Northern Portugal
The North Region or Northern Portugal is the most populous region in Portugal, ahead of Lisbon, and the third most extensive by area. The region has 3,576,205 inhabitants according to the 2017 census, and its area is 21,278 kilometres with a density of 173 inhabitants per square kilometre. Wikipedia.
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Northern Portugal Trip Planner
Northern Portugal Trip Planner
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Top destinations in Northern Portugal
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Top attractions in Northern Portugal
1. Luís I Bridge
4.8
(79779)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Arched bridge carrying low-level road & a high-level metro line between Porto & Vila Nove de Gaia.
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It’s one of most beautiful locations in Porto hence a must visit. Take a walk on the bridge and do a cable car, costs €6 per ticket and have a nice walk along the river with plenty of options to eat and drink. You can come back through the cable car by buying a return ticket for €9. It becomes really beautiful during the sunset time.
This bridge. It’s just stunning. Its like the centre piece in an art gallery. It ties the city together. Quite literally. There is no path by it. You will cross it a lot, either on food or in the Metro. And you’ll love it. What a mere steel structure can conjure up is simply amazing. Can’t miss in any list in Porto. 100% Full recommendation! 👌🏽🤩
This bridge is magnificent. You can walk both on the upper deck or the lower deck. On the upper deck there also goes the tram. The view is very good and you overlook the whole city alongside the Duoro River. Walking on this bridge gives you a very pleasant feeling. Highly recommend to take a talk on both levels of this bridge.
A beautiful walk along the bridge. Such a gorgeous view with scenery to match. Well built and kept quite clean. It was quite windy when we went and it was a strong wind so can be a bit daunting but otherwise a completely fun experience.
This is the most beautiful attraction in Porto. When you walk along the top of the bridge, the height seems prohibitive, the view of the city on the river and the trams that rush past is wonderful. The only moment the bridge is partially under reconstruction now, and almost half of the lower part is covered with building films.
This is another great piece of architecture in Porto and a definitive must-see and do. If you want to cross the river Douro, then this is a great way to do so. Be it on the lower level or on the top level.
For the amazing city views of course you should head to the top. There are some cable-cars passing the bridge. But not very frequently, so there's a lot of space, even though full with visitors. There's always a gap to be found to take in the views or to take some pics.
At its construction, its 172 metres span was the longest of its type in the world. The construction was to be administered by Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. It was inaugurated on October 31st, 1886.
There are many reasons to come to this bridge. The city views, the river Douro views. Or for the bridge itself and its stunning architecture and history.
Definitely a landmark to visit in Porto, especially at sunset. Great view over the river and parts of the town. Refreshing breeze at the top. Nearby orange trees give a lovely fragrance.
Beautiful piece of engineering. The heart of Porto where you can go by walk and enjoy the view. It is quite windy here and if you don't like heights, better to take the metro to get to the other side. But if you visit Porto, going on this bridge is almost duty. :)
The absolute best way to get from Porto city centre to the south side of the Douro River. You are sharing the narrow bridge with other pedestrians, bikes and trams, so stay alert. Additionally, the railing is surprisingly short for the height of the bridge: if you suffer from vertigo, do not take this route!
It's a must visit place in Porto, and as a pedestrian crossing the top level with trams and sidewalks. On either side and especially to the south you can walk to viewing points to look back and marvel at the engineering, design and beauty of the bridge. From the top of the bridge, you can get good views of Porto, the south and the Douro river that separates them.
The bottom level is currently closed off to cars, and pedestrians are directed to one way lanes to cross that have limited areas of viewing.
You cannot miss the famous Luis Bridge when you are in Porto, Its their icon. This place is bustling with life, there are lots of people and sunshine. I enjoy sitting by the river bank watching people and the world goes by.
Great views both day and night. It’s a lot less crowded at night even though the view is equally impressive, but it still wasn’t too busy around noon. Walking along the top and the bottom levels is a must. You can also view the Luís I from the other bridges.
We walked across the lower level of the bridge, from Porto to Gaia, and then, after doing a bus tour, we walked across the top back to Porto. On the lower level, you can admire the river boats and look up to the buildings. From the top, it was honestly stunning views, but it was absolutely terrifying to realize how high you truly are (my dad carried my daughter on his shoulders all the way across....I, of course, was mortified).😱🫣 I never thought I was scared of heights until I was on top of this bridge.😅 The top of the bridge is only accessible by foot traffic or tram (train?). Vehicles, such as cars and buses, are prohibited.
