Porto is a city to be experienced with your eyes, your feet, and your soul. Between hills, tiled façades, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the sounds of trams still rolling through centuries-old streets, everything here invites discovery. It's a city that doesn’t ask for haste, but for attention - and a genuine desire to be surprised.

Among viewpoints overlooking the Douro River and lively alleyways, there are monuments that tell Porto’s story, architectural landmarks that shape its identity, and spaces that keep the traditions of its people alive. Here are some of the places that make Porto one of the most enchanting destinations in Europe.
 

Bolhão Market
 

Bolhão Market is one of Porto’s most authentic symbols. Open since 1914 in the building we know today, it’s much more than a market: it’s a living portrait of the city's soul. The vegetable, fish, flower, and sausage stalls are run by vendors who’ve worked here for generations - many with thick local accents and a unique, very lively way of welcoming visitors.

For decades, Bolhão withstood time, wear, and modernity - always with its heart in the right place. After years of anticipation, it was finally restored, preserving its original spirit while offering better conditions and a remarkable respect for its historical features. Visitors won’t just find fresh produce here - they’ll find stories, warmth, and the city’s true heartbeat.

Clérigos Tower
 

The silhouette of Clérigos Tower is perhaps Porto’s most iconic image. Built between 1754 and 1763, this masterpiece by architect Nicolau Nasoni is a striking example of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Standing 75 meters tall with over 200 steps, the tower offers one of the most impressive views of the city - from the traditional rooftops to the banks of the Douro River.

The tower is part of an architectural complex that includes the Church of Clérigos, built by the Brotherhood of the Poor Clerics. Its bell tower, which dominates the skyline, was for many years the tallest building in the country. For many, climbing the tower is a kind of ritual - a physical effort rewarded by one of Porto’s most poetic panoramas.

Lello Bookstore
 

Lello Bookstore is often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Founded in 1906 by José and António Lello, two brothers passionate about culture, literature, and art, it quickly became a meeting point for writers, intellectuals, and book lovers.

The Neo-Gothic building impresses from the moment you step in: stained glass windows, a curved central staircase, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves create an almost cinematic atmosphere. It’s said that J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto in the 1990s, was inspired by this space when imagining the setting of Hogwarts - and anyone who enters understands why. But Lello is more than just a pretty scene: it’s a place where books still live on paper, and where each visit is a celebration of literary culture.

São Bento Train Station
 

São Bento Station is probably the most beautiful railway station in Portugal - and one of the most stunning in Europe. Inaugurated in 1916 on the site of a former Benedictine convent, the station is famous for its grand panel of 20,000 tiles covering the main hall.

These works, created by artist Jorge Colaço over eleven years, depict key moments in Portuguese history - such as the Battle of Valdevez or the entrance of King João I into Porto after marrying Philippa of Lancaster. They also portray scenes of rural Portuguese life, in a harmonious blend of reality and idealism.

For those arriving in the city by train, this is the first visual impact - and what a beautiful way to be welcomed.

Porto Cathedral
 

Porto Cathedral, also known as the Church of Santa Maria do Porto, is one of the oldest and most imposing religious buildings in the city. Its origins date back to the 12th century, in a Romanesque style later enriched with Gothic, Baroque, and even Mannerist elements.

Located in the heart of the historic district, the cathedral hosted royal ceremonies and significant events in Portuguese history. Its cloister, decorated with 18th-century tiles depicting biblical passages, is one of the most beautiful and serene spaces in the building. From the terrace, you can see the houses cascading down to the Douro - a view that unites faith, land, and history. It’s a place where spirituality and grandeur meet naturally.

Dom Luís I Bridge & Ribeira
 

Dom Luís I Bridge, inaugurated in 1886, is a 19th-century engineering icon. Its dual-level iron structure, inspired by the techniques of Gustave Eiffel, connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River with elegance and strength. Walking across it - especially at sunset - is one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences.

At the foot of the bridge, Ribeira comes alive with its colorful houses, narrow streets, outdoor cafés, and the constant movement of locals and visitors. It’s one of the oldest and most authentic parts of the city, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the city reflects on the river - and in every reflection, there’s a story waiting to be told.

Port Wine Cellars
 

Across the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia, the Port wine cellars hold more than barrels. They are places of devotion and memory. Since the 17th century, wine has been transported from the Douro Valley to these cellars, where it ages slowly under ideal conditions.

Each cellar has its own story, many with British or Dutch roots, reflecting the international nature of this proudly Portuguese product. The visits are usually led by passionate winemakers, who explain the differences between a tawny and a ruby, a vintage and a reserve. In the end, the tasting is slow, with a view over Porto - and with the unmistakable flavor of centuries of tradition.

Six Bridges Cruise
 

The Six Bridges Cruise is a unique experience that lets you see Porto and Gaia from the perspective that gave them life: the Douro River. The journey passes under the bridges that connect both banks - Dom Luís I, Infante, Maria Pia, São João, Arrábida, and Freixo - in a route that blends natural beauty with engineering marvels.

As the boat glides through the calm river waters, new angles of the city, its hillsides, and its monuments are revealed. It’s a poetic way to understand Porto: not just a city built along the river, but one with the river flowing within it.

Each of these places can be explored at your own pace and on your own terms, always with the promise of unforgettable moments. But for those who prefer to discover the city with the comfort of a professional guide and included transport, Meridian4People offers several personalized tour options covering all these iconic spots - with all the dedication, knowledge, and attention to detail that a city like Porto truly deserves.