The Discover Portugal blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer for more information.
Miradouros Porto: 8 fantastic viewpoints
If you’re visiting Porto, Portugal, you’re bound to walk up and down a lot of hills! Fortunately, all this effort is rewarded with beautiful Porto views over the city centre. Porto is one of my favourite cities in Portugal, and the views of the Douro River definitely influence that!
The miradouros in Porto are worth exploring, and this guide will help you find some of the best viewpoints in Porto! Each location is marked with its exact location, so you can easily find the best spots in the city!
A quick overview of the best miradouros in Porto
The best Porto viewpoints
Porto, Portugal (also known as Oporto), is known for its hills, and some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city are the miradouros. A miradouro is a viewpoint in Portuguese, and there are many viewpoints in Porto to discover! But where can you find the best viewpoints in the city? Let’s see some famous landmarks and discover Porto!
Map of viewpoints in Porto, Portugal
1. Dom Luís I Bridge
One of the most famous structures in Porto, Portugal, is the Dom Luís I Bridge. The bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro River. The lower deck is for cars and pedestrians, and the upper deck is used by the city’s metro line and pedestrians.
The Dom Luís I Bridge offers incredible views of Porto, and walking across is a must during your stay in the city! You’ll enjoy panoramic views, and the bridge is 45 metres (148 ft) tall. Be ready to be mesmerized!
How to get there → Ponte Luís I is close to Cais da Ribeira and Cais da Ribeira de Gaia. Metro line D crosses the Dom Luís I Bridge. Click here for the location.
Other things to do nearby → The Dom Luis I Bridge is very close to Ribeira, the oldest part of Porto. From the old town of Porto, you can take a river cruise on the Douro River.
The Funicular dos Guindais is a steep cable car next to the Dom Luís I Bridge and passes a historic medieval wall.
The end of the street leads to Porto Cathedral, and if you cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, you’ll end up in Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can visit Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar and the viewpoint from the monastery.
2. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
As soon as you’ve crossed Ponte Luis I, you’ll arrive at Miradouro da Serra do Pilar. It’s a fantastic vantage point for a sunset in Porto, and you have an incredible view of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
How to get there → Follow Avenue da Republica until the ramp, Rampa do Infante Santo. This will lead to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, providing access to beautiful views.
Other things to do nearby → Miradouro da Serra do Pilar is next to the monastery Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, which is well worth a visit. It’s also close to Jardim do Morro, another famous spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view over Porto, Portugal, and watch sunset.
3. Porto views from Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is on the other side of Porto, Portugal, and here you find one of the best viewpoints in Porto. You can see incredible panoramic views of Porto even from sea level at Marginal de Gaia! But if you like viewing the city from a higher point, you can step onboard the Vila Nova de Gaia cable car. Perfect for sweeping views over the whole city!
Opening hours are between 10 AM and 6 PM, and a one-way trip costs € 7,00 (€ 10,00 return). Teleférico de Gaia departs from Marginal de Gaia and goes up to Miradouro do Teleférico, next to Jardim do Morro. This is a Porto viewpoint you don´t want to miss!
How to get there → Take metro line D across the Ponte Luís I or cross the bridge on foot. Click here for the location.
Other things to do nearby → This side of the river is the place to visit when you want to learn more about Port wines. Visit the Port wine cellars, enjoy a tasting and visit the multiple museums at WOW. There are some beautiful restaurants along the Douro River as well, offering some of the best views in Porto!
4. Porto Cathedral
Sé do Porto is a must-see when visiting Porto, and you can enjoy a visit with one of the best viewpoints in Porto! The city is built on some steep hills along the Douro River, and the Porto Cathedral is built on top of one of them. You’ll pay an entrance fee to visit the cathedral, but the view outside is free.
How to get there → Terreiro da Sé is in front of Porto Cathedral, and from the balcony, you have some of the best views of Porto. The location is right here.
