25 Porto Instagram Spots and the Best Photo Spots in Porto
Looking for the best photo spots in Porto? We got you covered. Porto is the perfect city for incredible views and photography because of its unique location. The city is situated on the banks of the Douro River, and its hills offer stunning panoramas of the cityscape below. These 25 Porto Instagram spots will surely melt your heart, and blow up your social media pages!
25 Porto Instagram Spots: A guide to the best photo spots in Porto Portugal
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Porto is a beautiful city located in northern Portugal. The city is known for its stunning architecture, picturesque streets, and lovely bridges.
Porto is also home to some of the iconic and best photo spots in the country.
Here are some of the best places to take photos in Porto:
- Jardim do Morro
- Porto Cathedral
- Terreiro da Se Street
- Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
- Ponte Luis I
- Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
- São Bento Train Station
- Rua das Flores (street)
- Livraria Lello Bookstore
- Fernandes, Mattos & Ca., Lda.
- Steak and Shake Oporto
- Igreja do Carmo
- Torre dos Clerigos
- Palacio da Bolsa
- Igreja de São Francisco
- Miradouro da Vitória
- Jardins do Palácio Cristal
- Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
- Views from Arrabida Bridge
- Ribeira
- Miradouro da Vila Nova de Gaia
- Graham’s Port Lodge Terrace
- Wine cellar – Burmester
- Douro River Cruise
- Foz do Douro
We have included all the beautiful places to photograph in Porto below on Google Maps
Read: Best Porto viewpoints | Best photo spots in Lisbon | One day in Porto itinerary
1. Jardim do Morro
Jardim do Morro is one of the best places to take photos in Porto. The park offers stunning views of the city from Gaia, across the Douro river.
It is a great spot for picnics and relaxation as well.
There are a variety of activities to do in the park, such as hiking to the summit, biking, and or just enjoying a picnic. There are tables and benches and palm leaves at the top. You can also use a cable car to get up there.
The park is also a great place to take photos of the cityscape, especially from the viewpoint platform areas. You can also get the best views of Porto the backdrop of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.
Photo Tip:
- I was standing right by the viewing platform and terrace, keeping the colorful cityscape and the Ponte Dom Luis I as the backdrop (photo above)
- This is a popular Porto photo stop so try to get there in the early morning hours
- It also makes for a nice sunset spot in the city
Hours and Tickets: The park and garden are open 24 hours. It is free to enter.
Address: Jardim do Morro, 4430-210 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
2. Porto Cathedral Square
The Porto Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks in the city. It is located in the historical center of Porto and dates back to the 12th century.
The cathedral is known for its baroque interior, which is ornately decorated with gilded woodcarvings and intricate tile work. The cathedral also offers stunning views of the city from the tower.
One of the popular spots at the Porto Cathedral is the blue azulejo tiles which you can use to capture some beautiful photos.
Photo Tip:
- Try to get in there as soon as the gates open for a nice shot of the azulejos area of the church interiors without the crowds
Hours and Tickets: Opening hours are 09:00 am to 06:30 pm free to enter.
Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
3. Terreiro da Sé Street
When you are making your way to the Porto cathedral from the river or the train station you will have to climb uphill via stairs or an inclined pathway. This will welcome you to beautiful views of Porto’s cityscape.
The Terraeiro da Se Street can be found on the other end of the Porto Cathedral Square, opposite the statue of Vimara Peres if you happen to get down right at the back entrance (where a lot of TukTuks are parked).
When you stroll the square, you won’t miss this epic cityscape photo spot!
Photo Tip:
- When I visited the Porto Cathedral, I climbed up from the lower part of town to get to a large square from my hotel. You must not miss the area in and around the cathedral as you can capture some amazing photos and soak in the views of the city of Porto with its colorful houses.
- The steps are great for poses and the backdrop of the city with colorful houses. This area is not busy at all (the square will always be crowded)
- This area is also safe to use your tripod when traveling alone
Hours and Tickets: Access is open 24 hours, and is free to enter.
Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
4. Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
From the Cathedral, you are only a short downhill stroll to the Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, another epic Porto Instagram spot.
At this vantage point, Rua das Aldas is bordered on three sides by the river and on two others by a street that runs parallel to it.
The Cathedral, located just west of this viewpoint, provides a stunning view of Porto’s Ribeira and boats. It’s no surprise that this location is popular among both locals and visitors.
Hours and Tickets: The viewpoint is open 24 hours. It is free to enter.
Address: R. das Aldas 1, 4050-026 Porto, Portugal (2 minute walk from Porto Cathedral)
5. Ponte Dom Luis I
The Dom Luis Bridge is a bridge that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River. It is one of the most popular spots in Porto, and the bridge is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The structure was built by Téophile Seyrig, who was trained by Gustave Eiffel (known for the Eiffel Tower in Paris).
