Porto in Three Days Top Attractions

Porto
Porto in Three Days Top Attractions
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Day 1
10:00 Church of So
Francisco
A lavishly decorated interior with 350kg of gold leaf covering
intricate wood carvings
11:00 Palcio de Bolsa

Walk through the grand rooms of this historic palace with
ornate artwork
12:35 Church of Mercy and

Museum
A church with famous faade by Nicolau Nasoni and
adjoining museum
13:35 Portuguese Center of

Photography
See a large collection of photographs housed in a former
prison
14:35 Clerigos Tower

Climb the 240 steps to the top of this baroque tower for 360
views
16:05 Livraria Lello Bookshop

Opulent historic book store with a stained glass ceiling and
curved wooden staircase
17:05 Carmo Church

This church has gilded altars and stands next to one of the
world's narrowest houses
10:00 Church of So Francisco / Igreja de So Francisco
Visit Duration: 1 hour
Igreja de Sao Francisco is Portos most famous church. The Gothic style church has interior baroque
decoration although its exterior is Gothic style with a rose window. It was originally constructed for use by the
Franciscan Order in 1223 but the church gained its famous interior decoration in renovations carried out in the
17 th and 18 th centuries by Filipe da Silva and Antonio Gomes. The interior is lavishly decorated with more
than 350km of gold covering intricately carved wood. The church has a vaulted ceiling, marble Gothic arches,
beautiful thick stone columns and walls decorated with cherubs, rose garlands, animal images and vines.
There is a nave with three aisles with three chapels, a transept and an apse at the eastern end. There is a
polychrome granite statue of Saint Francis of Assisi dating back to the 13 th century. Due to the overwhelming
amount of gold in the church it has been nicknamed the Church of Gold. One of the highlights is an 18th
century sculpture depicting Jesus family tree The Tree of Jesse which traces Jesus ancestry back to
Jesse, father of David. There are several baroque altar pieces. Beneath the church are ancient catacombs Image By: IPPAR
Image Source:
where the church museum is located. Here you can see artifacts from the former Franciscan monastery. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_S%C3%A3o_Francis
Although regular services are no longer held here there are regular classical music concerts and the
occasional religious ceremonies including baptisms and weddings. The church is open to the public.
Address: Rua do Infante Dom Henrique 95,
4050-492 Porto, Portugal
Phone Number: 22 206-21-00
Admission: (including church and museum)
Adults 3.5, children 2.5.
Opening Hours: Nov-Feb - daily 9am-5:30pm;
March-Oct 9am-7pm; July-Sept 9am-8pm.
Web:
http://www.ordemsaofrancisco.pt/museu.php?PHPSESSID=
11:00 Palcio de Bolsa / Stock Exchange Palace
Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Church of So Francisco
This national monument is a neo-classical building which dates back to 1842 and was designed by Joaquim
da Costa Lima Junior. It is the headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto and a cultural conference
center. The building was only completed in 1910 and the interior was designed by several well known
architects and artists. Visitors can walk through the palace rooms and see gorgeous architecture and
decoration including the famous Arabian Room. The Arabian Hall was inspired by the Alhambra Palace and
construction began in 1862. It was completed in 1880 in the Moorish Revival style. It has a fine wood floor
and intricately decorated columns, ceiling and walls. This room is used for concerts and special occasions.
The Gallery of Former Presidents displays portraits of presidents of the Commercial association of Porto.
There is a library holding priceless books which is not open to the public. The gorgeous Hall of Nations is a
courtyard with a glass and metal dome ceiling designed by Tomas Soler; a ceramic mosaic floor and is Image By: tak.wing
Image Source:
surrounded by the coats-of-arms of countries which Portugal traded with at the time. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Interior_of_Pal%C3%
There is a grand staircase to the first floor which was designed by Goncalves e Sousa and a ceiling above the Address: Rua de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253
stairs featuring frescoes by Antonio Ramalho. The granite stairs are decorated with stone carvings of vines, Porto, Portugal
garlands, flowers and columns. There are two chandeliers hanging above the stairs one of which was the first Phone Number: 22 339-90-00
to be installed with electricity in Porto. The Court Room features colored glass, large wall paintings and Admission: (with guided 30-min. tour in English,
French, and Spanish included) 8 adults, 4.5
wooden furniture. Other rooms include the Room of Juries, Room of Telegrapho, Office of Gustave Eiffel, the
children under 12yrs; 50% discount for holders of
Presidents Office, Golden Hall, Room of General Meetings and the Hall of Pictures decorated in the Louis
the PortoCard
XVI style with an unusual floor. Some of the furniture in the palace was designed by Jose Marques da Silva
Opening Hours: Nov-Mar daily 9am-12:30pm and
and there are pieces by Jose Maria Veloso Salgado, Joao Marques de Oliveira and Teixeira Lopes.
2pm-5:30pm; Apr-Oct daily 9am-6:30pm; closed
Feb 19th- March 2nd.
Web: http://www.palaciodabolsa.pt
12:35 Church of Mercy and Museum / Museu da Misericordia do Porto (MMIPO)
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Palcio de Bolsa
This is a beautiful 14 th century church with two side chapels which were added in the 16th century and again
rebuilt in 1748 by Nicolau Nasoni. The church is located on one of Portos most historic streets, Rua das
Flores. The churchs opulent baroque and rococo facade was one of the 1748 additions and is considered
one of the best pieces of work by Nasoni. Above the entrance is the royal coat-of-arms. From the entrance
visitors enter an anteroom and a portico with three arches. The church interior is not as opulent as the faade
and has been designed in the Mannerist style (asymmetrical compositions and exaggerated unnatural
elements). The interior also features neo-classical woodcarvings and the walls of the nave are covered with
decorative blue and white painted ceramic tiles.
Image By: Antonio Amen

