The 12 best hotspots of Porto!

The port city of Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal. It is known for its stunning skyline and is also called the 'city of bridges'. The alleys and balconies create a romantic atmosphere. Also, a nice bonus: it's often a few degrees warmer than in Central Europe! Now that we've convinced you to visit this beautiful city, we'd like to tell you more about the hotspots in Porto!

1. Capela das Almas

If you're going to work in Porto, you'll definitely come across this church. It's impossible to miss due to its striking blue color! The 'Chapel of Souls' is made up of a staggering 16,000 Portuguese tiles. There's a good chance that this is one of the most photographed buildings in Porto, and we completely understand why! While the exterior of the church is beautiful, don't forget to admire the architecture inside as well!

2. Ponte Dom Luis I

Probably the most famous bridge in Porto: the Dom Luis I Bridge, named after a Portuguese king. The bridge consists of two levels. Pedestrians can choose between the lower and upper decks. If you're afraid of heights, you'd better opt for the lower deck! But if you dare to ascend 45 meters into the air, then choose the higher deck and enjoy a fantastic view over the entire city! Tip: the view is most beautiful at sunset!

3. Port tasting

Porto has become famous for, you guessed it, port wine! And where better to do a port tasting than in Porto? In the old part of the city center, there are still a few port wine lodges, and along the quay of Gaia, you can find the four largest port wine lodges. Saúde (cheers)!

4. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

An incredibly beautiful park with a stunning view of the Douro River and the city: Crystal Palace Gardens! In the past, there was a crystal palace here, but now it has been replaced by a glass dome. However, there is still plenty to see! You'll not only stroll through lush greenery, but also encounter numerous fountains and rose gardens along the way. Also, it's a great idea to fill your picnic basket with goodies and find a spot in the shade. Perfect place for a picnic!

5. Sé Catedral do Porto

This Catholic cathedral is a must-see if you're going to work in Porto! It has been standing for about 800 years and has become a national monument. Don't forget to visit the cloisters, which are beautifully tiled! You can also explore a few rooms of the monastery. The interior is breathtaking, with its ceiling, paintings, and all the gold - you won't know where to look first!

6. Soares dos Reis National Museum

Attention art lovers: this museum is considered the best art museum in Porto. Located in a former palace, it houses furniture, paintings, jewelry, and porcelain works. The oldest artworks date back to the sixteenth century. A hidden gem to admire Portuguese art!

7. Sao Bento

The station?! That might not sound exciting, but it's truly beautiful! The blue and white tiles and stained glass windows make it completely unlike a Dutch station. So, it's definitely worth a visit if you're moving to Porto! Oh, and while you're there, you can take the train to Lisbon too!

8. Rua dos Clérigos

This historic street not only features a beautiful church (Igreja Dos Clérigos) but also a remarkable bell tower! The Torre dos Clérigos stands approximately 75 meters tall, making it visible from almost anywhere in the city. For just three euros, you can admire the view from this tower. However, you'll need to climb quite a bit: a total of 240 steps!

9. Livraria Lello

This old Portuguese bookstore is known for its staircase. Take your time to admire this 'stairway to heaven', as each step is beautifully decorated. Not only is the woodwork stunning, but the ceiling and stained glass windows are also beautiful! Harry Potter fans, take note: this bookstore inspired J.K. Rowling when writing the Harry Potter books. A true must-see in Porto for fans!

10. Ribeira

If you're going to work in Porto, you must visit here at least once. Ribeira is the oldest part of the city center, bordering the Douro River. The old city walls make it clear where the district begins. It's like a living postcard: the narrow streets are lined with colorful houses, and laundry hangs from many balconies. There's a cozy atmosphere here: it's the perfect place to enjoy a drink on a terrace!

11. Avenida Dos Aliados

This square boasts several attractions and is therefore a must-visit if you're going to work in Porto! One of the many tourist attractions is the life-sized statue of the newspaper vendor. He stands next to the red mailbox and serves as a tribute to street newspaper vendors. The Church of Trindade (Igreja da Trindade) and the City Hall (Paços do Concelho) are also worth seeing, along with the statue of King Pedro IV.

12. The Beach

After exploring the entire city, you're probably in need of some relaxation. At Praia do Ourigo beach, you can soak up the sun with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. You can reach this beach by tram or bus, or you can also walk to Homem do Leme beach. Enjoy the music, order some tapas, and just relax!

Do you want to live and work in Porto? Quickly check out all vacancies in Porto. Apply now and get ready to explore this beautiful city!