Other things to do nearby → Walk over to Rua das Aldas or enjoy the colourful houses at Largo da Pena Ventosa. Rua dos Pelames is another fantastic spot with narrow streets. The 15th-century Igreja de Santa Clara is also within walking distance.
5. Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
From Porto Cathedral, it’s only a short walk to Miradouro da Rua das Aldas. It’s easiest to walk from the Sé downhill, as from the old town of Porto, it’s a steep climb up! The great views over Porto and the orange rooftops are well worth the trip! After enjoying some of the best views in Porto, walk down the tiny cobblestone streets to discover the oldest part of the city.
How to get there → The viewpoint is only a 2-minute walk from Porto Cathedral. Click here to get the Google Maps location.
Other things to do nearby → Largo da Pena Ventosa is a short walk down the hill, and from here, it’s easy to reach Ribeira again. Bolsa Palace is within 10 minutes by foot.
6. Miradouro da Vitória
Miradouro da Vitória is another viewpoint not to miss! This will easily be one of the best views in Porto, as you can see the whole city and the Ponte Luis bridge! It’s one of the famous Porto viewpoints with stunning views. There is a gate, though, which will only be open between 9 AM and 8 PM, so in summer, it will still be too bright for a sunset view.
How to get there → The viewpoint is located on Rua de São Bento da Vitória 11, and it’s easiest to reach from the top at Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitória.
Other things to do nearby → Besides Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitória, there are a few churches nearby to visit. Examples are Igreja da Misericórdia and Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória.
Photography lovers can stop at the Portuguese Centre of Photography. From the miradouro, there is a narrow street leading back towards the old town and Praça do Infante Dom Henrique.
7. Clérigos Tower
The highest viewpoint in Porto, Portugal, is from the Clérigos Tower! It’s a popular spot to enjoy the sunset, so be sure to buy tickets online. You get to visit the baroque tower and church and enjoy the incredible view from the Torre dos Clérigos, and you’ll have to climb up 225 steps. You’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of Porto, and it’s well worth the effort!
🎟️ Book tickets for the Clérigos online to skip the line
With clear weather, you might be able to see as far as the Atlantic Ocean! Enjoy the 360-degree view of Porto and a visit to this famous landmark. The opening times are between 9 AM and 11 PM, and tickets are available from € 10,00.
How to get there → Clérigos Tower is located on Rua de São Filipe de Nery in Porto, which is easy to reach with public transport.
Other things to do nearby → There are a number of places to visit in the surrounding area, such as the bookstore Livraria Lello and the park Jardim da Cordoaria. Igreja do Carmo is also close, and this beautiful church is famous for its azulejo tiles!
8. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
If you like beautiful gardens, visiting Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a must! The Crystal Palace is part of the gardens and was designed by Berliner Emil David. You enjoy the best views over the Douro River from the balconies at no extra cost. The gardens are open all year round from 8 AM until 7 PM (until 9 PM in summer).
How to get there → The Crystal Palace Gardens viewpoint is at Rua de Dom Manuel II.
Other things to do nearby → In the park are several sights such as Torreão do Jardim do Palácio. From the tower, you have one of the best views of Porto. It’s close to Miradouro da Ponte da Arrábida, Jardim dos Sentimentos and the Super Bock Arena.
The views from inside Museu Romântico are also incredible, and it’s a little hidden gem in the city. Lastly, the Tram Museum is a great place to visit, as you’ll discover more about the history of the trams in Porto here.
Best sunset view in Porto
Some scenic spots in Porto, Portugal, are extra special. The vantage points are fantastic for sunsets, so bring a picnic blanket and some wine to enjoy a special moment in Porto. Head over to Parque das Virtudes, for example. This viewpoint offers river views from the park, and there are also some nice restaurants nearby.
Jardim do Morro is one of the most famous sunset spots, and it can get very busy. But walking there, you can see some amazing views from the Ponte Luis I Bridge too!
Another great idea is to enjoy a sailing cruise along the Douro River. You’ll sail towards Foz do Douro and the Douro Estuary while sipping on some wine. Some excursions even offer some traditional snacks on board. You can book a group tour or rent a private boat for your travel group.
How to explore the hills of Porto
To enjoy the best views in Porto with too much effort, you can join a tuk-tuk tour in the city. They will be able to drive to most of the Miradouros Porto. On top of that, your private guide will be able to give you many insights about Porto!
You’ll see the viewpoints, as well as many other highlights in the centre. Especially when you don’t have much time, a tuk-tuk tour in Porto is a great option!
The Porto Card
Public transport is also fantastic, and with the Porto Card, you can use transportation at no extra cost. Besides, you get free entrance to more than seven museums and attractions. Other sights offer discounts, and tickets are valid for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days. There are over 150 discounts and benefits to the Porto Card, and it is a great way to save money during your trip.
Restaurants and rooftop bars in Porto
At the end of the day, sitting down and enjoying a drink with a view is fabulous! One place to stop is Bar Rooftop Flores, on Rua da Vitória 177. Order a glass of wine, and try some local petiscos. Espaço Porto Cruz has dinner options, and the Terrace Lounge 360º is a great option for some sunset cocktails. LIFT Rooftop also offers dinner and bar services.
You can book a table at Douro Sky Lounge when it’s time for dinner. The restaurant is located inside the Vincci Porto Hotel, so you can also stay overnight. Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown has a restaurant on the 17th floor, and the bar offers an extensive selection of cocktails and wines.
Grab a discount
Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
Favorite Places to eat in Porto
Where to stay in Porto
Do you want to start your day with one of the best views in Porto? Then you can book a hotel with a great view of the city! When travelling on a budget, The Poets Inn has a fantastic private room with a view (pictured below). If you’re looking for an apartment with friends, DOMUM 3 and PipaD’oro by YoursPorto are great options.
Or maybe you’d like to splurge a little, and you’d like to book a stay at Torel Avantgarde, Pestana Douro Riverside, or Exmo Hotel by Olivia. Check the map below, and select view in the search filters.
FAQ
Where are the best viewpoints in Porto?
The Miradouros in Porto are spread throughout the city. Some favourites are the viewpoint at the cathedral and the viewpoints of Vitória and Rua das Aldas. Jardim do Morro is a popular spot to see the sunset.
What is the highest miradouro in Porto?
Clérigos Tower offers the highest perspective and offers 360-degree views of Porto, Portugal.
Where can I see the sunset in Porto?
Jardim do Morro, Cais de Gaia, from a sailboat, and Parque das Virtudes are popular spots to see the sun go down.
Conclusion
Porto is a popular destination in Portugal and offers visitors some great city views! It’s located in northern Portugal, and the Porto viewpoints are one of the best attractions in town. On your next trip, include the Miradouros Porto in your itinerary.
Enjoy a ride on the cable car or find the best views in Porto when walking through town. Other viewpoints to be aware of are Pedra dos Gatinhos, Miradouro do Infante, and Passeio das Fontainhas. They are located a bit out of town and less often visited.
Other Porto must-see attractions:
- 25 best sights in Porto for your itinerary
- Discover the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa
- Best Porto boat tours, including the 6 Bridges Cruise
- Miradouros Porto: 8x fantastic viewpoints with the best panoramic views
- Livraria Lello bookstore, the most beautiful bookstore in the world!
- Clérigos Tower tickets, opening times and things to see
- The must-see Porto Cathedral and the beautiful Bishop’s Palace
- 20 ideas for what to do in Porto when it rains
- Discover the beautiful golden São Francisco Church
- Book an amazing Port Wine tasting in Porto
- Visit the Wine Experience Museum at the WOW District
- Love rosé wine? Visit the Pink Palace at WOW!
- Beautiful contemporary art at the Serralves Museum
Pin to read later!
