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Best Porto boat tours, including the 6 bridges cruise
Are you looking for some fun Porto things to do? Then, a cruise on the River Douro is well worth it! Enjoy an unforgettable day on the water, and sail along the famous Porto bridges during a boat ride. You’ll learn more about the city’s history, and the bridges Porto is renowned for.
We joined the boat tour in Porto from Ribeira, but you can also step onboard in Vila Nova de Gaia. There are larger ships that will pass the famous six bridges in Porto, but you can also enjoy a sailing tour in Porto at sunset. Another option is a cruise on the traditional Rabelo boat!
Discover the best Porto boat tours for your trip. Whether you travel solo, with your partner, or with your kids, the boat ride in Porto is fun for everyone! Enjoy the Douro River and the bridges in Porto from the water and the many sights along the way.
Discover the best Porto River Cruise, an overview
The River Douro
The Douro River is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, after the Tagus and the Ebro. It is nearly 900 kilometres long and starts in the Spanish province of Soria. From there, it flows into northern Portugal and ends in the Atlantic Ocean in Porto.
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and is famous for its Port wines. The wine was transported downriver in flat-bottom boats from the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
The wines would then be stored in barrels in cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, a city and municipality on the other side of the river in Porto. One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful city and the river is by embarking on a river cruise in Porto.
Best Porto river cruise
Along the shores of Ribeira Quay, a river cruise awaits! There are several providers, but which one should you choose? And what will you see along the way? Let’s discover the different options before you make your reservation for the boat tours.
The 6 Bridges Cruise Porto
The Six Bridges cruise is by far the most popular tour on the river. As the name suggests, the Porto boat tour will take you to the six bridges of the city (more about these later). The 6 Bridges Cruise starts on the Porto side at Ribeira’s or Vila Nova de Gaia’s quay.
Several companies offer sailing along the six bridges. All carriers are suitable, but the difference is primarily in the type of boat you’ll travel with.
How long is the Six Bridges cruise?
Usually, a boat tour takes 50 minutes and departs on the hour. In summer, you can enjoy the boat tour from 11 AM until 6 PM. In winter, the cruises are available between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Please note: not all cruises are guided. Some offer an audio guide on board, and some boat tours provide drinks and snacks on board for an additional price.
🛥️ Be sure to make an online reservation, as the best 6 bridges boat tour Porto can sell out!
Step on board a Rabelo boat
One of the most unique ways to discover the Douro River is by stepping onboard a Rabelo boat! During the traditional Porto boat tour, you follow in the footsteps of the wine merchants and learn more about wine cellars and wine transportation.
Cruises last 50 minutes and will sail along the six bridges. This river cruise departs from Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
The Douro River from a sailboat
You can step on board a sailing boat for the best panoramic views of Porto during sunset. While you enjoy sipping your wine, you’ll see the Ponte Luis I bridge, the old city, Foz do Douro and Ponte da Arrabida.
A relaxing cruise on a sailboat usually lasts 2 hours and departs from Douro Marina. A sailboat cruise won’t cover the six bridges, but instead, you get to enjoy the Douro’s mouth before it streams into the Atlantic Ocean with the small group.
Private 6 bridges Porto tours
If you prefer private tours, there are several different options. Take a private speedboat cruise, for example, and enjoy the views over the riverbanks of Porto. A private tour usually takes two hours, but customised routes are available.
Your private guide will tell you more about the city’s history, and you will receive a traditional Portuguese welcome drink on board. A private tour is great if you want to avoid the crowds, enjoy a romantic trip to Porto, or celebrate a special moment with friends.
What are the six bridges in Porto?
After mentioning the six bridges numerous times, you might wonder what these are and why they are so famous. A tour guide will tell you more about the structures during the Bridges River cruise, but let’s have a look at what you can expect during the Bridges tour.
Ponte Dom Luis I
Let’s start with the most famous one of all: the Ponte Dom Luis I. It is the icon of Porto and connects the city in the north with Vila Nova de Gaia in the south. Téophile Seyrig, a German architect, designed the Dom Luis Bridge. He was a business partner of French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, hence you might get some Eiffel Tower vibes.
The building of Ponte Dom Luís I over the Douro River finished in 1886, and it was initially built for cars. Nowadays, the Porto metro line D crosses the upper deck of the Dom Luís Bridge, and there is a pedestrian walkway.
