The area gained UNESCO status in 1996 after three years of campaigning and encompasses the medieval region once housed within the 14th-century ramparts, remnants of which can still be found. The UNESCO area stretches from the Praça da Liberadade at its most northern boundary down the hill to the river Douro's edge, across the Luis I bridge to the lower part of Vila Nova da Gaia on the opposite bank. The steep narrow cobbled streets are lined with old lanky buildings in various states of preservation which maintain a sense of community, with washing hanging on lines overhead. Comfortable shoes are advised when visiting the area as for the most walking is the only means of traversing these ancient streets.
TOP ATTRACTIONS OF WORLD HERRITAGE CENTREThe beautiful epochal riverside area
Porto's unique and fabulous central train station
Porto's ancient and most important religious building
The iconic bridge joining the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto's Palace dedicated to commerce with a opulent decorated interior.
Porto's most important Gothic building dating from the fourteenth century.
Discover the ancient house where Prince Henry the Navigator was born.
A place that champions Portuguese photography.
The Guindais funicular railway descends 61 metres (200 ft) down a steep cliff from Batalha (on the higher ground of central Porto) to the quayside at Ribeira. The three-minute journey is used by commuters and tourists alike. The original was built in 1891 however the present service dates from 2004. As the self-levelling cars descend it follows a path along the medieval walls and gives a bird's eye view of the Dom Luís I Bridge and beyond over the quaysides of Ribeira and Cais de Gaia, the multitude of port wine lodges and traditional port boats on the Gaia side of the Douro River. The funicular is an ideal way to traverse the steep hill between central Porto and the Ribeira, saving time and tired feet.
It's operated by the Porto Metro company and accessed using the Andante ticket, allowing a trip on the funicular to be combined with a journey on the Porto Metro and selected bus routes. It runs from 08h00 to 20h00 on weekdays, with services running until midnight on weekends and holidays.
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Soak up the beauty of Northern Portugal on this full-day cruise from Porto to Pinhão. Known as the heart of the Douro Valley, Pinhão is a typical village that embodies traditional Portuguese charm. The best way to see it? By boat of course. Enjoy breakfast onboard the vessel as you cruise up the Douro River, admiring the lush mountains and peaceful waters. In Pinhão, explore the village and visit winery estates and enjoy lunch before heading back down the river to Porto where your tour concludes.
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Discover the UNESCO-listed splendour of the Douro Valley on this full-day trip to Régua from Porto, including a return boat ride. During a scenic train ride to Régua, you’ll see vineyards and valleys before you board a cruise ship set to sail down the Douro River. On this day trip to Régua, an onboard lunch is included.
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Experience all of Porto’s bridges on this 50-minute cruise of Porto’s six bridges. Coast down the peaceful waters of the Douro River by boat as you see Porto to one side and Gaia to the other, and all of Porto’s stunning bridges connecting the two cities. You’ll quickly notice that no two bridges are alike, each with its own architecture and personality, making for stunning photo backdrops. As you sail the UNESCO river, you’ll see why this is one of the most unique ways to experience Northern Portugal.
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| Igreja da Misericórdia
This 16th-century church is located on the Rua das Flores, a street well traversed by tourists. Construction started in 1550 predominately in a Renaissance style. After a period of neglect, the building was saved from collapse with a series of restorations during the 18th century along with a new Baroque/Rococo façade designed by Nicolau Nasoni. The church's original nucleus is now a museum which houses a superb Renaissance painting known as Fons Vitae (Fountain of Life ). The painting depicts Dom Manuel I and his family around a fountain of blood from the crucified Christ.
Tuesday - Sunday: 09h00 - 12h00, Monday: CLOSED
Rua das Flores 5, 4050-265 Porto, Portugal
41° 08' 36.8"N | 08° 36'52.1"W | +351 222 074 710
geral@scmp.pt
The Porto & Douro Wine Institute (IVDP) have a promotion area in its building at Rua Ferreira Borges. It includes a wine shop, tasting room and a visit tour aiming to show the process of Port and Douro Wine certification. This is a combined space of reception, tastings, visits and wine sales, allowing its visitors to have first contact with the Douro Region, commented/guided Port Wine tastings, visits to the areas where laboratory and sensory analysis for the wine certification are made, and a shop that offers one of the best selections of Port and Douro wines in the city, at very reasonable prices.
Mon - Fri: 11h00 - 19h00, Weekends: CLOSED
Loja de Vinhos do Douro e do Porto, Rua Ferreira Borges 27, 4050-253, Porto, Portugal.
