Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Porto

Built in 1110 in the highest point in the city, Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, is a defining landmark of the city, and the most important religious building in Porto. A visit to the cathedral is well worth not only for its historical importance, but also for its remarkable mix of architectural styles that range from Romanesque to Baroque and Gothic, and lastly, for the beautiful views it offers over the city--stretching from the Old Town to the Atlantic coast.

In the heart of the Old Town, the “Riverbank” quarter of the city contrasts historic winding streets with lively and colourful facades. With abundant restaurants and galleries, this is a great place to venture out during the day as well as at night, when the array of trendy bars and nightclubs open their doors.

Torre Dos Clérigos is a 75-meters high granite Baroque tower built by the Italian artist Niccolo Nazzoni in the 18th century. Those who endure the steep 240-step journey to the top will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the city. You should also visit the Igreja dos Clérigos (Church of the Clerics), a true Baroque masterpiece in the city.

Across the Douro River, you can visit the port wine caves of Vila Nova de Gaia. There are over fifty wine companies found in this area, with wine lodges offering organised tours and tasting sessions.

Culture vultures will not want to miss this National Museum dedicated to 19th- and 20th-century Portuguese painting and sculpture. After your visit, you can enjoy a coffee in the museum's café.

If modern art is your scene, don't miss this museum, which hosts some of the best works by contemporary Portuguese painters and sculptors, as well as pieces from internationally-known artists such as Warhol and Pollock. The building also offers a library, a book shop, a tea house, a restaurant, and an auditorium bar. The opening hours may differ from those of the museum itself and according to the season.

Medieval tower discovered during the demolition work of several buildings around the Sé Cathedral and then reconstructed 15 metres away from its original position. Today, this restored and fortified medieval tower is home to the Porto Tourism Office.

Currently the headquarters of the municipal company Águas do Porto, hence its second name Parque das Águas (Water Park), the Nova Sintra Park is one of the largest green spaces in Porto, boasting great botanical diversity, dense trees, as well as a peaceful atmosphere--a nice place to relax and take a break by one of its many fountains.

Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro, located 57km to the south of Porto, is a charming town surrounded by beaches, lagoons, and beautiful canals that run through it. It is easy to reach Aveiro: several trains leave Porto to Aveiro every day, and the journey takes about an hour.

Built between 1842 and 1870 on the former site of a Franciscan convent, The Stock Exchange Palace, or Palácio da Bolsa, is an impressive building in Neoclassical style, which currently houses the headquarters of the Porto Commercial Association. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palácio da Bolsa attracts around 200,000 visitors a year, making it the most visited monument in the north of Portugal. Take a guided tour to see up close its magnificently decorated rooms, especially the Arab Room, which features the exotic Moorish Revival architecture. This room also serves as a reception hall for heads of state and personalities visiting the city.

Estádio do Dragão (The Dragon Stadium), is the home arena for FC Porto since 2003, and it is estimated to have cost €98 million. On this guided tour, you will see the presidential box, changing rooms, and dugouts.

Near the Stock Palace and the Douro River is another UNESCO World Heritage site that is well worth visit while in Porto, the Monument Church of St Francis, or Igreja Monumento de São Francisco. This church built around the 14th century has one of Europe's most sumptuous and extravagant interiors. Here, all that glitter is, in fact, gold! Its interior is covered in gilded woodwork, and rumour has it that it was used around 400 to 600 kg of gold to decorate it. Hence why the St. Francis Church is also known as "The Golden Church". Another highlight of this church is its impressive Tree of Jesse, a wooden sculpture carved by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes in 1718 depicting the ancestors of Jesus Christ, shown in a branching tree--considered to be one of the best in the world of its kind. Under the church, you will find the catacombs, where the Franciscan monks along with the members of Porto's noble families are buried.

Ponte Dom Luís I (The Dom Luís I Bridge), one of Porto's most famous landmarks, is a 172 metres double-deck metal arch bridge--the longest of its kind in the world--and links the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia over the River Douro. It is well worth a visit, especially to admire the sunset.