Next to the church there is a museum housed in the former church administrative building (chapter house). Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Main_facade_of_Igrej
Here you can see a 15 th century Flemish Fons Vitae depicting King Manuel I and his family kneeling before
Christ on the cross. You can also learn about the history of the church and its institutional functions. The art
collection reflects the church history and includes portraits of famous benefactors associated with the church. Address: Rua das Flores 15, Porto, 4050-265,
One section of the museum focuses on the churchs relationship with music and another looks at the churchs Portugal.
physical structure. Items on display include silverware, gold, sculptures and paintings. Phone Number: 220 906 960
Admission: Museum - Adult 5; students, seniors
(65yrs+) 2.5; family (2 people) 4 per person;
PortoCard holders 2.5; under 6yrs free; for
guided visit additional 1 per person.
Opening Hours: Museum - 1 April-30 Sept: Daily
10am-6:30pm; 1 Oct-31 March: 10am-5:30pm;
closed 1 Jan, 24 and 25 Dec.
Web: http://www.mmipo.pt/en-gb/
13:35 Portuguese Center of Photography / Centro Portugues de Fotografia
0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from Church of Mercy and Museum
The museum is housed in a building which dates back to 1767 and was designed by Pombaline Eugenio dos
Santos and Carvalo. It functioned as Cadeia da Relacao, a prison until 1974 and the end of the Salazar
dictatorship. As a prison each floor housed a different type of inmate; the poor; women; the upper class and
the most dangerous. The building has been restored and renovated and now the former cells, courtyard,
dungeons and prison offices have been transformed into galleries. The museum holds a permanent collection
of 60 different collections including the National Collection of Photography; Municipal Collection and a
collection of historic cameras and photographic equipment. Some of the rooms are used for temporary
exhibitors and one of the galleries is reserved for displaying the work of Porto photography students. There
are a few photographs on display by international artists. From the upper floor there are great views of the city
and visitors can explore the former prison as well as see the photography. Image By: Diego Delso
Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Centro_Portugu%C3%A9s_
Address: Edificio da Ex-Cadeia e Tribunal da