Views of the bridge and from the bridge are spectacular. Same architect Gustavo Eiffel as in Paris’ Eiffel Tower and you can see same metal constructions there. Convenient pedestrian and car links on both upper and lower levels.
Stunning view and sophisticated design for a beautiful and distinctive landmark in Porto! The landmark was designed by Gustavo Eiffel, the same French civil engineer who has designed Eiffel Tower. The bridge represents a unique architectural landmark in the port which emphasizes the touristic value and increase the city image potential for visitors and tourists. We have really enjoyed the view at different times during the day and night, however, the sunset view over there is out of this world. Whether you were at the lower or the higher level of the bridge, the view and vibes are just stunning and very beautiful. A great homogeneous design within the whole surroundings contexts, especially the cultural and geographical ones. The bridge increases the connectivity between Porto two parts and motivates more pedestrians.
This bridge, which is the heart of Porto, is beautiful both at night and during the day. There are pedestrian paths and tram & car roads on both the lower and upper floors. It's great to have a bird's eye view of the Douro River
This iron bridge is absolutely beautiful. It has two levels, the lower level allows pedestrians to walk cross. On the up level trams slowly move cross. I have crossed the bridge twice. Once I walked. It took me less than 10 minutes. The view from the bridge looking down the cute houses along the riverbank was amazing. The second day I took the tram. The tram stops right after passing the bridge. There is a small park there. I recommend doing both way to fully appreciate the bridge.
Beautiful bridge across the Douro river. The upper part connects old Town Porto with Gaia, and the lower part leads to the wine makers. But the sidewalks are narrow and be careful so the tram doesn't hit you.
Pretty bridge with two crossings on it. The top level which is where the tram runs, and the bottom which is more convenient for the riverside pedestrians on both sides of the river.
Pretty during the day, gorgeous at night.
Luis I Bridge was built by Eiffel’s student. What a great student he must have been. The bridge is set over two levels. The lower bridge for cars and the upper bridge for tram and pedestrians. The funicular is to one end of the bridge.
It is an unmissable attraction when visiting Porto.
Great place to catch sunset and sunrise.
My pictures are from an older camera which hopefully captures these images in a different light.
Another great way to capture the bridge is from the Gaia cable car.
The views from the bridge are unrivalled.
2. Livraria Lello
4.1
(65632)
Book store
Libraries
Lavishly designed historic book store with an art nouveau exterior & a winding wooden staircase.
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Whether or not you are a fan of Harry Potter, this bookstore is one of the must-visit places in Porto.
I would say that getting your ticket online is a MUST if you don't want to waste a lot of time in the queue. Seriously, the lines at this place are insane. When you book your ticket online you can select the time you want to enter and it is important that you are there at that time. Thanks to this you will be able to avoid the queues (at least we were able to avoid the queue the time we went thanks to this).
When you arrive at the site, tell them that you have reserved for X hour and they will tell you what to do.
The bookstore is beautiful, it looks like something out of a story. Of course, if you want to take a photo without people... good luck because it is practically impossible unless you arrive first thing in the morning.
Inside you can find a wide variety of books and also Portuguese literature. They have their own bookstore collection with some of the most iconic books, these having special covers and decoration. With your ticket you have a discount of 5 € to buy books (the price of the ticket).
In short, a must-see in Porto, as long as you book online and manage to avoid the queue, because if you don't, you will wait a long time in line, losing time for other activities that you can do in the city.
One of a most visit place in Porto (that is what people often said). I have been in Portugal almost 3 years and never been inside of the place. I am just passing in front of it many times and the queue is always long.
Pros:
1. Parking accessible for wheelchair.
2. Entrance accessible for wheelchair.
3. Unique building with its decorations.
4. Informative staffs.
5. You can buy the ticket online.
6. You can buy book here.
Cons:
1. The queue is kind of long. Maybe it is better to visit in the end of the day to avoid the crowd.
It is certainly a beautiful library that mainly focuses in universal literature in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. It is a nice place to visit, despite the fact that it has become a bit of a tourist trap. You may have to wait in the line for hours to access to a library that’s full of people. The best time of the day to visit, is in the late afternoon, right before the place closes. It is also better to get your tickets online previously. If you love books, and have the time to spend in a line, you should visit this place.