The Dom Luís I Bridge is a must-see for any visitor to Porto.
Photo Tip:
- The bridge has an upper deck and a lower deck
- The lower deck gives you a nice close up of the Ribeira and Gaia. This is a great way to capture sweeping views of the cityscape and the river below.
- The upper deck has train lines, and you can capture the entire city with the river from this viewpoint (picture below)
Hours and Tickets: The bridge access is open 24 hours, and is free to enter.
Address: Pte. Luiz I, Porto, Portugal
6. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar is one of the best places to take in the sights of Porto.
This miradouro, or viewpoint, offers breathtaking views of the city and river. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset over Porto.
Hours and Tickets: The viewpoint is open 24 hours. It is free to enter.
Address: Largo Aviz, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (3 minute walk from Dom Luis I Bridge)
7. São Bento Railway Station
Sao Bento railway station is one of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks in Porto. The station was built in the early 20th century and is known for its stunning tile work.
The interior of the station is decorated with over 22,000 blue and white tiles that depict scenes from Portuguese history.
The station is located in the city center and is a great spot for taking photos of the cityscape.
Photo Tip:
- There are often long lines of tourists taking pictures of the walls and ceiling and commuters in the station, so it is best to visit early in the day
- The main hall has gorgeous blue and white tiles, and they are higher up on the walls and ceilings so you can still capture them without people (this is a popular Porto Instagram spot)
- But don’t miss the platforms or the areas outside the train station for a unique perspective
Hours and Tickets: Open 24 hours, and is free to enter.
Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
8. Rua das Flores (street)
The Sao Bento railway station is also a great place to see Porto. The station is located in the center of the city and offers visitors a great view of the surrounding area.
And that’s the Rua das Flores (street) with the view of the postcard image of this tall building as shown above. There are a plethora of cafes and souvenir shops in the lanes surrounding this iconic site.
Photo Tip:
- You can also capture the busy street from the entrance/entry steps of the Sao Bento train station.
- The building can be captured at any time of day, from right across the street
9. Livraria Lello Bookshop
Livraria Lello Bookshop is considered to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
The store was opened in 1881, and it is also fondly known as the Harry Potter Bookshop, as J.K Rowling was inspired by this very place during her time in Portugal.
Lello Bookshop is one of the best places to take photos in Porto, as it is an incredibly beautiful store. The store is three stories high, with an ornate staircase and stained glass skylight, carved woodwork, and intricate tile work.
Admission is free, but there is often a line to get in.
Photo Tips:
- Although entry is free, there is a long queue. Always. People usually line up even before the store opens. We recommend getting a priority ticket to beat the crowds
- The Livraria Lello Bookshop is one of the best places to take photos in Porto, and it is common to see crowds (even with priority ticket) posing by the red ornate staircase. I recommend covering the people around it with a book or a postcard from the store
- If you wish to capture yourself in the shot, you will have to be super patient and get a friend or photographer’s help. Setting up a tripod is not possible as it is a busy area and every few seconds people come up and down the stairs
Hours: Open from 09:00 am to 7:00 pm. Access is free, but we recommend getting a priority ticket to beat the crowds.
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal (A 2-min walk from the Clérigos Church)
Read: 10 days in Portugal itinerary
10. Fernandes, Mattos & Ca., Lda.
If you wish to capture some of the traditional scenes from Porto, then pick a market area such as shops on the Rua Santa Catarina or Bolhao market, centuries old cafe or store.
We decided to go with the Fernandes, Mattos & Ca., Lda. and the area near it.
Fernandes, Mattos & Ca., Lda. is a centuries old traditional shop in Porto.
Photo Tip:
Capture the vibe of this store, using the signs and exteriors.
Hours and Tickets: Exteriors only
Address: R. das Carmelitas 108 114, 4050-284 Porto, Portugal (a minute walk from Livraria Lello)
11. Steak and Shake Oporto
The murals on the sidewalls of this Portuguese-American burger joint are very popular.
The colorful 20 metre mural was done by celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos and was completed in partnership with Steak and Shake Oporto.
The mural consists of 8,000 hand-painted tiles and is one of the most stunning free art to check out in the city!
Photo Tip:
Use the mural as a backdrop for portraits and Porto Instagrammable shots.
Hours and Tickets: Mural access is open 24 hours
Address: Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 67, 4050-159 Porto, Portugal (2 minute walk from the Livraria Lello)
12. Igreja do Carmo
Igreja do Carmo is a beautiful baroque church located in central Porto. The church is known for its ornate interior, which is decorated with gilded wood carvings and intricate tile work.
There are actually two churches side by side – Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas.
Igreja do Carmo is one of the best places to take photos in Porto. The church’s blue and white tiles on the exterior make it a popular spot for photographers. They depict scenes of the founding of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel.