Relacao do Porto, Largo Amor de Perdicao,
4050-008 Porto, Portugal
Phone Number: 220 046 300 or 222076 310
Admission: Fee
Opening Hours: March-June: Tues-Fri
10am-6pm; Sat, Sun holidays (except Mondays)
3pm-7pm; closed January 1; Easter Sunday; May
1; December 25
Web: http://www.cpf.pt/
14:35 Clerigos Tower / Torre dos Clrigos
0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from Portuguese Center of Photography
The Clerigos Tower stands beside the Clerigos Church or Church of the Clergymen. The Torre dos Clerigos
bell tower was completed in 1763 and the adjacent church were built in the baroque style in 1732-1750 for the
Brotherhood of the Clerigos. The tower and church were designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. On the
bell tower we can see influence from the Roman baroque style and the overall design of the bell tower was
inspired by the many towers in Tuscany. The tower soars 75.6 meters in the air and offers 360 views across
the city. At the time of completion it was the tallest structure in Portugal. To reach the top visitors go up six
storeys by climbing 240 steps. Once you have reached the observation level there are signs to help you
identify the city landmarks you see below. For many years the tower was used as a landmark for ships
coming into port.
Image By: lilivanili
Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Torre_dos_clerigos_(23402
The church has a beautiful divided double staircase leading up to the entrance on the faade which is
decorated with baroque motifs. The church has an elliptic floor plan which was typical of the baroque style.
There is a polychrome marble altar by Manuel dos Santos Porto. The architect Nicolau Nasoni left his mark Address: Rua de Sao Filipe de Nery, 4050-546
on Porto having designed the Misericorida Church, the Archbishops Palace and the loggia of the Porto Porto, Portugal
Cathedral as well as the Clerigos Church. Nasoni joined the Clerigos Brotherhood and on his death was Phone Number: 22 200-17-29
buried in the crypt of the Clerigos Church. You can attend organ concerts in the church daily at noon. Admission: Joint ticket to Museum Centre of
Santa Casa da Misericordia do Porto and Clerigos
Tower 3; church free; 50% at the Casa da
Musica, Soares dos Reis Museum and Serralves
Museum on presentation of your Clerigos Tower
ticket.
Opening Hours: Tower Nov-Mar daily 10am-noon
and 2pm-5pm; Apr-Oct daily 9:30am-1pm and
2pm-7pm; Aug daily 10am-7pm. Church Mon-Sat
9am-noon and 3:30-7:30pm; Sun 10am-1pm;
closed Wednesdays
Web: http://www.torredosclerigos.pt/en/
16:05 Livraria Lello Bookshop
0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from Clerigos Tower
Visitors come to this iconic bookstore for the books and also to see the gorgeous building. The store building
was designed by Francisco Xavier in the neo-Gothic style. The bookstore was purpose-built and opened in
1881 by the Lello brothers, Jose and Antonio. The store became a meeting place for intellectuals, book lovers
and social gatherings. It is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. On the faade there
are two painted figures representing science and art. Inside you are met by walls lined with wooden shelves
overflowing with books and books are also stacked on the floor. The center piece of the store is a staircase
which starts as one flight and divides into two curved stairways joining again when they meet on the second
floor. The library has a stained glass ceiling and decorative details like pressed copper, bronze bas-reliefs,
columns, carved wood and glass-enclosed bookshelves. Author of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling lived in Porto
for 10 years and used to have coffee on the second floor of this library in the Four Table Coffee shop. The Image By: Turismo En Portugal
Image Source:
coffee shop also sells Port wine and cigars. There is a track on the floor along which the staff rolls trolleys https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Interior_of_Livraria_Le
loaded with books and sliding ladders which help the staff reach the top shelves.
Address: Rua das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161

The bookstore stocks mainly Portuguese books but there are also English and French language books. Be Porto, Portugal.
aware that photography is prohibited in the library but you can buy a postcard photo of the store. Phone Number: 22 200 2037
Admission: 3 (If you purchase a book the 3 will
be deducted from the price).
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7:30pm; Sat
10am-7pm; Sun 11am-7pm
Web: http://www.livrarialello.pt/
17:05 Carmo Church / Igreja do Carmo
0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from Livraria Lello Bookshop
From the outside the church appears to be one large structure but it is in fact two churches connected by a
very narrow house just one meter wide. On the left is the Carmelitas Church and bell tower which dates
back to the 17 th century and was part of a convent. The Carmelitas Church has an opulent gilded interior. On
the right of the narrow house is the Carmo Church (Church of Order Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Carmo)
which was designed by Jose Figueiredo Seixas. This church was built in the 18 th century in the baroque
style. One of the exterior sidewalls is completely covered with beautiful blue and while ceramic tiles depicting
scenes from Mount Carmel and the founding of the Carmelite Order. The entrance to the church is flanked by
two statues of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. The upper part of the faade has a large pediment, gables and
sculptures of the four Evangelists. Inside the church has a single nave and there are seven altars by
Image By: Manuel de Sousa
Francisco Pereira Campanha each with elegant gilt carvings. The narrow house which separates the two Image Source:
churches was built because of a law which forbids two churches to stand alongside each other. It also served https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_do_Carmo_(Porto)#/media/File:Ig
to keep the Carmelite nuns and Carmo Church monks separate. Up until about 20 years ago the house was
inhabited.
Address: Rua do Carmo, 4050-164 Porto,
Portugal.
Phone Number: 22 332 2928 or 222 078400 or
223 393470
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed 8am-noon and
1pm-6pm; Tues, Thurs 9am-6pm; Fri
9am-5:30pm; Sat 9am-1:30pm; holidays
9am-noon.
Day 2
10:00 Soares dos Reis
National Museum
A museum of Portuguese art with focus on Soares dos Reis
housed in an historic palace
11:35 Jardim do Palcio de

