City Center

The city center of Porto is the area adjacent to the historic center. It extends to the north, as an extension, and also has numerous museums to visit, very picturesque streets to discover... In addition to superb gardens and squares where you can stroll and enjoy some greenery!

For a first visit to Porto, we recommend that you first discover the historic center and then expand the perimeter to the city center. If you stay for 1 weekend, do 1 day for each area and if you stay for 1 week: 2 days the historic center, 2 days the city center (and Vila Nova de Gaia) and then the rest of the city and its seaside. The city center also offers pleasant shopping streets and markets, for those who like shopping and shopping. To get around this area, you can use the city's bus networks, the Aliados, Bolhão (and Sao Bento to the south) metro stations, but also the trams (line 1 on the riverbank, lines 22 and 18 in the center). You can reasonably get around on foot to enjoy all the streets, buildings and take regular breaks to admire the beautiful views. We recommend that you take a backpack and dress comfortably, because you will surely find wonders to buy to please yourself and you will walk more than in the historic center. Be comfortable and hands-free!

Page Summary

• The unmissable attractions of Porto city center
• Walking around the city center of Porto
• The Bolhão, Ildefonso and Aliados District
• Vitória and Miragaia district
• What we like best about Porto city center
• Our advice for discovering this area of the city
• The essential visits to the city center of Porto
• The Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)
• Portuguese Center of Photography (Centro portugues de fotografia)
• The Soares dos Reis National Museum (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis)
• The Museum of the Porto Hospital Center (Museu do Centro Hospitalar do Porto)
  
• World of Discoveries
• Porto Legends, the underground experience
• Living Van Gogh Porto
• The Museum of Transport and Communication (Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações)
• Porto Puppet Museum (Museu das Marionetas do Port)
• The main churches in Porto city center
• Activities, gardens and beautiful views of Porto city center
• The Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão)
• Garden of Virtues (Jardim das Virtudes)
• The Garden of Cordages (Jardim do Cordoaria)
• The Garden of Olives (Jardim das Oliveiras) and Passeio dos Clérigos
• The Lello Bookstore (Livraria Lello)
• Jardim do Carregal (Carrilho Videira)
• Praça de Carlos Alberto and its Saturday morning market
  
  

The unmissable attractions of Porto city center

1. Climb to the top of the Clerics Church (Torre dos Clérigos)
2. Visit the Lello bookstore (Livraria Lello)
3. Stroll along Rua Formosa
4. Treat yourself to the Bolhão market (Mercado do Bolhão)
5. Shopping on St. Catherine Street (Rua de Santa Catarina)
6. See the sunset at Parc Das Virtudes (Parque das Virtudes)
7. Go visit the World of Discoveries, with or without children!
8. Stroll along the quays and continue to Foz do Douro if you feel like it!
9. Take the old tram, go back in time during the ride!
10. Relax in the pretty Cordoaria Garden, with its fun statues and relaxed cafes (north of the garden)
    
    

Walking around the city center of Porto

What we call the city center of Porto corresponds to the districts of Miragaia (which overlooks the quays), Vitória (above La Ribeira), Bolhão, Aliados and the southern part of Santo Ildefonso. These are lively neighborhoods, with the strong entry of greenery, through parks and green spaces, pleasant squares. It is the perfect place to stroll, to stroll with your nose in the air, but with less hustle and bustle than in the historic center. If you know the center like the back of your hand, expand your walking radius towards these places to discover an Porto that vibrates differently. Here too, beautiful things to visit, churches of course and religious buildings, but also quality museums and lots of attractive shops.

