I first met Portugal years ago when a friend of mine did his Erasmus in Porto; After looking at his photos, I was on the lookout for a way to Portugal in a short time.. However, due to the limited number of flights from our country to Portugal and the high prices of the tickets, the plans were delayed a little and the dreams of visiting Portugal were left for a few years.

Meanwhile, Porto became a popular city; first, it became one of the best destinations in Europe with its unique architecture and lifestyle, so it was mentioned a lot in magazines, it was frequently seen on internet sites and on Instagram, and finally everyone was talking about Porto.. As our curiosity increased, we started chasing tickets in the campaign.. Here is the Mediterranean spirit; Doesn’t he let go! We finally got the right tickets and yes, we were going to Porto! The fact that Porto is one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe was one of the best aspects of this trip.

Places to Visit in Porto in Porto Travel Guide, Nostalgic Porto Trams, Wine Tasting in Porto, Porto’ You can read the details of Places To Visit Nearby, Where To Eat In Porto, Where To Eat In Porto, How To Get To Porto, When To Go To Porto, How To Get To Porto, Where To Stay In Porto.

THINGS TO WATCH IN PORTO

One of Portugal’s most visited cities, together with its capital Lisbon, Porto It is one of the most beautiful cities we have visited so far with its urban texture, architecture with plenty of ceramics, nostalgic streets colored with murals and Mediterranean flavors.. Contrary to what we are used to in Europe, it is a very friendly and warm city, which definitely makes the trip more beautiful.. Let’s say from the beginning that it is a long list, we wanted to share all our experiences in Porto.

#1 Chapel of Souls:

Capela, one of Porto’s iconic architectures das Almas, or Chapel of Souls, is located very close to Bolhao Market and Bolhao metro stop.. Church, 18. a small building built at the turn of the century; The main event is the blue colored azulejo ceramic tiles, a classic of Porto architecture.. Azulejo is one of the details you will see most in Porto architecture.. This is one of the places you should not miss while visiting Bolhao.. After all, you will come across four roads as you visit Rua da Santa Catarina, one of Porto’s main shopping streets.. Azulejos were added to the chapel with the work done in 1929; It represents the moments in the life of Saint Francis and Saint Catherine.

Address: Rua de Santa Catarina, 428

#2 Rua de Santa Catarina :

Rua de Santa Catarina, which we mentioned in Chapel of Souls, is Porto’s biggest shopping street. There are many local and international shops, cafes, restaurants and arcade-style shopping centers on the street starting from Batalha Square.. During your tour here, you can visit one of the city’s historical cafes, Cafe Majestic, the azulejo coated Igreja dos Congregados (St.. Anthony’s Church) and the Chapel of Souls.

#3 Cafe Majestic:

In 1921, under the name Cafe Elite, Majestic, I opened with Bell Epoque decoration as a private club. After World War II, it lost its popularity and declined.. Years later, the cafe was redecorated by Agostinho Barrias in accordance with its original and opened under the name of Cafe Majestic.. It is always crowded and noisy, as it is one of the most stylish and preferred places in Porto today.. He who goes early finds a place; However, it is a very touristic spot and its prices are way above Porto standards.

Address: 112 Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto

#4 Igreja de Santo Ildefonso:

After seeing Majestic Cafe, you can reach Saint Ildefonso Church by walking in 5 minutes.. This is one of the famous churches of Porto. It dates back to 1709; Although it took 21 years to complete without the bell towers visible now, it was opened in 1739.. The interior decoration is in baroque and rococo style, and the addition of 11,000 Azulejo ceramic wall paintings covering the exterior today took place in 1931.. The church, which has been renovated and added many times over time, is closed at some hours.. Check before you go, we coincided with closed time.

Address:  Rua de Santı Ildefonso, 11

#5 Mercado do Bolhao:

Gather those who love to visit the market wherever they go, Porto’s Bolhao Market is one of the best in this regard! Opened in 1914 in one of the city’s great neo-classical buildings, Bolhao Market is ideal for tasting Porto’s local and farm products; You can also stop by for fruit and snack shopping during the day.. However, since the building it is located in has a history of more than 100 years, it was restored in 2018 and its opening is expected in May 2020. Therefore, we did not see the market in its original place.. In the process, they moved part of the market to the La Vie shopping center near the Bolhao metro stop.. Although not in the same mood, you can also go to it to see what it has.

