Have a nice day everyone! After the cities of Lisbon and Cascais that I visited in the early days of my Portugal trip, today there is the the city of wines, Porto.
Porto, which surprised me. and one of the few cities that offers an atmosphere far beyond my expectation. In my Porto travel guide notes, you can discover the places to visit in Porto, experience this beautiful little-known port city of Portugal, accompanied by my adventure.
Lisbon Santa Apolonia Train Station
Lisbon Train Journey from Porto
Saturday, March 21. I wake up in the capital Lisbon. earlier in the morning. It’s time to leave the hostel and head for Lisbon Santa Apolonia Train Station.
My hostel is located a little north of the city.. The train station is in the western part of the Alfama District.. Actually, abroad, I always have a plan for important matters.. So far, no major changes or setbacks have occurred in my plans and I have never missed a plane, bus or train that I have booked, until now !
- Travel plan how to do it ?
Isn’t that the human condition? This time I missed my train to Porto, as I lingered a little too long at the hostel and didn’t take into account that the route I was going to walk included the slopes of Lisbon.
From Lisbon – Porto Train
I guess I’m a bit lucky. The warm people of Portugal, in fact, changed my ticket, which I bought months ago for a reasonable price of 15 euros, to the Porto – Lisbon train one hour later with a difference of only 3 euros.
Changes in normally promotional tickets. it’s not a question, but this time I have no problems and thanks to an hour of time, I have a snack and set off on the Porto road with my new ticket!
My Location on the Map / Portugal
How to Get to Porto?
First of all, I need to talk about transportation to Porto. The easiest way to reach Porto from our country is the direct flights of Turkish Airlines.. However, instead of these tickets, which are often expensive, you can reach the capital city of Lisbon by trains like me.
Transportation from Lisbon to Porto is quite easy by trains.. You can reach Porto Campanha Station in 3-4 hours for only 15-20 euros.
Lisbon – Porto train tickets, Portuguese railways website You can get it from cp.pt. Then you just have to print your electronic ticket and get on.
My Train to Porto Campanha Train Station
My train travels along the road from the Atlantic Coast. It is not possible to sleep with this unique view.. I have already arrived at Porto Campanha Train Station, watching the Portuguese coast and not realizing how three hours passed!
I want to tell you briefly about Porto.. Porto is Portugal’s most important city after the capital, Lisbon. Its population is around 1.5 million, and it is one of the country’s important industrial and touristic points.
Porto Overview
Where is Porto?
It is located in the north of Portugal, on the Douro River, which opens into the Atlantic Ocean. An old settlement with a history of 2000 years. The name of Porto, which was also under the rule of Muslims at the time, comes from the word “port”, that is, port, as you can guess.. Porto has been an important port city from the past to the present.
Although our country is generally famous for its FC Porto football team and Port Wines, Porto has become one of the few touristic spots in Europe today.
I’m leaving Porto Campanha Station. The station is located at the eastern end of the city. About 2 kilometers from the city center. From here it is possible to reach the city center by the metro system.. My preference is to walk, as usual!
Porto Campanha Train Station
City Transportation in Porto
Speaking of the metro, you have many options for urban transportation in Porto. It is possible to reach the end points of the city with three main metro lines starting from Porto Campanha station.. Also, nostalgic trams and buses will help you.
However, I cannot say that Porto is a very big city.. Walking is the most enjoyable way to visit this city. It is possible to witness a moment in life at almost every corner by walking.
The Road from the Station to the City / Dragao Stadium Glancing Behind
First Impressions from Porto
Now it’s time to explore the city! Even in front of the station Porto started to impress me.. First of all I have to say that Porto Campanha station building is quite a nice sight.
I start walking towards the city centre.. After the station you have to go up a slight slope. Along the way, it is possible to see Portuguese shabby houses and a different lifestyle.
After climbing a little hill, I look back from the hill.. Surprisingly, Porto’s famous stadiumEstádio do Dragão catches my eye. Frankly, I didn’t plan to visit the stadium.. But it was a great coincidence to see it from afar like this!
Porto’s Tiled Houses
The weather is beautiful. On the street leading to the city, I see the tiled houses and churches that I am used to from Lisbon. I can’t find the words to describe the view of the sun shining on these tiles !
I’m coming to the Heroísmo metro station. A beautiful cemetery catches my attention. Would it be a beautiful cemetery? You may say, but things are a little different here.
