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Discover the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa in Porto
Palácio da Bolsa, or the Stock Exchange Palace in Porto, is one of those places that doesn’t look impressive at first glance, until you step inside.
We almost skipped it because the exterior looks understated, but once you step in, you’ll quickly notice grandeur in every corner! You can only see the palace during a 30-minute guided tour, and we think it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
During our visit, we were blown away by the intricate decoration of the Arab Room, and we are happy to share tips on how to discover this magnificent place. The ‘oohs’ and ‘aaahs’ we heard during our stay are not ones you hear often!
The guides also share fascinating stories about the building’s history and the Porto Commercial Association. If you love historic buildings, hidden gems, and jaw-dropping architecture, then Palácio da Bolsa deserves a top spot on your Porto itinerary. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during your tour.
A short history of Palácio da Bolsa Porto
The neoclassical palace was built in 1842 by the Porto’s Commercial Association (Associação Comercial do Porto) on the ruins of the former St. Francis convent.
The convent burned down in 1833 during the Civil War, but between 1833 and 1842, the area was used for trading. The area quickly became a centre for Porto’s growing commercial activity.
Joaquim da Costa Lima Júnior was the first architect of the Palácio da Bolsa and was responsible for its overall design and structure. The design was inspired by the Renaissance palaces in Italy.
Although the palace no longer functions as a stock exchange, the Porto Commercial Association headquarters remain in Palácio da Bolsa. The palace is located in the historical centre of Porto and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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What to see inside Palácio da Bolsa Porto?
Palácio da Bolsa combines Neoclassical architecture with strong Palladian influences, which become obvious the moment you step inside.
The building was designed to showcase Porto’s wealth and commercial importance during the 19th century, and nearly every room feels intentionally grand.
The Nations’ Courtyard Pátio das Nações
We started the tour of the beautiful building in the entrance hall, Pátio das Nações. Tomás Soler designed the courtyard, but six main architects contributed to the design over the years. The magnificent decor of the palace was only finished in 1910.
The Nations’ Courtyard has an enormous iron dome with glass panels and 20 painted coats of arms surrounding it. You’ll notice a shield of Portugal and all other countries with which Portugal had commercial relations during the 19th century.
You’ll immediately understand why the Palácio da Bolsa Stock Exchange Palace is the most visited monument in northern Portugal. And honestly, our neck hurt from looking up at the ceiling. There is so much to see!
The Noble Staircase
We then make our way to the stairway from this impressive entrance hall. Portuguese architect Gonçalves e Sousa designed the stairway in 1868.
It leads you to the first floor, and it’s a jaw-opening experience. We spotted sculptures and busts created by António Soares dos Reis and António Teixeira Lopes, and António Ramalho created the beautiful frescos.
The rooms at the Porto Stock Exchange Palace
We continued on the first floor to the Commercial Court Room, also known as the Sala do Tribunal in Portuguese. This room has outstanding woodwork, paintings, and frescoes. The Golden Room is named for its golden ceiling, which is decorated with golden leaves.
The Board of Directors uses the Golden Room for their monthly meetings. The floor in the President’s Room is equally mesmerising and made from exotic woods of Brazilian and African origin.
The General Assembly Room was used for the general assembly of the city’s commercial association. Pay attention here to the woodwork in this room. If you look closely, you’ll notice that it’s made from plaster and isn’t real wood.
The Portrait Room hosts portraits of the last six kings of the Braganza family. It’s the last room before you enter the Arab Hall.
The Arab Room Is the Real Showstopper
The Arab Room completely caught us off guard. Photos don’t really prepare you for how detailed it feels in person, especially the gold accents and intricate patterns covering almost every surface.
It was originally designed for official receptions and state events, which honestly makes sense the second you walk in. The room feels more like part of a royal palace than a former stock exchange building.
The Arab Hall was built between 1862 and 1880 and designed by Gonçalves e Sousa. The exotic Moorish Revival style was very popular at the time it was built, and the interior was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada (a city in Spain).
Every corner in this room is sparkling in gold! In fact, 18 kilos of gold were used to create the result. The floor is made of woods such as mahogany, jacaranda, and rosewood.
