Porto attractions - what is worth seeing in one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal?
- Panna
- Feb 11
- 5 min read
Porto, a city on the banks of the Douro River, is full of colorful houses, impressive churches, world-famous tile decorations and spectacular viewpoints. Comfortable shoes are definitely recommended - this is where I've seen the most tourists stumble in my life :)) Walking through the steep and cobblestone streets can sometimes be a bit difficult and tiring.
In this post, I will show you the must-see attractions in Porto so you can easily plan your trip.
Capela das Almas - the chapel that tells stories with tiles
The Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) received its iconic, full-facade tile cladding in 1906. The building itself was originally built in the 18th century in the Baroque style.
The facade is decorated with over 15,000 azulejo tiles, made by the famous Silvestre Silvestri workshop. The scenes depict the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Catherine of Assisi.
Many people only look at the building from the outside, even though the interior is also very beautiful.
Did you know? The chapel was originally a place of prayer for suffering souls, hence its name.
Paróquia de Santo Ildefonso - one of the most monumental churches in Porto
The foundation stone of the Santo Ildefonso Church was laid in 1709, and construction was completed in 1739. The church's style is Baroque, but today's spectacular blue-and-white tiled facade was only completed later, in 1932.
The facade is covered with over 11,000 hand-painted tiles depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso.
If you walk to the top of the stairs you arrive to one of the best panoramic points in the city center.
Porto Sé - the cathedral that survived the centuries
Construction of the Porto Sé Cathedral began in the 12th century, shortly after the city was recaptured in 1147. It is basically Romanesque in style, but over the centuries it has been expanded with Gothic and Baroque elements.
Highlights:
the 14th-century Gothic cloister decorated with azulejo tiles
the huge rose window
the view of the Douro River and the Ribeira district
This has been the religious center of Porto for over 800 years.
Muralha Fernandina - Porto's medieval city wall
Construction of the Muralha Fernandina began in the 14th century, during the reign of King Ferdinand I of Portugal (hence its name). The wall was intended to protect the city from attacks from sea and land.
Originally, Porto was surrounded by a system of walls several kilometers long, complete with towers and gates. Sections of them are still walkable today, offering a special walk into Porto's medieval past.
Santa Clara Church - a baroque wonder dressed in gold
The foundation of the Santa Clara Church dates back to the 15th century, but it gained its present-day splendor mainly during the Baroque reconstructions of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Its interior is entirely decorated with carved wood gilding - this is the talha dourada technique, which is extremely characteristic in Portugal.
Few people know that the church is one of the most richly decorated Baroque places in the city. This building doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's definitely worth paying the entrance fee.
Palácio da Bolsa - a symbol of the power of traders
Construction of the Palácio da Bolsa began in 1842, on the ruins of a former Franciscan monastery. The aim was to provide a representative center for Porto's thriving merchant class.
The building is in neoclassical style. Its most famous room is the Salão Árabe (Arabic Room) - built between 1860 and 1880, with Moorish-style gilded decoration. It is one of the most spectacular interiors in all of Portugal.
It can only be visited with a guide and in groups.
Clérigos Church and Tower - Porto's iconic skyline
Construction of the Clérigos Church began in 1732 and was completed in 1750. It was designed by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect who created many significant buildings in Porto.
The Torre de los Clérigos (Clérigos Tower) is widely known as the symbol of Porto and is a must-see attraction thanks to its stunning views from its 75-meter height.
This masterpiece of granite held the title of the tallest building in Portugal from its completion in 1763 until the end of the 19th century.
The tower's appeal lies in the stunning 360-degree panorama from the top. Although climbing up the 240 steps may seem daunting, the views of Porto's terracotta roofs, winding streets and Plaza de Lisboa (Lisbon Square) are well worth every step.
Igreja do Carmo - the church with the tiled sides
The Igreja do Carmo was built between 1756 and 1768, in the Baroque-Rococo style. Its most famous part is not even the facade, but the huge azulejo panel covering the side wall, which depicts the history of the Carmelite Order.
The narrow house next to it is only about 1 meter wide - it was used for the monks' transportation.
Sao Bento Train Station
São Bento Train Station opened its doors in 1916. The building was built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery.
The inner hall is covered with approximately 20,000 hand-painted tiles, the work of artist Jorge Colaço, which depict:
battles
royal coronations
rural life scenes
Miradouro da Vitória - hidden panoramic terrace
Miradouro da Vitória is one of the lesser-known viewpoints in Porto, located in the historic part of the city. The viewpoint is not a classic built terrace, but an urban elevation from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the houses of the Ribeira.
World of Discoveries - a modern experience of the Age of Discovery
The World of Discoveries museum is an interactive experience park. The exhibition presents Portugal's maritime discoveries from the 15th and 16th centuries, with a special focus on:
Vasco da Gama
Bartolomeu Dias
Voyages of Magellan
A unique part of the experience is the indoor boat trip, which is very enjoyable and interesting for both children and adults.
Livraria Lello - one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world
Livraria Lello opened in 1906. The interior of the building combines neo-Gothic and art nouveau style elements.
Main attractions:
wavy, red wooden stairs
colored stained glass roof
carved wood details
The bookstore became world famous after it was rumored that JK Rowling drew inspiration for the world of Harry Potter here when she lived in Porto.
Due to the huge interest, visiting the bookstore is only possible with an entrance ticket, which I bought on GetYourGuide. The ticket can be purchased easily, and the store management wants to contribute to educating readers from the entrance fee.
At the checkout, you can get a stamp on your book, certifying that you purchased it at “the most beautiful bookstore in the world”.
Porto is a relaxed, friendly city that is easy to fall in love with. With its lively streets, delicious food, beautiful views and a pleasantly slow pace, it is the perfect choice for a long weekend or a more relaxed sightseeing trip, where you can simply walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.
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