The Bolhão, Ildefonso and Aliados District

Why not start with a day of shopping in Porto? Meet (early in the morning, we recommend it) at the Mercado do Bolhão (metro of the same name, just at the exit admire the Chapel of Souls and its azulejos, or Trindade metro). It is completely renovated and attractive, it is a perfect place to introduce yourself to local food products, raw or prepared. Come on an empty stomach and enjoy yourself, pecking here and there. Satisfied, eyes full of color and intoxicated by the smells, go for a walk in the Bolhão district. It's quite popular, lively, full of diverse and varied businesses. It’s the kingdom of second-hand, vintage and second-hand clothing lovers! The storefronts sometimes look like they come from another era, we see that this is where people come to shop for anything and everything. Your gaze will be caught by Formosa Street and its pretty shops. Then enter Rue Sainte-Catherine, it is a pedestrian street, very long and flanked by shops. Here, a mix of modern boutiques, cafes, pastry shops, large shopping centers (Via Catarina in particular), decoration, souvenirs... Are you looking for? You will find!

The Mercado do Bolhao, brand new and attractive!

Formosa Street

The Via Catarina Shopping Center and Sainte Catherine Street (Santa Catarina)

You can then go down to Praça dos Poveiros, have a drink in this place popular with Portuenses, with its small Olive Garden a little further down. Continue on Passos Manuel Street, not far away is the Santo Ildefonso church, its facade decorated with blue mosaics and its square. Continue west towards Aliados Avenue, just above the historic center, there is the main square of Porto, a Haussmann-style esplanade 250m long, surrounded by elegant and bourgeois buildings. A fountain (a reservoir in fact, the Fonte dos Aliados) is located in its center and offers a very beautiful view. Stroll through the Municipal Square (Praça do Município), which houses a bronze statue of Almeida Garrett (politician, playwright and poet) and then appreciate the beauty of the Porto City Hall (Câmara Municipal do Porto). Behind is a second square, Place Trindade.

Ildefonso Church and Poveiros Square

Avenue dos Aliados (currently under construction for the creation of the new metro line, until 2024 or 2025)

Vitória and Miragaia district

On the way to a light, airy and green neighborhood. From Sao Bento station, head towards the Clérigos Tower, you can't miss it, it's the highest point in the city! You can climb there (200 steps, courage!) and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city. Throughout this area to the west of Aliados, pretty boutiques, stores, beautiful storefronts. Stroll with delight! Photo enthusiasts will not miss a visit to the Portuguese Center of Photography, located in a former prison. Cross the Jardin da Cordoaria and appreciate its body of water, its wide paths and its amusing statues. To the north of the garden, the square in front of the University of Porto, its Lions Fountain and the Carmelite Church.

The Clerigos Tower (Torre dos Clerigos)

A pleasant, elegant neighborhood, here the Lions Fountain and one of the alleys leading back to the historic center

The Cordage Garden (Jardim da Cordoaria) and its pleasant and calm surroundings

In this area is the Lello Bookstore, which Harry Potter fans love because it is said that it inspired the author for his work (true or not?) You can visit it (and choose a book! Be careful there is has people…). Right next door, Praça de Lisboa overlooks a small designer shopping center. Then head towards the Jardin das Virtudes, taking the Passeio das Virtudes. From here, enjoy a magnificent promontory overlooking the city (Calçada das Virtudes) and the garden, there are beautiful views of the Douro. Go down to the entrance to the garden, which is all terraced, it is a popular spot for Portuenses to admire the sunset or simply relax while sipping a few drinks. It's not the prettiest of gardens, but the environment is relaxed and pleasant. Lots of alleys then allow you to get lost in the popular district of Miragaia, which joins the river. It is an authentic and colorful, steep area. The old Jewish quarter includes pretty little churches, more or less “washed out” buildings where laundry dries in the windows and where locals have their coffee quietly. On the banks of the Douro there is an imposing building, the old customs of the city, transformed into a sort of convention center (Alfandega Congress Center). You will find line 1 of the trams (on one side we reach the Sao Francisco church and on the other, we head towards the sea) and tourist attractions, kinds of modern and nice museums: Porto Legends, Living Van Gogh, the Museum of Transport and Communications and the World of Discoveries, returning towards the Ribeira.

Near the Clérigos Tower, a neighborhood where you can stroll, shop and have a drink

The Miragaia district, the old Jewish district of the city, picturesque and endearing

What we like best about Porto city center

These are neighborhoods where many attractions come together, and where it may be interesting to consider staying there, if you have a comfortable budget. The presence of multiple public transport, numerous emblematic buildings, while having the historic center nearby, makes it a very appreciable area.

