Porto has been the ideal weekend break spot
The ideal place for a city break and to get a great dose of culture, top-notch food and wine all in one. Located where the Douro river meets the Atlantic at the end of picturesque Douro valley and known for the unique sweet port wine, Porto has been the spotlight for wine lovers for many years.
Welcome to Oporto, a picturesque city in Northern Portugal!
Best places to see and do in Porto
This city is much more than good wine. Despite being Portugal's second-biggest town, Porto feels much more genuine and traditional compared to Lisbon. There are a lot of things you can do and see here, and appreciate the richness and beauty of this city. We’ve gathered the best places we consider being the must-sees in Porto!
1. Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls)
Dedicated to Santa Catarina, this is an azulejo-clad church that dates back to the 18th century. The beautiful artwork depicts the grisly scenes of the time, like the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Martyrdom of Santa Catarina.
Ticket Price: Free admission.
2. Igreja de São Francisco (Church of São Francisco)
Covered with 500kg of gold, this church offers a magnificent interior. Under the church, you can find the catacombs where the members of Porto’s wealthiest families and the Franciscan monks are buried. You will feel awed by the thousands of human bones lying on the glass floor.
Location: Rua do Infante D. Henrique
Ticket Price: 7.50€
3. Igreja do Carmo e Igreja dos Carmelitas (Church of Carmo and Church of Carmelitas)
Separated by a small narrow building (1 meter wide!), these two churches couldn’t share a common wall to avoid any contact between the monks of Carmo’s church and the nuns of Carmelitas’ Church. Both interiors will amaze you for its splendor and make you reflect upon the beautiful and historic city of Porto.
Location: R. do Carmo 1
Ticket Price: Free admission.
4. Make a toast to Porto with the best wine and good food
Port Wine was born in Douro valley, on the shores of the Douro river, but it is the city of Porto that gives name to it because this is where the wine ages and is shipped from all over the globe. Any trip to Porto wouldn’t be complete without visiting the many lodges along the Douro Valley. We suggest you the Port Wine Lodges Tour that invites you to enjoy a unique blend of Portuguese indigenous grapes.
Food is also a standalone reason to visit Portugal, but in Porto, you will need to loosen your belt… seriously! The mighty Francesinha from Café Santiago or the Brasão Cervejaria, is an explosion of meats and cheese, with a beautifully balanced sauce, that will leave you with no room to eat anything else. But if you would like to sweeten your mouth afterward, definitely try the éclairs filled with sweet whipped cream, from Leitaria do Quinta do Paço.
Average Francesinha price: 6.50€
5. The views just get better and better in Porto
As you wind your way through the city and up the miradouros (viewpoints), Porto, Douro river and Douro valley become a picture-perfect postcard!
The iconic tower connected to Igreja dos Clérigos shoots 76 meters into the sky, dominating the Porto cityscape. If you want to climb the spiral staircase to the top, an amazing 360-degree view on Porto and Douro valley awaits you!
Location: R. de São Filipe de Nery
Price: 3€
From Miradouro da Vitória, you can also enjoy the view over some major landmarks, like Sé Catedral, the astounding Dom Luís I bridge, the Bolsa Palace, and the port wine cellars across the river.
Location: R. de São Bento da Vitória
Price: Free admission
If Porto appears to be a place you would be happy settling down in, then check out some of the best properties available in the area: > Properties for Sale in Porto
Alternatively, contact us on:
Phone: +351 213 471 603
Email: info@portugalhomes.com
