16 most beautiful viewpoints in Porto, Portugal

Let’s find the most beautiful viewpoints in Porto, Portugal! Porto is one of the most charming cities in Europe, and is known for its colorful houses, steep hills, and incredible river views that make the whole city look like a painting.

We’ve spent several weeks in Porto, and hunting for the best views quickly turned into one of our favorite things to do. From riverfront spots to hilltop terraces and bridge walkways, each viewpoint shows a slightly different angle of the city.

In this blog post, you’ll find the most stunning viewpoints in Porto, with descriptions, photos, and exact locations on Google Maps, so you can easily add them to your Porto itinerary. Have fun exploring!

1. Upper Deck of Dom Luís I Bridge

There’s no better viewpoint in Porto than the upper deck of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge! It is easy to reach, it is centrally located, you can access it at any time of day, plus it offers one of the most unique views in the city!

Crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge is one of the top things to do in Porto. The iconic bridge has two levels – the lower level by the riverside, where cars cross the bridge, and the upper level connecting the hilltops with a metro line.

The upper level is more pedestrian-friendly and also offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and both river banks, with Porto on one side and Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river.

The bridge is definitely a popular place and gets busy quickly with locals and tourists crossing the bridge from side to side throughout the day. If you want to catch a quieter moment for photos, make sure to come here in the morning.

We crossed the bridge numerous times during our stay in Porto. It truly is one of the best spots for stunning views of the city. If you come around sunset, the light is usually really nice, but mornings are calmer with fewer people around.

Location: Dom Luís I Bridge

2. Terreiro da Sé

Porto Cathedral sits on a hill in the middle of the city, offering panoramic views of the old town below. It is one of the most iconic places in Porto!

If you come here, you get to kill two birds with one stone – you’ll see Porto Cathedral, one of the most important landmarks in the city, and you’ll get to see one of the best views in Porto from Terreiro da Sé, the square next to the cathedral. Sounds like a great deal!

But, honestly, this is a must-visit place in Porto. And it is one of the easiest viewpoints to reach in the city. From here, you get a wide, open view over Ribeira’s rooftops, the Douro River, and the Dom Luís I Bridge in the distance.

Because of its central location, this viewpoint gets very busy during the day, and then there is a special crowd that gathers here around sunset. This is actually a pretty nice place to watch the sunset in Porto.

However, if you want to enjoy it all to yourself, come early in the morning like we did. We’ve been to this square many times at different hours, and the morning is definitely the quietest time around here.

Location: Terreiro da Sé

3. Jardim do Morro

Talking about sunset in Porto and talking about iconic viewpoints, there is one special place you need to know about – Jardim do Morro! It is THE ultimate sunset spot in the city!

Jardim do Morro is located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side next to Dom Luís I Bridge (the upper level) and offers unbeatable views of Porto across the river and the Douro River below.

This iconic garden is a favorite place for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the golden hour. The atmosphere at Jardim do Morro is always lively around sunset, with people sitting on the grass, sharing drinks, and often enjoying live music from street performers.

We came here both in the morning to see the city views (no crowds!) and right before sunset to see the golden hour. Whether it’s your first evening in Porto or your last, watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro is one of those must-experience moments in Porto!

Location: Jardim do Morro

4. Miradouro do Teleférico

Located right next to Jardim do Morro, Miradouro do Teleférico is another great viewpoint on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, right next to the upper station of the Gaia cable car (Teleférico de Gaia).

It’s super easy to reach, and the view opens up right away as soon as you arrive. From here, you can see the Dom Luís I Bridge, the colorful Ribeira district across the river, and all the boats lined up, patiently waiting to take travelers on exciting Douro Valley day trips from Porto.

It’s a really nice angle because you get both the river and the rooftops at the same time. We even caught one of the boats floating by in the river below!

Since it’s close to the cable car, it can get a bit busy during the day. We came in the morning and had no problems taking a few photos of the beautiful view. It is among my favorite viewpoints in Porto!

Location: Miradouro do Teleférico

5. View from the Gaia Cable Car

The Gaia Cable Car is one of the easiest ways to see the city from above without doing much walking. As soon as you step inside the cabin, you start floating over Vila Nova de Gaia, and the views open up right away.

The cable car cabin has glass walls, so you can see it all – the Douro River, the Dom Luís I Bridge, Ribeira, and all the colorful houses spread across the hills.

The ride is a couple of minutes long, but you get a really nice mix of river and city scenery, and it’s perfect if you want a different perspective of Porto.

It’s also a fun thing to do if you’re traveling with friends, family, or kids, since the cabins move slowly and give you plenty of time to enjoy the views.

You can take the cable car either up or down. If you go up, you’ll end at the upper deck of the bridge, where you will find a couple of viewpoints that I have mentioned previously.

