Porto is beautiful, intriguing, unique, and is stuffed full of exciting things to see and do. In this, the second part of our enormous list of thing to see in Porto, we carry on our exploration of this fine ancient city, a place with a warm heart offering an even warmer welcome. Fill your boots with this little lot, see what inspires you most.
Unique to Europe – Porto’s only 20th century national monument
Porto is really, really old. Most of its monuments are pretty ancient. The immense Arrabida bridge isn’t just the only place in the EU you can climb the actual arch of a bridge; it’s also the city’s only 1900s National Monument, relatively modern. And what a monument it is, an iconic, seriously impressive structure known for its serene, smooth, elegant curve.
You can’t climb it without a guide and the proper safety equipment – stuff like harnesses and lifelines – and it really isn’t recommended if you’re scared of heights. From the top there are extraordinary views of Porto, high up in the quiet with only the wind for company. Then clamber back down to earth for an interesting exhibition about the bridge’s construction and insight into the other five famous bridges connecting Porto with Gaia, each worth photographing. We recommend a Small Group Arrábida Bridge Climb Tour to make the most of the drama.
Celebrate the Festa de São João by hitting each other with mallets!
The Festa de São João is a lot of fun, one of the quirkier events taking place in Porto. It might only last for one night, on 23rd June, which is officially St John’s Eve, but you won’t forget it in a hurry as you experience the locals taking to the street and belting each other with plastic and blow-up hammers. This is, apparently, intended to commemorate the patron saint, and the attacks are harmless, all part of the fun.
Adults can stay up all night, joining the revelling locals until sunrise following firework displays, huge platters of tasty grilled sardines, vibrant live music, epic amounts of booze and, of course, dancing.
18 hectares of gorgeousness at Serralves
Serralves is a haven of art, architecture and lovely gardens, far from the city centre but well worth the effort. There’s loads of epic avant garde architecture, contemporary art, a sculpture park, and even a small yet perfectly formed Art Deco mansion. The minimalist Museu de Arte Contemporâne, designed by Álvaro Siza, is Porto’s version of the Guggenheim, revealing rotating exhibitions of artistic masterpieces made from the 1960s to the present day. After all that culture you might want to chill out in the magnificent gardens, complete with farm animals and a thrilling tree top walk.
Post-party chilling at the seaside – Visit Foz do Douro
As soon as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, the residents of this gorgeous city make their way to the beach at Foz do Douro, home of beautiful terrace cafes and endless hours of top class relaxation. The ocean is always in view at Foz and although the Atlantic is never very warm, the cold is incredibly refreshing – especially after a long and exciting night on the tiles.
Throughout the year local people run, jog, stroll, skateboard, cycle and rollerskate along the seaside promenade, which runs for more than a mile and a half to the sands at Matosinhos, Porto’s biggest city beach. If a mile and a half is a bit much for you, try the shorter and equally cool route along the jetty to the 1800s Felgueiras Lighthouse, with its dramatic views over the choppy waves. If there’s no way you’re going to walk anywhere after a big night out, hop on vintage tram number one and let an engine do the hard work for you.
Matosinhos is also famed for its wonderful fresh seafood, straight off the boat and one of the best lunches in town. Head for the Rua Heróis de França for endless outdoor grills, smelling like heaven. Your only challenge is which one to stop and eat at.
Everyone climbs the Clérigos Tower!
225 steps take you up to the dizzying top of the 76m Torre dos Clérigos, designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 1700s and the city’s best-known landmark. The city views from the top are epic, a relief after the famously claustrophobic climb up the tower’s endless stone steps. Then have a look at the adjoining church, dating back to 1750, or go lie down and recover on the perfect green lawns of the Jardim das Oliveiras next door. If you fancy refreshment, try the excellent open-air bar called Base, close enough for rock ‘n’ roll.
The sunsets here are legendary…
Head for any high point or official viewpoint to see the sunset like you’ve never experienced it before. Because Porto is on the west coast, where the North Atlantic Ocean and the Douro River meet, the sunsets are remarkable, the ultimate in romance. Make your way to the little park along Passeio das Virtudes, terraced down the hill, to join the chattering crowds with their music, food and drink as the sun slips below the horizon. The beachfront at Foz do Douro is another top sunset spot, as is the lovely Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Party your heart out at funky Baixa
So you’re here for the partying? Not a problem! You’ll adore Baixa, where the city’s party people come out to play. The lovely cobbled streets around Avenida dos Aliados are stacked with stylish bars, including the famous Casa do Livro, once a book shop and now one of the prettiest drinking destinations in town. At the weekend people cram the alleyways and celebrate late into the night.
Marvel at Sé cathedral
Brooding above Porto from its hilltop, the cathedral at Sé marks the spot where King John I married in 1387 and Prince Henry the Navigator was baptized in 1394. It is very beautiful, another truly wonderful location for Insta-worthy photos.
Feast your eyes on the sparkly Igreja de São Francisco
It’s all a bit ‘meh’ on the outside but inside the Igreja de São Francisco is ridiculously pretty, all golden and sparkly and rammed with baroque splendour, a masterpiece in gold leaf and fine woodwork. Afterwards, extend your cultural experience with a visit to the museum, full of sacred art and satisfyingly gloomy old religious portraits. Don’t miss the spooky catacombs where the rich and well-known used to be interred.
Buy souvenirs and keepsakes at Mercado do Porto Belo
If you’re in town on a Saturday, go to the vibrant Mercado do Porto Belo – which translates as Portobello Market. Like the London version but smaller, there are masses of stalls selling treasures like vinyl singles and albums, vintage fashion, gorgeous stationery, a wealth of curios and antiques, plus crafts, handmade jewellery and artworks.
Porto’s inspiring street art trail
Not so long ago people turned their noses up at graffiti. Now it’s called Street Art, valued the world over and enjoyed by everyone who comes across it. This is alternative Porto, away from the main attractions, where you’ll find amazing wall art in the backstreets and alleyways. Look out for extraordinary works by Daniel Eime, enormous hyper-realistic murals that’ll leave you breathless. Then there’s the artist Vhils, whose powerful carved imagery graces the Hospital São João. Make your way to Travessa de Cedofeita, Rua da Madeira, and Ribeira’s Rua das Flores, and last but not least the car lot at Trindade, where you can marvel at murals by MrDheo and Hazul Luzah.
Holidays are about relaxation – so pack a picnic and relax!
It’s lovely eating outside in Porto, the perfect location for alfresco fun. Pack some local cheese, beautiful artisan bread and a bottle or two of excellent vinho verde, fresh from the Minho region, then find yourself a green space. There are plenty to choose from, each with its own unique vibe, and the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal are particularly nice.
Don’t leave without test-driving some Port wine
Porto’s sister city Vila Nova de Gaia, on the other side of the river, is the home of Port. Walk or catch the metro over the Ponte de Dom Luís I bridge then take a tour or two of the city’s best-known tipple at vintage cellars like Ramos Pinto, Graham’s or Taylor’s. If you’ve loved the experience you’ll find out more at the brilliant World of Wine, offering museums, a wine school and a choice of fabulous restaurants and bars. For outdoor fun relax on the enormous terrace with views over the water and the bridge.
You can also cross the Ponte de Dom Luís I just for fun, for the views and the drama. Built to replace a dodgy old bridge made from old boats tied together, the views from the top deck are quite something. Some nutters even hurl themselves off the lower level into the river, something we really don’t recommend!
Wander the city on foot, at your leisure, and you’ll get a really good picture of this place, the secret and curious places where the locals gather.
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