One of the most impressive churches in Porto, Igreja de Santa Clara (Church of Santa Clara), started its construction in 1416, and it was completed in 1457. Its interior is Gothic, but in the 17th and 18th centuries, the temple was decorated in a Baroque style. The church nave is entirely covered in gilded woodcarving--a genuine feast for the eyes. From the church patio, it is possible to climb to one of the remains of the Fernandina Wall in the city.

A must-see while in Porto is the São Bento Railway Station. More than just a train station, this place is another architectural jewel, among the many others this city boasts. Built by the Portuguese architect José Marques da Silva in 1900, the São Bento Railway Station opened to the public sixteen years later. Its construction took place on the site that once housed a Benedictine monastery, hence the name São Bento. The architecture has a French Renaissance influence, and even though its facade is already quite impressive, its interior is what leaves visitors truly awestruck. The main hall is beautifully decorated--from the ground to the ceiling--with more than 20,000 "azulejos" (Portuguese tiles), which recount important events of the history of Portugal.

Porto is a very steep city, so one way to save your legs from doing all the climbing is by taking a funicular. The Guindais Funicular, in particular, connects you from the Ribeira neighbourhood, situated at the quayside, to Batalha, at the top of Porto. The journey takes about 3 minutes, and it costs around €2,50. Besides being a fun way to get from one part of the city to another, you will also get beautiful views over the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Douro River.

More than just a bookstore, Livraria Lello is a historical and architectural masterpiece in downtown Porto. Opened in 1906, Livraria Lello & Irmão as it is also known combines elements of Neo-Gothic, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles that comprise intricate woodwork, a large stained glass window bearing the bookshop monogram with the motto "Decus in labore" (dignity at work, in Latin), and a remarkable red spiral staircase, which starts as one set of stairs and splits into two that join in a circular design. The latter is a huge attraction here since it resembles the Grand Staircase from the Harry Potter films, and considering J.K. Rowling was once a Porto resident, there is a high chance this place might have inspired her. Livraria Lello became so popular with tourists that in July 2015 the store started charging a 5 Euro entrance fee and queues can take over an hour. You can purchase tickets on their website.

Located in a former 18th-century prison, the PCF is a free museum featuring exhibitions on both Portuguese and Brazilian photography, as well as a collection of historic cameras and photography equipment.

The city of Porto is advantageously located right on the Atlantic coast, meaning there is no shortage of beaches within easy walking distance of all the main attractions. For sunbathing or swimming, visit the sandy Praia dos Ingleses or Matosinhos. Watch the sunset while enjoying fine food and a few drinks on the promenade of Gondarem Beach, a rocky shoreline close to the city centre.

These romantic 19th-century landscaped gardens are free to visit and offer spectacular views of Porto, Gaia, and the Douro River. Spend some time wandering the maze-like gardens, populated with luscious trees and flowers, take a couple of pictures, and then stop by one of the many fountains to admire the free-range peacocks.

Enjoy some Portuguese fare and other local specialities at this rustic and quirky restaurant, ideally located in the heart of Porto, with a pleasant outdoor terrace overlooking the Douro River.

Typical South American restaurant serving steaks, grilled fish, and an excellent range of seafood dishes. Specialities are the meat rodízio (all-you-can-eat barbecue) and the famous Brazilian Caipirinha.

Intimate and charming restaurant, in the historic part of Porto, serving Portuguese fare based on high-quality organic food from local products along with a comprehensive wine list.

Seaside bar and restaurant, located at Matosinhos beach, featuring a diversified drinks menu, tasty cuisine with Portuguese and international inspirations, good music, and a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

Featured on the Michelin Guide, O Paparico serves traditional Portuguese cuisine with a uniquely contemporary touch, accompanied by a rich wine list in a rustic and elegant setting.