The lower deck is accessible for road traffic and pedestrians. The view from the bridge over Porto is impressive! So remember to cross the bridge at least once during your trip!
Ponte Infante Dom Henrique
Ponte Infante Dom Henrique is the first bridge after the Ponte Luis Bridge when sailing inland. It’s the youngest of the six and opened in 2003. The total length is 371 meters, and cars and pedestrians use it.
Adão da Fonseca designed Ponte Infante Dom Henrique, and the bridge has one of the shallowest arches in the world.
Ponte de Dona Maria Pia
When you see Ponte Maria Pia, it might remind you of the Ponte Luis Bridge. Maria Pia Bridge was built in 1887 and was designed by Téophile Seyrig as an iron railway bridge. It’s the oldest of six bridges and is 353 meters long.
Trains no longer use it, as the railroad moved to the São João Bridge. Instead of demolishing the bridge, it remains a stunning national monument in Porto!
Ponte de São João
Portuguese architect Edgar Cardoso designed Ponte de São João. As mentioned, it is now used as the new railway bridge. Ponte de São João is 66 meters high and 250 meters long.
Ponte do Freixo
Ponte do Freixo is the longest of the six bridges, at 705 meters. The road bridge has eight lanes and opened in 1995. Ponte do António Reis and Daniel de Sousa designed Freixo, which has a sleek design.
Ponte da Arrábida
The bridge closest to the Atlantic Ocean is Ponte da Arrábida. It was another design by Edgar Cardoso and opened in 1963. Back then, it had the longest arch (270 meters) of any concrete bridge in the world!
The bridge is 70 meters tall, and it’s a road bridge with six lanes. It’s the last bridge to see during your cruise in Porto. For example, the river cruise returns to the city centre, where you can enjoy a wine tasting afterwards!
Other things to see during the boat tour
During the boat tours on the Douro River, you’ll discover more than the 6 bridges. The Bridges tour passes many historic buildings at Cais da Ribeira, and your tour guide will tell you many stories about the city.
This is the oldest part of Porto. On the south side of the river, you’ll see the monastery Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.
During the boat tour, you’ll cruise along the Museu Nacional da Imprensa, Jornais e Artes Gráficas, the Press Museum in Porto, and many former factories, such as the Massarelos Crockery Factory.
From the river, you can also spot the Tram Museum, the garden Torreão do Jardim do Palácio and the church Igreja de São Francisco. Closer to the sea, you’ll discover the nature reserve Douro Estuary and Foz do Douro.
Where do the Porto boat tours depart from?
A boat tour can depart from both sides of the Douro River. If you stay in Porto, you can start the river cruise at the quay at Ribeira. The boat tour also begins on the south side of the river, at Vila Nova de Gaia.
Porto boat tours departure time
Most boat tours depart between 10 AM and 6 PM. Some companies depart every 30 minutes, others once an hour. Operating times can depend on the season. From March, the days are longer, and a river tour can be booked until 6 PM or even for sunset.
Sometimes, boats have multiple floors. So, if you prefer sitting on the upper level, be sure to arrive early. The lower decks usually contain a bathroom and a bar to get something to eat or drink.
Porto cruise tickets
The 6 bridges cruise in Porto is popular all year round. You can buy tickets at the quays, but to ensure a spot on board the Bridges cruise, it’s best to book online to guarantee a reservation.
The price for the Douro cruises starts at € 18,00 per person. This often includes a guide or a sound system with audio guides in multiple languages. Overall, the 6 bridges Porto cruise is a great tour and good value for money. When booking online, you can exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at the pier.
Tip!
⛵️ Book your 6 bridges tour with Get Your Guide online. They have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you notice bad weather during your stay in Porto, you can cancel for free.
Tickets for private Porto boat tours
If you prefer a bridge cruise with a private tour guide, you can expect to pay around € 140,00 per boat and more. Sometimes, a cruise in Porto even includes a wine tasting on board, so the extra cost is well worth it!
A private experience is excellent for avoiding crowds or enjoying a moment with your loved ones. You’ll learn more about the history of Porto and enjoy an amazing trip along the bridges! You’ll have to make a reservation to book a private tour.