Cristal
A beautiful spacious park with historic structures, lake and
pavilion
13:25 Serralves Art Museum

Explore the gardens and unique building of this renowned
contemporary art museum
15:20 Parque da Cidade do

Porto
Portugal's largest urban park with many points of interest
and access to the beach
10:00 Soares dos Reis National Museum / Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
This museum is housed in the historic Carrancas Palace; it was founded in 1833 and displays Portuguese art
with a focus on the work of Antonio Soares dos Reis. The museum started off in St. Antony Convent where a
collection of religious art and artifacts were on show. In 1942 it was moved to its present premises and in
2001 underwent modernization and expansion according to the design of Fernando Tavora.
The works on display include metal work, paintings, engravings, jewelry, textiles, glass ware, sculptures,
ceramics and furniture. There are pieces by Domingos Sequeira, Augusto Roquemont, Antonio Carvalho de
Silva Porto, Miguel Angelo Lupi, Julio Resende, Aurelia de Souza, Marques de Oliveira, Augusto Santo,
Teixeira Lopes, Dordio Gomes and Rodolfo Pinto do Couto.
Image By: Shoestring

Image Source:
The Carrancas Palace was built in 1795 as the home and business of the Moraes e Castro family. The https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Museu_Nacional_de_Soare
Neo-Palladian palace was the work of Joaquim da Costa Limia Sampaio who also designed the Hospital of St
Anthony and the English Trading Post. The palace dcor and design are gorgeous with stucco work and
Address: Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis,
murals by Luis Chiari. Over the years the palace has functioned as the residence of General Soult,
Palacio dos Carrancas, Rua D. Manuel II,
headquarters of Duke Wellington and the home of General Beresford during the Peninsular War. During the
4050-342, Porto, Portugal.
Siege of Porto it was used as the kings headquarters. The palace was the royal residence from 1861 to 1910
Phone Number: 223 393 770
and became the Soares dos Reis Museum in 1942. Admission: 5; free on first Sunday of each
month, children up to 12yrs, handicapped and
care giver. 50% discount to seniors 65yrs+,
students with student card, Youth Card,
PortoCard, families (2 parents, 2 children), large
families (2 adults and children). House Museum
Fernando de Castro 2.
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6:30pm, closed
Mondays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st,
December 25th.
Web:
http://www.museusoaresdosreis.pt/en-gb/default.aspx
11:35 Jardim do Palcio de Cristal / Jardim do Palcio de Cristal
0.3 KM, 5 minutes walking from Soares dos Reis National Museum
The gardens of the Crystal Palace in Porto are on a cliff west of the historical city center. The park was
designed in 1860 by landscape artist Emile David to complement the Crystal Palace. The gardens feature
sports facilities, a modern multi-media library, auditorium, cafeteria, the Romantic Museum and tree-lined
paths with views of the river. The gardens are divided up into thematic areas including a herb garden,
medicinal plants, a rose garden and a sensory garden. The beautiful gardens have a lake, flowerbeds,
peacocks roaming across the lawns and great views of the Douro River. The Avenue of Lindens is a
tree-lined avenue and the central axis of the park which leads to the historic Chapel of Charles Albert of
Sardinia which was constructed in 1849. Among the works of public art in the park there is the statue Pain by
Teixeira Lopes.
Image By: Xosema
Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rosa_Mota_pavilion_in_the
The gardens were designed to surround the original Crystal Palace which was built to hold the International
Show of 1865. The iron and glass structure imitated the famous London Crystal Palace. The original pavilion
was destroyed in the 1950s and replaced with a huge modern dome pavilion constructed in 1956. Today the Address: Rua Dom Manuel II, Porto, Portugal.
Rosa Mota Pavilion functions as a concert and sport venue. Admission: Free
Opening Hours: April-Sept 8am-9pm; Oct-Sept
8am-9pm.
13:25 Serralves Art Museum / Fundao de Serralves
3.0 KM, 0 minutes by transit from Jardim do Palcio de Cristal
This museum displays both Portuguese and international contemporary art in a purpose-built minimalist
building designed by Pritzker Prize winner Alvaro Siza. The museum is located in Serralves Park on a gentle
slope and the buildings two wings create two attractive patios. There are 14 exhibition galleries spread over
three floors. On the upper level there is a restaurant, education studio and multipurpose room. On the lower
level there is an auditorium, library, cafeteria and galleries. Visitors enter through a square-shaped atrium.
There is also ample underground parking. The museum has a permanent collection but also displays
temporary exhibitions from Portugal and around the world. In the past the museum has exhibited works by
Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon and Paula Rego.
Image By: Daniel VILLAFRUELA