The Cemetery I Visited in Porto
The cemeteries abroad have always intrigued me.. Because you can experience a culture that we are not used to in our country.. There are also special and historical tombs in this cemetery that I came across in Porto.
Many of these tombs are big enough to be called a house!
Places to Visit in Porto
After leaving the cemetery, I arrive at the city center. The first thing I come across here is the “São João National Theater”, that is, the Porto National Theatre.
Porto National Theater
Sao Joao Theater is one of the important points of Porto.. The theater has been serving here since 1920, after the fire destruction in the past.. With the game tickets you can buy in advance, you can both have a different experience and see the inside of this theater.
Across the theater is one of the most pleasant buildings in the city; Church of Saint Ildefonso
St. Ildefonso Church frankly one of the most elegant churches I’ve ever seen. It is a wonderful building with the details remaining from the Portuguese Architecture and Muslim Culture called Proto-Baroque.
Church of Saint Ildefonso
This church, which was completed in 1739, is among the things you should not miss seeing in Porto.
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When you face the church, the street on your left becomes Rua de Santa Catarina. From the moment I see it, I can tell that it is the most important street in the city.
Rua de Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina Street is home to many restaurants and local shops.. The nostalgic tram passing through and the crowd created by the Portuguese people puts you in the middle of the Porto city atmosphere.
Here are some of the lovely tiled buildings I’ve seen across the city.. The architecture of the houses in Porto is more Africa-European transition unlike Lisbon. Porto is very enjoyable with these buildings combined with the influence of different cultures!
Another Street Next to Ildefonso Church
It’s near noon. Almost every corner of the city is lively. After exploring this area around the Bolhão metro station, one of the most important squares of the city is next. Praça da Liberdade
Liberdade, or freedom square, is one of the top places to see in Porto.. There are important buildings all around the square.. This place is you can take 360 degree photos!
Praça da Liberdade and Me
The most important building in the square is undoubtedly Porto City Hall.
The architecture of the town hall reminds me of those in Brussels for a moment. It created a beautiful image with the elegant clock tower on it.. Right in front of it, there is the Garrett Monument.
Porto City Hall
Starting in front of Porto City Hall, the square progresses on an incline to the lower end. It is possible to see many cafes and restaurants in this area.. There is also a Turkish Doner Restaurant on the east side of the square.
I miss the tastes abroad a little bit. /p> On the way from Freedom Square to the Beach
Now it’s time to head to the best part of Porto !
As I mentioned, Porto is a port city and Portugal is famous for its exploratory sailors. a country. Therefore, the most important things that make up Porto’s skyline are the beach and its bridges.
I move from Liberty Square to the beach with the slope of the road. There are many historical buildings around me along the way.. Fountains from ancient times and small statues are some of them.
Descending to the Duoro River
I can now see the Douro River at the end of the street I was walking on. The slope of the street and the tiles of the houses are beautiful, and I arrive at the river’s shore.
The coastal part of Porto is called Ribeira.. I’ve been fascinated from the first moment I saw!
The atmosphere here is very different and beautiful than anywhere else.. The river and local restaurants combined with Porto’s unique tiled, colorful houses have formed a perfect unity.
Beautiful Houses by the Douro River
I immediately throw myself to the riverside. There are many more details here. Old boats and ships unique to Portugal are just a few of them. These boats are in the style you see in old movies and are still in use.. Porto takes me on a journey in time !
Now it’s time for one of the symbols of Porto; Ponte Luis I
Ponte Luis I
This bridge, located right on the banks of the river, is one of the engineering marvels for its colossal size and special architecture. 385 meters long and 45 meters high I. Luis Bridge was built in 1886, which can be considered quite old.
With its design resembling a combination of a protractor and a straight ruler, you can walk across the lower floor at the river level while observing the trams and cars passing 45 meters above.
Ponte Luis I and I
Together with Porto’s varied coastline resembling a valley this bridge creates a unique landscape.
I’m crossing the bridge.. Walkable bridges offer a pleasant experience. There are a few tourist attractions in this region.. On the other hand, there are good restaurants and bars where you can enjoy Porto’s old town view and Port Wines.
The most important building in this area, south of Ponte Luis. Serra do Pilar Monastery;
Porto City Center from the Opposite Beach
You can visit the garden of the monastery, which was opened in 1672, free of charge. However, this place is a little over the top.. In other words, I can say that it is the continuation of the street that passes through the upper floor of the bridge.
