Top 10 Must See Free Attractions in Porto:
There is so much to see and do in the wonderful Portuguese city of Porto. These are our Top 10 Free Porto Attractions and there are some extra attractions added in along the way too. We have designed this list with the intention of it being an easy to follow, self-guided walking tour that takes you around this magical destination.
1. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
This is the perfect place to start your self-guided tour of Porto. The viewpoint of Serra do Pilar offers a fantastic view of Porto and will allow you to get centred in the city. This viewpoint is actually located in the Vila Nova da Gaia area. It is at the top of a steep hill, infront of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar - what a view!
From this viewpoint you can see many of Porto’s famous landmarks and this is sure to get you excited for the rest of your self-guided tour!
Want to read more about this viewpoint and discover some more? Check out our Top Three Viewpoints in Porto blog.
2. Ponte Dom Luís I
It makes sense to have this as the second attraction on this list as one of the best views of the famous Dom Luis I bridge is from the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar - don’t you agree?
Once you have seen the bridge from above, definitely consider walking or driving over it. This gives you a completely different perspective of the bridge and a birds eye view of the Douro riverside in Porto.
Another great view of the bridge and the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar below:
3. Praça da Ribeira
The Ribeira area of Porto is filled with narrow cobbled streets that are perfect for exploring on foot at your leisure. The riverside Ribeira area is an absolute must see. Here Praça da Ribeira is filled with colourful buildings dating back to the 18th century.
It is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or some local grilled sardines and enjoy the view of the Douro river. It is a great people watching place too as there is always lots happening!
You will also get to see the old style Port wine rabelo boats moored along the riverfront:
This is the ideal third stop on your walking tour and once again this area offers great views of the Dom Luís I bridge.
In the photo below, across the river you can see the Vila Nova da Gaia riverside area - more about this later!
4. Praça da Liberdade
Refreshed from your relaxing break in Praça da Ribeira its time to get walking once again and make your way to Praça da Liberdade, Porto’s main square. Along the way you could fit in another attraction or two. First head for the Palácio da Bolsa and the lovely Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique:
Porto is so colourful!
Continue on your way and stop at the Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados which is just around the corner from Praça da Liberdade and its facade has beautiful azulejos that are definitely worth seeing:
Next you will arrive at Praça da Liberdade. As you can see in the next photo, Praça da Liberdade is a very large square.
It is the meeting point of the old town area of the city and the newer modern area.
“In the middle of the Praça is a 10-meter bronze equestrian statue of King Peter IV from 1862. The King holds the Constitution in his hands and shows it to the people, itself a symbol of the King since he fought to protect it during the Liberal Wars.” (Source here).
You will find yourself surrounded by beautiful stone buildings including the town hall and some well known worldwide banks and businesses.
Here is the Town Hall/Câmara Municipal do Porto:
And some of the other impressive stone buildings:
5. Clérigos Tower
Next stop is the Clérigos Tower which is a 75 metre tall bell tower that is part of the Clérigos Church.
A bonus site close to the tower is the former prison building and now the Centro Português de Fotografia:
Bonus Tip: Should you find yourself peckish and/or in the mood for some good Italian food, check out the close by restaurant Farinha. A really lovely small restaurant with excellent attentive staff and delicious food, their tiramisu is to die for!
6. Igreja do Carmo
Leaving the Clérigos Tower behind you its only a short five minute walk to our next attraction, the beautiful Igreja do Carmo and its iconic facade, blue and white azulejo tiles.
Bonus Tip: Looking to rest your walking legs and take five? - Check out these nearby bars, popular with the local college crowd you are guaranteed a cheap tipple or two! This is the area here, around the corner from the more expensive places that are located across the road from the Igreja do Carmo.
7. São Bento Train Station
If you haven’t guessed already, I am a massive fan of azulejo tiles and Porto does not disappoint. Believe it or not but the azulejos located in São Bento Train Station are some of the most impressive you will see in the whole city (in my opinion of course).
Well worth a visit.
8. Sé do Porto/Porto’s Cathedral
Another five minute walk and you will find yourself at the Sé do Porto which is a Roman-Gothic structure from the 19th century.
Within the dark and gothic cloisters of Porto’s cathedral you will find more beautiful blue and white azulejo art.
There is also a great view from outside the front of the cathedral and from the nearby Miradouro da Rua das Aldas.
Nearby the cathedral you will find some cute stone cobbled narrow streets:
And if you still have some steps left in your legs, you could also check out the close by statue of Arnaldo Gama and the old city walls on your way to our next official attraction (No.9).
9. Vila Nova da Gaia
The riverside area of Vila Nova da Gaia is truly wonderful. Not only does it offer you a great view of attraction No.3 Praça da Ribeira you also get a new perspective of attraction No.2 Ponte Dom Luís I and a close up look at the aforementioned Port Wine/Rabelo boats.
If you like to run, this is a great place to do so as you can follow the footpath all the way to Ponte da Arrábida and beyond! This is also a popular cycling route. The photo below offers a glimpse of the footpath and the Ponte da Arrábida in the distance:
Looking back at the Ponte Dom Luís I:
You will find all the big names in Port wine in the Vila Nova da Gaia area and of course for a fee you can visit their cellars and do some tasting! Here are a few that we spotted:
Bonus Tip: Want to escape the busy river front area in Vila Nova da Gaia then head to the Mercado Beira-Rio where you can enjoy a ice cool beer and a snack from one of the many stalls located there. Outdoor seating is also available.
10. Artist Bordalo II - “Half Rabbit” Artwork
In Vila Nova da Gaia you will find one of Arthur Bordalo II famous works, the “Half Rabbit”. This work (like his others) was created using “garbage”:
“The excessive production and consumption of stuff, which results in the continuous production of “garbage” and consequently in the destruction of the Planet, are the central themes of his production. This “garbage” assumes itself as the unusual and unique raw material that Bordalo uses in the construction of small and large scale pieces that he has spread around the world and that, above all, intend to be the vehicle of a universal manifesto.” (Source here).
Here are some more examples of his work located in Lisbon, in the LX Factory and in Parque das Nacoes.
Time To Rest!
So that is it - our Top 10 Free Porto Attractions and at least an extra 10 slotted in along the way for good measure - there is just so much to see and do in this enchanting city! I hope you find this list useful and if you do be sure to let me know :-). Happy Exploring!
If you've any questions, suggestions or just want to say hello, contact me via the Contact Form, Instagram (@noroadlongenough) or By Email noroadlongenough1@gmail.com