Personal experience visiting Porto in a few days. Learn about what to see in the city, top monuments and gems, beaches in Porto, top sunset spots, place recommendations in Porto and more!
Welcome back to this series of "Places that you must see in Porto" if you are visiting it for a very short time.
If you are planning a visit to Portugal, Porto should be high on your list of places to see. The city is beautiful and has plenty of things for tourists to do. It is the second biggest city (after Lisbon) of the country. In this post, I'll show you how to spend three days in Porto and make them count!
Note: This is the second part of the series covering Days 2 and 3. It does not matter which order you take but it is highly recommended that you view my other blog on Visiting Porto in 3 Days - Part #1 for the full experience.
Contents:
What you must see:
18th century church or Baroque architectural style, famous for its ornate decoration, including gilded altarpieces and frescoes. The church is considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the city, not only for its decoration but also for its history. The church is open to the public and visitors can admire its beautiful architecture and decoration.
Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos is a 18th-century Baroque church. The tower is a prominent feature of the city's skyline and can be seen from many points in the city. The tower is 75 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city from the top.
The church is also known for its Baroque architecture and decoration, including an ornate altar and frescoes. The tower is open to the public and visitors can climb to the top for the view for 8€, the church is also open to the public and it's worth visiting to admire the decoration.
Centro Português de Fotografia is a cultural institution located in Porto dedicated to the promotion and preservation of photography as an art form. The Centre hosts temporary exhibitions of photography from both Portuguese and international photographers. It also has a research center and a library with a collection of books and archives about photography.
The Centre is located in a historic building in the city center, it's a great place to visit for photography enthusiasts to discover and enjoy contemporary and historical works of photographers.
Rua das Flores is a narrow, picturesque street located in the historic Ribeira district of Porto. It is known for its colorful houses and vibrant street art. The street is lined with traditional shops, cafes and restaurants, which are popular with visitors and locals alike. It's a great place to stroll, take pictures and buy souvenirs.
Sé do Porto is a Romanesque cathedral located in the heart of the historic Ribeira district of Porto. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
The cathedral's most notable feature is its ornate façade, which is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. Inside, the cathedral is notable for its Gothic nave and its impressive Baroque altarpiece. The Sé do Porto also has a museum dedicated to the history of the cathedral, and it's open to the public. The cathedral is also an active place of worship, it's a great place to visit to admire the architecture, history and art of the building.
A medieval defensive wall built in the 14th century by King Fernando I of Portugal to protect the city from invaders. The wall is made of granite and is about 1.5 km long, it surrounds the historic center of the city. The wall has various towers and gates, the most famous is the Torre de Menagem, a tower that offers a great view of the city. The wall is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's open to the public. Visitors can walk along the top of the wall and admire the views of the city and the Douro River. It's a great place to get a sense of the city's history and see some of the best views of Porto.
There is also a Mountain Cable Car (Funicular dos Guindais) that connects the walls to the Douro River banks (only accepts cash, 4 euros cost).
If you feeling adventurous and have plenty of energy to spare, here are some spots that I recommend visiting before or after your trip:
The 3rd you have some flexibility of options that I leave below. I personally decided to explore the area of Matosinhos and walk all the way down to the Farolim da Barra do Douro (lighthouse) to see the sunset. Along the way you will find parks, nice views to the Atlantic ocean, sandy beaches, and some restaurants for lunch or snacks.
Matosinhos is a famous spot due to its fish restaurants and sandy beaches. It is also a common spot for surfing in places such as Praia Internacional.
Forte de São Francisco Xavier (Castelo do Queijo), also known as the "Cheese Castle", is a small medieval fortress offering a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the city. The fortress is thought to have been built in the 14th century as a defensive structure to protect the city from invaders.
The fortress is relatively small, but it's a great place to visit for the view and to get a sense of the city's history. The fortress is now a public park, visitors can walk around the fortress walls and enjoy the view of the ocean and the city. It's also a great place for a picnic. The fortress is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to watch the sunset.
Farolim da Barra do Douro (Barra Lighthouse) is a lighthouse situated on a promontory at the mouth of the Douro River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse was built in the 19th century, and it is an important navigational aid for ships entering and leaving the river.
The lighthouse is a popular spot to visit for the view, it offers a panoramic view of the ocean and the river. The lighthouse is also a great spot to watch the sunset and the waves of the ocean. It is also located in a natural reserve area, where visitors can enjoy the natural environment and take a walk along the ocean.
Overall, the Farolim da Barra do Douro is worth visiting for the view, for the lighthouse's historical significance and for the natural environment surrounding it. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet while enjoying the view of the ocean and the river.
Porto is a great place to visit for a city break in Portugal
If you are looking for a city break in Portugal, Porto is the perfect choice. The city has a lot of things to see and do and it's very relaxing at the same time. You can also enjoy the historic Ribeira district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers picturesque views of the Douro River and the city's colorful buildings! Don't forget to check Visiting Porto in 3 Days Part #1 that describes these and more places to see in this amazing city.
Porto is full of culture, but it also has amazing food! Try some Francesinha (a sandwich with melted cheese) or a Pasteis de Nata (custard tart) from one of these cafes along any street corner! I will leave another blog for What You Must Eat in Porto since you cannot leave this place without trying its excellent cousine.
That's it for now! Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments or if you would like me to cover one in more detail =).