But if you go down, you will arrive right by the river next to the wine cellars and get a beautiful riverside view of the Dom Luís I Bridge and Porto Ribeira right across the river. Either way, it’s a fun ride and the views are definitely there!

Location: Gaia Cable Car

6. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Miradouro da Serra do Pilar is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Porto, even though it’s technically on the Vila Nova de Gaia side (which is technically a different municipality!).

From up here, you get a clear, wide view of the entire Ribeira district, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the Douro River. It’s one of those places where everything just falls into place and the whole city looks picture-perfect! Just look at the photos!

The viewpoint is located next to a 16th-century Monastery of Serra do Pilar, which is no longer operating, but still is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, thanks to its unique circular shape.

The walk up to the viewing platform is a bit steep, but it’s totally worth it once you reach the top. The terrace area is spacious, so even if there are a few people around, it never feels too packed.

Miradouro da Serra do Pilar is also probably one of the best spots to visit around sunset, when the colors get warm and shine over the whole city.

We came here specifically for those golden sunset hues, and it did not disappoint! It’s definitely one of the must-see spots for anyone who enjoys a good city view.

Location: Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

7. Rooftop of Porto Cathedral

Now, back to Porto Cathedral!

Most visitors only see the cathedral from the outside, but if you decide to visit the inside (for a small entrance fee), then don’t skip the chance to climb up to the rooftop. It’s one of the most underrated viewpoints in Porto, and honestly, one of my favorites in the whole city.

From up here, you get a wide, open view over the Douro River, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the orange rooftops of Ribeira. It’s the kind of view that really shows you how unique and charming Porto is, with its stacked houses, narrow streets, and steep hills.

The rooftop area sits above the cathedral cloister, making it one of the highest vantage points in Porto’s old town. And it feels like a little hidden spot, even though it’s right in the middle of the historic center, because not many people visit it.

Location: Porto Cathedral

8. Miradouro da Rua das Aldas

Just steps away from Porto Cathedral lies Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, one of the oldest and most beautiful historic viewpoints in Porto. And, I have to say, this is also one of my favorite photo spots in Porto.

The viewpoint is a small platform at the end of Rua das Aldas street. If you didn’t pay attention, you’d probably just walk past it without even realizing there’s a view waiting for you.

From this spot, you get a really nice perspective of the rooftops of the old town and the Douro River in the distance. However, the most impressive is the majestic facade of Saint Lawrence Church right next to the viewing platform!

If you’re visiting Porto Cathedral, definitely take a few extra steps to Miradouro da Rua das Aldas. It doesn’t have the widest angle of the city, but the impressive 16th-century church facade, combined with the view, makes it one of the most unique viewpoints in Porto!

Location: Miradouro da Rua das Aldas

9. Miradouro da Igreja de São Lourenço

Now, if you continue climbing even lower down the stairs, you will stumble upon another viewpoint just steps away from the previous one – Miradouro da Igreja de São Lourenço!

Miradouro da Igreja de São Lourenço sits on a quiet terrace right next to the Church of São Lourenço, overlooking the historic Ribeira district, and it gives you a beautiful look at the city without the crowds you’ll find at the bigger viewpoints.

It’s a place you stop by for a minute as you walk from one tourist attraction to another. But the views are definitely worth stopping by!

From here, you can see the terracotta rooftops of the old town, the Dom Luís I Bridge stretching across the river, and the colorful houses along the Douro. It’s one of those views that captures everything people love about Porto in one frame.

It is also along the way from Porto Cathedral to Miradouro da Vitória, the next viewpoint on this list! So even if you walk somewhere else, you might as well choose a more scenic route and enjoy the views along the way!

Location: Miradouro da Igreja de São Lourenço

10. Miradouro da Vitória

Miradouro da Vitória is one of those spots in Porto that feels a bit worn around the edges with some random graffiti and trash lying around, but the view makes it totally worth the stop.

The viewpoint sits in a quiet corner of the old town, and even though it is not an official viewpoint with signs or railings, many people come here for the wide open look. You see it all from the Ribeira and the Douro River to the Porto Cathedral.

It is a nice place to take a break while walking through the historic center because it is close to Clérigos Tower and other sights. However, you should note that this little corner has opening hours. Outside those hours, there will be a fence in front.

While it is not the most polished viewpoint in the city, it does deserve a quick visit if you are nearby!

Location: Miradouro da Vitória

11. Cais de Gaia

Cais de Gaia is one of the most iconic places to enjoy river views in Porto. It is the long promenade on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, right across from Ribeira, and the scenery is just full of postcard views. It is one of the must-visit places in Porto!

