The Most Instagrammable Spots in Porto

Porto might be even more photogenic than Lisbon: stacked pastel houses on the riverbank, a giant iron bridge, blue-and-white tiled churches and old rabelo boats on the Douro. Here are the best photo spots in the city, from the famous to the hidden, with tips on timing.

Quick answer: the essential shots are the Ribeira from across the river, the D. Luís I bridge top deck, sunset from the Serra do Pilar viewpoint, the tiles of Capela das Almas and São Bento station, and the staircase of Livraria Lello (book the first slot). For something different, try Rua das Aldas and the Cais das Pedras viaduct.

The river

1. The Ribeira from Vila Nova de Gaia

The classic view of Porto: colourful houses piled up the hill, with rabelo boats in front. Tip: shoot from the Gaia side in the late afternoon, when the sun lights up the Porto side.

2. Ponte D. Luís I top deck

Walk across the top level (shared with the metro) for dizzying views down to the river and both banks. Tip: catch a metro crossing for a sense of scale.

3. Serra do Pilar viewpoint

The terrace beside the monastery above Gaia, with the bridge and all of Porto in front of you. The best sunset spot in the city, so get there early. (The monastery itself has been closed for renovation, but the viewpoint is open.)

4. Jardim do Morro

The park just below Serra do Pilar, with the same bridge view and a lively crowd at sunset.

5. On the water

Take a six-bridges river cruise for shots of the city from the water. See Porto river cruises.

Tiles and churches

6. Capela das Almas

A chapel on Rua de Santa Catarina completely covered in blue-and-white azulejos. Tip: shoot from across the street with a wide lens.

7. Igreja do Carmo and the Carmelitas

Two churches side by side, separated by the narrowest house in Porto, with a huge tiled panel on the Carmo side wall.

8. São Bento station

About 20,000 tiles telling the story of Portugal, in a working railway station. Tip: early morning, before the tour groups.

9. Rua das Aldas and Igreja dos Grilos

A quiet, narrow lane near the cathedral with a perfect frame on the church. Few tourists know it.

Streets and icons

10. Livraria Lello

The neo-Gothic bookshop with its famous red staircase. Tickets are about €8 and partly count towards a book purchase. Tip: book the first slot of the day online, as by mid-morning it’s packed. See Livraria Lello tickets.

11. Clérigos Tower

Climb 240 steps (€10 with the museum) for a 360° view of the rooftops. Also great from below, framed by Rua das Carmelitas.

12. Rua das Flores

A pedestrian street of restored houses, cafes and iron balconies. Lovely in the morning light.

13. Café Majestic

A gorgeous Belle Époque café with mirrors and carved wood on Rua de Santa Catarina. Expect a queue and high prices, but it’s worth it for the interior.

14. Rua 31 de Janeiro steps

The slope by São Bento with views over the city and towards the cathedral. Great for street photography.

15. Cais das Pedras viaduct

Down by the river west of the Ribeira, the old stone viaduct makes a frame for the view upriver to Serra do Pilar.

Gardens and the coast

16. Palácio de Cristal gardens

Terraced gardens with peacocks and views over the Douro towards the sea. A relaxed sunset spot.

17. Miradouro da Vitória

A small viewpoint in the old Jewish quarter, looking over the rooftops to the cathedral and the river.

18. Foz do Douro and Felgueiras lighthouse

Where the river meets the Atlantic. On stormy days, waves crash over the pier and the little lighthouse. Take tram 1 along the river from the Ribeira.

19. WOW (World of Wine)

The museum and restaurant quarter in old Gaia port lodges, with terraces looking over the river to Porto.

Photo tips

• Porto faces south across the river, so the Porto side is lit in the afternoon. Shoot from Gaia then.
• Mist and rain are common in winter and make for moody shots. Pack a lens cloth!
• Hills: wear good shoes, as the best views come after climbs.
• Want help? See Porto photo tours.

Plan your stay with 2 days in Porto and where to stay in Porto, or see the places to stay in the Ribeira. More photo spots: Lisbon and the Algarve.

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