Find the best views in Porto by following this detailed post. These Porto viewpoints are some of the best spots in the city to take photos or enjoy a sunset.
Porto is a stunning coastal city in northern Portugal and it is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Much like Lisbon Porto is a city that is built on hills. Since I live in a city of steep hills myself, San Francisco, I know that with dramatic city hills come unexpected, jaw-dropping views.
In this post I will share a few of the best views in Porto. I love how Porto is full of surprise views around every corner. I highly recommend exploring Porto by foot for this reason. So many times, I turned down a small cobblestone street to be blown away by a new view or angle that I had no idea existed. Porto is magical.
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The Best Views in Porto, Portugal
Miradouro da Vitria
The first view in Porto that I went to was conveniently located right next to my Airbnb. Convenience aside, this is a spot that I saw online beforehand and it is definitely worth a visit. Google Maps has this spot marked so it is pretty easy to find.
When you pass through the metal gate and approach the lookout don’t expect your first impression to be a good one. The area to stand in is less than impressive. It’s a vacant dirt lot of some sort with nothing more than maybe a few littered pieces of trash. But fret not—as soon as you take a few steps towards the waist-high wall you will see that the view over the Douro River is more than worth it.
There are designated hours to access this viewpoint. The gates that lead to the view are locked every night at 8 p.m. and reopen in the morning at 9 a.m. Kind of a bummer that this area is not accessible early enough for sunrise because it would be an amazing spot for early morning photos. // R. de São Bento da Vitória 11, 4050-292 Porto, Portugal
Ponte de Dom Luís I (The Dom Luís I Bridge)
The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck bridge across the Douro River. The bridge connects the city of Porto to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. With a height of 146 feet, the bridge offers incredible views of Old Town Porto, the Douro River, and Villa Nova de Gaia.
I love how easy it is to walk across The Dom Luís I Bridge. The top deck of the bridge is for pedestrians and is also used for one of Porto’s metro lines. Normal vehicle traffic operates on the bottom level of the bridge. This organization of traffic makes it super simple and a lot less frightening to stroll across the bridge by foot.
The Dom Luís I Bridge is a great, versatile viewpoint because you can catch a different scene every way you turn. I won’t lie, looking straight down at the water from the top of the bridge had me terrified. But like I said, there is not any car traffic where pedestrians walk so I was able to relieve my fears by walking far enough away from the edge. // PTE Luiz I, Porto, Portugal
Marginal de Gaia
Walk across The Dom Luís I Bridge and more amazing views of Porto await on the other side. A visit to the other side of the bridge is necessary because Villa Nova de Gaia is a must-visit for Port Tasting. This is where countless Port wine cellars are located. But little did I know Villa Nova de Gaia has some of the best views of Porto.
Marginal de Gaia is a great landmark to get to the waterfront area in Villa Nova de Gaia. Once over there you will see that the views from the entire waterfront are hard to beat. Looking across the sparkling Douro River at Porto is a sight straight off of a postcard.
The waterfront area is touristy, with vendors lining the sidewalk trying to sell predictable items like sunglasses and t-shirts. Do not let the touristy vibe deter you; this is an area that is worth a quick stroll even if it’s just for photos. I have multiple photos from this area framed in my apartment right now, that’s how much I love my shots from this spot. // Av. de Diogo Leite, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Teleférico de Gaia (Gaia Cable Car)
Alright, I am not going to lie—the main, initial reason that I decided to take a ride on Teleférico de Gaia is simply because I was exhausted and did not have it in me to climb the hill back up to the bridge. The cable car transports riders from the Gaia waterfront to the upper deck of The Dom Luís I Bridge.
Even though my decision to ride the cable car was out of sheer laziness, I was treated with a magical view of Porto in transit. The entire ride lasts about five minutes. I think my favorite view on the ride was actually looking straight down into the tiny streets below, a view that isn’t found from any other vantage point.
When I rode the cable car the cost for a one-way trip was € 6.00. The opening hours of the cable car change with the season. Be sure to check online for current ticket prices and opening times. // Calçada da Serra 143, 4430-236 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Riding the cable car back to the top level of the bridge will land you closer to another one of the best views in Porto. If you are up for a short, up-hill walk from the drop-off point of the cable car, you can experience Miradouro da Serra do Pilar.
This scenic spot is open 24 hours and might very well be the best spot for panoramic views of Porto. This lookout point is located on the property of Serra do Pilar, a monastery that dates back to 1538. Make a the trek up to the top to simply enjoy the view, or you can also opt for a tour of the monastery. // Largo Aviz, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Jardim das Virtudes
Jardim das Virtudes is a small park area with grass, perfect for throwing down a blanket and enjoying snacks and drinks. I came across this area by accident one evening just in time for Golden Hour and sunset.
Locals gathered on the lawn as well, spending quality time with friends as the sun dropped and the sky changed colors. The energy here is very relaxing and enjoyable—I really think that sunrise or sunset is the best time to visit this view of Porto. // Passeio das Virtudes 53-3, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
Rent an Apartment with Views of Porto
For my trip I was lucky enough to find an apartment for rent with some of the best views in Porto. I spent three nights at this home via Airbnb. Check the website for availability and keep an eye out for other rentals, I saw many with great views. Here are some bonus photos that I took from the living room balcony.
Stay Connected in Porto
When I travel in Europe I stay connected to the internet using TEP Wireless, which is my favorite travel wi-fi service. The devices work in countries all over the world and are a lifesaver when it comes to accessing maps and reservations in places where you don’t have cell service. Click here to check where TEP provides coverage and see the current device rental prices.
