15 Porto Viewpoints: Guide to the Best Views in Porto
If you’re looking for some of the best views in Porto to add to your itinerary, you are at the right spot. From miradouros or Porto viewpoints, and parks to river cruises and iconic bridges, the city offers plenty of ways to take in its stunning scenery.
To help you make the most of your time in Porto, we’ve put together a guide to the city’s best views along with essential tips and a Google Maps link. So grab your camera and get ready to explore!
15 Best Views in Porto: A Guide to Epic Porto Viewpoints
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There are many wonderful places to see in Porto, but some of the best views can be found from the following locations:
- Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
- Jardim do Morro
- View from Dom Luis I Bridge
- Porto Cathedral & Terreiro da Se Street
- Clerigos Tower
- Jardins do Palácio Cristal
- Palacio da Bolsa or Bolsa Palace Rooms
- Miradouro da Vitória
- Views from Arrabida Bridge
- Vile Nova de Gaia \ Marginal de Gaia
- Graham’s Port Lodge (VINUM)
- View from a sightseeing Douro River Cruise
- Escadas dos Guindais (funicular)
- Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
- Stay in a hotel or apartment with views of Porto
Why Porto is the perfect city for incredible views
There are many reasons why Porto is the perfect city for incredible views. First of all, its hilly landscape means that there are plenty of high vantage points from which to take in the scenery.
Secondly, the city is located on the Douro River, which offers some great opportunities for river cruises with stunning views.
Match that with colorful houses and charming historic buildings that will just make any photo (and your eyes) pop with awe!
And last but not least, Porto is home to some iconic bridges, like the Dom Luís I Bridge, which offer unparalleled views of the cityscape.
So whether you’re looking for a panoramic viewpoint, a river cruise with great scenery, or an iconic bridge to explore, Porto has it all!
Now, here is the list of stunning Porto viewpoints, gardens, and buildings from where you can soak in the views of Porto!
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar: A panoramic view of the city and river below
The Miradouro da Serra do Pilar is one of the best Porto viewpoints. From this spot, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and the river below. It’s a great place to watch the sunset over Porto.
Serra do Pilar is a 16th-century former convent that is now a military barrack. This viewpoint is located on the north side of the city.
To get to the miradouro, you can take a short hike up the hill or take a quick ride on the funicular. Either way, it’s sure to be a highlight of your one day Porto itinerary!
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)
Jardim do Morro: A park with lovely views of the cityscape
Jardim do Morro is a garden located near the top of the D. Luis bridge, at the foot of Serra do Pilar. It has an extensive green space, a children’s playground, an esplanade, and an open-air theater that is frequently used for performances.
This is one of the best views of Porto with a great backdrop of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, pastel-hued houses of Ribeira on the opposite side of the Douro, and the snaking river below.
To visit this garden, you have to cross the Ponte de Dom Luis I, and there is a metro line here as well. As you are crossing from Porto, technically you are in Vile Nova de Gaia.
There is a cable car that leads to this garden, and you will find sitting areas and a grove of palm trees at the summit.
Just at the base entrance of Jardim do Morro (photo above), you will find platforms where you can take in the views of the pretty cityscape!
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
View from Dom Luis I Bridge
The Dom Luís I Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto. The bridge spans the Douro River and offers stunning views of the cityscape.
The Dom Luís I Bridge was completed in 1886 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Porto. The bridge is named after King Dom Luís I, who ruled Portugal from 1861 to 1889.
The bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto and is a great place to get a view of the city.
There are 2 levels on the bridge and you can take in the views of Porto from both – just by walking across.
Hours and Tickets: The bridge access is open 24 hours, and is free to enter.
Address: Pte. Luiz I, Porto, Portugal
Porto Cathedral Square & Terreiro da Sé Street
The Terreiro da Sé is the perfect place to start your exploration of Porto’s Old Town. This large square is home to the city’s cathedral, as well as a number of other historic buildings.
From here, you can easily explore the narrow streets that make up the city’s center.
The Cathedral is a popular Instagram spot in Porto, and you can also capture the beautiful blue tiles or azulejos here (for free).
The cathedral’s square and steps leading to the top of the square give a stunning view of the surrounding area with colorful buildings and tower sights. I got to this point while walking from my hotel in Miragaia to the Porto Cathedral (upper town).
Hours and Tickets: The bridge access is open 24 hours, and is free to enter.
Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
Clérigos Tower: Unbeatable views of Porto from this iconic tower
If you’re looking for unbeatable views of Porto, head to the top of the Clerigos Tower. This tall, slender tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s easy to see why – from the top, you can see for miles in every direction.
Climb to the top of the tower and take in the panoramic views of Porto’s red-tiled rooftops, the River Douro, and the surrounding countryside.
After taking in the views, descend to the street level and explore the Clerigos Church and Plaza, which are located just next to the tower.
