Visit Porto: All The Unmissable Attractions For Your Entire Trip

This post will share the best attractions you must see when visiting Porto.

I’m planning my Summer 2022 Itinerary focusing on coastal cities.

This is the first time I’ll proactively make plans for the Summer, and I need it to be worth it.

Of course, I’m on the lookout for affordable cities with beaches.

So far, I’ve booked a trip to Train and am considering Portugal.

Everyone knows that Summer is the most expensive season of the year.

So to cut down cuts, staying in affordable cities is advisable.

Of all my trips this year, Porto has been the most affordable.

Naturally, I want to go back there and maybe explore other Portuguese cities.

So, if you’re heading to Portugal this Summer and have Porto on your itinerary, here are some of the stunning city’s best attractions.

Here Are All The Must-See Attractions When You Visit Porto

Porto, a World Heritage city, is a coastal city in northwest Portugal.

It is also the second-largest city in Portugal after the capital city of Lisbon.

I honestly just visited Porto on a whim.

The flight was super cheap and the perfect gateway for me into Portugal.

While I was sad that I could not stay longer because of my 9-5 job, I knew I would return to explore the entire country.

If you want a quick weekend break this Summer, check out my Porto Travel Guide.

As usual, you want to start with the must-see iconic landmarks, then some museums, and finish with churches.

It is worth noting that Porto has several iconic churches that are worth visiting.

Iconic Landmarks

• Luis I Bridge: Formerly the longest in the world, this double-deck metal arch bridge spans the River Douro. Except you’re afraid of heights, a walk across this bridge will most likely be the height of our Porto experience. The views from the bridge are unreal!
• Sao Bento Station: There are some iconic train stations in Europe, and this is one of them. It was built in the 19th century and designed with large panels of azulejo tiles whose murals represent moments in the country’s history and rural scenes showing the people of various regions. It is quite remarkable if you ask me, and worth stopping by to appreciate it for a few minutes.
• Bolsa Palace: a 19th Century Stock exchange Palace located in the Infante D. Henrique Square; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Livraria Lello: the oldest bookstore in Portugal known for its iconic interior red stairway and stunning Neo-Gothic architecture.
• Ribeira Square: a historical square designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Praia dos Ingleses: a great beach you can head to during the Summer.
• Jardim do Morro: a hilltop park with palms and an incredible view. If you like, you can jump on one of the cable cars nearby—the perfect place to bask in the views of the Luis I Bridge.
• Matosinhos Beach: another great beach, particularly for surfing.
• Guindais Funicular: a unique funicular railway which is very impressive.

Cathedrals & Churches

• Porto Cathedral: An impressive 12th-century Romanesque cathedral that is worth visiting when you visit Porto. Also, the views from the top of the hill are equally stunning.
• Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar: a former monastery which includes a round church on a hilltop overlooking the Douro River and the Luis I Bridge. The panoramic view from here is incredible, so brace yourself for a short climb to the top.
• Chapel of Souls: An impressive chapel with a blue-tiled azulejo facade. It’s right there on the road and completely unmissable.
• Iglesia de los Clérigos: a 17th-century baroque church with a 75-meter-tall bell tower. You can climb to the top to get a bird’s eye view of the city.
• Monument Church Of St Francis: another 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its Gothic architecture and Baroque interior.
• Igreja do Carmo: yet another twinned baroque church with a tiled azulejo facade.
• Igreja de Santo Ildefonso: an 18th-century church with a proto-Baroque style featuring a façade of 1932 azulejo tilework.

Museums & Libraries

• Portuguese Centre of Photography: Catch an exhibition of some of the most diverse Portuguese photography if that’s your thing.
• Casa del Infante: Learn about the history of Porto in this 14th-century building.
• MMIPO – Museu da Misericórdia do Porto: Check out this religious art exhibit & silverware.
• Press Museum – Learn about the history of the press and graphic art machines.
• Museum of Transport and Communication: Here, you’ll learn about the history of the Portuguese transport and communication industry.
• Burmester: a port winery that is open for tours and tastings.
• Caves Ferreira: Another wine cellar with tours and tastings.

Finally

Whether you visit Porto for one week or a month, there’s much to do to keep you occupied.

Did I also mention how cheap the city is? It is!

This is one city where you’ll want to spend extended time because the cost of living is relatively low.

If you get bored, which I doubt you would, you can take a day trip to nearby cities or head down to Spain via Vigo in less than three hours.