Visit Porto
When you stay in Porto, Porto stays in you.
Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, Porto keeps moving to the pace of modern life. Welcome to a vibrant European city where history inspires innovative stories, where world-class research finds sustainable ways to highlight nature and where tradition fuels creativity. Welcome to the award-winning Porto City.
Culture attractions
In Porto, you will find world-class contemporary art museums sitting alongside centuries-old monuments. The cultural richness of this city will surprise you, unveiling untold stories about the people, historical moments, traditions and art that make this a city like no other.
Livraria Lello
For us, this is the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Every month, thousands of visitors come to Livraria Lello to rejoice over its neogothic decor and the most adorable details that cover every single inch of the bookshop. So magical that we wouldn't be surprised if it inspired many writers.
Soares dos Reis National Museum
This might be Portugal’s oldest fine art museum, but it has surely kept up with times. Recently renovated, the space welcomes an alternative and modern view over a rich collection and programme of activities.
Biodiversity Gallery
Dive into the fun side of science and splash into the artistic installations displayed inside a magnificent townhouse, once owned by a famous writer.
Liberty Square
Liberty Square is a victorious symbol of the 1820 Liberal Revolution. Today, at the centre of this historic location, stands the statue of Dom Pedro IV, who personified and inspired the liberalist movement.
Senhor do Olho Vivo Chapel and legend
On the way to Santiago, 17th-century pilgrims would pass by Olho Vivo’s chapel. The building holds an ancient granite sculpture of Santiago, carved in 1622. The curious name, Olho Vivo/Smart Eye, comes from the advice given to pilgrims, who should be careful around that part of Porto.
Joana Vasconcelos’ Mural
This colourful mural was created by the world-class contemporary artist Joana Vasconcelos. It features eight thousand hand-painted azulejo tiles, representing symbolic elements of the traditional filigree and the embroidery. Bold and beautiful art.
Dragão Stadium and FCP Museum
A cultural highlight for those who appreciate architecture and the art of football, the Dragão Stadium has more to offer beyond the obvious. The stadium also houses the FC Porto Museum, an award-winning institution featuring a victorious collection and high-tech interactive content.
Heritage attractions
Porto’s historic buildings, structures, and deeply rooted traditions are all part of the city’s heritage. Here, you can discover medieval gems, neo-classic treasures and eerie romantic visions. Follow us through the city’s top ten heritage highlights.
Clérigos Tower
From up here, Porto is even more charming. Clérigos Tower, with its 75 meters of baroque mastery, is a perfect viewpoint to appreciate Porto's city centre. But beware, to get to the top, you must conquer 225 steps! Have a good climb!
Igreja do Carmo’s Azulejo Tile Mural
Known for its magnificent decorative hand-painted azulejo tiles, the 18th-century church Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, is one of Porto’s touristic highlights. When you stop by look closely, really!! Because you might miss the sight of the narrowest house in Porto, also known as, the hidden house. It hides many secrets.
Capela das Almas’ Mural
A sight to lift up your soul! The 18th-century Capela das Almas (souls’ chapel) is one of the city’s most sticking monuments. Why is that? Take a look at the unique hand-painted azulejo tile exterior, representing scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine. We told you so.
Tram Museum
Can you imagine taking a journey back in time and finding yourself inside a 19th-century tram? That’s what the tram museum is all about. To get the full picture, step right into history, and follow the river on the fully operational 18 tram way.
Felgueiras Lighthouse
The hexagon-styled 19th-century lighthouse looking over the Douro River has become one of the most photographed features of Porto. The sea-brushed stone walls soak the filtered sunset light, merging perfectly with the waves. It’s well worth a visit.
São João Baptista Fort
These 16th-century stone walls hold the city’s history, having survived countless wars and rebellions. Besides being a great example of military architecture, the fort was once the home of one of our foremost poets, Florbela Espanca, who lived there with her husband,a garrison officer. That’s incredible, isn’t it?
Lapa Church
Why is this such a particular church? Because it holds D. Pedro IV’s heart. Yes, that’s correct, the king’s preserved heart, which is one of the city’s most cherished treasures. It also houses one of the best and most beautiful pipe organs in the Iberian Peninsula. That sounds a bit better.
Lapa Cemetery
This is the oldest romantic cemetery in the country. In its tree-laden avenues, nature and art go hand in hand, inviting you to take a peaceful walk, while visiting some of Portugal’s foremost figures resting place. How many romantic secrets are buried here?
Muralha Fernandina (Old city walls)
This example of walled medieval fortification is one of Porto’s best well-kept secrets. The remains of the Romanesque walls offer unparalleled viewpoints over the city, merging perfectly into the modern city background.
São Roque House
In Porto, we try to make the most of our heritage. São Roque House might only look like a fine example of 18th-century Porto townhouse design. However, today it is much more than that. It is a contemporary art hub, an arquitectonic treasure and the gateway to a labyrinth garden.
Contemporary attractions
Porto embraces contemporary culture with the same energy as it embraces tradition. Housing one of the best contemporary art museums in Europe and unmissable gems of contemporary architecture, modern culture can be found a little bit everywhere, just around the corner.
Casa da Música
Can you hear that? It’s the collective sigh of amazement visitors produce upon seeing Casa da Música for the first time. Besides its mesmerizing design, the building houses a varied musical programme ranging from baroque music to the forefront of modern sounds, not forgetting festive tunes.
Serralves Contemporary Art Museum
In Porto, contemporary art welcomes families and friends, welcomes those who want to expand their views and those to want to appreciate wide green views, those with an adventurous taste or a taste for adventure. How? Combining museum, with gardens and tree-top walkways.
Miguel Bombarda’s Art Galleries
650 metres long, Rua de Miguel Bombarda is one of Porto’s main, contemporary cultural arteries. Joyful creativity smiles at us at every step along the street, its coffee shops, galleries and trendy shops are always buzzing with vibrant experiences. Are you in with the it crowd?
Urban Art
Porto loves its urban art so much that it has created a dedicated Street Art Programme. The programme has, so far, resulted in over 80 artistic street interventions, supporting over 60 national and international artists.
Fine Arts Faculty Museum
Showcasing students and faculty’s talent, this museum attracts a vibrant group of creative individuals and becomes a bridge to allow disruptive ideas from the university, straight into the city.
Metro stations by Souto Moura
The next stop: modernity. In Porto, the metro wasn’t built only to improve people’s daily routines, it was built also to inspire everyone through outstanding infrastructures. The metro stations designed by Eduardo Souto Moura have become cultural landmarks, elevating traditions such as the azulejo tiles, and introducing an unexpected touch of modernity to the city centre.
Architecture Faculty
Behind its beautifully minimalistic walls, Porto’s Architecture Faculty nurtures a creative, innovative and inclusive culture, questioning preconceived ideas on urbanism, materials and shapes.
Vodafone Building
Get your phones ready for the Vodafone building. Designed by the architects José António Barbosa and Pedro Guimarães, this impressive building challenges perceptions and materials. The organic movement and sharp edges will delight your followers!