Our advice for discovering this area of the city

Porto is such a plural and diverse city, attractive in all directions, that it can be difficult to channel your desires. The city center, although small (for a metropolis), cannot be explored on foot in a day, unlike the historic center around the Ribeira. Do not hesitate to use public transport. The metro is not the most interesting due to its rather north-south deployment, but the buses and the tram can save you time and blisters on your feet! In the city center, there are entire streets which are only houses or arteries for the moment "disused": they are not of particular interest for tourism (unlike the historic center where the alleys are all pretty just for a walk). Focus on the many points of interest to get the most out of your trip.

Do not hesitate to use public transport to get around and visit without ending the day with aches. Here the pretty Praça de Guilherme Gomes Fernandes.

The essential visits to the city center of Porto

Devote a larger visit budget to this part of the city, this is where several museums and places to visit require a fee (but the prices remain very affordable compared to France, for example). Entrance to certain churches requires a small fee, this is because a museography, a guided tour or special access is offered.

The Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos)

A 360-degree view of the city, at a height of 76m, is the promise of this experience! In a baroque style church dating from the 18th century, the tower is climbed in 200 steps (be careful of narrow corridors) to reach its picturesque summit. The entrance ticket (to be reserved at the start of the day during the high season) allows you to discover exhibitions and visit the historic rooms, don't limit yourself to the view!

Portuguese Center of Photography (Centro portugues de fotografia)

Lovers of photography and especially old equipment will be in heaven. In the heart of a former 18th century prison, an impressive collection of old devices is on display. For some very old ones! Visit the prison center (beautiful views of the city through the bars), which offers temporary exhibitions in old cells and torture rooms, sensitive souls refrain. Entrance is free for this unusual visit, both in terms of its content and the building that hosts it!

The Soares dos Reis National Museum (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis)

It is the oldest public museum in Portugal, which is housed in a former palace from the 18th century. The perfect place to learn more about Portuguese painters and sculptors. The museum is named in homage to the painter and sculptor António Soares dos Reis. This pretty museum offers a temporary exhibition and a permanent one. Stroll through the pretty garden and its old velodrome.

The Museum of the Porto Hospital Center (Museu do Centro Hospitalar do Porto)

A ridiculous cost for visiting an informative place. It is a sort of memorial to pharmacy and hospital uses and customs. 2 small rooms and a video, great welcome, we will answer all your questions!

World of Discoveries

A mix between a museum on the history of Portuguese colonization and an amusement park, we learn while having fun at the Word of Discoveries. It's an ideal stopover to please the children or keep busy on a rainy day. At the end, a short boat trip (indoor). Tour available in French with many interaction elements.

Porto Legends, the underground experience

You will learn the history of the city through its legends in this modern museum of a new type. It's entertaining, like a show, all in sound and lights, it will appeal to children (accessible in French).

Living Van Gogh Porto

For fans of the painter, a place that exhibits his works in an enriching way. Save for a rainy day or a second visit to the city, because you won't learn anything special about Porto!

The Museum of Transport and Communication (Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações)

The museum is housed in the old Porto Customs building (which is also a Congress Center and shares space with Porto Legends and Living Van Gogh). The place has character and has retained its industrial style. There you will see a collection of cars of presidents of the republic. Keep for rainy days.

Porto Puppet Museum (Museu das Marionetas do Port)

It is the warm welcome that will catch your attention during your visit to this small (2 rooms), but fun and original museum. You can manipulate the puppets and ask questions to learn more about the art and the show with its amazing characters.

