couple of meters...

Yes, yes, we are on the upper tier of the most beautiful bridge in Porto - the Luis I Bridge.and the weather had deteriorated slightly.

The bridge has a length of 385.25 m and weighs 3045 tons, the length of the arch span is 172 m, and its height is 44.6 m.

In general, the bridge is multifunctional, it is both railway and road, and even pedestrian. Built in 1886 according to the design of Gustave Eiffel's student and companion Théophile Seyrig and named in honor of King Louis I.
You can follow it to the satellite town of Vila Nova de Gaia. On one side of the Porto bridge, on the other is Vila Nova de Gaia.

5) Once the bridge and the city from above have been explored, you can return and explore the Se Cathedral.

For those who liked the mosaic of the railway station, you can visit the courtyard of Se, also tiled - or according to the correct "azulejo".

In general, many houses in Porto are decorated with the help of azulejos. By the way, the word itself came from the Arabs - it was they who brought tiles from the East to Spain and Portugal, and the oldest azulejos were brought to Portugal from Seville.

6) Now we go down (first along the stairs, in the previous photo) to the embankment. Any street leading down, you can pass through the museum at Largo do Colégio.

And here we are at Praça Ribeira. Yellow, red, green azulejos and overcast skies are nothing to us :)

7. After walking along the embankment, we continue along Rua Reboleira and exit onto Rua Infante Dom Henrique.
And in front of you will probably be the most beautiful church in Porto - Sao Francisco (about 1400), the interior of which is richly decorated with gilded wooden carvings. (I managed not to take a photo of anything :()

8. We leave the church and take tram No. 1 (a ticket can be bought from the driver) and go to the ocean. The old-style trams themselves are one of the main attractions of Porto.

If there is not enough time at all, then we skip 9.

9 Well hello ocean!

10. Now we return to 1 before stoppingMuseo do carro Electricoand transfer to tram 18, which will take us to the Do Carmo church.

On the side wall, scenes of the founding of the Carmelite Order on Israel's sacred Mount Carmel (azulejo) are depicted.

11 We pass the square DOS Leões and on Rua das Carmelitas we visit one of the most beautiful bookstores, where, unfortunately, photography is not allowed.

Although there are those who can :) you can watch it here http://zyalt.livejournal.com/376565.html, although of course it’s better live.

12. Now we cross the shopping center and we are again in front of the Clérigos Tower.

I tried to describe one of the ways to explore the main attractions of the city in a day. There are, of course, others, for example, riding a tourist bus.

Now, as for tasting port wine, you need to do this in Vila Nova de Gaia

By the way, port is a fortified wine produced in the northeast of Portugal in the Douro River valley. According to international marketing law, only drinks produced in the designated region of the Douro Valley using established technology have the right to bear the name “port”. And it is produced inVila Nova de Gaia, aYou can get there in 2 ways:

1) Near Clérigos - at the terminus of tram 22, take the funicular (it runs rarely because it waits for a carriage to fill up), you can go down the stairs and go down to the embankment (or just go down to the embankment from any point)

Walk along the lower tier of the bridge and you are already on the Vila Nova de Gaia embankment. - a great end to the day I think :)

2) Cross the upper tier of the bridge (or take the metro fromSao Bento) and go down the cable car (or again along the winding road down).

On the embankment you can visit both Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, you can board a boat and go for a ride.
You can also go V a park Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.

Or to the market