The church is open to the public and hosts various events throughout the year. Its location in central Porto makes it a convenient spot to visit while exploring the city.
Photo Tip:
- To capture the azelujos tiles you don’t have to enter the church as it is located on the right side of the building
- You can easily capture the stunning blue tiles and the church from across the road. There is a square and a block of shops opposite the wall
- If traveling solo, it will be difficult for you to frame yourself in the shot from afar, because it is near a busy road. And I don’t recommend putting your tripod + camera (or cell phone) across the road. Instead, try to take a candid shot with part of the tiles in view (or hire a photographer to help you out)
Hours and Tickets: The bridge access is open 24 hours, and is free to enter.
Address: Rua Carmo, Porto (2 minute walk from Livraria Lello Bookshop)
13. Clérigos Tower
Torre dos Clerigos (tower) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto. It offers panoramic views of the city from its top.
The tower was built in the 18th century and is one of the tallest in Portugal. It is open to the public and you can access the top for a fee.
The views from the top of the tower are stunning, especially on a clear day. You can see for miles in every direction. It is a great place to take photos of the cityscape of Porto.
Photo Tip:
- You can climb the 240 steps to capture some of the stunning views of the city (there is an entry fee)
- The Tower itself is a great Porto Instagram spot, so don’t forget to take a photo infront of it.
- There are park and green areas near the tower, and this part of the complex is not busy, so you can definitely capture yourself and the tower in all its magnificence
Hours and Tickets: Opening hours of the Torre dos Clérigos are from 09:00 am to 07:00 pm. Entrance ticket can be booked here
Address: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal (A 2-min walk from Livraria Lello)
14. Palacio da Bolsa: Stock Exchange Palace
The Palacio da Bolsa is one of the best places to take photos in Porto. The palace was once the stock exchange of Porto and is now open to the public and hosts various events.
The building was built in the 19th century, and it is grand with ornate interiors including a central hall with a glass ceiling, chandeliers, and marble staircases.
You have to pay for a guided tour to access the interiors where all the goodness lies!
Photo Tip:
- The Arab Room or Salao Arabe is the stunning room in all of the Bolsa Palace.
- But don’t miss the staircase and strike a pose (pictured above)
- Plus capture the views of the city in the Presidential room
Hours and Tickets: Open from 09:00 am to 06:30 pm. Entrance ticket can be booked here
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal (A 1-min walk from the Igreja de São Francisco)
15. Igreja de São Francisco
Igreja de São Francisco in Porto is a baroque church and its interior is ornately decorated with gilded wood carvings and intricate tile work.
The construction of Igreja de São Francisco began in 1383 but wasn’t completed until a few decades later.
The church itself is very imposing and this is where you can take an awesome Porto Instagram photo!
Photo Tip:
- Try to be there when the gates open to capture the church exterior. This site is not usually crowded in the morning
- You can set up a tripod and take photos from the outside of the church
Hours and Tickets: Closing hours vary. But they open at 09:00 am every day. Tickets needed to visit the interiors
Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto, Portugal (one minute from Bolsa Palace)
16. Miradouro da Vitória
The Miradouro da Vitória is one of the best places to take photos in Porto. The viewpoint is located on a hill in the Vila Nova de Gaia district and offers stunning views of the city.
There are a variety of activities to do at the miradouro, such as picnicking, relaxing, strolling, etc.
There is also a cafe and restaurant at the top, as well as a playground for children. The miradouro is a great place to take photos of the cityscape, especially of the Ponte Luis I bridge.
Hours and Tickets: Open 24 hours. It is free to enter.
Address: R. de São Bento da Vitória 11, 4050-265 Porto, Portugal (A 3-min walk from the Palácio da Bolsa)
17. Jardins do Palácio Cristal
Cristal Palace is one of the best Instagrammable places to take photos in Porto. The palace was built for the International Exhibition of 1865 and it has beautiful gardens with fountains, trees, and flowers.
The palace is open to the public and hosts various events. Its grandeur makes it one of the best places to take photos in Porto.
Plus the gardens are stunning and it offers an amazing view of Douro river and the city itself.
Photo Tip:
- This spot is perfect for sunsets. No visit to Porto would be complete without catching a sunset from the Cristal Palace gardens.
- As the viewpoint is located on top of a hill, and it offers stunning views of the city.
Hours and Tickets: The park and garden are open 24 hours. It is free to enter.
Address: R. de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto, Portugal
18. Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (Church of Saint Ildephonsus) stands tall and beautiful in the city center of Porto. This is an 18th-century building.
The church is located near Batalha Square and was completed in 1739. The church was constructed in a pre-Baroque style and features a 1932 façade azulejo tilework.
Photo Tip:
- Capture the grandeur of the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso from the left side of the complex. This way you can add a subject in the frame along with the church in its background! The blue and white tilework is very evident from the front.
