Porto Tourist Attractions

Location: Northern Portugal, in the estuary of Douro River

Language: Portuguese, Mirandese

Best Time to Visit: April to September

Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0)

Driving Side: Right Side

Main Attractions: São Francisco Church, Santa Clara Church, Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis, Solar Vinho do Porto, Cais da Ribeira, Palácio de Cristal, Passeio Alegre Garden

 

The charmingly down-to-earth architecture, cosmopolitan beaches, splendid seafood, winding hills and slender streets - all narrow down you to Porto, the second largest city of Portugal. Also known as Oporto, this historic center has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Apart from the rich ancient culture and heritage, the beguiling city of Porto is home to the world-famous Port wine, named after the city. Lush coasts and valleys, architecturally superior old buildings, and spectacular views of Portugal’s highest mountain range, the Serra da Estrela is sure to make your visit to Porto a delightful and memorable experience. Find out about the different places to visit in Porto in the lines below.

 

 

Palácio de Cristal, or the Crystal Palace, is one of the most significant landmarks in Porto that just cannot be given a miss. Formerly an old building that was demolished some 50 years back, the present structure houses the Sports Pavilion known as the Pavilion Rosa Mota. This stadium is situated in the gardens of Jardim do Palácio de Cristal, standing tall at about 30 meters (98 feet). The stadium hosts an array of sporting attractions, concerts, theatrical events, conventions and various exhibitions to entertain its visitors.

 

This 14^th century archaic church might look ordinary on the exterior, but its extraordinary interiors are sure to leave you spellbound, undoubtedly, marking the church as one of the most opulent and fabulous churches in Europe. Check out the Gothic and Baroque decoration of wood carvings in the vault pillars and columns. The São Francisco Church is the first preferred must-visit church amongst all the churches present in Porto.

 

Nicknamed as the ‘Soul of Porto’, Cais da Ribeira is a crumbling, but fascinating town in Porto, offering picturesque and colorful houses, simply perfect for giving them a capture. The wide range of cafés, bars and restaurants sheltered under medieval arches make the town a popular feasting point. Towards the end of the town is a riverfront square, called Praça da Ribeira, providing you the magnificent view of various Port wine houses across the river.

 

Get back to the good old times by giving this extensive art museum a visit without fail. Dedicated to the famous sculptor born and bred in Porto, Soares dos Reis, Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis first opened up in 1840 and since then, has been witnessing visitors in huge numbers, all thanks to art collection housed in the gallery. Get instantly connected to the 19^th century Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French era with exhibits, like ceramics, glassware, gold and silverwork and furniture.

 

The famous Port wine is the primary reason for tourists visiting Porto in millions. So while in Porto, what better place than Solar Vinho do Porto can be to taste a sample of this internationally known wine. Located in the rose-bedecked villa, Quinta de Macieirinha, the visitors are escorted to the relaxing and upmarket tasting room and offered glasses or bottles of the wine, along with complimentary snacks amid 18^th century furniture and paintings. If you are game for some exquisite wine tasting experience, Solar Vinho do Porto is the best place to head to.