Wow. Full recommendation right away. It’s so worth visiting this place. Even just for the look. you don’t have to get one of the books there to appreciate how awesome it looks. And if you are a Harry Potter fan this is a must anyway. Just book online in advance and the waiting time is kept to a mere 10-15 minutes. Go see it!
This just might be the most beautiful bookstore in the world, but it is very hard to tell with the crush of people that visit every half hour. I do recommend booking your tickets online so you have the opportunity to see the beautiful architecture and book arrangements inside.
Very pretty, but very busy place. You can take cute pictures on the staircase inside at the end of every 30 mins when most of the people left the library again according to the time windows. Only a few books can be bought with the gold ticket, mainly the small classics.
Agreed it's one of the best bookstores in the world but it is too crowded for my liking. You can only book online. Take the last shift, 6:30 pm booking. Eight euros for entry and you get a discount if you buy books from them. The books are mostly in Portuguese but that's not a con. It's understandable. Folks go in and only care about getting themselves clicked. Staff super polite and kind. Also willing to visit. A one time visit (only because of the crowd).
The building's inside is very beautiful! The interior is outstanding from the handcrafted wood ceilings to the thoughtfully designed staircase. Despite the fact that you have to pay for a ticket in order to access the library, it seems to be always packed. The Library has a substantial collection of books. Definitely would visit for the wonderful experience. I suggest checking out the unique editions that the library has created if you're in the market for books.
It is a beautiful store. Wish I had nore time but too crowded cant blame people for wanting to go. I wanted to enjoy the craftsmanship of the work in the walls and shelves. Its a work of art. Could not get great pics because of the crowd but seeing it was suffice!
Beautifully designed. Total tourist trap.
Small book store with a very limited selection of books. Definitely caters to tourists with the book selection. €5 entrance charge but they do credit you that much if you purchase a book.
The stairway is beautiful but good luck getting a picture without someone posing on it.
The staff was very friendly.
Not really worth the wait in line if you are looking for an actual book and not just a social media post. But the staff was nice and it is beautiful inside.
It is a really nice place, indeed. Amazing architecture, nice set-up. We got our tickets online and booked the visit at 14:00. Even if the line was really long and we were somewhere in the middle, at 14:07 we enter the library.
A bit to crowded, but I think it was worth it. :)
It is a beautiful library indeed, but not sure if it's worth the hassle to go in. Tickets are only €5 (must be bought online and make sure you do that in advance as they can get sold out quickly). The problem is the queue to get in and the amount of people inside at once. It's nearly impossible to enjoy or take a proper picture.
Books there are really expensive and can certainly be bought for a much better price anywhere else.
This book store is great. If you love or even just like Harry Poter then this place should be on your list to visit. Inside is stunning. There are soo many awesome "old school" books. Many different designs of HP books too.
Make sure buy your tickets online before.
If you like Harry Potter then if you are in Porto this book shop is a must visit book in advance as this place is very busy. Tours start about every 30 minutes. There are plenty of choices of books for all ages in all genres but they are no cheap if you are looking to buy one as gift but overall really good..
What a highlight when in Porto ! Definitely buy tickets online before going, and expect lineups, even with a scheduled time. It is well worth a bit of a wait.
We arrived 1/2 hour earlier and there were lots of people already in line.
Everyone does get in, though, and it's a photographer's delight. With a grand staircase and beautiful wood bookcases filled with old books, it's a great way to spend an hour. Of course, Harry Potter fans will love this place.
You should definitely make a reservation. And please buy the ticket, which is 15.90€. They cannot manage capacity. And overcrowded you waiting long time probably. The most suitable books are 15.90€, so pay this fee, buy books and get fast entry. It's a pretty nice place inside, worth a trip. Decorations and art details are great. I’m sure that you feel like you're in a magical place. Staircase is so nice to take a photo. Visit for a great experience. If you're looking to buy books, I'd recommend the special editions that this place has made themselves.
The book store that inspired Harry Potter is worth the time while visiting Porto. Get your tickets online is the best way to get in. Be prepared to wait in line. It took us around 20 minutes to get inside. Once inside marvel at the amazing architecture and pick up a book to take with you!
