What to see and do in Oporto

Porto is, after Lisbon, the second largest and most important city in Portugal and a key stop on the Portuguese Way, with nearly 3 million people in its metropolitan area and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its must-sees include the Sé Cathedral, the Igreja de São Francisco with its Baroque interior, the Palácio da Bolsa, the Lello e Irmão bookshop, the Ponte de Don Luís, and São Bento station.

Porto, of ancient foundation, maintained commercial contacts with the Greeks at the time of the apogee of this culture and colonial foundation. Later, after the fall of the Roman Empire and the invasion of the Germanic peoples, the city came under the control of the Swabian Kingdom. Later, with the arrival of the Muslims the city would fall under their control until it was conquered by the Christians in the 9th century.

Would you like to walk this part of the Camino with your accommodation booked for every stage? These organised trips pass through Oporto: Portuguese Way from Oporto to Santiago.

Sé de Porto Cathedral

It is a beautiful cathedral built in the twelfth century, which masterfully combines the Romanesque style with later elements and additions in Gothic and Baroque style. It has been declared a World Heritage Site and is the most representative religious building in Porto.

São Francisco Church

Although the outside gives us the sensation of being in front of a simple gothic church, the truly incredible thing is in its interior. It houses one of the most impressive examples of Portuguese Baroque and practically not an inch is left undecorated or uncovered. If you are short of time and can only visit one church, it should be this one.

Palacio da Bolsa

It is another of the heritage elements of the city declared a World Heritage Site. It is a neoclassical style building, begun in the 19th century, which houses different rooms made with different artistic constructive resources. The golden room and the Arab room, inspired by the Alhambra, stand out.

Lello e Irmão Bookshop

It is a dazzling bookstore located in the center of the city. Built in neo-Gothic style, it is said to be one of the places that inspired J.K. Rowling to write the famous Harry Potter saga.

Ponte de Don Luís

The image of this bridge is one of the most emblematic and iconic of the city. It is a bridge built in the 19th century under the precepts of iron architecture.

São Bento Station

Impressive and majestic construction that stands out for its large set of historical tiles in the city of Porto, which tell the history of Portugal. Nowadays it is the train station of the city.