41° 08' 40.95" N | 08° 36' 56.0" W
+351 222 076 310 | Website
| Porto & Douro Wine Institute (IVDP)
Probably this is Porto's most famous hotel and it's true it has the best views. Located on the corner of Praca da Ribeira the Pestana Porto Hotel has made it's way on to countless postcards and photos. Occuping part of a block of 16th, 17th and 18th century building, and has been classified World Heritage by Unesco. Its privileged location makes it possible to cruise down the river Douro, departing from the bank right in front of the hotel, and to take the historic tram to Foz do Douro or visit one of the Port wine cellars.
Praça da Ribeira 1, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.
41º 08' 25.7" N | 08º 36' 47.3" W | +351 223 402 300
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Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Porto overlooking the river Douro, the Carrís Porto Ribeira is very close to the Praça da Ribeira, the Palácio da Bolsa and the Centro de Congressos da Alfândega. Onlu five minutes walk from the train and metro stations and a 20 minute drive from the airport. The hotel has also its own restaurant , "Forno Velho".
Rua do Infante Dom Henrique 1, 4050-296, Porto, Portugal.
41º 08' 29.1" N | 08º 36' 48.8" W | +351 220 965 786
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Set in a renovated 18th-century palace, the 5-star InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas offers spacious rooms with views of Porto’s historical centre. Located 200 yards from the iconic Clérigos Tower, this hotel provides free WiFi in all areas. Featuring high ceilings, Palacio’s stylish rooms offer flat-screen TVs. Marble bathrooms include a separate bathtub and walk-in shower. Some rooms feature a seating area with plush chairs. Guests can work out at the 24-hour Fitness Centre, which is equipped with the latest equipment and weights. The on-site spa has 3 treatment rooms and a sauna.
Praca da Liberdade, 25, União de Freguesias do Centro, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal.
41º 08' 45.1" N | 08º 36' 41.5" W | +351 +351 220 035 600
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Ideally located on the Praça da Ribeira this small restaurant has a homely and welcoming atmosphere with incredibly friendly staff. Serving dishes that are a creative twist on local flavours topped with an excellent choice of wine to compliment the food. Dishes are of great quality and freshly cooked/prepared. Rightfully popular and it's advisable to pre-book if possible.
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Daily: 10h30 - 22h30
Praça da Ribeira 11 & 12, S. Nicolau, Porto 4050-509, Portugal.
41º 08' 27.1" N | 08º 36' 47.3" W
+351 220 924 660
reservas@jimao.pt | Website
A charming establishment with an interesting décor with wine barrels and crates dotted about the restaurant. The welcoming and very friendly will direct you to your table on the second floor. With luck you'll have a window seat which has views over the Douro and Louis I bridge. This family owned restaurant have a strict ethos that stipulates all ingredients must be sourced from local farms ensuring a delicious and fresh dining experience. Diners need to allow time for their meals to be made to order, a great opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine from their extensive list and enjoy the atmosphere.
Sun: 19h00 - 23h00, Tues - Thurs: 19h00 - 23h00, Fri - Sat: 19h00 - 00h00
Largo do Terreiro 7, Zona Historica da Ribeira, Porto 4050-603, Portugal.
41º 08' 25.3" N | 08º 36' 52.7" W
+351 913 200 010
info@odewinehouse.com
Two homely rooms make up the Fish Fixe (cool fish) restaurant complete with balconies and windows over looking the river, bridge and views of the Cais de Gaia on the opposite bank, the second floor has the best views. As the name suggests this is a seafood restaurant serving unpretentious dishes with fresh ingredients, at sensible prices and served with a smile.
Tues - Sun: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 00h00, Monday: CLOSED
Street Lada, 22-24, Cais Da Ribeira, Porto 4050-509, Portugal.
41º 08' 27.1" N | 08º 36' 37.8" W
+351 917 625 408
fishfixe@iol.pt | Website
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport Porto is 20km (12.4 mi) North of Porto's World Heritage District Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR FLIGHT HERE:
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From Lisbon and south:
Take the A1 in the direction of Ponte do Freixo. Take the exit toward Freixo-Gondomar/Entre-os-rios. At the second roundabout, head to Porto (marginal). Follow Douro river and head to the tunnel next to Dom Luis I Bridge, and then take the first left.
GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR CAR HIRE HERE:
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Linha do Minho |
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Metro do Porto. The only metro station within the UNESCO World Heritage Centre is at São Bento on the D-line which runs north to south. Two stops north of São Bento is Trindade station, a major hub which has connections with all other Metro lines. Website |
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STCP (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto) is the company who run the bus and what's left of the tram service in and around Porto. Website
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