A phenomenal place to visit! You get back in time in a place that has all the bells and whistles! Every detail is amazing - from the central staircase to the ceiling and side columns! Soak up the atmosphere of the grandeur of past times... They do have some organization in place but it is still quite crowded! €5 to get in which goes towards your purchase if you buy a book. I would highly recommend making that ticket purchase online and prior to getting there because the line is quite long. The online purchase puts you on the shorter- fast track line. The prints are elegant with gold finishes - they make a great gift! You can also pick a recipe book or a city guide with amazing photos! I would highly recommend this place!
it's a beautiful library for sure! but it's way too busy, I think they just sell too many tickets at the specific time times. It's easy to buy online, cost 5€ and you get those discounted of any book you buy. You walk in at the time frame that you bought for, people makes line but I thought what for if it'll be same busy inside no matter what. Enjoy it but be aware of how busy it'll be
A unique bookstore in Porto, the wooden staircase is beautiful and very much Harry Potter inspired. Truly a must see when in Porto. Book tickets online as time slots are allocated. It attracts a lot of people and the line is long. Still worth the visit.
This is an absolute must-see in Porto, especially if you're a book lover! The tickets can be bought in advance or at the entrance via QR code so you can secure your time slot. We got the option that is €8 p/person and gives you a discount on a purchase. I got a book that was originally €15 for just €8. It didn't take more than 15minutes to get inside, and it had a wide variety of books in many languages, cool merchandise, and beautiful decor.
The building is amazing and the books are flashy and attractive. But the quality of the books is incredibly low and the number of people insight is just spoiling the experience. I really hoped that the books would be of a good quality but I just feel cheated. All the books I got are somehow badly printed.
Livraria Lello is absolutely enchanting, like a wizard's library straight out of a magical world! The staircase and book arrangement add a whimsical touch, making it a dream spot for book lovers. Kids were over the moon, rating it 10 out of 10 magical stars! 📚✨
Tickets cost about €8 per head online.
On the downside, the long queue even on a rainy day and the bustling crowds inside were a bit of a dampener. The queue is long for online purchased time slot tickets. Despite that, the magical vibes made it a memorable experience for all.
If you’re a fan of books or architecture then this is a must visit location for you in Porto. It’s worth every second of queuing. You must book tickets online for a certain time slot. Do not make the mistake of not booking as they turn people away. Take your time once you’re in the shop and look around properly. Some books are mixed languages around the shop. The staff are very helpful. They have some of their own special editions which are beautiful. Do not visit Porto without stopping here.
Amazing book shop (not a library), it is very hard to find the quiet time, there is always huge queue. It is quite handy to buy tickets online, but voucher can only be used on books not on merchandise (hope in the future they change it). I would have enjoyed it way more if we could able to catch a quite time, but overall it is a magical must see place of Porto.
An interesting experience that would be a shame to miss. It's a pity that the history and architectural feats of the bookshop itself have been overshadowed by the Harry Potter shop. If you can, buy a golden ticket for the opening, because then you only have a chance to take a quick photo and look around, after 10 minutes you'll be swept away by the flood. I hope there will be a publication in Hungarian one day ...
The bookshop is stunning but it’s very, very crowded, quite small and so busy that it really doesn’t feel worth the ticket price to get shoved around it for ten mins just to take a photo of the amazing decor. You are meant to be able to use the tickets to get discount on any books bought but we were only allowed to use one of our three tickets when buying.
A huge range of books (English, French and Portuguese), and the editions made in store have beautiful design art and covers. It's worth the price, in my opinion. The place was extremely busy and felt a little cramped at times. Staff were lovely, very friendly and helpful. The architecture was gorgeous; it was worth a visit just for the view of the stairs & ceiling. The cost to get in is €8pp (book online and scan the ticket to enter), but you can redeem the cost against any book you buy per person.
Highly recommend to buy golden tickets (priority ticket), the silver ticket has a very very long line even if it has the time reserved. You can buy the bookstore’s special pocket series of books with the same ticket (15.9 euro). The staffs are so friendly despite the place is packed with tourists.
Yes, it’s a super pretty bookstore! And the personnel was very helpful. The downside is how busy it is. It kinda ruins the experience. Also, the entrance is 8€ per person but the good thing is that you can get that as a discount when you buy a book. 📚😊 Book a time slot before you visit!