World of Discoveries, Porto Legends and the Old Customs Houses which host these attractions (seen from the Douro)

The main churches in Porto city center

• The Church of Saint Ildefonso (Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, 18th century) is as beautiful outside with its azulejos as inside. When it is open, you can enter (for a small fee) and admire its ornaments (woodwork, ceilings) as well as a small museum at the back.
• Carmelite Churches of Porto (Igreja do Carmo, 18th century), recognizable by its 2 high towers, is decorated with baroque golden woodwork and after paying the entrance fee (in cash), you can visit the church, its catacombs, several rooms, climb to the top to enjoy the view.
• Church of Saint Peter of Miragaia (Igreja de São Pedro de Miragaia, 18th century), is one of the oldest churches in Portugal, on the site of an ancient medieval temple. It is dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen (Saint-Pierre).
• Monastery of Saint Benedict (Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória, late 17th century), you can take guided tours of this monastery, classified as a national monument. Numerous golden sculptures inside the church. Events and shows often take place there.
• Church of Mercy (Igreja da Misericórdia), designed by Nasoni in his own rococo baroque style.

Church of Santo Ildefonso, Church of Carmo, Church of Saint Peter of Miragaia

Activities, gardens and beautiful views of Porto city center

The Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão)

Recently renovated, it is a perfect place for foodies, the curious, lovers of gastronomy and culinary discoveries. More than 70 stalls are set up in the heart of this friendly market. There you can find fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, cold meats, butchery, fish, pastries, tea and coffee, dried fruit, cheese, oils, and some crafts. The renovation (it dated from 1837) is continuing and eventually, there will be around ten restaurants in the corridors and around thirty additional stores. It’s an interesting place because it’s popular with both locals and tourists. We warmly recommend a visit to this emblematic and colorful place!

The Mercado do Bolhao

Garden of Virtues (Jardim das Virtudes)

It is a municipal park installed on floors, on terraces. You will enjoy beautiful views of the Douro, particularly at sunset. It's not the most beautiful garden, you won't come across many tourists there, but lovers and locals who come to relax and have a picnic, do the same!

The pretty Jardin das Virtudes

The Garden of Cordages (Jardim do Cordoaria)

It is close to the Clérigos Tower. It is bordered by the tramway passage. You will notice the curiously shaped trees (elephant-legged plane trees), due to their age (the park dates from 1865), a pool in the center where the Portuenses like to come to read or chat on the middle break, and amusing humorous sculptures, work by Juan Muñoz.

The Jardin do Cordoaria and its humorous statues

The Garden of Olives (Jardim das Oliveiras) and Passeio dos Clérigos

This small garden (really small) is located above a shopping center. We cross it to reach another street. There is a trendy lounge style bar, with cocktails and it is the perfect place for a break during the day or at the end of the day with friends. Below, a shopping center with some elegant boutiques.

Statue of the Bishop of Porto in 1952, António Ferreira Gomes. He became famous for his criticism of the state, calling for freedom of expression of thought and political action. It is a meeting point for guided tours of the District. Next door, the Garden of Olives.

The Lello Bookstore (Livraria Lello)

It's not a museum, it's not a park, it's not a church, but it's the most visited place in Porto! This sumptuous bookstore, where there is a double-oriented carved wooden staircase, lit by stained glass, in a fairytale setting, is a must-do. To make the experience pleasant, buy your tickets in advance or online on the Bookstore website. On site, we queue (it's not an ordinary way to go to the bookstore! From 8:30 a.m. and always full in season). There is an admission fee, but you get the pricing back when you buy a book. Note that these are new editions (available in 4 languages), printed by the Lello bookstore. If you are wondering where the notoriety of this establishment comes from, know that it is said that it is the most beautiful in the world and that it would have inspired the author of Harry Potter to write his work… True or false, it remains a very pretty place, which you will easily find on Instagram if you don't like crowds!

The famous Lello Bookstore

Jardim do Carregal (Carrilho Videira)

A pleasant little shaded park with a statue of Abel Salazar (doctor and city notable). Perfect for resting, it is located near the large Porto Hospital.

Praça de Carlos Alberto and its Saturday morning market

This pretty square with its cafes and restaurants is pleasant. There is a well-stocked market of craft products, music, books, antiques, clothing, souvenirs and some food products on Saturday mornings. Appreciated by locals and tourists alike!