ECIC2015
 
Interesting places to visit in Porto and Sightseeing tours


City Centre
  • S. Bento station and the Almas Chapel and their superb azulejos (blue tiles).
  • Old- worldly grocery stores in rua Formosa.
  • Bolhão Market virtually anything, enjoy the smells, the colours, the people.
  • Livraria Lello (Bookshop) which inspired J.K. Rowling in her Harry Potter books.
  • For breath taking vistas, go to the Clérigos Tower and to Bar 17º on the seventeenth floor of the Hotel Dom Henrique or take a walk to the Crystal Palace Gardens or the Miradouro da Victória.
  • Best place for shopping - and more shopping - in the traditional commercial streets around Santa Catarina or the cool, cult, new, vintage shops, and art in the Bombarda neighbourhood.
  • Café Majestic and Guarany – early 20th century traditional Porto coffee shops
  • Casa da Música - This icon of contemporary architecture inaugurated in 2005, is the brainchild of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. Visitors come from all over the world to visit and to listen to its innovative musical programme which ranges from classical to urban trend. It houses 4 resident groups: Symphony Orchestra, Remix Ensemble, Baroque Orchestra and Choir.
  • 22 and 18 old trams - These lines have since 1895 been criss crossing through some of the most iconic parts of Porto.
  • Sé Catedral - Romanesque style construction began in the twelfth century. The sacristy, cloister and the beautiful blue (azulejo) tiles that cover its galleries, as well as the chapel, date from the Gothic period. A beautiful 13th century rosace stands out on the west front. The paintings by Nasoni, the carved gilded wood altarpiece and the silver altar of the Blessed Sacrament are all noteworthy. Mass is still celebrated there but if it is tranquility which you seek, do not miss the cloister.

 

Ribeira and Miragaia District

-       Ideal place to take a walk alongside the Douro - you cannot miss the Ponte D. Luís I, a   spectacular metal arch bridge that spans the river between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

-      The neo-classical Stock-Exchange Palace dominates the Infante D. Henrique Square and, if nothing else, visit the famous Arab room inspired by the Alhambra of Grenada in Spain. Nearby, enter the Igreja de San Francisco, Saint Francis of Assisi’s golden church.

-       Funicular dos Guindais - funicular railway to get a better view of the Douro river.

 

Foz do Douro Beaches

In a few minutes on the historical line “Eléctrico 1” which follows the river banks, you will reach Foz do Douro, the starting point for a bracing walk, nose up in the air of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. Foz do Douro and its “promenade des anglais”, its beautiful beach houses, its beaches, its many shops and restaurants. A free injection of iodine only ten minutes from the city centre (a tram comes along every 20 minutes or so).

 

Vila Nova de Gaia

  • Miradouro da Serra do Pilar - This 16th century former convent is now a military barracks. Cross the bridge Dom Luis I and get a breathtaking view over the city walls, Sé Catedral, the estuary, ... It's free and unforgettable.
  • Taylor’s cellars: the tour is very informative and you will discover the many different varieties and the history of this world famous wine. You will need to climb the narrow lanes but this is well worth the effort as you will get to a splendid view of Porto and its estuary. You’ll have the opportunity to taste different wines.
  •  Don’t miss the opportunity to take a cruise on the Douro River

 

 

Museums

  • Serralves House and Contemporary Art Museum (and Gardens)
  • World of Discoveries – Interactive Museum and Theme Park
  • Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis - This museum is the oldest museum in Portugal and the most important museum in Porto. The main styles represented at the museum are Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism. Most of the Portuguese painters and sculptors studied and worked in Porto. The most important work is a piece of beautiful sculpture called “O Desterrado”, The Exiled, by the sculptor António Soares dos Reis (1847-1889).
  • Museu do Vinho do Porto
  • Museu do Carro Eléctrico - The Tramcar Museum
  • Futebol Clube do Porto Museum

 


Please visit these websites – there is a comprehensive list of places to visit and things to do in Porto and possible tours: