Invicta is a city full of nooks and crannies to behold. The colorful houses, the bridges over the Douro, the marriage between the river and the sea offer the best views of Porto.
In this open-air painting, there are many spots where you can go to admire the city, enjoy the sunset with your partner or have a beer with friends.
With so many options, some places are already a classic, others not so much . With you in mind, and so that you can enjoy it to the full, we’ve put together an itinerary of six of the places with the best views over Porto (and the surrounding area).
Table Of Contents
Serra do Pilar Monastery
Very popular, especially at sunset and in the evening, the Serra do Pilar Monastery is not only one of the most iconic monuments in Greater Porto, but also one of the places with the best views over the city.
From the top, you can see Porto, the River Douro and the monumental Luís I Bridge, making it a viewpoint par excellence, as well as its historical and cultural importance.
📍Largo Aviz, Vila Nova de Gaia
For those who like viewpoints, here’s a good suggestion: Bandeirinha da Saúde. Apart from the spectacular view, this place is still little known, at least by the masses of tourists.
From this secret spot, you can see the historic buildings, the river Douro and the city of Gaia. As well as the breathtaking scenery, the Bandeirinha da Saúde landmark has a curious history: find out about it here.
📍Rua da Bandeirinha, 27
Sra. da Conceição Church Tower
The spot with the greatest panoramic view of Porto is not on top of a hill, but on a tower. In Praça do Marquês de Pombal, the Church of Sra. da Conceição ‘hides’ the highest point in the city.
To get there, you need to say ‘no’ to laziness and climb 204 steps. From the top of the tower, and for a symbolic fee, you can contemplate, in addition to the city center, the mouth of the Douro River and some neighboring towns, with the sea as far as the eye can see .
📍 Praça do Marquês de Pombal 111, Porto
17.º Restaurant & Bar, Hotel Dom Henrique
The 17.º Restaurant & Bar is a classic that never goes out of fashion. Located in the heart of Porto, and more than 150 meters above sea level, the terrace offers a 360° view of the historic center.
This is the perfect place to taste signature dishes and enjoy a good wine, with Porto literally at your feet.
📍 Rua do Bolhão 223, Porto
Clérigos Tower
With more than 250 years of history, visiting the Clérigos Tower is one of the things you must do in Porto at least once in your life.
Before you reach the top, marvel at the adjoining church and its façade full of shells and garlands. Once at the Tower, immerse yourself in the view of the Lello bookshop and the historic center, not forgetting the line that runs along the Ribeira all the way to Foz.
📍 Rua de São Filipe de Nery, Porto
Fontainhas
Fontainhas is very popular during São João to watch the fireworks. But their charms last all year round. If you want a free option in one of Porto’s most typical areas, then this spot is for you.
At this viewpoint, the protagonist is the relaxing landscape over the river and its bridges. Since you’re not too far away, take the opportunity to visit Guindalense, where you’ll find one of the best terraces with views over the Douro.
📍 Alameda das Fontainhas, Porto
Super Bock Arena Dome
This is one of those experiences you should do in Porto at least once in your life. Lasting around 50 minutes, the guided tour takes you through the history of the Super Bock Arena – Rosa Mota Pavilion.
However, after touring the inside of the building, the best part is reserved for last. In other words, the tour ends with a climb up 150 steps to the top of the dome, where you take a 360º turn to admire the whole of Invicta. Before the descent, you can enjoy a glass of chocolate with Port wine, while enjoying one of the best views of Porto!
📍 Rua de Dom Manuel II, Palácio de Cristal Gardens
WOW Porto
And to finish off, how about a glass of good wine and a breathtaking sunset ?
At WOW Porto, on the other side of the river, you can have all that (and much more)… Museums, stores, restaurants and bars are just some of the options on offer, but always with one of the best views of Porto as a backdrop.
📍 Rua do Choupelo 39, Vila Nova de Gaia