Exploring Porto’s 6 stunning viewpoints: hidden gems and my personal favorites

Having visited Porto (January 2022), and more cities in Portugal, I can confidently say that it is the most gorgeous city in Portugal. If you’re planning a trip, you won't want to miss these six best viewpoints in Porto that offer breathtaking scenes of this enchanting city. There are even some hidden gems included!

What to expect in this article:

About Porto

Porto is located in northern Portugal along the Douro River. As the second-largest city in Portugal, it combines old-world charm with a lively modern atmosphere. 

The historic center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its narrow, winding streets and colorful buildings. Iconic landmarks like the Clérigos Tower and the São Bento Railway Station, with its beautiful tile murals, highlight the city’s architectural beauty. The Livraria Lello bookstore is often called one of the most beautiful in the world (but is also really crowded). 

The city’s riverside area, (Ribeira), is perfect for strolls, dining at outdoor cafes, and enjoying the scenic views of the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge.

I absolutely loved my time in Porto and wished I could have stayed at least one more day. Over the past few years, I’ve explored many beautiful places in Portugal, including Lisbon, the Algarve, and Sintra. However, Porto stood out as my favorite. The city has a unique vibe that is both vibrant and romantic. Walking through Porto, I couldn’t help but think how perfect it would be to experience it with my boyfriend. The romantic atmosphere, made me long to share it with him. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll have the chance to visit Porto together. 

1. Sé do Porto (Porto's Cathedral)

The Porto Cathedral is a church located in the center of the city. It is one of the city’s oldest monuments. Not only is the inside gorgeous, with azulejos (famous blue Portuguese tiles), but the view from the top is also beautiful. 

Climbing up to the terrace, I saw stunning views of Porto’s red-roofed buildings and the Douro River. The view perfectly combines the old city’s charm and the river life below. You have to go here!

Oh and the walk down towards the river is gorgeous, see the picture below! 

Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal 
Website: Link
Opening hours: 
Summer (Apr./Oct.): 09h00/18h30
Winter (Nov./Mar.): 09h00/17h30
Price:
Cathedral: Free entrance
Cloister:  3 (US$ 3.30)
Children (up to 10): Free entrance

6 Reasons why you should visit Porto (Portugal)
Exploring Porto’s 6 stunning viewpoints hidden gems and my personal favorites (2)
6 Reasons why you should visit Porto (Portugal)
Walk from Sé do Porto to the river!

2. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

The Miradouro is a viewpoint and a monastery. In my opinion, this is one of the best views of the city, so if there’s only 1 spot on this list that you can visit, it should be this one! An additional plus is that it is free to enter! 

It is a World Cultural Heritage site, which is why it should be on your list.  The sight of the Dom Luís I Bridge with Porto’s colorful buildings behind it was simply breathtaking.
I recommend visiting at sunset and taking gorgeous photos. This is one moment I fell in love with Porto and would love to return in the future. 

Address: Serra do Pilar NA 4430 Vila Nova de Gaia
Opening hours: All day 
Price: Free 

6 Reasons why you should visit Porto (Portugal)

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 3. Ponte de Dom Luís

If you haven’t seen the bridge, have you even seen Porto?! I loved all the other viewpoints to have a view over the bridge. But don’t forget that the view from the  Dom Luis I bridge itself is incredible as well! As you are a bit closer to the houses, you can even look inside some of them.

It’s a great spot to spot during the day, but also during the evening, when the city lights start to twinkle. Next to that, the metro goes by on the bridge, and it’s nice to see this one up close. 

Address: Ponte Luís I, Porto, Portugal
Opening hours: All day
Price: Free

6 Reasons why you should visit Porto (Portugal)
Exploring Porto’s 6 stunning viewpoints hidden gems and my personal favorites (2)

4. The Clérigos tower

Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s awesome viewpoints.  Climbing the 225 steps to the top is definitely worth it.
Do you know that from the top, you see a 360-degree view of Porto, with its beautiful mix of historic buildings and modern city life?
Again, a great spot for a view! 

Address: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours: Open 365 days a year. Normal season from 9am to 7pm*. Easter, summer and Christmas season from 09:00 to 23:00*
Price: 8 euros per person
Website: www.torredosclerigos.pt

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5. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Talking about a hidden gem, The Gardens of the Crystal Palace offer a peaceful space with stunning views over Porto. It is just outside the city center, which also makes it a quiet spot with many flowers. 
Strolling through these gardens, you can enjoy several hidden viewpoints. But you can also enjoy the peacocks and chicken. Relax and take in the beauty of the city, or take a romantic picnic. 

It’s a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon and escape the tourists! 
We visited Porto in January 2022, and it was not crowded (maybe because of Covid just ending), but I can imagine it being much more crowded nowadays. 

Address: R. de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:
Summer hours (April – September): 08:00 – 21:00
Winter hours (October – March): 08:00 – 19:00
Price: Free!
Website: Link 

Exploring Porto’s 6 stunning viewpoints hidden gems and my personal favorites (2)

6. Miradouro da Vitória

Another hidden gem and the last spot on this list is Miradouro da Vitória. This viewpoint is placed in a quiet part of the city and it offers stunning views of the historic center and the river. Just like the Jardins (nr5), this is also a quiet spot. 
Many nice streets lead to this spot, so you can go ahead and take a lot of pictures. 

It’s a 7-minute walk from Igreja do Carmo, which is a gorgeous church filled with blue azulejos and so a famous spot in Porto. 

Address: R. de São Bento da Vitória 11, 4050-265 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours: All day 
Price: Free!
Website: Link 

Conclusion

Porto is an incredible city with many viewpoints. I hope this article makes it easier for you to choose where to go.

I hope you liked reading this article and you got a bit wiser. If I helped you in any way, or if you want to share more tips, make sure to send me a message! I would love that. 

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