TOP 10 BEST OF PORTO

What Not to Miss in Porto

Top Attractions

1) CAIS DE GAIA The city's postcard skyline and the birthplace of one of the world's most famous wines.
2) SERRALVES MUSEUM Two buildings that are as much a work of art as the collections they exhibit inside, surrounded by a magnificent park.
3) CASA DA MUSICA An architectural masterwork by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas.
4) SÃO FRANCISCO CHURCH One of Europe's most extraordinarily lavish church interiors, completely covered in gold.
5) CAIS DA RIBEIRA Atmospheric, colorful, World Heritage riverfront medieval district.
6) THE CATHEDRAL The 12th-century fortress-cathedral where Prince Henry the Navigator was baptized.
7) CLERIGOS TOWER Iconic landmark overlooking the city
8) PALACIO DA BOLSA The exuberant interior of the former Stock Exchange Palace.
9) DOM LUIS BRIDGE Before the Eiffel Tower, there was this ironwork showpiece.
10) SOARES DOS REIS MUSEUM A notable national art museum named after one of the country's top artists.

Top Experiences

Look at a "World's Most Beautiful" list and you'll most likely find a refrence to Porto under "world's most beautiful book stores," "world's most beautiful train stations" and "world's most beautiful cafés". Here are the world beauties and other experiences you shouldn't miss in this city:

1) LELLO BOOK STORE Go inside the "Lello & Irmão" bookshop, a historic space with a Neo-Gothic interior featuring a grand staircase and stained glass.
2) MAJESTIC CAFÉ Have a drink at "Café Majestic," a classic European Art Nouveau café and a city landmark.
3) GIGANTIC TILE MURALS Admire the gigantic tile panels inside São Bento Station and on the façades of Carmo and Capela das Almas churches.
4) DOURO CRUISE Take a cruise or a tour down the World Heritage Douro Valley.
5) ART GALLERIES STREET Check out the art galleries down Rua Miguel Bombarda.
6) TIME-WARP SHOPS Shop at the retro shops downtown, many preserving wonderful Art Nouveau façades. Recommended: A Vida Portuguesa and Pérola do Bolhão. More info about them and others on the Porto shopping list.
7) THE LOCAL MARKET Browse through the colorful Bolhão Market.
8) THE ATLANTIC Take a stroll by the sea in Foz.
9) THE MONUMENTAL HEART OF THE CITY Watch the world go by on Avenida dos Aliados.
10) THE GARDENS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER Relax at the Crystal Palace Gardens.