The historic center of Porto, located on the right bank of the Douro River, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can start your walk from Avenida dos Allados with a whole string of imposing mansions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most beautiful temples in the city is the Gothic church of San Francisco with Baroque elements, the construction of which began in 1233.

Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of Portugal is 10.3 million (2021).

The cathedral of the 12th century looks like a medieval castle, and for good reason: it once served as a defensive structure along with the city walls. The cathedral is beautiful not only from the outside, but also inside: its interior is exquisite frescoes, stained glass windows and a luxurious silver altar.

One of the symbols of Porto is the Clerigos Tower, the highest in the country (75 m). Its main function in the old days was a landmark for merchant ships entering the port. Today, an observation deck is open here, from which you can literally see the entire city (entry – 2 EUR).

The most recognizable symbol of Porto is the 75-meter Clerigos Tower.

An independent attraction of the city is the Ribeira district. Its small multi-colored houses on the hill seem to be stuck on top of each other. It is good to walk along the narrow winding streets in any weather, stopping to rest in numerous colorful cafes. And on the motley embankment of Cais de Ribeira, boats and ships are moored, rolling tourists along the river.

One of the most impressive buildings not only in the vicinity of Porto, but throughout Portugal is Guimarães Castle. Its construction began in 959 by order of Mumadona Dias, daughter of the first owner of this territory. 4 towers, several gates and a wooden bridge thrown over the moat have been preserved here.

The Porto Botanical Garden is the oldest in the country. It is divided into 3 parts: ponds with aquatic plants, flower beds and greenhouses with tropical flora. The cost of a group entrance ticket (up to 20 people) is 20 EUR.

The list of the most interesting expositions of the city includes the Tram Museum, the exhibits of which are kept in such excellent condition that they can even now go to the streets of Porto. The Museum of Modern Art (web site in English) boasts a rich collection of paintings by famous artists; entrance – 8.50 EUR.

7 things to do in Porto

1. Cross the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, a railway bridge designed by Eiffel.
2. Walk among the houses of Ribeira and count the colors of their facades.
3. View the city from the highest tower in Portugal – Clerigos.
4. Taste the legendary port wine in the Sandeman halls.
5. Buy an interesting book at Livraria, one of the three most beautiful bookstores in the world.
6. Relax with a cup of coffee in the old Majestic Cafe.
7. Feed the peacocks in the Crystal Palace Park.

Porto for children

The best place for a walk with the whole family is Crystal Palace Park, equipped with numerous playgrounds, comfortable benches and seating areas. The decoration of the park is all kinds of sculptures and installations made in modern and antique styles. Sports competitions, concerts and other interesting cultural events for children and adults are regularly organized here. The main entertainment for young visitors is feeding peacocks, imposingly walking right on the lawns.

Young fantasy fans will certainly be delighted to visit the Harry Potter bookstore (website with English version) on Rua das Carmelitas. Built at the end of the 19th century, it invariably ranks among the top 3 most beautiful bookstores in the world. It was its interior that became the prototype of the Hogwarts library, and it was here that some scenes of the famous film saga were filmed. You will have to pay 3 EUR for entry, but a walk through the fabulous scenery of Livraria is worth it.

Sea Life Porto (website in Portuguese) offers an introduction to exotic marine life: sharks, electric rays, ice skates and tropical fish. Here you can walk through the glass tunnel, watch the feeding of local inhabitants and look at the ocean from the observation deck on the roof.

Weather

The weather in the city is determined by the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream. Porto’s climate is moderately hot summers, comfortable off-seasons and mild, wet winters. The warmest month is August, when even at night the temperature drops by only a few degrees. A pleasant escape from the heat is a light breeze from the ocean. Summer is the best time to visit Porto, but there is something to do at any time of the year. For example, tourists actively come here in February, when a magnificent carnival takes place in the country, and in September, when the famous International Festival of Puppet Theaters is held in the city.