You get the colorful houses of Porto lined up along the river, the Dom Luís I Bridge stretching across the water, and the traditional rabelo boats (boats used to transport wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Porto) floating in front of you. Pretty iconic!

This is one of the easiest viewpoints to visit, since it’s completely flat and super accessible. You can walk along the waterfront, stop for photos anywhere you like, or sit down at one of the many cafés and enjoy a drink with a view.

We’ve been here at different times of the day, and honestly, it always looks beautiful. Whether you’re walking along the river or just relaxing on one of the benches, Cais de Gaia gives you that perfect Porto feeling.

Location: Cais de Gaia

12. Escadas dos Guindais

This is one of those unexpected places you only find out about when a random friend tells you about it, but, honestly, the view from the top of Escadas dos Guindais stairs was one of my favorite viewpoints in Porto. And it’s a trendy photo spot, too!

This narrow staircase sits right under the Dom Luís I Bridge, so you get a super close, dramatic look at Porto’s most iconic landmark from below. We climbed all the way from the bottom to the top, and I personally liked the view from the top the most.

It’s a walkway rather than a viewpoint platform, plus it’s a very different angle compared to the classic viewpoints, but the view is definitely iconic from here. Maybe that’s why there were quite a few people taking pictures here. To skip the crowds, come in the morning!

Location: Escadas dos Guindais

13. Miradouro Avenida Gustavo Eiffel

Located by the riverside, Miradouro Avenida Gustavo Eiffel is one of those spots where you get a beautiful, wide view of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

Porto’s Ribeira area is often very crowded and packed with tourist boats, so it can sometimes be difficult to enjoy the scenery, especially during the day. If you happen to be in that situation, head straight to this viewpoint!

Miradouro Avenida Gustavo Eiffel is located on the Porto side of the river, but it is on the other side of the bridge from the popular Ribeira area, so there are significantly fewer people around here.

Plus, it is much easier to get a cool photo of the bridge, because the viewpoint’s metal platform is hanging over the river and, while there are people walking along the sidewalk, you can’t see them in the photo, which is kind a nice.

If you’re looking for a spot to capture a clean shot of the bridge without tourist crowds or lines of tourist boats parked by the riverside, this is the place to go!

Location: Miradouro Avenida Gustavo Eiffel

14. Passeio das Fontainhas

Passeio das Fontainhas is a quiet street running along the hillside just outside the main tourist routes, and the views over the Douro River are really beautiful from here.

From here, you get a wide look at the river, the colorful houses on both sides, and the arches of the bridge in the distance.

The best part of this street? It is not crowded, so you can come here any time to get picturesque views of the city.

It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll! Even better if you grab a box of Porto’s delicious pastel de natas to snack on while enjoying the views!

If you want a peaceful place with classic river scenery, definitely add Passeio das Fontainhas to your list of the best viewpoints in Porto!

Location: Passeio das Fontainhas

15. Calçada das Carquejeiras

Calçada das Carquejeiras is one of those quiet little streets in Porto where you don’t expect much, and then suddenly you get a really beautiful view. This was one of my favorite finds and hidden gems in Porto.

The little walkway connects the upper part of the city and Ribeira, and the whole walk down gives you glimpses of the rooftops, the river, and the Dom Luís I Bridge in the distance.

What I like about this spot is that it feels very local. There are no crowds, no tour groups, and no big viewing platform. It’s just a simple street that happens to have a great angle of the river, the bridge, and the city.

If you enjoy wandering around and finding more authentic corners, you will love this viewpoint.

Location: Calçada das Carquejeiras

16. Estacionamento Duque de Loulé

This might sound like a strange place for a viewpoint since it’s actually a parking lot, but trust me, the views from the upper levels are very scenic.

The riverside parking lot is lined along the Douro Valley, so as you walk along it, you get panoramic views of the river, as well as the Dom Luís I Bridge and some landmarks on the Vila Nova de Gaia side.

It is a bit of a hidden gem, and most people just walk past it or don’t go there at all, but we stumbled upon this spot with small concrete benches built inside the wall and decided to stop by to enjoy the view.

If you happen to be nearby, come over to check it out. It’s the perfect spot for a quick photo while wandering around Porto.

Location: Estacionamento Duque de Loulé

Happy exploring!

Porto is a beautiful city to walk around, but seeing it from above makes it feel even more special. The mix of the river, the terracotta rooftops, and all the narrow streets looks completely different when you step back and see the city from a higher spot.

During our time here, checking out different viewpoints became something we did almost every day. Each place had its own angle, its own vibe, and its own little surprise. Some spots are quiet, others are busy, but all of them show a different side of Porto.

I think I’ve covered all the main viewpoints you shouldn’t miss, so I hope this blog post helps you plan a few nice stops. Take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe sit for a moment just to soak it all in. Happy travels!

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