Things to do in  Northern Portugal

Stretching from the city of Porto on Portugal’s Atlantic coast to the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra, the Douro river is the third-longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, and flows through one of Europe’s most picturesque wine-growing regions. Visitors come to enjoy the scenery, and taste the local wine and port.

A major river on the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro River (Rio Douro) flows from Duruelo de la Sierra in northern Spain all the way to Porto in Portugal, where the river mouth empties into the Atlantic Ocean. More than just the region’s lifeline, it’s also the centerpiece of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s most famous wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Watching over the city from its hilltop spot, the imposing fort-like Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto) is a reminder of Porto’s diverse history. Featuring Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture, this is Porto’s oldest and largest church, a must-visit for architecture and history aficionados.

Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel—the architect responsible for the Eiffel Tower—Ponte de Dom Luis I marked a significant step forward in Porto’s economic growth at the time of its construction; before it existed, the only passages across the river were boats lashed together. Today, visitors can admire the Douro River and the Ribeira District from the pedestrian walkway of Porto’s most symbolic sight.

Standing atop a hill overlooking Porto, Portugal, are the Igreja dos Clérigos, an 18th-century church and one of the city’s architectural symbols, and the Toree dos Clérigos, its bell tower. Intricately carved baroque shells and garlands on the church reflect Porto’s seaside location, and the bell tower offers panoramic views of the city.

Forming an integral part of Porto’s historic center, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Palace of the Stock Exchange (Palácio da Bolsa) is a marvel of neoclassical architecture. The 19th-century palace has played host to royal guests, and today can be explored only as part of a guided tour.

Stretching from Praça do Marquês de Pombal in the north to Praça da Batalha in the south, Rua Santa Catarina is Porto’s principal shopping street and social hub. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) thoroughfare is lined with art nouveau buildings and serves as a perfect place to start your Porto sightseeing.

Amarante is a medieval town in northern Portugal. On the river Tamega, the town is dominated by a 13th-century church and monastery, and is known for being the home of Sao Goncalo, a Benedictine monk and Portugal’s answer to St. Valentine. Visitors explore the historical town center with its stone bridge and enjoy the charming countryside nearby.

Completed in 1963, Arrábida Bridge spans Portugal’s Douro River to connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Measuring 890 feet (270 meters), it was the largest concrete-arch bridge at the time of its completion. Today its big draw for tourists is the chance to "climb" the arch by walking up a granite staircase—with a harness.

Set on the banks of the River Douro, Ribeira is Porto’s oldest quarter. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the district’s maze of alleyways and pastel-colored houses rises up on a hill above the bay. The Ribeira’s modern waterfront—lined with restaurants, bars, and cafés—is a popular leisure hub and nightlife destination.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Carmo Convent (Carmo Archaeological Museum) withstood many battles yet came crashing down during the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. Today, the main altar hosts an archaeological museum beside the old convent ruins, which are arguably even more majestic in their partially destroyed state. Architecture buffs will delight in the Gothic arches and Manueline windows that were added in the 18th century.

Built in the 10th century to defend the city of Guimarães against attacks from the Moors and Normans, Guimarães Castle is a perfectly preserved example of military architecture. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features turrets and towers reminiscent of fairy-tale castles.

The Braga Cathedral is not only the oldest surviving church in Portugal but also a significant national monument. Constructed from the 11th through the 13th century, the cathedral inspired the architectural style of other churches and monasteries built around the same period. Modifications over centuries resulted in a blend of styles in the cathedral, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque.

Behind its comparatively stark Gothic facade, the Church of São Francisco(Igreja de São Francisco) harbors a trove of baroque finery: The interior has marble columns, intricate wooden carvings, and gold-covered walls. Highlights include the magnificent Tree of Jesse altarpiece, a 13th-century statue of Saint Francis, and eerily beautiful catacombs.

Lying at the southern end of Porto’s majestic Avenida dos Aliados is Liberdade Square (Praça da Liberdade), which started its life in the late 18th century when the city began to expand beyond its medieval walls. If you stand in the centre of the square, you’ll get spectacular views of some of Porto’s architectural symbols, which include the Baroque City Hall (Câmara Municipal).