The best viewpoints in Porto

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The best way to see Portugal’s second-most important city is from above. If you have any doubts, I present a list of more than 15 viewpoints in Porto from which you can confirm it. This city is known for its river, the bridges that cross it, the houses in the medieval neighbourhood of Ribeira, the tiles on its buildings, and its wineries. All of these features can be seen perfectly from Porto’s best viewpoints.

With so many things to see in Porto, you probably won’t have time to visit all the viewpoints, but it will be worth it if you can set aside some time to visit three and get views of the city’s different areas.

At the end of the article, I will provide a summary table and a map with information about the locations of these Porto viewpoints, what you can see from them, and whether they are free or paid. Keep reading because this city has plenty of panoramic views!

Dom Luís I Bridge

In my opinion, this platform offers the best views of Porto, from both the Batalha and Vila Nova de Gaia sides. The city’s most famous bridge has two levels, but only the top level allows you to see everything in front of you.

This viewpoint in Porto is the most accessible. It’s located right in the city centre, so it’s impossible to miss. You’ll see it from almost anywhere. The best part? It’s not only the star of all the panoramic views of Porto, but it also offers an exceptional one.

Jardim do Morro viewpoint

This Porto viewpoint is one of the most visited. It’s a point of interest for several reasons. First, it’s located at the end of the Dom Luís I Bridge, so everyone crossing it will come across it. Second, it coincides with the stop of the funicular that connects Jardim do Morro with Cais de Gaia. That’s why some people also call it the Gaia Cable Car Viewpoint. Finally, the panoramic view from it is unparalleled.

I recommend saving the Morro viewpoint for a summer afternoon in Porto when you can see the last rays of the sun. It’s a spectacular view that few others can match. You know those videos that record the entire sunset and play it in fast motion? This is the perfect place to do that.

Miradouro das Rua das Aldas (Sé)

Also known as the São Lourenço de Grilos Church Viewpoint, this viewpoint is located next to the cathedral. This is why it’s so popular and one of the favorite places to take photos in Porto.

While the Dom Luís I Bridge is not visible, the church’s façade, the clearly defined Stock Exchange Palace, the tile-colored blanket covering the city, and the Douro River more than make up for it, making it one of the best viewpoints in Porto.

Miradouro da Fontainhas

Looking for a unique perspective of the iron bridge in Porto? Then I suggest escaping the touristy Cais da Ribeira area and walking in the opposite direction, following the riverbed inland.

It takes a while to get there, so if you’re short on time, you may want to prioritize other spots in the city over this one. The view is spectacular – how could it not be when you’re overlooking Porto? – but it’s not one of my favorites. It might be yours, though.

Parque das Virtues

This park is super special in the city, or at least in my opinion, as I think it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in Porto. It’s not because of the view, which, while overlooking the Douro, isn’t the most spectacular on this list, but because of the surrounding atmosphere.

There are green areas where you can sit and enjoy the outdoors. People of all ages and nationalities hang out and have a drink. There’s live music and artists selling crafts, The terraces are packed. The only way to understand what I’m talking about is to experience it firsthand, so be sure to visit this Porto viewpoint on your next trip to the city.

Pedra dos Gatinhos

This is one of the must-see spots in Vila Nova de Gaia because the panoramic view is stunning. The Cat Rock Viewpoint is a staple of cover art, postcards, Instagram reels, and souvenirs, and the views are impressive.

Although this viewpoint is more difficult to reach – you have to go through a natural area and climb a rock – everyone who has visited recommends it. As with any place, use caution and common sense, and enjoy the view!

Cave Burmester

One of the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia has a special gift for its visitors: a unique view of the Dom Luís I Bridge. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the view during a guided tour, both inside and outside through the windows, and especially from the terrace.

Although there is an admission fee, it’s a view that can’t be found anywhere else in the city because visitors don’t usually go through this lower area next to the bridge, except in the other direction. If you’re not a big wine fan, another option for a similar panoramic view is to sail the Douro River on the Six Bridges Cruise.

The Crystal Palace Gardens

These gardens are worth a visit in their own right and offer one of the best views of Porto. There are various viewpoints throughout the gardens from which you can see different sides of the city.

The most famous viewpoint is Miradouro da Ponte da Arrábida, which offers the best panorama with the Arrábida Bridge as a backdrop. The garden tower is also ideal for looking across the Douro River. Since the gardens are located in an elevated area of the city, you can enjoy a good view almost everywhere you look, with glimpses of the Duero River among the vegetation.

Codeçal Stairs

Get ready to walk because these stairs will challenge you. This shouldn’t be a problem, though, thanks to the narrow streets they traverse. These streets are lined with small shops, balconies, street art, and unique views of the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge. You can only see this perspective from below here or in Vila Nova de Gaia.

I recommend walking them slowly and descending from the upper part, next to the Church of Santa Clara, towards the Ribeira so you won’t have to climb back up, which is more tiring. As you walk, you can see other monuments, such as the Church of Our Lady of Patronage, small cafés, and old houses at risk of collapse. This is a sad but common feature in Porto.

Serra do Pilar Monastery Viewpoint

Located on the left after crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Serra do Pilar Monastery is very close to the previous viewpoint and another place to enjoy the views of Porto. From here, you can see two of Porto’s most famous bridges: the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Arrábida Bridge. You can also overlook the Baixa district and the city of Porto. It’s one of Porto’s best viewpoints.