Bridges are not the only way to cross the Douro River.. Right in this area, there is a cable car connecting the hills to each other. Frankly, I didn’t choose it because it is not on my route to Porto, but I have no doubt that it will offer a beautiful view.
Cable Car Crossing the River in Porto
In the southern part of the river, you can see the Atlantic Waters from its end and another bridge of Porto that opens here.. You’re also closer to the colorful local boats I mentioned!
After resting here for a while and watching the beautiful scenery, I’m passing from Ponte Luis I to the city center side.
Other Bridge Appearing at the End of the River and Atlantic Waters
Historical Funicular Line
There is an old funicular line running between Riberia and Batalha at the foot of the bridge right here. You can reach the historical area of Porto on the hill with this funicular line.
This historical area is surrounded by Muralha Fernandina, that is, Fernandina Walls. These walls were built in 1360 with Medieval Romanesque Architecture.. It is located on the hill overlooking the city.
I on Ponte Luis I / Serra do Pilar Monastery in the Upper Left Corner
Now it’s the Porto Cathedral, the most important building in this area.
Porto Cathedral was built in 1737. It offers its Gothic, Romanesque Architectures and Medieval and Portuguese Cultures to its visitors.. I must add that the churches in Porto also impressed me.
There is a small square in front of the cathedral and a beautiful monument in the middle.. Another important building you should see in this region is the Episcopal Palace of Porto. I have limited time, so I am content to see these structures from the outside.. You can’t even get into most of them anyway.
Luis I Bridge / Fernandina Walls and Funicular Line on the right
Porto Museums
There are many museums in this historical area of Porto. In fact, what you need to do is after exploring the texture of the city from the outside, and here you will examine the details inside.
The time is getting closer to the evening now and the places to see in Porto are not over yet , this time my route is a little bit west !
Porto Cathedral
I am descending towards the river via Infante Dom Henrique Street. There is a park with the same name, the Bolsa Palace, two beautiful spots in the city, and the Mercado Ferreira Borges, namely the Porto City Market building.
Shopping in Porto
After seeing the Bolsa Palace from the park I find myself at Mercado Ferreira Borges’.
You can find a lot of local products in the market. This is a life spot where people living in Porto shop.
Mercado Ferreira Borges
As for the prices; Porto is a city that can be considered cheap in general terms. I can say that the prices of the products in the market are at the level of our country.. Portugal is a cheaper country than most of Europe anyway.. But that doesn’t mean we’re rich here !
You can find these prices by simply with the right spending, mixing with the public.
Now I’m walking west along the riverbank. There is also a coastal road extending from this region.. As I’m a little far from the city center, I feel like I’ve mingled with the public in fact.
Houses on the Coastal Highway to the West of the City
There are colorful tiled Porto houses along the road and children playing football in the street. I shouldn’t need to tell you that Portugal is a country that lives on football !
What to do in Porto
“Porto’s No.1 Tramway” passing. Although I prefer to walk, I think taking this tram is one of the things to do in Porto.. The atmosphere it has is great.
Tramway No. 1 Along the Beach
It’s time to go up the beach. Here are the last few spots I plan to visit in Porto.
Port Wines
Porto is a world famous city for its wines. Along the Douro River there are many vineyards and wine producing houses of various sizes.. You’ll see them many times as you tour the city.
Climbing Up for the Wineries
Winemaking in Porto has become a touristic activity. Especially in this region to the west, there is a Wine Museum and wine houses where you can witness and try wine production.
I frankly did not plan to go there beforehand. Because you can find it everywhere in Porto.. I think it’s more enjoyable to explore on your own !
One of Porto’s Famous Wine Houses
I’ll talk about it a little later I came across a nice vineyard house in Jardins da Casa Tait and Palácio de Cristal region. I must have been lucky enough to witness, for free, how a quality Porto Wine is made, thanks to my initiative alone.
Now it’s time for Crystal Palace and its famous garden !
Pavilhão Rosa Mota
I regret to say that this beautiful building unfortunately has not survived. After the destruction in 1951, it was rebuilt here with a different design under the name of Pavilhão Rosa Mota.
Also, don’t worry about it being a palace.. This place can be called a sports center. This building, which has hosted important sports competitions from history to today, represents the renewed face of the city with its modern appearance.
