PART 1 – Porto (start from Gaia: Serra do Pilar)
1. Serra do Pilar
- Description: Start your day at the Serra do Pilar Monastery, located in Gaia. This iconic spot offers a panoramic view of Porto and the Douro River. The circular church and the cloister are unique examples of Portuguese classical architecture.
- History: The monastery was built in the 16th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
- Entrance: €2.50
- Website: Serra do Pilar
2. Cross the Luís I Bridge (Top Level)
- Description: Walk across the top level of the iconic Luís I Bridge, offering stunning views over the Douro River. The bridge was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel and opened in 1886.
- History: The bridge connects Porto and Gaia and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city.
3. Sé do Porto
- Description: Visit Porto’s Cathedral, known as Sé do Porto, with its Gothic architecture and beautiful azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting religious scenes. The courtyard offers great views over the city.
- History: The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has undergone various renovations over the centuries.
- Entrance: Free to enter the cathedral, €3 for the cloisters.
- Website: Sé do Porto
4. São Bento Station
- Description: Head to São Bento Station to marvel at the spectacular entrance hall, adorned with over 20,000 azulejos illustrating moments from Portuguese history.
- History: The station opened in 1916, and the tiles were completed by artist Jorge Colaço over a period of 11 years.
- Entrance: Free
5. Praça da Liberdade
- Description: Stroll through Praça da Liberdade, the heart of Porto. This square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great place to take in the city’s atmosphere.
- History: The square has been a central point in Porto since the 18th century, symbolizing the city’s connection to modernity.
6. Livraria Lello
- Description: Visit the famous Livraria Lello, often referred to as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Its stunning interior design is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s descriptions of Hogwarts.
- Tip: Book your tickets in advance as the queue can be long.
- History: Opened in 1906, the bookstore is a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture.
- Entrance: €5, which can be used as a voucher towards any book purchase.
- Website: Livraria Lello
7. Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos
- Description: Visit the Church and Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. Climb the 240 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the city.
- History: Built in the 18th century by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the tower stands 75 meters tall.
- Entrance: €6
- Website: Clérigos Tower
8. Rua das Flores
- Description: Walk along Rua das Flores, a picturesque street filled with shops, cafes, and street art. It’s a great place to enjoy the local atmosphere and pick up some souvenirs.
- History: Rua das Flores dates back to the 16th century and was originally home to the city’s wealthy merchants.
9. Palácio da Bolsa
- Description: Visit the Palácio da Bolsa, a 19th-century neoclassical building that once served as the Stock Exchange Palace. The rooms inside are lavishly decorated, each with a unique theme.
- Tip: A guided tour is highly recommended to appreciate the history and craftsmanship of each room.
- Entrance: €10
- Website: Palácio da Bolsa
PART 2 – Vila Nova de Gaia
10. Cais da Ribeira
- Description: Explore Cais da Ribeira, a lively riverside area with colorful buildings, restaurants, and bars. It’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the boats on the Douro River.
- History: Cais da Ribeira is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest districts in Porto.
11. Cross the Luís I Bridge (Bottom Level)
- Description: Walk back across the Luís I Bridge using the bottom level. This path is closer to the river and provides a different perspective of the city.
12. Cais de Gaia
- Description: Take a stroll along Cais de Gaia, the waterfront area of Gaia, offering spectacular views of Porto. Here, you’ll find numerous restaurants and wine cellars.
- Optional: Consider taking a boat tour to see the six bridges of Porto from the river.
- Boat Tour Price: Around €15-20 per person
13. Visit a Port Wine Cellar (Recommended: Sandeman)
- Description: Experience a tour of a Port Wine cellar in Gaia, where you can learn about the history and production of this famous wine and enjoy tastings.
- History: Sandeman, founded in 1790, is one of the oldest and most renowned Port Wine cellars.
- Entrance: €15-25 depending on the tour.
- Website: Sandeman
14. Half Rabbit by Bordalo II
- Description: Discover the Half Rabbit, a striking piece of street art by Bordalo II made from recycled materials. It’s a great example of how art can promote sustainability.
- Location: Near Cais de Gaia, easy to spot during your walk.
15. WOW Porto – The Best Cultural District
- Description: Explore WOW Porto, a cultural district with museums, restaurants, and shops dedicated to the history and culture of wine and cork, among other things.
- Entrance: Ticket prices vary depending on the museum or experience.
- Website: WOW Porto
16. Cable Car from Cais de Gaia to Serra do Pilar
- Description: End your day by taking the cable car back up to Serra do Pilar, where you started. This short ride offers beautiful views of the Douro River and Porto.
- Price: €6 one way, €9 return
- Website: Gaia Cable Car
This itinerary covers the best of Porto and Gaia, offering a mix of history, culture, and breathtaking views. Enjoy your visit!
Few additions:
- Boat tour on the river from both Vilanova de Gaia or Porto
- Watch the jardim do Morro (next Serra do Pilar)
- Go to beach in Villa Nova de Gaia
- Natural reserve: Nature Reserve Douro Estuary Site
- On the way back: quick stop to Capela do Senhor da Pedra (little chapel in the water, on the beach)
- Try the Tram in Porto: it´s fun