7 Best Viewpoints in Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal is a city that specializes in port wine and stunning views; two things that are perfect for any weekend-escape or vacation. The city is built into the hillside along the Duoro River, which makes Porto famous for its “Miradouros” or established viewpoints. There are so many miradouros in Porto, that it is easy to get lost in the number, so in this post I am going to show you only the best!

In this post, I am going to share the 7 best viewpoints in Porto, Portugal!

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Porto Cathedral & Terreiro da Se Street

This spot is located near to the Porto Cathedral along the Terreiro da Se street and is one of my top pick for the best viewpoint in Porto. We stumbled upon this viewpoint when making our way to the Porto Cathedral, but it quickly became one of my favorites. Possibly because I had never seen this view before on any other guides or “best of” reviews and that means you’ll likely have it all to yourself.

I also love how this viewpoint captures the way the houses and churches are built into the hillside. You will be looking away from the Duoro River, so no water views. However, you get a brilliant view of the Clérigos Tower from here!

After this stop, definitely don’t pass up a visit to the Porto Cathedral.

Location: 41.143006, -8.611467

Ponte de Dom Luís I (The Dom Luís I Bridge)

The next couple viewpoints are going to be from across the Ponte de Dom Luís I (The Dom Luís I Bridge). However, before you get there, make sure to take in the views from the bridge itself. The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-decker bridge that connects the city of Porto to the city of Gaia. Pedestrians use the top deck along with the train, and cars use the bottom bridge.

With a height of 146 feet, the bridge offers incredible views of Old Town Porto, the Douro River, and Villa Nova de Gaia. At 146 feet high, you have 360-degree views of Old Town Porto, the Duoro River, and Gaia which is the town across the River from Porto.

Location: Ponte Dom Luís I, Pte. Luiz I 4000, Porto, Portugal

Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

From the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, you can see the double-decker Dom Luís I bridge in action. This is the perfect sunset spot in Porto, as the sunsets just over the Duoro River. Make sure to leave enough time to get up to this viewpoint. As you can see we made it to this spot with just a few moments of light left in the day.

To get here, follow the Avenue da Republica south until you get to the Rampa (Ramp) do Infante Santo. Take this ramp up about 5 minutes which will lead to the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.

Location: Largo Aviz, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Pro Tip: A little further down from this viewpoint you will find Kittie Rock Point which is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset in Porto without the crowds.

Marginal de Gaia

The next best Porto viewpoint on my list is from Marginal de Gaia. Once you have crossed the Dom Luís I Bridge, you can either take the Teleférico de Gaia (Gaia Cable Cars) from the Jardim do Morro station or walk down Av. de Diogo Leite to the Marginal de Gaia.

Here you have one of the best views of Old Town Porto and the unique characteristics of the city built into the hillside. Enjoy some time walking up and down the waterfront or enjoy some wine at one of the wine bars in Gaia. This is the perfect place to relax as the sun goes down. Just give yourself enough time to get to your sunset spot before the sun goes down!

Location: Av. de Diogo Leite, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Rent an Airbnb with Views of Porto

If you know me by now, I will never pass up on a room with a view. While researching where to stay in Porto, I stumbled upon this property in Porto with the most incredible view. It was the perfect place to watch the sunrise in the morning, with the sun coming up right over the Dom Luís I Bridge.

This private apartment sleeps 4 people, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is on the top floor on the building without an elevator, so a handful of steps are required. There is a sprawling, modern kitchen with plenty of room to cook meals during your stay. We had only good things to say about our stay here! This is hands down the best place to stay in Porto!

If you are interested in booking this apartment, use the button below for current pricing and availability on your dates!

Location: R. de São Bento da Vitória

Miradouro da Vitória

Located just down the street from the Airbnb I linked above, you can get very similar views over Porto from this Miradouro just not as high of a vantage point.

You will first pass through metal gates and see what looks a vacant lot. Have no fear, continue toward the wall for a better view over the Douro River.

Location: R. de São Bento da Vitória 11, 4050-292 Porto, Portugal

Igreja dos Clérigos Tower

The last viewpoint on my list is also the highest vantage point you can get over Porto. Sitting at 250 feet in the sky, you will need to climb 225 steps to reach the top of the Clérigos Tower. However, the the view over Porto is absolutely stunning. Once at the top, you can walk the complete length of the tower offering a 360 degree view of Porto.

Tickets are 6 EUR for the observation tower and the museum and can be purchased at the ticket office. Opening times are daily from 9:30AM until 5:30PM, except select holidays for mass.

Location: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal

Final Thoughts!

Do you have any favorite viewpoints in Porto that I missed on this list? Drop them in the comments below!

Looking for more Portugal inspiration? You may also enjoy these posts:

• The Ultimate 3 Days in Porto Itinerary
• 8 Best Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
• The Perfect 3-Day Lisbon Itinerary
• Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon
• How to Visit Benagil Cave in Algarve, Portugal

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