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The best viewpoints in Porto

Written by the Team at Hi Porto Walking Tour

Porto has become a very popular destination lately and definitely is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Located on the banks of the Douro River, it’s a very hilly city and that gives you the chance to enjoy breathtaking views from different places around the city. We’ve made a list of the best viewpoints in Porto for your next trip.


Miradouro da Vitória


Vitoria Viewpoint
The Vitoria Viewpoint offers one of the most incredible views in Porto.

Probably the best place to enjoy the view of Porto and Gaia. The Vitória viewpoint is located in the old Jewish Quarter, close to the Church of Our Lady of Victory and the Clérigos Tower.

From this viewpoint you can admire the Douro River and the houses of Ribeira (Porto’s oldest neighborhood), Sé Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, D Luis I bridge and the Port wine cellars on the shores of Gaia.


Torre dos Clérigos


View from Torre dos Clérigos

This is the highest viewpoint in Porto (76m high to be more precise) and it offers an incredible 360 view of the city. There is one catch though. To enjoy it, you have to climb 225 steps of a narrow tower that gets narrower as you climb up, with people coming up and down at the same time so if you are claustrophobic, it’s not recommend. Be aware that in the summer months, the line can be an hour long.

Opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 19:00 and tickets cost 5,00 euros


Jardins do Palácio de Cristal


Picture by Luis Filipe Coelho

This garden owes its name to a beautiful Crystal Palace built here in the 19th century to host the International Exhibition of Porto. The Palace was demolished in the 1950’s but you can still enjoy this fantastic garden and its magnificent view of Arrábida Bridge. Located a little out of the historical center, this place is a must.

Opening hours: 1st April to 30th September from 8:00 to 21:00 1st October to 31st March from 8:00 to 19:00


Passeio das Virtudes


Passeio das Virtudes
The beautiful view of Passeio das Virtudes

This is the most famous viewpoint among the locals and tourists visiting the city. Because of the nice breeze coming from the river, it’s an excellent place to relax on a sunny day and enjoy a cold beer or a glass of “vinho verde”.

From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Arrábida Bridge, the Customs Building, the Crystal Palace and the Douro estuary.


Ponte Luis I and Jardim do Morro


Sunset from Jardim do Morro

It’s easy to spot the most beautiful bridge of Porto from the shores of the Douro River but the best thing about this marvelous structure is the fabulous view from the top, from where you can spot the most important landmarks of Porto and the most famous Porto Wine Cellars of Gaia.

Crossing the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, you will reach Jardim do Morro, a beautiful garden where people normally chill and have a drink waiting to enjoy the wonderful sunsets.


Serra do Pilar


Across the street from Jardim do Morro, you will find another hill with an old 17th century monastery on the top, that’s Serra do Pilar. The building nowadays belongs to the Military and the small church is not that impressive but from here you also have one of the most beautiful views of Porto (including Luis I bridge) and the perfect place to spend the sunset.


Sé Cathedral


Sé Cathedral
Sé Cathedral is the oldest church in Porto and one of the most beautiful ones.

While the Cathedral attracts visitors for itself, the nearby square offers two views. From one side, you can admire the oldest neighborhood in Porto and famous landmarks like Clérigos Tower and the former Prison that now hosts the Portuguese Photography Center. From the other, you have a beautiful view of the Douro River and Gaia.

If you haven't yet decided whether to travel to Porto, check out this article for reasons to visit Porto. If you do, join one of our free walking tours to discover those fantastic places and learn more tips to enjoy the best of Porto on your next trip.


Thank you for reading the article. For more travel tips from our local guides around the world, check the blog section of our website! We release unique travel recommendations every week. If you like this article or have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below!

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