Description
An increasingly popular port of call on both ocean and river cruises, Oporto is a vibrant coastal city at the mouth of the Douro River, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean, and a highlight of any cruise adventure in this stunning part of the world. Home to countless iconic sights, from the landmark arched bridge of Ponte da Arrábida and the vibrant hillside neighbourhood of Ribeira to the lavishly decorated Palácio da Bolsa and the stunning Church of Saint Ildefonso, there’s a lot to explore when spending time in Oporto – and that’s not taking into account the countless museums and galleries here, or destinations like Livaria Lello, a breathtaking Neo-Gothic bookshop that feels ripped straight from the pages of a fantasy novel. The second-largest city in Portugal and a major holiday destination on the Iberian Peninsula, Oporto is also home to a sensational culinary landscape, with countless restaurants and cafes exploring traditional dishes and authentic Portuguese cuisine alongside an abundance of wine bars where you can enjoy sampling world-renowned Port and wines from Douro’s countless vineyards. All of this is complemented by a wealth of attractions, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Oporto. Whether you’re exploring the Iberian coastline on an ocean-bound vessel or venturing further inland along the Douro and Portugal’s stunning waterways, it’s always worth looking forward to visiting this sensational city.
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Things to do
Palácio da Bolsa
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture and interior design, Palácio da Bolsa is among the most beautiful buildings in Oporto. Formerly a stock exchange, the palatial building was constructed throughout the mid-19th century as the seat of the Commercial Association. Now, though, it hosts important visitors to the city while also offering tours so tourists can take the time to marvel at the intricate interior design on display here, including a breathtaking Moorish Revival room, frescoes by Ramalho, and much more.
Church of São Francisco
Boasting both incredible Gothic architecture on the outside and breathtaking Baroque architecture within, the Church of São Francisco sits in the heart of Oporto’s historic city centre. Easily one of the city’s most stunning landmarks, this 13th-century Roman Catholic church has remained relatively unaltered over the centuries, offering visitors further insight into what Oporto looked like hundreds of years ago.
Torre dos Clérigos
One of Oporto’s most iconic landmarks, Torre dos Clérigos is an 18th-century Roman Catholic church featuring a 75-metre-tall belltower – the tallest campanile in Portugal. Boasting breathtaking Baroque architecture and interiors, climbing the belltower’s 240 steps will reward you with stunning panoramic views of Oporto and the Douro River. It’s certainly a bit of a climb, but these are unrivalled views you won’t want to miss.
Livaria Lello
A must-visit for Wizarding World fans, Livaria Lello is a historic Neo-Gothic bookshop boasting enchanting interiors. Opened in 1881, it’s one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and is frequently ranked among the best in the world. If you’re looking for photo opportunities, you’ll certainly find them here.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Constructed by a student of Gustav Eiffel in 1886, the Dom Luís I Bridge is an iconic double-deck metal arch bridge spanning the Douro and connecting Oporto with Villa Nova de Gaia. At the time, it was the largest of its kind in the world, spanning roughly 172 metres, and today it is a fantastic place to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s most stunning cities.