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, head over to the Yeatman's Restaurant at the Yeatman Hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia. Its menu changes seasonably so as to showcase only the freshest and the best produce the country has to offer. The chef's tasting menu delivers a great combination of flavours, which are perfectly paired with their wide selection of both local and international wines. If that wasn't enough, the Yeatman's Restaurant also offers stunning views of the city, an elegant atmosphere, and back in 2017, it was awarded 2 stars in the Michelin Guide.

Even though Cafeína is almost three decades old, it continues to be one of the trendiest restaurants in Porto. Located in a 19th-century manor house, Cafeína offers a flavourful combination of international and Portuguese cuisine in a cosy and classy atmosphere.

Praia Da Luz is both a restaurant and a beachside café. It offers everything from pancakes for breakfast, afternoon tea, seafood dishes, local cuisine, and even midnight snacks. In the summer, enjoy their beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, while in the winter, visitors can eat in front of a log fire.

Seafood restaurant, a couple of minutes from Matosinhos Beach, which besides serving fresh seafood, such as clams, octopus, shrimp, lobster, and fish, also offers a few meat dishes. The "Bacalhau à Mauritânia" comes highly recommended.

Housed in a charming 14th-century building with stone walls, wooden beams, and a cave-like setting, Mal Cozinhado is a typical Portuguese restaurant that has been around for hundreds of years, and it was once frequented by the famous Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões. But, the main reason you should visit Mal Cozinhado is to experience the traditional Fado shows, which take place from Monday to Saturday from 9 pm to midnight.

Café Majestic is claimed to be not just any café: it is an essential stop on any visitor’s sightseeing itinerary. Voted in 2011, the sixth most beautiful cafe in the world, Café Majestic was founded in 1921, and it still retains the original flamboyant glamour of the roaring 1920s, decadently decorated with marble walls, cherubs, and gilded mirrors.

Café Guarany is known as the musician’s café. This is due to the artistic atmosphere that has existed since its founding in 1933. Today, besides serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, it also hosts regular fado nights.

Praia Da Luz is both a restaurant and a beachside café. It offers everything from pancakes for breakfast, afternoon tea, seafood dishes, local cuisine, and even midnight snacks. In the summer, enjoy their beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, while in the winter, visitors can eat in front of a log fire.

Cosy and artsy café, wine bar, and bookshop boasting a bohemian vibe, calm music, dim lighting, and outdoor seating. Café Candelabro was built in a former bookshop, and although the space was restored, it still kept some of its original identity, such as the floor with black and white mosaics as well as its tables and chairs. Here, besides buying books, you can also sell used titles, or even take one with you to the table to enjoy it--most of them are about photography and cinema.

Seaside bar and restaurant, located at Matosinhos beach, featuring a diversified drinks menu, tasty cuisine with Portuguese and international inspirations, good music, and a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

Gorgeous cafe and restaurant serving sweet and savoury pastries, cakes, and a simple and light lunch menu in a beautiful location overlooking the ocean.

One of the oldest bars in the city, the Pipa Velha Petisqueira has been open in downtown Porto since 1981. The walls are decorated with old posters and newspapers that count a little bit of Porto’s history, while the music is a blend of alternative rock and indie.

Cosy and artsy café, wine bar, and bookshop boasting a bohemian vibe, calm music, dim lighting, and outdoor seating. Café Candelabro was built in a former bookshop, and although the space was restored, it still kept some of its original identity, such as the floor with black and white mosaics as well as its tables and chairs. Here, besides buying books, you can also sell used titles, or even take one with you to the table to enjoy it--most of them are about photography and cinema.

Seaside bar and restaurant, located at Matosinhos beach, featuring a diversified drinks menu, tasty cuisine with Portuguese and international inspirations, good music, and a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

Plano B is a quite popular nightclub, and maybe even the most popular in town when it comes to live music and DJ gigs. It also has occasional art exhibitions, and these attract a young audience with aesthetic interest.

Cosy little bar in the Ribeira area offering an excellent selection of port wines as well as a tapas menu in a lovely location overlooking the Douro River and D. Luís I Bridge.