Hours and Tickets: The 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)
Jardins do Palácio Cristal
The Jardins do Palácio Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) are one of the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of Porto. The gardens are located on a hill, and from here you can see all across the city and down to the Douro River.
From here you can capture a great shot and photos of the Arrábida Bridge.
The gardens are beautifully landscaped, with flowers, trees, and fountains. There is also a café in the gardens, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the views.
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
Views from Palacio da Bolsa or Bolsa Palace Rooms
Another great place to see Porto is from the top of the Palacio da Bolsa. This building was once a stock exchange and now serves as a museum. It was built in the 19th century.
The Palacio da Bolsa is located in the center of the city and offers visitors a great view of the surrounding area.
Access is only via guided tour, but it is 1000% worth it. Through this tour, you can learn about the merchant history, and also check out the stunning guided Arab Room.
From the various meeting and Presidential rooms, you can capture the views of the bridge through the window!
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-minute walk from the Igreja de São Francisco)
Miradouro da Vitória
Miradouro da Vitória is another viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the city and its riverfront. You can also see some of the city’s most famous landmarks from here, such as the Dom Luis I Bridge and the Palacio da Bolsa.
You can access this scenic Porto viewpoint from the Bolsa Palace – it is only a 3 minute walk away.
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)
Views from Arrabida Bridge
The Arrábida Bridge is another great option for getting views of Porto. This is an arched bridge that spans the Douro River and connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
The Arrábida Bridge was built in 1963 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto.
Hours and Tickets: Open 24 hours. It is free to enter.
Address: Via de Cintura Interna, Porto, Portugal
Vile Nova de Gaia | Marginal de Gaia
The Villa Nova de Gaia is a great place to get a different perspective of Porto. From here, you can see the city skyline and the bridges that span the Douro River.
As soon as you cross Dom Luis I bridge you will see the colors of the Ribeira all lit up!
Enjoy your leisurely stroll and then sit down to soak in the views. This is also a great place to come at sunset when the city is lit up with views that are even more stunning.
Graham’s Port Lodge (VINUM)
Graham’s Port Lodge is one of the best places to enjoy the views of Porto. From here, you can see the city skyline, as well as the riverfront.
The lodge also has a restaurant and bar, so you can sit back, relax, and take in the views.
It is located at the very end of the wine cellar trail in Vila Nova de Gaia at an incline. You can book a wine cellar tour or reserve a table at their restaurant – VINUM to enjoy the views!
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
Douro River Cruise: Take in the sights from the water
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 you can take in the sights of the 6 Bridges.
These cruises are for 50 minutes only, and you can hop on one from the Ribeira area or Gaia. You can check out the colorful historic center of Porto, as well as many port wine cellars from the waters.
Tickets: Book your tickets here
Ride the Escadas dos Guindais funicular for views over Porto
For an even better view of the city, take a ride on the Funicular dos Guindais. The Funicular dos Guindais is a cable car that takes visitors to the top of the hill for unbeatable views of Porto.
The Funicular dos Guindais is also known as The Guindais Funicular, and it is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind method of travel between parts of the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto and is a great way to see the city.
Hours and tickets: They are open from 08:00 am every day and closes at 10:00 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays they are open until 12:00 am. Tickets are 2.50 euros.
Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
Situated on Rua das Aldas and pretty close to the Cathedral, this viewpoint offers a different view of Porto with the Ribeira and boats.
Plus its sweeping views of the cityscape and the River Douro, it is no wonder that this spot is popular among both locals and tourists alike.
If you are looking to capture the essence of Porto in your camera, then this is the place to be.
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)
Stay in a hotel or apartment with views of Porto from your bedside window
One of the best ways to enjoy the amazing views of Porto is to stay in a hotel or apartment with a view. There are many great options available, and you can even find some that offer panoramic views of the city.
I stayed in Miragaia, and from my apart-hotel, I had views of the Douro river and colorful houses of Gaia.
Here is where I stayed – Oporto Street Miragaia Riverside Suites.
No matter where you stay, be sure to take advantage of the incredible views that Porto has to offer!
Sightseeing Map: Viewpoints Porto
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Porto Travel Tips
If you’re coming from Lisbon, the best way to get to Porto is by car. The drive takes about 3 hours, and you’ll have the flexibility to stop along the way and explore some of Portugal’s other cities and towns.
Or take the high speed Alfa Pendular train to get to Porto in about the same time. Via trains, you can connect to the Campanha and the stunning São Bento railway station.
Plus, once you’re in Porto, you can easily walk or take public transportation to all of the city’s best landmarks and attractions.
So there you have it! These are some of the amazing viewpoints to check out during your visit to Porto.
Whether you’re taking in the sights from the water on a Douro River cruise or enjoying panoramic views from one of the city’s many viewpoints, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city’s stunning scenery.
So be sure to add these spots to your itinerary and enjoy all that Porto has to offer!
You can read some of the other Porto posts on our website
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