The 7 Best Viewpoints in Porto

Are you ready to uncover the breathtaking views of Porto? This vibrant city along the Douro River offers an array of stunning viewpoints that capture its unique urban landscape. From its historical architecture to the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto is a photographer's dream. Join us in exploring the top miradouros that promise unforgettable panoramas of this charming Portuguese city.

We present to you our selection of the seven best viewpoints in Porto. While each offers a distinct perspective, all guarantee remarkable views of this fascinating destination. At the end of the article, we’ll also provide additional recommendations for other panoramic spots and a map to guide you on your adventure. Ready to dive in?

⭐ To plan your getaway, check out our article on the must-see places in Porto and take a look at our 3-day itinerary for Porto.

1. Dom Luís I Bridge

This iconic bridge is more than just a structure connecting both sides of the Douro River; it serves as a stunning viewpoint itself! Named after King Luís I of Portugal, who reigned from 1861 to 1889, the bridge features two levels for pedestrians. The upper deck, at a height of approximately 45 meters, allows you to cross while enjoying magnificent views, while the lower deck offers a closer experience to the river, perfect for those with a touch of vertigo.

The views of Porto's historic center and Vila Nova de Gaia across the river can make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a postcard. It's an ideal spot for panoramic selfies—get ready to make your friends jealous! 😉

For a different perspective of the city, consider taking a cruise on the Douro. The six bridges cruise is particularly popular, lasting less than an hour and offering a brief tour of the Oporto region. Pro tip: boarding on the Gaia side can often be more economical. Check prices and info for the six bridges cruise.

2. Jardim do Morro Viewpoint (or Cable Car)

Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, the Jardim do Morro is one of the most special spots in Porto. Here, you can admire the river, the old town, and of course, the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. It’s also a perfect location for a sunset picnic, watching as the city lights begin to twinkle and the scenery becomes even more magical.

During the summer, the gardens can get quite lively, often hosting street concerts featuring local artists. You’ll also find a selection of food trucks offering snacks, along with kiosks selling cold drinks. Don’t forget to strike your best “check out these views!” pose, as this spot deserves all the photos it can get! Say cheese! 📸

Tip: To reach this location, you can either hike up the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia or take the easy route by using the cable car (7€ one-way or 10€ round trip).

3. Rua das Aldas Viewpoint

Right in front of the majestic Sé Cathedral, you’ll find a lovely balcony known as the Rua das Aldas Viewpoint. This spot offers stunning views that capture the historical and architectural essence of Porto: before you stands the Church of San Lorenzo, with its elegant baroque design, while the rooftops of the houses spread out like a red-tiled carpet merging with the horizon.

Tip: Join a free tour of Porto to uncover all the city’s secrets with a local guide (in Spanish).

After your photo session, we recommend descending the narrow stairs of Largo da Pena Ventosa to reach the Church of San Lorenzo, which boasts an intriguing facade and another viewpoint, also known as the Grilo Viewpoint. This way, you’ll score a two-for-one on your panoramic journey! 😉

4. Cais de Gaia

Continuing our list of Porto's best viewpoints, we arrive at Cais de Gaia. Situated on the southern bank of the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, this panoramic point is directly opposite the Ribeira district of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it the perfect place to pinch yourself and say, "Is this real?"

What we love about this viewpoint is the unique perspective of the Dom Luís I Bridge, which differs from the usual tourist photos and provides great opportunities for stunning shots (the same effect can be found on the Ribeira side).

Plus, if you continue walking along the Douro’s edge on the Gaia side, you’ll encounter more breathtaking views. Here’s a sneak peek:

5. Clérigos Tower

While the previous viewpoints are easily accessible during a walking tour of Porto, the Clérigos Tower offers a more spectacular experience that comes with a couple of caveats: first, you’ll need to climb over 200 steps, and second, there’s an admission fee of 8€. But trust us, the effort is well worth it.

The viewpoint atop the Clérigos Tower rises 76 meters high, giving you a 360-degree view of the city, with colorful rooftops, the Douro River, and on clear days, even the hills surrounding Porto.

6. Crystal Palace Gardens

This park serves as a green lung in the heart of Porto, featuring winding paths amidst trees, tranquil ponds, and beautifully landscaped areas. It also offers several balconies and viewpoints that promise to deliver some of the most picturesque scenes of the city.

Notably, the Torre Viewpoint allows you to ascend its external spiral staircase, where you can marvel at the gentle flow of the Douro and its small boats. Don’t miss the balcony above a garden of symmetrical flowerbeds, which provides a panoramic view of the Arrábida Bridge leading to the river’s mouth.

7. Ribeira do Porto

If there’s one district in Porto you absolutely must explore, it’s Ribeira. This charming area is peppered with colorful, crumbling facades, enticing taverns serving bacalhau, and an atmosphere that captivates you entirely. If you want to delve into its history and curiosities, consider taking a free tour of the Ribeira.

At this point, you should know that the district not only exudes history and character but also offers numerous viewpoints. Just stroll around to discover that it’s likely the best spot in Porto for capturing authentic shots of the Dom Luís I Bridge, so let your creativity flow and don’t be shy about using your camera.

Extra: Porto by land, sea, and air

There’s a fantastic tour that includes a guided visit through the historic center, a cruise on the Douro, and even a thrilling helicopter flight over the city! If you’re eager to experience Porto from a bird's-eye perspective, this activity is definitely a unique and exciting option.

→ Info and prices for the walking, boat, and helicopter tour.

Lastly, we suggest a few more viewpoints in Porto that you might want to mark on your map if time allows. We’ve already set our sights on them for our next trip!

• Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
• Miradouro da Vitória
• Miradouro de Fontainhas
• Views from Elevador da Ribeira (2€)
• Miradouro do Passeio das Virtudes

Map of Porto's Viewpoints

Finally, here’s a map outlining the locations of all the viewpoints in Porto, where you can capture the city’s unique charm from different angles:

As you can see, there’s no shortage of viewpoints in Porto, and with the steep hills throughout the city, stopping to take in the sights—especially if they come with stunning views—is a must! Do you know of any other places with interesting views of the city? Have you discovered more beautiful viewpoints in Porto? We’d love to hear from you!

Travel Guide to Porto Essential Information You Need