Exquisitely beautiful bookshop near a modern shopping area and in the historic centre. I had previously read that people found it overpriced, but I thought the book prices were average (certainly wouldn’t get them cheaper in the UK), and your ticket into the building gets redeemed against a book of your choice. Books could be bought in Portuguese, French and English, no doubt Spanish too but I didn’t see any of those books. They had beautiful printed classics and the staff were helpful. Main downside is that because it’s so touristy it’s difficult to move around, especially with people stopping to pose on the staircase, and your time in the bookshop is somewhat limited.
3. Cais da Ribeira
4.8
(606)
Notable street
Nature & Parks
Historic riverside promenade with terrace restaurants & bars below tall, colorful townhouses.
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One of the most beautiful places in Porto.
Touristy but a must do! There are a lot of street musicians and cafes. The views of the bridge are also spectacular. (submitting some videos from very talented musicians we found!)
So beautiful... Wait for the sunset if you ever visit this place and you'll not be able to leave it!
Lots of plp. If you don't like crowds then this is not for you.
Lovely riverside walk along the Douro
Beautiful during day and night but the best time of the day to explore this beautiful place is in the early morning. Not a lot of people around, beautiful light and just peaceful and stunning.
What a charming place in the historic heart of Porto♥️
Great experience just to be here
If you do anything in Porto, walk this bridge from the bottom, walk along the shoreline and view the port factories and restaurants, take the cable car back to the top, go to the lookout, and walk back across to downtown on the upper level.
Our Airbnb was downtown and we didn't actually really like it terribly much because it was so, so touristy and busy. When we got to the other side by walking the bridge, however, our perspective changed completely. I would also recommend the 1-hour river tour, and there are several, and not expensive, to get a broader view of the city from the inside out, so to speak.
A great place to get some good grubs, good street shopping and amazing place to hang out and get some 50 minute Boat rides on the Douro River
Amazing Porto, great views, nice walks, perfect atmosphere
Amazing views and cool shows all over the street
Ribeira is really beautiful with the colorful houses. Cruises are nothing special . Very quickly and you don't see something special
Absolutely lovely, lots of shops and restaurants to see. Being by the water is nice. Easy access to bridge.
4. Clerigos Church and Tower
4.5
(11621)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Baroque church with a marble altarpiece & a 75-m bell tower that is a symbol of Porto.
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The church and tower sits on the top of a hill with the church in the front and the tower at the back. Entering the church is free. The church was designed by an Italian architect. The marble columns, the gilded Deco and sculptures are gorgeous. If you pay a fee to climb the tower, on the way you will get a chance to see the church from the ceiling angle, and get a closer look at the altar.
A cool tower with a magnificent church and nice museum inside. Climbing up to the tower you can see the city with a 360 degree view. However, the information board is incorrect in stating that Taipei 101 is in China. It is In Taipei, Taiwan. 🇹🇼
One of the must visit landmark in the city, spending a good walk to climd all the steps and enjoy the view of Porto.
Beautiful museum and the view from top of the tower is incredible. There is a ticket of 6 euro per person. The museum has some really interesting articles related to brotherhood of clergy.
There are a lot of stairs to climb for the top of tower.
The church was very nice with a nice museum set up inside. Another lovely piece of history.
We pre purchased ticks which skipped the small line up.
The experience was one of a kind. You need to take more than 200 steps all the way up to reach the tower and the view on top is breathtaking! I highly recommend this! 👌
The tower great way to see Porto from above. The church is really pretty and there is a small museum with Catholic art and relics before you attempt to climb the tower. The stairs are a little steep and the stairwell is narrow, so it might be difficult to climb up if you're a bigger person or someone who has a phobia of tight spaces but the view is lovely and worth the effort.
A Porto must see. The views from the tower are amazing !
A very pleasant church. We visited on a Sunday and happened upon a concert and an exhibition. If you come across such a combination, it's worth to sit down and just lose yourself in beautiful music. There is a nice little shop at the back of the church. Unfortunately, we did not visit the tower.
Beautiful church and the view from the Tower is great. Another place that lacks a bit of context and more historical facts on the many rooms you go through. They could do a better job at controlling access to the highest parts of the Tower. It starts to get messy with people going up and down. And at the peak you barely have space to move as no one is controlling how many people get up there. The view is great, tho!