- Or capture just the church from the front as usual
Hours and Tickets: They are closed on Mondays. But for the purposes of Instagram photos, you will need to access/visit from outside.
Address: R. de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542 Porto, Portugal
19. Views from Arrabida Bridge
Ponte da Arrábida is one of the six bridges of Porto. And it connects Porto and Gaia. This arched bridge offers an alternate view of Porto and the banks of the Douro River.
You can get a nice shot of this bridge from the Cristal Palace Gardens.
Hours and Tickets: Open 24 hours. It is free to enter.
Address: Via de Cintura Interna, Porto, Portugal
20. Ribeira
Ribeira is one of the most popular tourist areas in Porto. It is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, and offers stunning views of the river and city skyline. The district is located on the banks of the Douro River.
There are a variety of things to do in Ribeira, such as taking a cruise on the river, visiting the many cafes and bars, or just taking a stroll through the streets.
Photo Tip:
- The best time to take photos in Ribeira is during the day when the sun is shining and there are cruises going on
- You can also get some picture perfect shots of the city at night
- From the Ribeira, you can capture the cityscape of Gaia and the various bridges
- Get a subject to sit on the river banks for an amazing portrait with the view of the city behind them (create a bokeh effect)
- The beauty of Ribeira is its colorful cafes and buildings, and we recommend capturing its vibe and commotion!
Hours and Tickets: Open 24 hours
21. Miradouro da Vila Nova de Gaia
The Miradouro da Vila Nova de Gaia is another great spot for taking in the views of Porto.
From here, you can see the skyline of Porto in its finest form.
Locals say that the best thing about Gaia is the view of Porto, and I have to agree. It is also a nice spot to sit or stroll along the promenade.
Photo Tip:
- This is a great place to come at sunset, when the city is lit up and the views are even more stunning
- You can capture the colorful buildings of Porto from across the river in Gaia
- This is a good spot near Porto to get traditional boats and bridges in one shot
Hours and Tickets: Open 24 hours
22. Graham’s Port Lodge
Graham’s Port Lodge is located in Villa Nova de Gaia, and it is one of the popular wine manufacturers. The lodge is located in a converted warehouse and offers a unique perspective on the city from its terraces and restaurant – VINUM.
Photo Tip:
- The lodge is a great place to capture panoramic views of the city and river
- It is also a great place to take photos of the cityscape and the bridges
- You can book a wine cellar tour to check out the place or make a reservation at the restaurants to capture the views and enjoy a nice meal!
Hours and Tickets: VINUM is open from noon to 1:00 am. Do make a reservation. Wine cellar tours can be booked here.
Address: Caves Graham’s, Rua do Agro 141, 4400-003 Porto, Portugal
23. Port wine cellars: Burmester
Porto and Villa Nova de Gaia are known for their port wine. Wine is grown in the Douro Valley and they were transported to Porto to be matured.
You can visit any of the wine cellar caves and get an instant Instagrammable shot with barrels in a dark room.
Photo Tip:
We recommend Burmester Cellar, as it is located near the Dom Luis I Bridge and offers affordable wine tasting tours.
Hours and tickets: The cellars are open for tours and tastings every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Here is the one hour tour to book (the tour is conducted in several languages).
Address: Largo Dom Luís I, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
24. Douro River Cruise
For a different way to see the city, take a cruise down the Douro River. You’ll get great views of Porto’s landmarks from the water, and also learn about the history of the Six Bridges of Porto!
Photo Tip:
- Douro River Cruise will allow you to capture the architecture of the bridges from underneath it (6 Bridges River cruise on Douro River)
- There are also many attractions (bridges and buildings) that can be captured beautifully from the river
Tickets: Book your tickets here
25. Foz do Douro
The wealthy Foz do Douro area boasts of beautiful sandy beaches like Praia da Luz and Praia do Homem Leme, as well as diverse restaurants that serve international and Portuguese dishes.
This beach area is located at the mouth of the river Douro and is about 15 minute drive away from the historic Porto city center. It offers great views of the river as well as a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing can be done here.
Photo Tip:
- There is a 16th-century Castelo do Queijo fortification, overlooking the sea, which has massive granite walls and watchtowers. This is a great spot for an Instagrammable photo!
Google Maps: Porto Instagram Spots
There you have it! Porto is an incredibly photogenic city with a multitude of photo-worthy spots. Whether you’re interested in architecture, and landscapes, or just want to capture the essence of the city, there’s something for everyone.
We recommend taking pictures in the morning or evenings in Porto during the summer months, as during the day the sun can be very harsh.
So next time you’re planning a trip to Portugal, be sure to add Porto to your list!
Read more Portugal travel guides here | Check out our stories post shared on Instagram
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Pin: 25 Porto Instagrammable Spots to add to your itinerary