Since 1962, Taylor's has been dedicated to the production of port wine, which you can't simply leave the city without trying. As you tour the cellars, you will learn all about the history of "vinho do Porto" as well as its production process from a self-guided audio tour. Once you finish the tour, enjoy some wine tasting in an idyllic setting complete with peacocks and roosters.

One of the best places in Porto for drinks and/or to go clubbing with your friends is the Wall Bar. A hip and contemporary bar/lounge, in downtown Porto, which attracts a young crowd and hosts house and guest DJs as well as regular theme parties.

Live music club playing jazz and blues, right in the heart of Porto, in an intimate and pleasant atmosphere.

Baixa Bar, in downtown Porto, is both an elegant bar with Parisian-like outdoor seating and a buzzing nightclub featuring all kinds of music and a mirrored ball hanging from the ceiling. So whether you are in the mood for just a few drinks or a full-on night out with your friends, this place has got you covered.

Old movie theatre turned into a concert hall, bar, and disco. Visit their Facebook page for a full list of upcoming events.

On top of the HF Ipanema Park Hotel, you will find a lovely rooftop bar with beautiful views of the city and the Douro River. From 8pm onwards, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun and try their signature cocktails as well as the classic ones. From Thursday to Saturday, DJ sets between 5pm–8pm, but sadly, only hotel guests are allowed during that time.

Alternative bar/art gallery/playhouse/concert hall featuring an eclectic music selection, several unique rooms, and a back garden--great for socializing and enjoying the hot summer Portuguese nights.

Trendy electronic music club, near the Molhe Beach, featuring international acts as well as local ones along with a big crowd who wants to dance.

As you have already guessed from its name, this is a cocktail bar specialising in gin. Ideally located in downtown Porto, The Gin House offers more than 150 imported brands along with some excellent tonic waters, which in combination with their knowledgeable team of bartenders ensure you will have quite a memorable night out.

Porto’s main shopping street is the pedestrianised Rua de Santa Catarina in the city centre. Here you will find from the usual international brands, such as H&M and Zara to local shops and street vendors. Along the way, you will also find several restaurants and cafes, including the renowned Café Majestic--featured on our guide--as well as other points of interests such as the Mercado do Bolhão, the Church of San Antonio de los Congregados, and another important shopping centre, the Centro Comercial Via Catarina.

The Centro Comercial Via Catarina is an elegant mall, ideally located in Porto's main shopping thoroughfare, offering everything you would expect from a usual shopping centre, including many international fashion brands, numerous restaurants and cafes, all spread over its four floors.

There is no better way to get a glimpse of daily Portuguese life, than by paying a visit to one of the many open-air markets this city has to offer. So, here's a list of the three ones worth visiting when in Porto: - Mercado do Bolhão One of the most popular and lively markets in Porto, the Mercado do Bolhão and its several floors of fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat are a true feast for the eyes, nose, and palette. Centrally located, this market is also a nice place to hunt for souvenirs. Address: Rua Formosa, Porto Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm - Mercado Porto Bello Although more compact than its namesake market in London, the Mercado Porto Belo still boasts the same hipster vibe from its Notting Hill's distant cousin. Here you will find antiques, vinyl records, vintage clothing and accessories, organic goodies such as homemade jams, olive oil, and soap, as well as a few food stalls. It takes place every Saturday from 10am–7pm at Praça de Carlos Alberto. - Vandoma Fleamarket Even if you are not searching for anything to buy, a visit to this flea market is worth just the experience alone. Started in the 1970s by students who would sell their old clothes and books, now this traditional and eclectic flea market offers a vast array of second-hand goods that range from clothes, vinyl records, and books to stamps, electronics, and household utensils. It is held every Saturday, from 8am–1pm at Av. 25 de Abril.

Temple dedicated to chocolate and other sweet treats, such as macarons, almond cake, and línguas de gato, small chocolate bars shaped like a cat tongue. Arcádia is such a popular patisserie that it has other nine shops across the city.