While here check out the magnificent gardens which surround the museum and nearby Casa de Serralves, Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Parque_de_Serralves
an Art-deco structure from 1925 where more art is displayed. In the grounds you can see the famous over
sized shovel by Claes Oldenburg and Coosja van Bruggen as well as other works of public art. The gardens
are an important and integral part of the museum. Spread across 18 hectares the gardens feature formal Address: Rua D. Joao de Castro 210, 4150-417,
elements as well as natural farm lands, fountains, ponds, lawns and foliage. In the late spring and early Porto, Portugal.
summer the museum hosts the Serralves em Festa, a festival with free events relating to contemporary art Phone Number: 808 200 543 or 226 156 500
and culture. Admission: Museum (incl. park admission) 10;
Park 5; car park free. First Sunday of each month
free 10am-1pm; under 12yrs free; 50% discount
for 13yrs-18yrs; students; Youth Card holders;
seniors 65yrs+; PortoCard holders. Joint tickets
available for this and other museums.
Opening Hours: 1 April-30 Sept - Tues-Fri
10am-7pm, Sat, Sun, holidays 10am-8pm, Mon
closed except for July-Sept when it is open
10am-7pm. 1 Oct-March - Mon closed, Tues-Fri
10am-6pm, Sat, Sun, holidays 10am-7pm.
Web: http://www.serralves.pt/en/
15:20 Parque da Cidade do Porto
1.9 KM, 24 minutes walking from Serralves Art Museum
This is Portos version of Central Park; it is one of very few urban parks in the world with a sea view and there
is direct access to the Praia Internacional Beach. The park was designed by Sidonio Pardal and inspired by
New Yorks Central Park. The park covers 80 hectares and is bordered by Avenida da Boavista,
Circunvalacao and the sea. It is the largest park in Portugal. Criss-crossing the park are 10km of paths where
you can walk or cycle. The park is styled as a natural park and you can see geese roaming about and plenty
of birds especially around the lake. There are wide open lawns; a small farm; a forest; a fair-trade store; a
restaurant; sports fields for football and volleyball; playgrounds and there is free WiFi. The park is often the
venue for special events and festivals including the Queima das Fitas, a university party in May; Red Bull Air
Race; Circuito da Boavista and the Primavera Sound Festival in June. On the northwestern corner of the park
there is Queimodromo, a performance space for special events. There are regular concerts in the park during Image By: Joseolgon
Image Source:
the summer. On the sea side of the park you can find surf schools who will gladly give you a few lessons. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_da_Cidade_do_Porto#/media/F
There is also a 27 meter high floating sculpture by Janet Echelman entitled She Changes but known by
locals as anemone (anemone).
Address: Parque da Cidade do Porto, Avenida da
Boavista, Porto 4100-121, Portugal.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sundown
Day 3
09:30 Church of Santa Clara
This church holds lavish, opulent gilded wood carvings and
lavish decoration
10:30 Porto Cathedral

One of Porto's most important churches with beautiful
cloisters and altars
11:35 Cais da Ribeira

