Bridges
Like Lisbon, Porto lies along the river and is home to a few iconic bridges that connect it to nearby municipalities.
Most of these bridges (known as pontes in Portuguese) were constructed in the 19th century. An exception is the Arrábida Bridge, which was built between 1957-1963.
Architecture
Porto’s architecture is a combination of Baroque, Roman, Gothic and Neoclassical styles. Some of the buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, while plenty others were built much more recently.
One bookstore, the Livraria Lello & Irmão, is known as one of the most beautiful in the world, although its more common claim to fame is serving as inspiration for Harry Potter’s JK Rowling.
São Bento railway station
All across Portugal, visitors will notice painted tiles called azulejos adorning churches, houses, restaurants, and even train stations. The São Bento station is as much a tourist stop as a means for travel.
Churches and Cathedrals
As a Catholic country, Portugal has no shortage of churches or cathedrals, and Porto’s may be among the most beautiful. Don’t miss the traditional azulejos and stained glass windows.
The Church of Saint Ildefonso, pictured above, is covered in around 11,000 tiles. They were added in the 1930s.
Anyone can see the importance that these churches hold in the Portuguese culture by appreciating the décor. The delicate woodwork, carvings and statues speak for themselves.
Coast
Porto may not have any beaches within the city, but there are plenty nearby. The Pérgola at Foz do Douro is one beautiful destination nearby where ocean-lovers can enjoy a stroll and listen to the whispering waves.
Streets
Avenida dos Aliados is one of the trendy areas where locals and tourists can go shopping or sip a coffee while staring at the beautiful architecture.
Other parts of the city are older and the trams are an excellent way to explore different areas.
Douro River
Nothing screams Porto’s name louder than the Douro River and its associated Ribeira district. Plenty of cafés and restaurants offer outdoor seating to enjoy the view.
Wine
The only exception to Ribeira being the most iconic piece of the city is its wine. Porto is most famous for its world-renowned port wine and the Douro Valley where it originates.