Also, the security guard at the entrance was poorly and did not show a lot of respect for the tourists.
Really great spot to check out while in Porto. Definitely pay for the tower tour to get some amazing views of the city and snap a few nice pics. You can also pickup some nice gifts at their store.
Amazing view from the top of the tower but be prepared to stop on the stairs to let people pass on their way down or up. It's a small passageway! Gorgeous church!
This surely is a landmark in Porto and a must-see. Built between 1732 - 1750. The unique and impressive tower at the back of the church was built between 1754 and 1763. The tower is 75.6 metres high and there are 240 steps to be climbed to reach the top.
And if you're lucky about timing, you can enjoy the nice bells ringing.
A wonderful piece of art and architecture. Nice to take some pics - even though the angle is a tough one to get a really good pic. But as usual it's best to see with your own eyes and to enjoy the beauty of it.
It's located on top of a hill. Nothing tough, but may be a bit difficult with wheelchair or stroller. The old town center of Porto can easily be done by foot. We just did the Rua Santa Catarina, Rua das Flores and then headed here. Makes a nice walk.
A beautiful church with a tower that affords gorgeous views of the city of Porto. Entering the church is free but to climb the tower there is a charge and it's well worth it.
In the tourist season this place is very crowded so best to get the tickets in advance
Lovely place to visit night and day. The tower: stairs are not wide so best to go when not busy. Lovely views from the top. We brought a dual ticket which worked out cheaper with the museum.
The church at night has the light show which is very impressive and is 10 euros.
To the person who said it’s not as claustrophobic as other towers to climb, I can only assume you either are a UK size 0, or just aren’t fully aware of your surroundings. I’ve climbed plenty of Scottish castles and I found this worse personally, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t ultimately enjoy it when I reached the top, and I even got (obviously by paying for it) a fun green screen edited picture of me falling off of it (let’s assume it was a greenscreen shot anyway…)
The church is beautiful too, gorgeous pink marble (I think?) lining some of the walls and ceiling. I didn’t realise until the end of the tower and museum part that you can go into the church by itself without having to climb the tower. It was only €5 anyway for a ticket which I thought was good value, and there was lots of stuff as part of the museum aspect about the brotherhood etc.
Can also confirm that I have never seen so many Jesus’ all in one place before. I also appreciated they wanted to compare the height of this tower with the Chrysler Building (and others).
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area, but just be aware there isn’t any lift up to the top of the tower.
Buy tickets online beforehand. Don't wait in line, it takes very long and you don't know when the next time slot will be available.
The church itself is pretty nice, and it's cool to have a behind the scenes look at everything. The view from the tower is really very cool of course, but sadly it is very very busy at the top and on the way there. There's not a lot of space, because the tower was of course never made for tourist visits. You also cannot see the Ponte Luís I. Still definitely worth a visit!
Great views from the top, really enjoyed it, spent at least 30 mins at the top. Getting there takes a while because they obviously plan the route thoroughly through the church to see the museum-like rooms, chapel itself, and a green screen picture stop
This is a classic beautiful church. Unfortunately by 8 AM it is crowded with tourists. They’re not there to look at the church but rather take selfies. If you really wanna enjoy the church, get tickets in advance and enjoy them. Beautiful interior.
It looked beautiful from the outside but we didn't pay money to climb the tower. We went to a nearby hotel that had better than views on their roof terrace
5. Douro River Ferry
4.0
(72)
Ferry service
Nature & Parks
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Quick and easy means of transport. 5 eur a round trip. Takes about 2minutes incl embarkation. People are friendly and the boat is new and clean.
It's just one of but cheap and well explained in 5 languages with a speaker system, you don't need an app or headset. Just plenty of suncream.
You will see 6 Porto bridges. A little bit expensive price for this trip - 18 EUR.
3,50 Euro for a 1 min boat Ride? Honestly ... I was disappointed
It is awe inspiring leaves you wanting to return
Nice cruise across the Douro river. I liked the experience
Quick and easy way to cross the river. Provides an interesting perspective.
Cheap and then quickest way across the river
I was disappointed after waiting 15 minutes (1255-1310) before giving up on the service. It was a waste of time for a service that is supposed to be running every 10 minutes.