Founded in 1917 and boasting a beautiful Art Nouveau-inspired facade covered in Portuguese tiles referencing the spice route, A Pérola do Bolhão in downtown Porto is a traditional grocery store offering a large variety of quality products. From mountain cheeses to sausages, from dried fruits and caramels to regional wines--a great place to pick up a few local delicacies and take them home with you.

Gold jewellery is a speciality of Portugal, the country boasts a great collection of antique and modern gems, a reflection of its colonial past and its conquests of gold-rich lands in South America. Recommended jewellers are David Rosas (Av. da Boavista 1471) and Pedro A Baptista (R. das Flores 235).

If you are looking for unique and genuine Portuguese souvenirs made locally by Portuguese artisans, come to Portosigns in the Ribeira district. Here you will find items, such as hats, clothing, bags, wallets, and home decor, all to remind you of your wonderful time in Portugal.

Casa da Guitarra is a string instruments shop specialising in traditional Portuguese string instruments. Assembly, sale, promotion, and learning about string instruments all happen here, with extra room for cultural events--the perfect shop for buying something genuine and Portuguese.

Book lovers will feel as though they have slipped between the pages of a fantasy novel in this lovely bookstore in downtown Porto. With magical architecture rumoured to have inspired J.K. Rowling, Livraria Lello is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and has thus become a major tourist attraction. The building itself is stunning, boasting elements of Neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco embellishments that comprise intricate woodwork, a large stained-glass skylight, and an impressive spiral staircase, which starts as one set of stairs and splits into two that join in a circular design. Tickets to visit the bookstore can be bought on their website.

Small bottle shop featuring a variety of drinks including liqueurs, whiskey, and last but certainly not least ports and regional wines. You can either buy a bottle or come here for a tasting. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and will carefully pack everything for you to bring home.

Housed in a historic building in the centre of Porto, Mercado Bom Sucesso is an indoor market featuring food and clothing stalls as well as cultural events--a great place to bring your family and experience the Portuguese cuisine.

Since 1962, Taylor's has been dedicated to the production of Port wine, which you can't simply leave the city without trying. As you tour the cellars, you will learn all about the history of "vinho do Porto" as well as its production process from a self-guided audio tour. Once you finish the tour, enjoy some wine tasting in an idyllic setting complete with peacocks and roosters.

Portugal can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Porto provides mild weather throughout the whole year. The winter months, in particular, can be dominated by heavy rain – do not forget the typical coastal weather that can change quite fast. To experience the typical Portuguese life, however, the best time to visit might be in the summer months, when the open-air markets fill with crowds and the city hosts many festivals, such as Serralves em Festa and Festa de São João.

The Porto Airport is called Aeroporto Francisco Sa Carneiro and is situated 11 kilometres north of the city. To reach the airport you can use the lightrail. It departs every 30 minutes: www.metrodoporto.pt From here you can also take buses number 601, 602, 604 and 3M into the city centre: www.stcp.pt There are also shuttle buses and taxis available at the airport: www.goinporto.com getbus.eu Taxi Antral +351 22 5353350 www.antral.pt

Porto has a good bus and tram network with routes serving all the key tourist spots. The city also has a Metro system that is both clean and efficient. You can buy a metro ticket at the station and in other sale spots, or you can buy tourist cards that allow you to get around Porto on all means of transportation: daily tickets and 3-day tickets.

Taxis in Porto are very convenient and also great for airport transfer. Taxis Invicta +351 22 507 64 00 www.taxisporto.com RadiTaxis: +351 225 073 900 www.raditaxis.pt

To find a post office in Porto, look for the red sign saying CTT. Letter boxes are also red. Post Office: Praça General Humberto Delgado, Porto +351 223 400 202 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am–9pm. Sat 9am–6pm

Pharmacies are normally open from 9am–1pm and from 3–7pm. All areas have one shop open all night or on Sunday. A white cross on a green background marks out the pharmacies. Farmácia Sá da Bandeira: R. de Sá da Bandeira 236/54, Porto +351 22 207 4040 Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8:30am–7:30pm

Country Code: +351 Area Code: 022

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