17 best Instagram spots in Porto, Portugal (with locations!)

Let’s discover the best Instagram spots in Porto, Portugal! Porto is one of the most charming cities in Europe, known for its colorful buildings, tiled facades, steep hills, and those beautiful Douro River views that make every corner look picture-perfect.

We’ve spent several weeks exploring Porto, and finding the most photogenic corners of the city became one of our favorite things to do. Each unique place offers a different angle of this charming city that looks great on camera.

In this blog post, you’ll find the best Instagram spots in Porto, with descriptions, photos, and exact locations on Google Maps so you can easily add them to your Porto itinerary. Have fun capturing the city!

1. Ribeira do Porto

Luckily, with Porto, you don’t have to look far for the best photo spots – the whole city is as charming and photogenic as can be! One of the best places to go for many photo opportunities is Ribeira do Porto, or Cais do Ribeira – Porto’s riverside promenade!

This riverside neighborhood is what most people picture when they think of Porto – stacked houses in all shades of yellow, red, and blue, narrow cobbled streets, and the calm Douro River flowing right in front of it with occasional ferries passing by.

No matter what time of day you visit, Ribeira looks incredible – come to the riverside promenade in the morning for crowd-free photos, find a riverside restaurant for a scenic mid-day lunch, and climb to the upper deck of Dom Luís I Bridge for the best sunset views over the city.

Ribeira do Porto has it all! It’s lively, colorful, and full of character, making it a must-visit on your Porto bucket list. This is where all life happens in Porto, so get ready to spend quite some time in this charming area!

Location: Ribeira do Porto

2. Chapel of Souls

The Chapel of Souls, or Capela das Almas, is one of the most photographed churches in Portugal! This charming and stunning church immediately catches your eye with its dazzling blue-and-white azulejo-covered facade.

To be honest, Porto is famous for its tile-covered buildings, and there are multiple tile-covered churches, too, but somehow this one is the most famous one!

The tiles depict scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine, and there are 15,947 azulejo tiles covering the exterior walls of this wonderful catholic church. How incredible is that!?

This 18th-century chapel was once just a regular white church in the city, but ever since these traditional azulejo tiles were added in the early 20th century, this chapel has been turned into one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks.

The interior of the chapel is rather simple and peaceful. It is definitely a quiet escape from the lively shopping street outside. You can peek inside for free.

Chapel of Souls is a must-visit place in the city and one of those picture-perfect Instagram spots in Porto (the church’s wall to be exact!). If you want to catch a photo by the blue wall, then try to come earlier to beat the crowds!

Location: Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina

3. Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral, or Sé do Porto, is one of the city’s most important and iconic landmarks, standing tall and proud on the highest point of Porto’s old town.

It’s a must-visit place for anyone exploring the city, not only for its historical significance, but also for the amazing views of the rooftops of Ribeira and the Douro River, as well as the many photo opportunities this attractive building offers!

Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is one of the oldest monuments in Porto and a beautiful mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.

The cathedral actually looks fortress-like with its stone walls and towers, but inside you will find other architectural styles and elements.

We made sure to arrive at the cathedral first thing in the morning, so we could enjoy the views and take some photos uninterrupted by the crowds. It does get very crowded during the day!

From the cathedral’s terrace, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views in Porto, stretching across the Dom Luís I Bridge and the colorful houses of Vila Nova de Gaia.

I’ve added some photo ideas for inspiration, but, honestly, this place is super photogenic. That’s why it is a popular place for people to gather, especially around sunset time, when you get to see the whole city in golden hues!

Location: Porto Cathedral

4. Porto Cathedral’s Gothic Cloister

While there, you should really consider visiting the interior of Porto Cathedral (for an entrance fee) to see the church, the cathedral’s gothic cloister, as well as climb up to the rooftop of the cathedral.

The cloister inside the cathedral is one of the most beautiful places in Porto and one of my favorite photo spots, too.

The cloister is decorated with traditional blue-and-white azulejos that tell biblical stories, and the beautiful stone arches create a really photogenic frame from every angle. Just look at the photos!

It’s one of those places where you’ll probably end up taking a lot more photos than you planned, haha! Of course, not everyone is interested in religious buildings, but this is definitely worth visiting just for the architecture!

The best part is that it’s never as crowded as the busy cathedral square, so you actually get a chance to slow down, enjoy the space, and soak up the history of this 12th-century building.

If you’re looking for one of the most atmospheric spots in Porto for photos, this place is definitely worth adding to your list. If you can, try to come here in the morning or before closing time, which are usually times with the least visitors.

Location: Porto Cathedral

5. Largo da Pena Ventosa

Largo da Pena Ventosa is one of those small, picturesque Porto corners – a square surrounded by narrow streets, colorful houses, and little balconies that make the whole area look like a movie set.

Largo da Pena Ventosa square is tiny, but that’s exactly what makes it charming. You’ll find pastel-colored facades, uneven stone steps, different plant pots scattered around, and that cozy Porto vibe. A little hidden gem in the heart of Porto.

We stumbled upon this spot while exploring the maze of streets around Porto Cathedral (it is just a short walk away!). It’s quiet, not touristy, and perfect for a few cute photos! You can even spot the towers of Saint Lawrence Church from here!

Location: Largo da Pena Ventosa

6. Miradouro da Rua das Aldas

Another favorite of mine just steps away from Porto Cathedral is Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, one of the oldest and most beautiful historic viewpoints 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 here, you get a beautiful perspective of the rooftops of the old town and the Douro River in the distance. But the most impressive part is the majestic facade of the 16th-century Saint Lawrence Church right next to the viewpoint!