Address: Rua Formosa, 322

#6 Avenida dos Aliados :

Aliados Boulevard is undoubtedly one of the places considered the center of Porto city.. Its name is Portugal’s 14th. It comes from the alliance agreement he made with the British in the 19th century; in other words, it is literally translated into Turkish as Allies Boulevard.. Since this alliance is the first example in the world, we think they wanted to keep it alive on the boulevard.. It is possible to see different architectures of Porto on Avenia dos Aliados; Beaux-art, which is considered neoclassical and French architecture, are the most common styles. We can say that it creates a slight feeling of walking in Paris.. This is also the location of Porto’s most luxurious hotels.

#7 Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas:

Carmo Church and Carmelitas Church, Rua Two churches side by side on the corner where do Carmo meets Carlos Alberto Square. The reason why Carmo and Carmelitas churches are always mentioned together is that these two structures are separated from each other by a house only 1 meter wide.. This mini house was built in order to prevent the two churches from sharing the same wall and to prevent possible relations between the priests and nuns in the two churches.. The top of the bell tower on its left is embroidered with Azulejo, but it is not very obvious. The main thing you should see here is the exterior of the Carmo Church, on the Rua do Carmo side, on the right.. Carmo Church was completed in 1768 after 12 years of long work.. Its architecture is in Baroque style, and its very photogenic exterior is covered with Porto classic Azulejo ceramics added in 1912.

Address:  Rua do Carmo

#8 Livreria Lello:

Visiting the library and library is one of our favorite activities; so, when we came to Porto, we couldn’t go back without seeing the Lello Bookstore! Opened in 1906, Livreria Lello is one of the oldest bookstores not only in the city but also in the world.. Aside from its historical importance, it always pushes the top of the must-see bookstore lists with its art-nouveau exterior, neo-Gothic interior architecture and magnificent stained glass ceiling.

The bookstore is a complete movie set. As for the magazine side of things, he is J.K.. Inspiration for the Flourish & Blotts Bookstore, where Rowling’s spell books from Harry Potter were taken, and some areas of Hogwarts. Rowling lived in Porto for two years and used to come here often.. Livraria Lello’s connection with the Harry Potter series comes from here and it is a frequent destination for Harry Potter fans.. Come and go time, the bookstore is starting to get crowded all the time. Eventually it becomes a place to enter with a fee..

The bookstore is open every day from 09:30 to 19:00. Entrance fee is €5, if you buy a book inside, this number is deducted from the book fee.. You buy the tickets from the Voucher written place on the right of the main entrance.. Backpacks are left in the locker once inside. Be at the door at the opening time if you want to take photos, as there is no place to step during lunch hours.. The gift section is very beautiful, there is also a mini room devoted entirely to books and products about Harry Potter.

Address:  Rua das Carmelitas, 144

#9 Igreja dos Clerigos and Torre dos Clerigos:

Clerigos Church, which you can reach in 2-3 minutes on foot from Livreria Lello, is one of Porto’s most important Baroque architectures.. The church, which was completed in the 18th century, is one of the most famous tourist spots in Porto, with its 76-meter-long tower offering panoramic views.. The church is free to visit, the entrance fee for the tower is €6. It is open to visitors between 09:00 – 19:00 every day; but it is necessary to climb the 250-step ladder. The view did not open us very much, that’s why we didn’t go out.. However, it can be seen without climbing up the tower while you are all the way to Lello.

Address: Rua de Sao Filipe de Nery

#10 Casa Oriental:

There is a colorful shop called Casa Oriental in the square where the Clerigos Tower is located. It used to be a greengrocer where products such as fruit, vegetables, cod, tea and coffee were sold.. Currently owned by Portuguese canned fish brand Comur. Comur, which you would call a canned fish producer, has built a thematic and concept store here.. A completely different world has been created from these cans, which are also very famous as souvenirs in Porto.. Inside, there is a separate box specially designed for each year.

In the store, they first ask your date of birth and bring the can of that year.. Whatever important event happened in the world that year, the names of two famous people who were born that year are written under it.. Boxes €7, contains sardines. On the upper floor of the store, canned food of other Portuguese seafood is sold.. The price of canned food is high, but you should definitely visit this colorful store even if you won’t buy it.

Address: Campo dos Martires da Patria, 111

#11 Sao Bento Train Station:

Porto is an interesting city, as you can see, our sightseeing list is getting more and more interesting.. Now we will visit the train station; because why not?! Sao Bento station took 12 years to complete, finished in 1916. After the main architecture was completed, Azulejo tiles, one of the most important reasons for the station to be under UNESCO protection, were added to its interior decoration.