Explore the waterfront and network of narrow alleys in this
quaint district
13:35 Dom Luis Bridge

This is Porto's top attraction, a historic iron arch bridge
14:20 Funicular dos Guindais

Take this historic funicular from the upper city to the
quayside
15:10 So Bento Train Station

An historic train station with exquisite ceramic painted wall
tiles
16:00 Avenida dos Aliados

Take a stroll down this famous tree-lined avenue lined with
beaux art buildings
17:05 Chapel of Souls

The exterior of this church is covered in beautiful azulejo
tiles
09:30 Church of Santa Clara / Igreja de Santa Clara
The Igreja de Santa Clara is truly a masterpiece in rococo and baroque architecture and decoration. The
faade may seem plain but in the 17 th century the interior of this 15 th century church was transformed into a
beautiful work of art with intricate woodwork, gilding and stonework. The church has examples of several
styles of architecture including the Gothic shape and Gothic Manueline style; renaissance entrance and the
baroque interior. The church was originally constructed alongside the Sant Clara Convent for use by
Franciscan nuns from the Order of Poor Clare. The church is in a quiet area not far from Batalha Square.
Once you enter you get the impression that the entire interior is covered in gold but on closer inspection you
can see the intricate wood carvings which are coated with generous amounts of gold leaf. Approximately
200kg of gold was used to complete the interior; there is a baroque altar piece and the chancel and crossing
were created by Miguel Francisco in 1730. Statues and figures of saints, cherubs and angels adorn the walls.
The chapel and choir area are also lavishly decorated. There are volunteers on hand to give tours of the site Image By: Antonio Amen
Image Source:
and information. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santa_Clara_(Porto)#/media/
Address: Largo do 1 Dezembro 3, 4000-098

Porto, Portugal
Admission: Free admission
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-noon and
3:30pm-7pm; Sat 10am-noon and 3pm-7pm; Sun
10am-noon
10:30 Porto Cathedral / S do Porto
0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from Church of Santa Clara
Se Do Porto is a fortress-like cathedral where Prince Henry the Navigator was baptized and King John I and
Princess Philippa of Lancaster wed in the 14 th century. The building was constructed in the 12 th century and
has since undergone several changes creating a blend of architectural styles including Gothic, baroque and
Romanesque. It is located in Portos oldest neighborhood, Morro da Se. A 13 th century tower stands
alongside the cathedral. The church has retained its original Gothic rose window. One of the most beautiful
parts of the church is the loggia on the north front which was one of the additions made in the 18 th century by
architect Nicolau Nasoni. The Gothic cloisters are another highlight of this religious site. The cloister walls are
covered with beautiful blue and white 18 th century ceramic azulejos tiles. From the cloisters you enter the
Chapel of Saint Vincent which was completed in the 16 th century. In the chapel house there is a collection of
Image By: Manuel de Sousa
sacred art. The Chapel of the Holy Sacrament has an ornate altar with scenes created out of silver. When Image Source:
Napoleons troops entered the city in 1809 the locals painted the altar to hide the silver and the altar was https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9_do_Porto#/media/F
saved.
Address: Terreiro da Se, 4050-327 Porto,
Portugal
Admission: Church free; cloister 3
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-12:30pm and
2:30pm-6:00pm
11:35 Cais da Ribeira
Visit Duration: 2 hours
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Porto Cathedral
This Porto area is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world it is also one of the best places to
get views across the city. Ribeira means riverside and Cais da Ribeira is basically the district on the banks of
the Douro River and running up into the heart of historic Portos UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this area
there is a network of narrow alleys lined with old buildings leading down to the Praca da Ribeira or Ribeira
Square. Many of the buildings here are in bright pastel colors and in various stages of renovation and
disrepair. The area was once a bustling medieval commercial area and today is a lively area of stores and
sidewalk cafes and restaurants. In Ribeira Square you can see a monumental fountain from the 1780s
bearing Portugals coat of arms. There is also a modern touch with Jose Rodrigues modern cubic installation
which stands over the remains of the 300 year old fountain. From the quayside you can see the traditional
Port boats and Dom Luis Bridge. When the sun goes down the area comes alive with bars, cafes and Image By: Rue Daniel Ferreira
Image Source:
nightclubs. In June Porto celebrates Saint Johns Day with fireworks and a street party in Cais da Ribeira. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Cais_da_Ribeira#/me
Address: Rua do Cais da Ribeira, Porto,