One of my favorite Instagram spots in Porto for sure! That view – iconic!

Location: Miradouro da Rua das Aldas

7. Estação de São Bento

There’s just no other place like the São Bento Railway Station in Porto!

The station was built in the early 20th century on the site of a former Benedictine convent, which is why it still carries the name São Bento. But why is it so special?

Known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe, São Bento is famous for the azulejo tiles. There are over 20,000 blue-and-white hand-painted tiles covering almost every wall inside.

The beautiful tiles show everything from iconic battles in Portuguese history to rural traditions and scenes of everyday life. Even if you’re not actually catching a train, you must at least walk through the entrance hall to admire the tilework!

It is also one of the best places in Porto for photos! If you can, come early because early mornings are quieter, especially on Sundays. It is just one of those places that must be on your Porto bucket list, so definitely plan a visit to this iconic place!

Location: São Bento Railway Station

8. Cais de Gaia

While Ribeira do Porto offers iconic views of the Dom Luís I Bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia across the river, Cais de Gaia is the place where you go to enjoy the views of Porto.

Cais de Gaia is the long promenade on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, right across from Porto’s Ribeira district, and the scenery is just full of postcard views – perfect for iconic photos!

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.

That’s pretty iconic! We came here in the morning and managed to catch one of the port wine boats in the photo! But honestly, this place looks beautiful at any time of day!

Location: Cais de Gaia

9. Fonte do Cubo in Praça da Ribeira

I loved this little colorful corner right next to Porto’s Ribeira!

Fonte do Cubo fountain sits right in the middle of Praça da Ribeira square by the riverside and has one of the most iconic, but also typical, Porto sights in the background – narrow, colorful houses all stacked together.

The small 1970s fountain in front of them creates a cool contrast with the historic square around it. Fonte do Cubo marks the spot where an older medieval fountain once stood.

This is a cute place for photos if you want something different from the classic river shots. However, this is a very lively area, so mornings are the easiest time to get a cleaner shot. During the day and at night, it is filled with people sitting at riverside restaurants.

Location: Praça da Ribeira

10. Jardim do Morro

If you head across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, there is one special place you need to know about – Jardim do Morro, the ultimate sunset spot in the city!

Jardim do Morro is located next to Dom Luís I Bridge (the upper level) and offers unbeatable views of Porto across the river and the Douro River below. But this is both a photo spot and a place to enjoy.

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. The view is unbeatable, and watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro is one of those must-experience moments in Porto!

Location: Jardim do Morro

11. Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Located just a stone’s throw from Jardim do Morro, 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 in 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!

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.

If you can, come here around sunset – it is one of the highest places you can be in the city, so the golden hour views are absolutely fantastic!

Location: Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

12. Half Rabbit by Bordalo II

If you find yourself wandering around the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river, consider stopping by the Half Rabbit by Bordalo II. It is one of the most unique street art spots in Porto and an easy stop if you want something a bit different from the usual river photos.

Bordalo II is a Portuguese street artist known for creating animals from discarded objects to highlight waste and environmental issues, and this is one of his most photographed works in Porto. We also stopped by and took photos of some of his works in Lisbon.

You can find the rabbit in a small street in Vila Nova de Gaia, just a short walk from the riverfront. The artwork takes up the whole side of a building, so it is hard to miss. It’s more of a hidden gem in Porto, not a famous landmark, but it’s worth stopping by if you’re nearby.

Location: Half Rabbit by Bordalo II

13. 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 become 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.

So, because it is a pedestrian street, there is usually a constant stream of people during the day. If you want to skip the crowds and take photos in peace, try to come in the morning. We came early and had no problems taking a few photos before heading for breakfast.

Location: Escadas dos Guindais

14. Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous places in Porto. Opened in 1906, it is also one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal.

The bookstore became especially famous because of the rumor that it inspired parts of the Harry Potter series (the author J. K. Rowling lived in Porto in the 1990s). And people believe the staircase and the interior influenced how she imagined Hogwarts.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter whether there is some truth to it or not, I can definitely feel a bit of magic in this place! Its design mixes neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau details and makes the whole space extra dramatic.

Just look at that wooden staircase and that stained glass ceiling!

Even if you’re not a fan of Harry Potter (how can it be?), or not even a reader, this is still a must-visit place in Porto. Because of its popularity, there is an entrance fee, but you get a voucher for that and can spend it on purchases at the bookstore (like, buy a souvenir!).

Although the crowds can be overwhelming, this place is still such a dream and makes for some of the most unique photos ever. The inside truly feels like stepping into another world!

Location: Livraria Lello

15. 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.

Because of its unique angle, it was one of my favorite Instagram spots in Porto – 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. But I can imagine it is just stunning at sunset, too.

Location: Miradouro do Teleférico

16. Passeio das Fontainhas

Are you tired of all the viewpoints yet? No? Good, because 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! Good views + delicious snack + cool photos = time well spent in Porto, haha!

Location: Passeio das Fontainhas

17. 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

Happy exploring!

Porto is an amazing city to wander around, but discovering its most photogenic corners makes it even more fun. The colorful houses, tiled walls, steep alleyways, and beautiful river views make for some beautiful photos.

During our time in Porto, we found new Instagrammable places almost every day, be it scenic viewpoints, cute buildings, vibrant squares, or some of its historic landmarks – each one shows a unique side of the city and gives you a chance to capture something special.

I think I’ve covered all the main photo spots you shouldn’t miss, so I hope this blog post helps you plan your own little photo adventure around Porto. Take your time, enjoy the walk, and have fun snapping your favorite angles of this beautiful city. Happy exploring!

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