We are liars of the internet; It is said that there are 20,000 Azulejo pottery in Sao Bento.. These 20,000 Azulejos were made by Portugal’s famous Azulejo painter Jorge Colaço and took 11 years to complete.. Portugal’s historical moments and rural landscapes in different parts of the country are depicted on the wall paintings created with tiles.

Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett

#12 Se do Porto:

The Porto Cathedral, located at the highest point of Porto, is one of the most important architectures of the city.. The construction of the cathedral 12. century, but since it has been rebuilt several times over the years and frequently added and renewed during the rest of the years, its architectural style has changed in every period, mainly Gothic style.. The appearance of the cathedral is like a castle; because this place used to be used to protect the city. Porto Cathedral, which is in the category of National Monument, also draws attention as it is the place that hosts important days of the royal family.. The cathedral is free to visit, but tickets are required for the tower, courtyard and treasury sections.. Climbing the tower €3, visiting the courtyard €3. We preferred to visit the cathedral and the courtyard and spend time on its terrace; because we think Porto’s best city view is on this terrace.

You will see a small staircase at the exit of Porto Cathedral.. Follow the stairs and enter Rua de Pena Ventosa.. This narrow street will take you to a small square.. You can take a short break at Cerca Velha on the corner.. This has become our favorite street in Porto. Then you will go to Ribeira, one of the most characteristic areas of the city.

Address: Terreiro da Se

#13 Palacio da Bolsa:

At the site of the Bolsa Palace, now the headquarters of the Porto Trade Union, formerly St.. Francis Monastery. It was decided to build the Stock Exchange Palace on the site of the monastery, which was damaged in the wars and destroyed as a result of fires, and it took 49 years to complete the palace that is visible today.. Opened in 1891, the Bolsa Palace has a magnificent Neo-Classical architecture.. Various events, receptions and special invitations take place in this palace, which is still actively used.. Its glass-domed courtyard and Arabian Hall are worth seeing, if you want to visit, it’s better to arrive early.. The entrance fee is €11 per person, visiting hours are 09:00 – 18:30 from April to October, 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:30 from November to March.

Address: Rua de Ferreira Borges

#14 Igreja de Sao Francisco:

Church of Sao Francisco, right next to Bolsa Palace, exterior It has an unbelievable decoration that does not reveal itself from its façade.. Gold embroideries inside the church; He made this church one of the most important Baroque architectures of the city and also placed it under UNESCO protection.. 300 kg of gold dust was used in the embroidery, which alone is enough to prove how valuable the Church of Sao Francisco is.. As you can see, the Baroque show in Porto never ends and takes it one step further every time.. While visiting the church, do not forget to see the burial chamber; The mass graveyard, which you can see under the glass floor, is another highlight of this place.

Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique

#15 Ribeira:

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Porto, Ribeira is one of the must-see areas in Porto with its dock area and narrow side streets.. It was the center of Porto in the past as it covers the port area lying on the banks of the Douro River, and nothing has changed in the intervening years; because now it is the center of Porto tourism. Although it is touristic and crowded, we are lucky to be in Europe; After all, we won’t lose much of the urban fabric.

Wandering through the labyrinthine streets of Ribeira, which has been under UNESCO protection since 1996, is truly one of the best things you can do in Porto.. The highly preserved streets of Ribeira that look like a movie set are perfect for photographing Porto architecture and discovering authentic places.. During the street tour, stop by Ribeira Square, there are cafes and souvenir shops around where you can sit against the view.. Afterwards, you will go up to the quay and take a break against the view of the Douro River.. The colorful houses on the quay are also a bonus of the Ribeira trip.

#16 Ponte Dom Luis I:

One of the reasons why we love Porto so much is our relationship with Istanbul. similarity. There are many things that remind us of Istanbul, and the Dom Luis I Bridge is one of them.. Dom Luis I Bridge, the symbol of Porto, was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower.. To establish this connection, it is enough to know the iron architecture of Eiffel and other works of Gustave Eiffel.

This two-storey bridge connecting Porto city center to Vila Nova de Gaia, known as the new city, was completed in 1886.. The lower floor of the bridge is used for vehicle traffic, and the upper floor is used for trams.. Pedestrians can use both floors. Crossing the bridge on foot is one of the best activities to do in Porto.. The upper floor goes up to the hill where you can see the best view of the bridge, and the lower floor leads to the center of Gaia.. First, you can go up the hill and go down the gaps, so that the return route will pass through the lower floor of the bridge.. The best times for walking are sunrise and sunset, and it is very popular to consider the sunset here.