4050-328, Portugal.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
13:35 Dom Luis Bridge / Ponte Dom Luis
Visit Duration: 45 mins
0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from Cais da Ribeira
The Ponto de Dom Luis is an iconic bridge in Porto which was completed in 1886; at the time it was the
longest iron arch in the world. The bridge has two parallel straight tracks separated by an elegant iron arch.
On the upper level there is a metro line and on the lower level there are car lanes and pedestrian paths. The
bridge is 395 meters long, 44.6 meters high and 8 meters wide. The bridge crosses the Douro River
connecting Portos city center on the north bank with Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank.
The bridge was designed by Teofilo Seyrig, who had co-designed another Porto bridge the D. Maria Pia
Bridge with Gustave Eiffel. Visitors to Porto can take a cruise on the Douro River to see the Dom Luis Bridge
and the other four bridges which cross the river in Porto. Another way of seeing the sites is to walk across the Image By: Jose A. Oporto
bridges pedestrian walkway where there are views of the historic city center, the Vila Nova de Gaia Port wine Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dom_Luis_I_bridge#/m
caves and the river. Dont confuse this bridge with the Maria Pia Bridge which is nearby and was built 9 years
earlier.
Address: Ponte Dom Luis, Porto, Portugal.
(between Av. De Diogo Leite and R. da Ribeira
Negra on the north bank of the Douro River)
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 247
14:20 Funicular dos Guindais
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Dom Luis Bridge
The funicular line was constructed in 1891 and is still used by locals to get around the city and by tourists for
the brilliant views. The funicular connects the Batalha (higher ground) by Cais de Gaia to the Ribeira
(quayside) area at the base of Dom Luis Bridge. It is managed by the Metro do Porto which also manages the
underground system although you can no longer use the Andante tickets on both systems. The funicular is a
single track system which travels 281 meters and descends 61 meters. Although the upper 90 meters of the
funicular line are within a tunnel travelers can get great views during the other section of the journey and
during the last few minutes when the car immerges from the tunnel. Two funicular cars travel along the line
each carrying up to 25 passengers and moving at about 5 meters per second.
Image By: Joao Pires

The journey covers several levels of gradient along the way and so the funicular cars employ self-leveling Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ID_11871408_Muralha_Prim
technology which looks like giant concertinas to keep the cars horizontal no matter what gradient the track is
at. It takes about 3 minutes to reach the top station once you have emerged from the tunnel and these three
minutes are the best time to grab a shot of the breathtaking views. From the funicular you can see Dom Luis Address: Lower Station: Funicular dos Guindais,
Bridge, the Ribeira quayside, Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Cais de Gaia, wine lodges and the port boats sailing Av. Gustavo Eiffel, 4050-297 Porto, Portugal.
along the River Douro. To cover the same distance on foot you can take the Escadas dos Guidais or the Phone Number: 808 205 060 or 225 081 000
Escadas do Codecal. Admission: 2.5; PortoCard 25% discount on
one trip; free for children under 4yrs.
Opening Hours: Nov-April daily 8am-8pm;
May-July and Sept-Oct Sun-Wed 8am-10pm plus
Thurs-Sat 8am-midnight; Aug daily 8am-midnight.
Web: http://www.metrodoporto.pt/
15:10 So Bento Train Station / Estacao de Sao Bento
0.5 KM, 7 minutes walking from Funicular dos Guindais
Catching a train is not the only reason to visit this station. It is not only a major gateway to city but also a
tourist attraction. The station was constructed on the site of a former convent, Convent of Sao Bento de
Ave-Maria. Construction began in 1900 and was completed in 1916 although trains were already arriving here
as early as 1896. Porto architect Jose Marques da Silva designed the station in the French beaux-arts style.
The main design features of the station are the paneled tile murals by azulejo painter Jorge colaco. There are
20,000 azulejo tiles with some depicting famous historic figures and others featuring famous historic events.
For example scenes include Prince Henry the Navigator, King Joao I and various famous battles and
landscapes. The tile designs were created in 1905-1916. The station is the end of the line for Porto suburban
routes and the western end of the scenic Douro line which travels to and from Pocinho.
Image By: mat's eye
Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Great_hall_of_S%C3%
Address: Estacao de Sao Bento, Praca Almeida

