10 Best Attractions of Porto

The Dom Luís I Bridge, or Luís I Bridge, is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. At its construction, its 172 metres span was the longest of its type in the world. It has been confused with the nearby Maria Pia Bridge, a railway bridge that was built 9 years earlier, which is similar in aspect to the Luís I bridge.
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Porto's most important Gothic building dating from the fourteenth century. It's interior however dates from the 17th and 18th centuries and it's dazzling intricate gold guilting remains one of the most celebrated works of Baroque in the country. Ever since 1910 it's been a national monument and became a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1996. See More [ ► ]

This art nouveau/neo-Gothic masterpiece was inaugurated in 1906 by José Lello with his brother Antonio Lello after acquiring the Livraria Internacional de Ernesto Chardron book store. The Livraria Lello bookshop is universally considered one of the worlds most beautiful and an Art Nouveau masterpiece. Along with Bertrand in Lisbon, it is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and frequently rated among the top bookstores in the world.
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Located on the Rua de Ferreira Borges, next to the Igreja de São Francisco, this national monument, also known as The Stock Exchange Palace is the property and headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto and is one of the most visited attractions within the World Heritage Centre of Porto. Designed in a neoclassical style by Joaquim da Costa Lima, construction started in 1842 and took 30 years to complete. One could be mistaken in believing the Palace has royal connections however the purpose of this construction has always been related to commerce, a true reflection of Porto's strong work ethic. The neoclassical facade is designed to impress and an indication of the opulence contained within.
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The cathedral's location on the highest part the hill on Rua de São João overlooks the rooftops of the city below and forms an imposing part of the skyline for miles around. The cathedral sits within the Batalha, the area which was originally inside the old city walls.

Founded in the early 12th century the cathedral has a collection of architectural styles yet with an overall Romanesque feel. Dom João I married Phillipa of Lancaster here in 1387 but they would have a problem recognising the present construction. The only original feature of the main façade remaining is the Romanesque rose window set within a crenellated arch. The crenellations on the Cathedral bears testament to the fact it was built during uncertain times. The façade is flanked by two square bell towers, each supported with two buttresses and crowned with cupolas. The loggia on the North face is accredited to the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and dates from around 1736. See More [ ► ]

Set upon it's vantage point overlooking the Douro River and Gaia on the opposite bank this piece of Eden was first conceived as part the International Exhibition of 1865. Named after the Crystal Palace which was the centre piece. The gardens was designed by German landscape architect Emílio David. Today the gardens offer a tranquil respite from the city and some of the best views in Porto.
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