Porto is a stunning city with a rich history, full of amazing architecture, great cuisine, and breathtaking views. Located on a hill, it's a perfect place for everyone who loves panoramic views. Whether you are an Instagrammer on a hunt for a great picture, sunset hunter, budget traveller, or nature lover, you can pick from many stunning spots scattered all around this city.
As a local, I took my time to discover all the best viewpoints in Porto. To make it a bit easier for you, especially if you are new to the city or just came here for a short time, I made this list. I mentioned viewpoints in an order that you can follow while walking around. If your tour is focused mostly on the viewpoints, follow it from the top to the bottom of the other way around to optimize your Porto walk.
The good news is that from most of those viewpoints, you can admire breathtaking views totally for free.
Serra do Pilar
Okay, let's make it clear. This point of view is not technically in Porto, but in Vila Nova de Gaia, a town that is overlooking Porto from the other side of the river. You can get here very easily and you might not even notice that you entered a different town.
This spot is famous because of the former monastery that visitors can still discover. In front of the circular church, you can find a spacious square with an amazing panoramic view of Porto, the Douro River, and Luís I Bridge from above.
Location: Largo de Avis - Santa Marinha 4430-329 Vila Nova de Gaia
Price: The viewpoint is free. If you want to get even higher, you can climb the monastery's clock tower for 3 euros.
A perfect view of: Ponte Luís I, Maria Pia Bridge, Clérigos tower, Bonfim area, Ribeira.
Jardim do Morro
If you are looking for a perfect spot to watch a sunset or chill out with a beer, Jardim do Morro is an ideal place. Designed in 1927, this green area is loved by both locals and tourists. You can wander around palms and other trees, feel a romantic vibe near the artificial cave and the now empty pond, and then sit on the green slope or one of the concrete benches that overlook a historic part of Porto.
Location: Av. da República, 4430-148 Vila Nova de Gaia
Price: Free
A perfect view of: Ribeira, Ponte Luís I.
Luís I Bridge
This emblematic structure of Porto has a great history and even better views. The top-level, which hovers more than 60 meters above the Douro river, is a perfect spot to admire Porto and its Ribeira and Gaia with its rows of Caves (Port wine cellars). The Eastern side of the bridge overlooks the granite slopes of the Douro river and the Maria Pia Bridge, constructed by Gustave Eiffel.
Location: You will find it without any problem.
A perfect view of: Maria Pia Bridge, Douro with granite banks, Port wine cellars, Ribeira.
Pro tip: If you fear heights, have gephyrophobia, or are terrified by unstable constructions (like me), passing 172 meters of the top level of the bridge may be challenging. You can start with the bottom level and stick to it if you don't feel comfortable.
Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina
Sé Catedral is one of the most important and oldest monuments in the city. Once you're done visiting the Romanesque cathedral church, decorated with baroque azulejos, you can cherish the spectacular view from the big square in front of it.
Location: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto
A perfect view of: most of downtown Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia cellars, Douro river.
Alameda das Fontainhas
This part of the city is not that popular among tourists. Its history reaches the second half of the 18th century when Porto expanded beyond the old city walls. The area was a place of various industrial buildings, including a slaughterhouse located in proximity to the viewpoint of Fontainhas. The little square, which nowadays is ill-maintained, used to be one of the most beautiful public spaces in the city. Nothing surprising considering the view that reveals itself in front of the viewer.
Location: Passeio das Fontainhas
A perfect view of: Douro river, Maria Pia Bridge, São João railway bridge, Ponte Luís I.
Clérigos Tower
The majestic Clérigos tower that hovers over Porto is a part of the baroque Igreja dos Clérigos church. Constructed in the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni, it’s, after Ponte Luís I, one of the most recognizable buildings in Porto. As the tower is located on the highest point of the city, for years it was used as an orientation point for ships approaching the port in the Douro.
Climb 240 steps to get a 360-degree panoramic view of Porto’s downtown. From the top, on a sunny day, you can see the ocean.
Location: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto
A perfect view of: The whole downtown.
Price: 6 euro for a day pass that allows you to also visit the church. 5 euro for a night entrance to the tower.
Miradouro da Vitória
This viewpoint, located in the middle of the city, is a bit secluded. It's unlikely to be found while just wandering around. Thanks to this, this spot is not flooded with tourists. It even looks a bit abandoned at first sight. You might notice some stray cats wandering around. Even though the spot itself is not well maintained, the view is spectacular.
Ochre roofs of the downtown together with Ponte Luís I and the bank of Vila Nova de Gaia create a beautiful landscape.
Location: R. de São Bento da Vitória 11, 4050-292 Porto
A perfect view of: Convento dos Grilos, Ponte Luís I, Sé Cathedral, Palácio da Bolsa, Douro.
Passeio das Virtudes
This spot is loved by locals who hang out here with a drink. You can experience a laid-back atmosphere and a great view of Miragaia district with the Alfândega, Douro river, and Arrábida bridge. It's a perfect spot to watch the sunset or just chill in the shade of one of the trees.
Location: Passeio das Virtudes, 4050-629,Porto
A perfect view of: Miragaia district.
Palácio de Cristal
According to beliefs, on one side of the current Palácio de Cristal gardens, an old pine grew, leading ships to the Port. Even though the crystal palace was changed into a modernistic building (currently Super Bock Arena), the gardens are still breathtaking. Romantic alleys with peacocks and ducks wandering around are a prelude to spectacular views that can be admired in various spots of the park.
The best spots you can find in the part are the Rose Garden, Jardim dos Sentimentos, and close to Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha. Torreão do Jardim do Palácio, a romantic tower is also a nice place to get a view of the area.
The newest viewpoint is located on the top of the Super Bock Arena, from which you can admire the 360-degree landscape. Climbing a big semispherical copula is an experience in itself.
Location: R. de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto
Price: 12,50 euro for Super Bock Arena. The rest of the viewpoints are free.
A perfect view of: Depending on the location, you can see a panoramic view of Vila Nova de Gaia with Port cellars, Dom Luís I bridge, but also Arrábida bridge and the ocean.
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