Other river tours on the Douro River
If you have time to venture out of Porto, it’s well worth discovering the Douro Valley! Organised tours depart daily from the city, often including a cruise on the Douro River.
🛥️🍷 Here are some of the best options:
The Douro Valley is filled with vineyards, and it’s where the famous Port wine comes from. Many tourists like staying at the Douro Valley for a night or two, and there are some fantastic hotels. You can even sleep in a wine barrel!
Other not to miss sights in Porto
If you don’t have time for an excursion to the Douro Valley, you can still enjoy a trip to a Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. Discover The Wine Experience at WOW Porto and visit more of the six museums inside! If you want to visit a Port wine cellar, check out Sandeman, Caves Cálem or Graham’s Port Lodge, for example.
It’s a fantastic experience to learn more about Port wine, and of course, you’ll get to taste it, too! It is also great to make a trip with the Gaia cable car on this side of the river. There are some wonderful places to eat, and from Jardim do Morro, you’ll see one of the best sunsets you’ve witnessed in your life!
Of course, there are many other sights to see in Porto. Some highlights are Bolsa Palace, the Sé Cathedral, and the Clérigos Tower. Lello Bookstore has a long queue, but the interior will blow your mind! You can also discover the many viewpoints in Porto and enjoy the views of the Douro River from above.
Does it rain in Porto?
No stress! There is a lot to see and do is this amazing city, even with rain!
Visit Mercado Bom Sucesso for a tasty food experience, or try the local dish Francesinha! Art lovers will have a great time at Serralves Museum and Park, where you’ll find gardens and stunning buildings. Or discover the beautiful azulejo tiles at the Chapel of Souls and Igreja do Carmo.
Hotels in Porto with a bridge view
After a six bridges cruise, you might want to enjoy more bridge views during your trip to Porto. Thankfully, the city has many hotels and accommodations with a view of the Ponte Dom Luis Bridge! There is a wide selection available in both Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Please note that not always all rooms have a river view, so double-check this when booking. Some fabulous places to stay are Domum 3, Guest House Douro and the Riverside City Centre Apartments. Ribeira can be bustling at night, so be sure you book a place for a good night’s sleep at the same time.
If you prefer a stay in Vila Nova de Gaia and marvel at the view over Porto, Vincci Ponte de Ferro is more than amazing! This 4*hotel even contains a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a view! Or enjoy a relaxing moment at the Rebello Hotel & Spa with a Douro River view. The map below will show you all options.
FAQ
Is it worth doing a river cruise in Porto?
A 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto is one of the most booked excursions in the city. On the boat, you will learn more about the city’s history and enjoy stunning views.
How long is the river cruise in Porto?
The 6 Bridges cruise in Porto usually lasts 50 minutes. When you book a sailing tour or private tour, the boat trip might be longer.
How much is the Porto River cruise?
The 6 Bridges boat tour starts at € 18,00 per person. Tickets can be purchased online or at the quays in Porto.
What are the boats in Porto called?
The traditional boats in Porto are known as Rabelo boats. These were used to transport wine to the Port wine cellar by river. You can even book a tour on a Rabelo boat during your trip to the city.
Where do river boats leave from Porto?
You can start your 6 bridges cruise in Porto from the quay at Ribeira. Porto boat tours also depart from the quays in Vila Nova de Gaia. Sailing excursions usually depart from Douro Marina.
What is the most famous bridge in Porto?
The Luís I Bridge (Ponte Luís I) is the most famous bridge in Porto. It crosses the Douro River and connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia.
What bridges to see in Porto?
During the 6 bridges cruise, you’ll be able to see the Dom Luís I Bridge, Ponte Infante Dom Henrique, Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, Ponte de São João, Ponte da Arrábida and Ponte do Freixo. Be sure to make a reservation to ensure a spot on the boat.
Conclusion
When visiting Porto, the 6 bridges cruise is really fantastic! During the Porto boat tours, you’ll learn more about the city’s history, see a total of 6 bridges, and enjoy views over some memorable monuments. Make your reservation online to ensure your tickets. There are several types of vessels to choose from.
You can sail along the mouth of the Douro River or step on board the traditional Rabelo boats. The Porto boat tours are a great way to learn more about the city of Porto and will provide a memorable moment on the water.
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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