#17 Serra do Pilar Monastery:

Dom Luis Serra do Pilar, one of Porto’s famous monasteries, is across the hill that you will reach when you cross the upper floor of the I bridge.. With its circular structure, the monastery is one of the most valuable architectures of the Gaia region and its design is similar to the Santa Maria della Rotonda Church in Rome.. Although its construction started in 1538, it was only completed in 72 years due to the lack of sufficient budget, the rapid aging of the monastery and the developing political events.. Since it is on the top of the city and has a sheltered structure, 20. It was even used as a military base for a period in the century.. The monastery and the church inside are open to visitors, and the view of Porto with the Dom Luis I bridge can be seen from its tower.. Closed on Mondays, entrance to the monastery €1, entrance to the tower €3.

Address: Largo Aviz, Vila Nova de Gaia

#18 Gaia :

You’ve somehow heard how famous port wines are.. As a matter of fact, it is not possible to come to Porto and not taste its wines and visit its cellars.. Gaia region is the place to go for wine tasting in Porto.. By the way, it is not only the production center of port wines.. It’s also where the blue flagged Porto beaches are located.

Wine Tasting in Porto

You can visit the vineyards to taste the port wines made with grapes grown in the Douro Valley, and join the tours in the wine cellars.. Wine producers in Gaia organize these vineyard tours and cellar tours according to the weather conditions.. Your means of transportation for the vineyards are the boats you will see on the Douro River; however, you need to have 1 free day in the city to join the vineyard tours with boats.. If you don’t have enough time, you can also go to one of the cellars in Gaia.. In addition to tasting port wines in the cellars, you will also receive information from the producers about their businesses, venues, Douro grapes and wine varieties.. Caves Ferreira, Caves Calem, Caves Sandeman, and Caves Taylor’s are the most recommended cellars.

#19 Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis:

We with the architecture of Portugal and Azulejo-filled houses, we were partially satisfied with art, so we did not enter the art museum by breaking a new ground in our Porto trip.. Let’s not go without mentioning for the curious; Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis Portugal’s first public art museum. The name of the museum comes from the famous Portuguese sculptor Soares dos Reis.. In addition to the paintings and sculptures of dos Reis, other antiques, glass and ceramic works can be seen in the collection.. Entrance to the museum €5 per person. Closed on Mondays, open from 14:00 to 18:00 on Tuesdays, from 10:00 to 18:00 from Wednesday to Sunday.

Address:  Rua de Dom Manuel II, 44

#20 Museu Serralves:

Porto The Museu Serralves, brought to the city by the Serralves Foundation, which was established to promote contemporary art in Turkey, hosts contemporary works of art by Portuguese and international artists from the 1960s to the present.. The museum complex includes exhibition space, auditorium, library, documentation centre, bookstore and boutique.. The most beautiful part is the huge park that shows that art and nature are intertwined.. Do not forget to take the maps showing the sketch of the park at the entrance of the museum, so you can visit without missing any point.. Total admission for museum and park €20 per person, €12 for museum only, €12 for park only. It opens every day at 10:00, open until 19:00 in the summer and until 18:00 in the winter.

Address: Rua Dom Joao de Castro, 210

#21 Casa de Musica:

We did not go and see; but there is one more point to see in Porto for architecture buffs. Casa de Musica was specially designed by the famous Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas for Porto’s European Capital of Culture project in 2001.. The Music House, which was opened in 2005, is considered the most modern architecture of Porto.. As the name suggests, this place stands out as a concert hall and is suitable for any project, from classical music to traditional genres, from the smallest scale to the largest performances.. You can visit Casa de Musica with a guided tour, €7.5 per person.

Address: Avenida da Boavista, 604

#22 Foz do Douro:

Foz, Porto’s old fishing town, is one of the most trendy areas of the city lately with its different texture from the city center, venues and beaches that bring a new breath to Porto.. Located at the point where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, this town is 5 km from the center of Porto.. After going to Foz by tram, you can see the Farol de Felgueiras lighthouse and explore the side streets of the Foz Velha district in the south of the town.. This area remains quite calm as tourists are usually wandering in the center of Porto. The beaches where people from Porto come to sunbathe in the summer, places with ocean views, and Tavi, which is considered one of the best cafes in Porto for breakfast and brunch, are other beauties of Foz.