Garrett, 4000-069, Porto, Portugal.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 00:40am-11:55pm
Web:
http://www.thetrainline-europe.com/station/porto-sao-bento~
16:00 Avenida dos Aliados
0.3 KM, 4 minutes walking from So Bento Train Station
This avenue is located in the Lower city (Baixa) of Porto and runs from the Town Hall down to Liberation
Square (Freedom Square). The street name is in honor of the allies who fought in World War II although the
street was originally opened in 1916. This is one of Portos most beautiful streets; it is lined with beaux art
buildings including the beautiful Camara Municipal or Town Hall. The avenue was inspired by the grand
avenues of Paris, Buenos Aires and Budapest. The avenue slopes gently downwards from the town hall
which overlooks the avenue with its 70 meter high central bell tower. Standing in front of the Town Hall is a
modernist statue of Portuguese writer Almeida Garrett. There is a central pedestrian-only promenade. The
buildings which line the avenue house banks, hotels and stores as well as several famous restaurants and
cafes. One of the best known establishments is the historic Guarany Caf with outdoor seating and the Caf
a Brasileira. The Porto Tourism Office is also on Avenida dos Aliados. Along the avenue there are several Image By: Barcex
Image Source:
statues and sculptures including Youth by Henrique Moreira. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenida_dos_Aliados
At the center of the avenue is a public square which has undergone a complete make-over and is now the Address: Avenida dos Aliados, Porto, Portugal.
venue for pop-up markets, exhibitions and fairs. The square was redesigned by prize winning architect Alvaro Admission: Free
Siza who also designed the Serralves Museum building. The square is paved with granite cobblestones and Opening Hours: 24/7
in the middle is a reflective pool. The avenue comes to an end at the Praca da Liberdade Liberation Square
where there is an equestrian statue of King Pedro IV.
17:05 Chapel of Souls / Capela das Almas
0.4 KM, 6 minutes walking from Avenida dos Aliados
The Chapel of Souls is one of the most unusual and beautiful buildings in Porto. It is sometimes referred to as
the Chapel of Santa Catarina. What makes this building so special is that all the external walls are covered
with blue and white ceramic tiles. The paintings on the tiles depict scenes from Christian history and legend
like the death of Francis of Assisi and the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine. The tile work was done in 1929 by
Eduardo Leite and was modeled on the classic style of the 18 th century. The artist closely followed the rules
of this 18 th century art form and used approximately 15,947 azulejo tiles covering 360m of wall space. In
addition to the tiles the building has stained glass windows by Amandio Silva which date back to the 19 th
century. The interior is not as impressive as the exterior but there are a few interesting pieces including the
image of Nossa Senhora das Almas (Our Lady of the Souls).
Image By: Petr Adam Dohnalek
Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Capela_das_Almas_(
Address: Rua da Santa Catarina 428, Porto,

Portugal.
Admission: Free
Open Hours: You can see the exterior at any
time; Interior - Mon,Tues, Sat 7:30am-1pm and
3:30pm-7pm; Wed-Fri 7:30am-7pm and Sun
7:30am-1pm and 6pm-7pm

Porto in Three Days Top Attractions

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Porto in Three Days Top Attractions

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Porto

Porto in Three Days Top Attractions

11:00 Palcio de Bolsa

12:35 Church of Mercy and

13:35 Portuguese Center of

14:35 Clerigos Tower

16:05 Livraria Lello Bookshop

17:05 Carmo Church

Image By: Antonio Amen

Address: Edificio da Ex-Cadeia e Tribunal da

Address: Rua das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161

11:35 Jardim do Palcio de

13:25 Serralves Art Museum

15:20 Parque da Cidade do

Image By: Shoestring

Image By: Daniel VILLAFRUELA

10:30 Porto Cathedral

11:35 Cais da Ribeira

13:35 Dom Luis Bridge

14:20 Funicular dos Guindais

15:10 So Bento Train Station

16:00 Avenida dos Aliados

17:05 Chapel of Souls

Address: Largo do 1 Dezembro 3, 4000-098

Address: Rua do Cais da Ribeira, Porto,

Image By: Joao Pires

Address: Estacao de Sao Bento, Praca Almeida

Address: Rua da Santa Catarina 428, Porto,

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