After visiting the Arabian Hall, the tour is over. You can look at the shop on the ground floor or enjoy a lovely dinner in the restaurant.
Did you know?
Palácio da Bolsa has become Porto city’s drawing room, and many famous and illustrious visitors have been welcomed in the palace for official receptions. Think of presidents, ministers and monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth II.
Palácio da Bolsa tickets
Only a limited number of people are allowed to visit the Bolsa Palace each day. It’s a good idea to purchase your tickets online. We bought them at the ticket office, but the next tours were all fully booked, and we had to return later that day.
Admission to Palácio da Bolsa costs €14.00 per person, and children under 12 can enter for free. The entrance price includes the guided tour. Students and seniors pay €9.50 for a ticket.
The tour lasts around 30 minutes. Tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Opening hours of Bolsa Palace
The Stock Exchange Palace is open for visitors between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM. Palácio da Bolsa is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but it opens on all other days of the year.
Where is Bolsa Palace in Porto?
Palácio da Bolsa is located in the heart of Porto, on Rua Ferreira Borges at Praça do Infante D. Henrique. The closest metro station is São Bento. If you come by tram, you can exit at the São Francisco stop. The bus stop is called Infante Dom Henrique.
Uber and Bolt are also widely available in Porto, and a great way to travel around without walking uphill. The palace is near Ribeira, which is a flatter part of the city.
Other sights in Porto
After visiting the Stock Exchange Palace, there are plenty of other things to do in Porto. You don’t even have to venture far, as Igreja de São Francisco is located right behind the palace!
Another fun option is a boat tour along the famous six bridges on the Douro River. Boats depart from the Ribeira area, which is only a few minutes away on foot. Or walk across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and discover the Port cellars and the cable car.
The city is also known for its stunning miradouros, so check out the best viewpoints in Porto! Other monuments you should not miss are the Clérigos Tower and the Porto Cathedral!
For more ideas, read our complete Porto travel guide.
Tips for a rainy day!
Bolsa Palace is perfect for a rainy day in Porto, but there are more sights to stay dry!
Where to stay in Porto
Porto has many sights to see, and depending on your schedule, we recommend staying at least 2 to 3 nights. Add an extra night if you’d like to make a day trip to the Douro Valley to discover the fabulous wines of the Douro.
If you’re looking for a quiet hotel and have a bit more room in your budget, Exe Essenzia is a fantastic place to stay. We stayed there during our first trip to Porto together and loved how peaceful the area felt after busy days exploring the city.
If you’re visiting Porto on a budget but still want to stay in the city centre, The Poets Inn is a great option. We stayed in one of the private rooms with its own bathroom, and the view over the city was honestly one of our favourite parts of the stay.
You can also browse more Porto hotels and availability on the map below to find the area and style that suits your trip best.
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Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
Is it worth visiting Bolsa Palace?
The Bolsa Stock Exchange Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto. If you love architecture, you should definitely plan to see it. The Arab Room is one of the highlights, but the guide will show you other rooms in the beautiful building, too. If you only have time for one historic interior in Porto, this would honestly be our pick.
Do you need tickets for Palácio da Bolsa?
Yes, you can buy tickets online or at the entrance to the building. Admission is €14.00 per person, and children under 12 enter for free.
How long is the tour of Palácio da Bolsa?
The guided tours at the Bolsa Stock Exchange Palace last 30 minutes.
What is the Arab room in Porto?
The Arabian Hall is inside the Palácio da Bolsa Stock Exchange. It’s one of the most beautiful rooms inside the building, and its walls are covered in gold.
Continue exploring Porto
Visiting Palácio da Bolsa ended up being one of the biggest surprises from our time in Porto. From the understated exterior to the incredibly ornate interiors, it’s the kind of place that quietly exceeds expectations once you step inside.
If you’re planning more time in the city, we also recommend exploring the Serralves Museum, the Wine Experience Museum at WOW, or the famous bookshop Livraria Lello.
You can find more Porto travel guides below to help plan the rest of your trip.
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
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