Meanwhile, I witness a beautiful ceremony in the park.. Even though I sense a carnival atmosphere at first glance, it’s not too late to realize that this is a school performance.
The Event I Encountered in Crystal Park
For the children’s entertainment, which is arranged in a way that is unique to Portugal, I’ll get a little too I join and go back to my childhood!
It’s getting dark now. There is a beautiful sunset view in the park as this place is a bit on the hill. I spend the most enjoyable hours of the day by visiting the improvised city.
The Bridge at the West End of the City / My Private Helicopter
Matosinhos District
The main point you should choose for sunset in Porto, Matosinhos section. This is a district located on the Atlantic Coast, about 10 kilometers northwest of the city.
To be honest, Porto impressed and surprised me so much that many unexpected structures and beauties were added to the places I thought of visiting.. However, I was a little behind my plan and I gave up going to Matosinhos.
While the Sun Is Setting in Porto
Is it possible to swim in Porto?
I was planning to reach this region in the afternoon, before the sun sets.. Because Matosinhos has great beaches where you can swim.. It is impossible to enter because there is a river in the city center of Porto.. I definitely recommend this area to those who have time.
You can reach the Matosinhos area from the city’s main metro lines.. There is a nice coastline and shops here, and as I mentioned you can watch the sunset right over the Atlantic Ocean.
Fortunately, I did this in Cascais two days ago !
Sunset in Porto
Porto Nightlife
It’s getting dark now. For the rest of the day I go around Ponte Luis I.. The atmosphere of this place is different with the lights at night.
The heart of Porto nightlife beats here.. It is possible to come across many bars and wine pubs along the riverbank.. In this region, I dive into the scenery accompanied by the wines of Porto!
I’ve come to the end of my Porto trip.. Since I added Porto later to the tickets I bought to Lisbon in the first place, I could only spare one day here, but I think I used this time in the best way.
Porto View in the Lights
How Many Days in Porto? Travelable ?
Actually, I can say that this time is enough.. My suggestion to those who will come here privately will be 2 days.. Because it is a small place in general terms and the places to visit I mentioned are very close to each other.
There is also a library called Livraria Lello in Porto.. Although I only had the opportunity to look inside, I must say that I really liked it. Those who are interested should definitely visit this place.
So where will I stay? I will not stay in Porto. I will take my train to Lisbon, which will depart late at night, and fly to Istanbul from Lisbon in the morning.
- How to find a place to stay abroad?
Porto Painting that I Would Love to Buy but Impossible to Carry
Porto Points to Consider
However, there are many options for those who will stay. Hostel prices are very affordable, same things apply to my other articles in Portugal. I do not recommend to go too far from the city center in the evenings in Porto.
Although Porto is a safe city in general, I also witnessed unsafe moments during the day.. The outer parts of the city are a bit secluded in the evening. My suggestion is to be in central locations.
Modern Areas of Porto
So what to buy in Porto? I can hear you say. I think you wouldn’t make the mistake of returning from here without buying a port.. Because Port Wines are not just a name. It is considered a type of wine in most parts of the world.. The wines of this place I can say are a little sweeter.
What to Eat in Porto?
There are so many places to see in Porto, in my notes, what to do in Porto? I didn’t talk about winning.. This is a port city, fishing town.. So there is a wide variety of seafood.. I recommend all of them, especially the Cod Fish that I had the opportunity to taste in Lisbon.. I should also add Port Wines in this category.
Houses Unique to Porto
Why Go to Porto?
To sum up, I think Porto is one of the most important atmospheric cities in the world. Go to Portugal and not return without seeing Porto. Even with the eyes of someone who has traveled almost all of Europe before here !
Cities to See Around Porto
Porto is the most important city to visit around the capital, of course. Lisbon.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, you can easily reach Lisbon by train.. Those who have time should not return without visiting Santiago de Compostela city of Spain, which is about 200 kilometers north of the city.. It is possible to reach Spain by trains and buses in the same way.
Across the River Porto and I
I have stated my general comments about the Portuguese country and its people in my Lisbon travel notes. I also recommend those who will visit Porto to read my Lisbon article.. Most of the things there also apply to Porto.
- I want to go abroad, how do I start?
I end my Porto travel guide here. Other cities I visited within the scope of my Portugal trip, Lisbon and Cascais, my trip in this geography ends with Porto.. In my next article stay on the glorious roads, until we meet in new climates!
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