Porto

Porto is a medium-sized european city and is one of the most important treasures of the Old World. It's famous for a football club and a port wine - wine that is produced only here.


However, the main attraction of Porto is the old town with the cathedral of the XIII century, Clérigos tower (1754-1763) and Ponte de Don Luis (1881-1886).

Porto is located on two levels: promenade is located on the lower level and the rest of the old town on the upper. They are connected by the expensive funicular and cable car, therefore, prepare to walk a lot.

We had lived on the lower level on the waterfront Ribeira, in the Muralha da Barca Apartamentos (booking.com, ~90 euros per night). If you are ready to go up on foot, we recommend it for a good location. District of Ribeira is the oldest and most picturesque in the city. You have to live here to feel the spirit of old Porto.




The old town of Porto is quite large, but the main interest is Ponte de Don Luis (Ponte Luís I). Moreover, the area around it is so great that you can come to Porto only because of this place. Bridge has two levels with sidewalks on the both levels.

Morning view of the bridge from the Ribeira waterfront.


On the other side of the river, at the top, you can see a dome of Serra do Pilar monastery. Here it is.


Here located the best viewpoint of Porto - Miradouro da Serra do Pilar. From the promenade it can be reached either on foot or by cable car. Find here opening times  and prices.


The cable car goes over wine cellars, which can be visited with a tour.


At the top station of cable car there is an observation deck, but you need to go upper. Come in the evening, this is the best time.


If you go up on foot, then find many cats on the Calçada da Serra street, we even brought them food.


The bridge is beautiful from any point in the morning, day and evening - this is the main hallmark of the city.






Before going up, it makes sense to take a stroll along the promenade to the Transport and Communications Museum (Museu dos Transportes e Comunicacoes, address R. Nova da Alfândega, 4050-430), it is a huge building on the waterfront. It is not necessary to visit the museum, just use it as a landmark. On the way you will  see a lot of beautiful old houses.












Then you can continue on the old tram to the ocean.


But the better idea is to take a bike, here is an article about this trip.


"Upper" old town is quite large and you can wander around for several days.












City hall


Stairs on the street near the city hall


Porto has the world-famous bookstore Livraria Lello & Irmão (R. das Carmelita, 144), that inspired Joan Roulling to write a series of books about Harry Potter. Now the store has become a place of pilgrimage. On the Internet you can find the information that on Monday from 9 to 10 the store is open for photographers and at other times taking pictures is prohibited.

We came at 8:30 am and found there... all the "photographers" from the whole Porto. Moreover, now you have to buy a ticket to visit a shop! At 9 am appeared few tour groups which entered without a queue! So, we decided just to avoid this place and that was a good idea.


Want to see the cult of Harry Potter?


Well, just a joke, it's a student ritual that happens throughout Portugal.

More photos of Porto


As elsewhere in Portugal, the streets and houses in Porto tiled.


Luxury second hand store!


Nice idea for graffiti




Map of Porto (9 Mb)

Getting there: The airport of Porto has the metro station, a day ticket on the metro and buses cost about 6 euros (Z4 zone). Porto has two main railway stations: Porto Sao Bento in the center and Porto Campanha on the outskirts. High-speed trains leave from Porto Campanha.