Visit Porto

Porto’s Ribeira or riverside district is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and gorgeous! It was so much history and personality. Beautiful buildings on one street and fresh laundry hanging from apartment windows on the next. In 1996, the Ribeira area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it does not disappoint.

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Rio Douro / Douro River

Porto’s Ribeira and the River

The waterfront, called the Cais da Ribeira, is lined on both sides. On one side of the Rio Douro is a long strip of cafés, restaurants and shops, while on the other side you’ll find Port houses of Vila Nova de Gaia. You can see extremes bordering the banks. Lovely rows of colorful houses which people still live in along side wold warehouses and even a burnt out building.Portugal Porto Rio Douro Photos by Suzy Dias

How to get around

It’s easy to get around! You can enjoy a day strolling around, take a cruise on the river…

You can even have your own personal guide with a “Tuk Tuk” ride, an electronic car that seats six. Our guide was Alejandro (originally from Venezuela) who was exceptionally well versed in Porto’s history and very kind and enthusiastic. He made our trip exceptionally fun. My kids loved it! Click here for more information.

Porto’s Ponte Dom Luis I Bridge

The Ponte Dom Luis I bridge dominates the river and connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The bridge was completed in 1886 and designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel. The double-decker bridge carries the city’s metro trains on its top level and road traffic below. Both levels are open to pedestrians. The top of the bridge is 60 metres highs and offers spectacular views!

View from Nossa Senhora do Pilar church, high on a cliff on the south bank on the Douro. Take the upper deck of Dom LuÍs I bridge to lead you there.