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!

Tips to Visit Porto

• Walk around the city. Despite being the second biggest city in Portugal, Porto can easily be explored walking.
• Bring comfortable footware. Porto is a very uneven city, with many hills and stairs, so a comfortable pair of shoes or trainers will make a difference.
• Try local food! To be honest Porto is one of the places that I have been where I most enjoyed the local food. I will write another blog listing traditional and must try dishes of Porto.
• See the sunset! One of the best places with multiple viewpoints to enjoy a nice sunset at the end of the day, see more below.
• Be careful of the sun. It is easy to get burn in the Iberian peninsula so if you care about your skin make sure you wear some protection.

Day 1: Ribeira and The Douro River

What you must see:

1. Ribeira do Porto
2. Luís I Bridge
3. Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar & Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
4. Marginal de Gaia

Ribiera do Porto

Spend the morning exploring Porto's historic Ribeira district, starting with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Douro River. Then, walk along its banks and admire the stunning architecture that fronts it. You'll be able to see some modern structures as well (like Ribeira Market), so you can get a glimpse into Porto's diverse architectural history.

Luís I Bridge

The Luís I Bridge is a double-deck iron arch bridge that spans the Douro River in Porto, Portugal. It connects the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge was built between 1881 and 1886, and it was named after King Luís I of Portugal.

The bridge has a total length of 354 meters (1,161 feet) and a main arch span of 172 meters (564 feet). It is 30 meters (98 feet) wide and has a roadway that is 14 meters (46 feet) above the river. The bridge's upper deck is used for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, while the lower deck is used for road traffic. The bridge offers a great view of the city and the Douro River.

The bridge is a major landmark in Porto and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. It is also a popular tourist spot and offers a great view of the Ribeira district, the Port wine cellars across the river, and the city's skyline. It's also a perfect spot to take pictures.

Mosteiro & Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

A 17th-century Baroque monastery located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Porto, Portugal. The monastery was built between 1614 and 1697 by order of King Philip II of Spain, and it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared in a vision to a local monk on the hilltop. The name of the monastery "Serra do Pilar" means "Pillar Mountain" in Portuguese, referring to the apparition of the Virgin Mary on the hilltop.

The most striking feature of the monastery is its terrace which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Douro River. The terrace is surrounded by a balustrade decorated with sculptures of angels and saints. The monastery's church is also noteworthy, with its ornate Baroque altarpiece and frescoes.

The Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar is open to the public, and it is a popular tourist destination in Porto. Visitors can explore the monastery's church, terrace, and cloisters. The monastery also contains a small museum, which displays religious artifacts and artwork. The monastery is located in a peaceful area and the view from the terrace is one of the best in Porto.

Marginal de Gaia

From the monastery, you can take the Gaia Cable Car to Jardim do Morro station for just 6€ (children 5-12 pay 3€). Here you will find the Mercado Municipal de Gaia containing multiple restaurants and souvenir places as well as another view and perspective for the Ribiera do Porto. It is also a popular place for Porto's old port ships and red wine tasting area.

Day 1 Extras

If you feeling adventurous and have plenty of energy to spare, here are some spots that I recommend visiting before or after the trip.

• Mercado Ferreira Borges - 1880s nightclub and market restaurant.
• Palácio da Bolsa - 19th-century neoclassical building that was once used as a stock exchange.
• Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator - a prince who is credited with initiating the Age of Discoveries and the exploration of the Atlantic Ocean.
• MUSEU DA CIDADE—Casa do Infante - medieval building birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator.
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal - large gardens with multiple flowers, animals (including chickens, peacocks, ducks and other), and views of the Douro River (one of my favourite places in Porto).
• Boat tour - Take a boat tour for around 10-12€ per person on the Douro River to see the famous Port wine cellars on the opposite bank all the way to the Farol do Pontão (river's end).

Porto Sunset Top Spots (Day 1)

Here is a list of the places mentioned above for the top places to see a sunset:

1. Luís I Bridge: Logical choice since you can have views from the middle of the river at 45m height.
2. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar: The terrace is one of the best terraces in Porto and you also have views to Luís I Bridge, the Ribeira do Porto and the Douro River.
3. Boat tour: Since you can travel towards the end of the river, it feels like you are traveling towards the sunset, although some people may be on the way if it's crowded.
4. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Due to its high attitude location, it makes it a nice place to see a sunset, although some trees might be in the way and you might not get a full view of the sunset.

Conclusion

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 historical sites like the Clerigos Tower, or you can visit one of their many museums. There are also many beautiful churches that were built during medieval times that still stand today! Don't forget to check Visiting Porto in 3 Days Part #2 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 =).

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