Hard to say anything about it other than It's a quick way across the river if you can't be bothered to walk via the bridge and you can afford the fare. The boats are nothing special.
6. Bom Jesus do Monte
4.8
(28866)
Religious destination
Sights & Landmarks
Religious retreat with neoclassical church, exhibition & wooded hillside gardens with an elevator.
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This is the number 1 reason we came to visit Braga and it didn't disappoint. From the train station we took bus #2 ($1.55) to the end, then took the funicular/elevator ($1.5) to the top. We walked down and took tons of pictures of the stairs. Total visit time was about 90 minutes. Bus#2 again to the old town was easy and relaxing.
Very colorful, beautiful, pretty sanctuary. Amazing city views from the top. There is also an elevator to go up and down. It hardly take 1 min and it's 1.5 euro. I was not much amused by elevator because there is no views. But the sanctuary is very big and extremely beautiful. There is also a lake. You can ride the boat yourself in just 1.5 euro per person.
Stunning views from this gorgeous church. Lovely walks, gardens and a big park a little further up. Very unusual alter scene showing Roman soldiers. The interior is very beautiful. Nice gift shop next door with a good range of both religious & non religious items.
During our family visit to Bom Jesus do Monte, we were fortunate to go on a rainy day, which helped reduce the crowds. Although there were a lot of stairs to climb, the experience was made more engaging by the dioramas depicting the life of Jesus at each landing, which provided interesting breaks during the ascent.
One of the highlights was the fact that parking and entering the church were both free, which made the visit more accessible for us. Despite the rain, the beauty of the surroundings and the peaceful atmosphere made it a memorable experience for the whole family.
Overall, Bom Jesus do Monte offers a meaningful and enjoyable outing for families, with its blend of religious significance, scenic views, and architectural beauty.
This was a very beautiful surprise to visit to see well taken care of the gardens and hear the bells ringing. Enjoy a stroll around a charming lake or rent boat for a nice romantic afternoon. Take the little train up the hillside. Just enjoy your day here and take a lot pictures and pack a picnic.
A must-see site. The views of Braga from here are stunning. It might seem hard to climb the stairs, but their are not hard to tackle and, if you have physical problems, you can always take the funicular up and down hill (they only take cash). Atop of the stairs there are marvelous gardens and buildings. Also, they have restaurants and bars where you can have a drink paired with an amazing view.
Fascinating place, there is so much more here than I thought there would be. There are extensive walks behind the made buildings, a small boating area and lots of nature. Well worth a visit.
Beautiful church and grounds! Lots of places with photo opportunities and great views of the city.
You can walk the steps or take an electric car to go up and down the several steps in front of the church.
Besides the church there is a great square with a coffee shop and an ice cream place. A great place to stop, appreciate the view and grab some snacks.
I've wanted to see this amazing place for years. Today on a bus tour from Porto my wish was fulfilled. We arrived with our bus tour at the church. Walked down all 700 steps and up again. The little fountains along the stairs are intriguing. 1 spouts water from her eyes, another from his nose, another from his mouth. I have no idea what the story is behind this.
Outstanding and fabulous views. Peaceful. Really enjoyed visiting at dusk. Colors and city of Braga were amazing.
Bom Jesus do Monte is a great place for a day trip. It is one of the best places to see in Braga. The view of the city is breathtaking and there are many sights to discover as well as a large park with a playground for children and places to rest, perfect for a picnic.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a great view of the city (maybe at night) and enjoy the place. There is a paid toilet here behind Bom Jesus church (€0,50) and on the right side, behind the church, if you go up the small hidden path, there is a free toilet.
The park offers a small lake, here you can rent a boat. There is also a cafe, an ice cream parlor and a small outdoor fitness park as well as the playground.
This was a very unexpectedly wonderful visit. The site is a religious place and the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is beautiful and impressive in size.
Even if you are not a believer like myself I would recommend stopping here. Apart from the sanctuary which is worth the visit on its own, there are other beautiful areas nearby.
We spent around an hour and a half wandering around as it was pretty relaxing and we visited early in the morning when not many people were around. We parked our car in the parking lot close to the sanctuary but if you feel you can walk you can park for free and walk your way up to the sanctuary (there is also an elevator taking you up from there as well)
Happy we stopped here!
