The river and the bridge
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Ribeira district | Colourful houses stepping up the riverbank with restaurants on the quay, on the World Heritage list. | Central Porto |
| The Dom Luís I Bridge | A two-level iron bridge whose upper deck you walk with a view over the whole city. | The metro shares the upper deck, so take care |
| Jardim do Morro | A garden on the opposite bank, the best place for sunset over the Ribeira and the bridge. | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| A boat trip on the Douro | A tour under the city's six bridges on a traditional wooden boat. | From the Ribeira quay |
Landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Livraria Lello | One of the world's most beautiful bookshops, with its twisting red staircase and glass ceiling. | The €8 ticket is deducted from any book |
| The Clérigos Tower | A 75-metre tower; climb 240 steps for a view over the city and the river. | City centre |
| São Bento station | A station hall covered in about 20,000 blue tiles picturing Portugal's history. | Free to enter |
| The Stock Exchange Palace and its Arab Room | A historic palace with a room decorated in the style of the palaces of al-Andalus. | Near the Ribeira, guided tours |
| Porto Cathedral | A fortress-like cathedral on a hill with views over the rooftops and the river. | Top of the old town |
The sea
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Foz do Douro | A district at the river mouth with beaches, a promenade and a lighthouse. | West of the city, by historic tram |
Tips before you go
- The city is hills and steps, so wear comfortable shoes and use the metro and tram between districts.
- Book the Livraria Lello ticket ahead; it is less crowded near closing time.
- You need a Schengen visa, and you usually reach Porto via Lisbon or other European cities.
More places nearby
Visa
- Portugal visa for Saudis: Schengen step by step
- Schengen visa for Saudis 2026: documents, fees and how to apply
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Porto?
The Ribeira, the Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, the Clérigos Tower, São Bento station, the Stock Exchange Palace and the Jardim do Morro for sunset.
How much is Livraria Lello?
The standard ticket is €8, deducted from the price of any book you buy.
Is Porto good for families?
Yes: a safe, calm city with sights close together, river trips and ocean beaches.
Planning your trip to Portugal? Read Travel to Portugal from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.