Furthermore, since it’s outside the monastery, it’s the perfect excuse to explore another one of Vila Nova de Gaia‘s key monuments. However, I recommend researching the monastery’s visiting hours because I’ve always seen it closed.

Escadas dos Guindais

One thing I like about strolling through the medieval streets connecting Sé and Ribeira is that you can experience the essence of Porto. There are hidden viewpoints without the typical layout, but they still provide unforgettable images.

This is the case with the Escadas dos Guindais, a set of stairs from which you can glimpse the Douro River. They lead directly to the bar and pier area of Cais da Ribeira. Look down to avoid falling, but don’t forget to admire the façades of the houses with their balconies, clotheslines, and colorful tiles.

Cais de Gaia

Rather than resembling a traditional viewpoint, it is a viewpoint in itself. From sea level, you can fall in love with Porto. There’s nothing like strolling along the Douro River, taking in the views of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Ribeira, or sitting on one of the beaches along the promenade and watching the rabelos or the cruise ships sail by.

Torre dos Clérigos

This tower leaves little to the imagination, which is only natural. Climbing to the top puts the entire city before you. The circular platform allows you to see both the lower part of the city (Baixa, the center, the Ribeira, the river, Vila Nova de Gaia, etc.) and the upper part.

To enjoy the views, purchase a ticket granting access to the tower and the interior exhibition. Climb the 240 steps to observe Porto from 76 metres high. Between the 18th and the 19th centuries, this was the tallest tower in Portugal, and even today, it is the tallest tower in Porto’s historic center.

Portuguese Photography Center

Although not as well-known as the previous museum, the Portuguese Photography Center also offers beautiful views of the city through old iron bars. I would say it has one of the clearest and most complete views of Porto Cathedral.

It’s also one of the few buildings that offers free access to views of Porto. Not only will you find panoramic views, but also exhibitions, photographs, cameras, and a fascinating history. The building where the museum is currently located was once a prison called the Cadeia da Relação.

Enjoy views of Porto from the city’s rooftops

Thanks to the panoramic terraces, dining in Porto with a view is possible. Due to the city’s low-rise buildings, many rooftops have been used for this purpose. As you know, the more tourists who visit, the more options arise for enjoying them.

Some rooftops I know are the Guindalense Club, the Mirajazz Terrace, the Eurostars Hotel Terrace, and the Wine & Books Porto Hotel. All of these have views of the Douro River and some of the bridges. Other restaurants and bars have rooftops, though they don’t necessarily offer city views. One example is Casa Guedes in Praça dos Poveiros, one of the best restaurants in Porto.

Views in motion

The Gaia Cable Car and the Guindais funicular are other good options for enjoying views of Porto while covering distances. The former takes you on a five-minute ride from the highest part of Vila Nova de Gaia in Jardim do Morro, to Cais de Gaia in the lower part. During the ride, you’ll be able to appreciate both the Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia from a unique perspective.

The Guindais funicular takes you from the Batalha area in the upper part of Old Porto to Cais da Ribeira, which is next to the entrance to the upper level of Dom Luís I Bridge. If you want to avoid climbing stairs, you will love this option, which serves as both a means of transportation and a viewpoint.

The best viewpoints in Porto at a glance + MAP

Best viewpoints in Porto	Location	Views of Porto	Cost
Victoria Viewpoint	Downtown Porto	Rooftops, Baixa, Dom Luís I, Vila Nova de Gaia	Free
Dom Luís I Bridge	Over the Douro River, connecting Cais da Ribeira and Cais de Gaia	On both sides of the river	Free
Crystal Palace Gardens	Past Miragaia, a bit far from the center	Arrábida Bridge, Douro River	Free
Porto 360 Viewpoint	Crystal Palace Gardens	360º panoramic view of the city	Paid
Rua das Aldas Viewpoint	Next to Porto Cathedral (Sé)	Rooftops, Baixa, Douro River	Free
Virtudes Park	Downtown Porto	Unique sunset	Free
Fontainhas Viewpoint	Next to Ponte do Infante	Dom Luís I Bridge, and the Monastery	Free
Pedra dos Gatinhos	Upper part of Vila Nova de Gaia	Panoramic view of Porto and the Douro	Free
Jardim do Morro	Upper part of Vila Nova de Gaia, after crossing the bridge	Vila Nova de Gaia and Baixa	Free
Viewpoint of the Monastery da Serra do Pilar	Upper part of Vila Nova de Gaia, after crossing the bridge	Ponte Dom Luis I and Vila Nova de Gaia	Free
Cais de Gaia	Lower part of Vila Nova de Gaia	Ribeira and bridge	Free
Burmester Caves	Vila Nova de Gaia, just after crossing the bridge from below	Bridge, Ribeira	Paid
Escadas dos Guindais	Connect Sé and Ribeira	Alleyways, Bridge, and Douro	Free
Clérigos Tower	Center of Porto	360º panoramic view of the city	Paid
Portuguese Photography Center	Center of Porto	Roofs of Porto and Sé	Free
Escadas do Codeçal	Connect Sé and Ribeira	Alleys, Bridge, and Douro	Free
Rooftops	Around the city	Douro River and bridges	Paid
Gaia Cable Car	Vila Nova de Gaia	Ribeira	Paid
Funicular dos Guindais	Ribeira	Bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia	Paid