Beautiful beautiful beautiful ! It is populated by tourists yes but should that stop you from visiting no ! Locals will complain about this problem but I could see past it and appreciated the amazing architectures and gardens. It’s a place you want to stay a bit and take in. There’s drink and restroom available me at the top. Getting to the top is recommended by the fun old “funicular” lift (you need cash) and walk down to the bottom via the stairs.
Best place you can visit in Braga. It's free to visit a huge site, but it's a bit lengthy to get there. Braga as a city doesn't offer much, but this place is a must. Go to the top via car or the elevator and walk down all the way down. It's definitely worth it.
If you read the other reviews, you will know that the architecture and the grounds are stunning. Because it's old, you will see the effects of the years on the property and structures. The best time to visit is in winter. A ride early. I'm going to crowds. You saw the YouTube videos or maybe a travel show about this place? It does not compare to being here.
Beautiful location, architecture and gardens were stunning. Parking can be challenging for those with mobility issues. There is a gift shop and ice cream stands. Suitable for families. About 40 minutes north of Porto. Highly recommend
Go and experience it for yourself. Definitely one of the brightest and most beautiful locations in Northern Portugal. The park that represents paradise on the very top, above the church is absolutely stunning! And again, it is kid friendly, has a playground☺️
Located not too far from Braga is this beautiful attraction that sits in the hills. The steps which were meticulously built are unique and so intricate. It has a fairly sizeable compound which is beautifully decorated. There is a church and grotto on site.
The sculptures on display also look so vivid. Bon Jesus is a must visit location if you are in the North of Portugal.
It was a really nice experience to visit there… I’d recommend if you are in Braga 2 days or more, or if you travel by car. Otherwise it is not worth it. The city bus takes around 40 mind each way and it was not on time! Also there are LOT more stairs up there that you don’t see in the pictures. And the cable car was expensive.
Great experience! My suggestion is to climb all the stairs, great view of the city and nice to stop and check all the small chapels with catholic representation.
Church well manteined, stunning interior, absolutely worth seeing. Nice garden outside
Completely free of charge.
One of the greatest sanctuaries I've ever been to!
A must-visit!
There are beautiful details about it and about the architecture and fountains and I suggest reading about it before visiting the place to enjoy every step you take in that great place.
I, also, suggest going in winter or spring but absolutely not in summer.
Beautiful view of the city below, gardens, and church. Note that unless you are there to pray, you should not go in the church. Even so, plenty to enjoy up top
Stunning views and lots of activities. Great playground for children on all ages. There’s also a lovely cafe and gift shop to visit. The path from here to Sameiro is lovely but can be steep for younger children and seniors.
Breathtaking views, gardens, architecture and literally breathtaking amount of stairs!
Don’t be like me and take the tram instead of climbing.
Other notable attractions
Bolsa Palace
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Huge, 19th-century landmark building with rooms for private events, a restaurant & guided tours.
Porto Cathedral
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Hilltop Romanesque cathedral, with a fortress-like interior, a rose window & Gothic cloisters.
R. de Santa Catarina
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Church Venerável Ordem Terceira de São Francisco
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Gaia Cable Car - Jardim do Morro station
Transportation service
Outdoor Activities
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Late 15th-century church featuring Gothic architecture & ornate baroque artwork inside.
Taylor's Port
Wine cellar
Food & Drink
Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves
Modern art museum
Museums
Major modern art collection in minimalist white galleries, plus performances of music & dance.
Casa da Música
Concert hall
Concerts & Shows
Iconic 12-floor concert hall & top floor restaurant designed by Rem Koolhaas & completed in 2005.
Guimarães Castle
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Hilltop Romanesque castle, founded in the 1000s & thought to be the birthplace of Afonso Henriques.
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Beaches, museums, markets (Loule Market is beautiful), check out the train stations (they are beautiful), only 2 hours to Sintra, enjoy the wine & the food.
J
Jess Graham
You will be fine! I did a solo trip over a month period and drove 5000 miles. Make sure your vehicle is in top shape..have it serviced before the trip. Have snacks, water in the car so if you don't feel like stopping you don't have to. Figure out where you will spend the night and plan to get there before dark. I rarely for nihht driving unless I'm familiar with the area. I also have an emergency kit in my car because I live in California (earthquakes) Most important...have some good tunes and enjoy the surrounding beauty!!!
F
Fanny Hodkiewicz
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