Best miradouros and views of Porto

Beware, you may fall in love with these places!

This article could also be called "The Most Instagramable Places in Porto" with breathtaking panoramas .

Like Lisbon, the city of Porto is built on hills,  which gives it all its charm with magnificent views of the River and other parts of the city.

Vila Nova de Gaia offers the most beautiful views of Porto. Located on the opposite shore Gaia is an integral part of the agglomeration and its historical centre housing the cellars of Porto merges with that of Porto. It is the reason why we have selected this charming area to create our holiday apartments in Porto.

On the Gaia side we recommend you go up to the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar; the esplanade of this ancient monastery located near Jardim do Morro offers one the most beautiful points of view on Ribeira and Luis I. Just below you can take the teleferico de Gaia which will also offer nice views but the view from the bar next to the cable car station is very beautiful too.

Small streets border the Douro on Gaia riverside, on the right of Luis I bridge; if you venture to Capela Senhora do Alem (an abandoned chapel) you will enjoy a unique view of the bridge and Ribeira.

Some of Gaia's restaurants offer terraces with breathtaking views of the historic centre of Porto and the cellars of Gaia. Yeatman's bar and restaurant offer a unique panorama. In the street where our holiday apartments are located ,the terrace of Porto Cruz cellars overlooks the banks of Gaia. Enjoy the view while sipping a fine Port wine.

Graham's is probably our favourite Port wine cellar, not only for the quality of its wines but also for the view from the wine bar and the restaurant. Even if you do not wish to visit the cellar you can have a nice meal at the terrace of Vinum, the restaurant is excellent!.

The best view is certainly the one you will have from the terrace of our apartment overlooking Porto. 

Let's move to Porto now!  There are places not to be missed (though Gaia has nothing to envy Porto).

After reading several articles on our online guide to visit Porto you realize how much we love the park of Palacio de Cristal which offers magnificent views of the Douro to the sea.

In the heart of the historic centre the miradouro da Vitoria is perhaps our favourite point of view: it is very close to the Torre dos Clérigos. After climbing the steps of the tower you will clearly see the hills of the Douro Valley to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is the perfect way to get a good grasp of the geography of the city.

If you like to climb up the towers, the hotel bar and restaurant Dom Henrique is certainly the highest point of view in the city. Located on the top floor of the tower, the "17º Bar" proposes good drinks and a  breathtaking view to the ocean. 

To end this tour of the best views of Porto walk back to the iconic Ponte Luis I and the district of Sé Catedral next to it. Enjoy a magnificent view of the historic centre towards Porto City Hall from Sé Catedral.

Down the narrow streets towards Ribeira, other miradouros also offer beautiful views. If you are too tired to keep on walking, we recommend the funicular do Guindais that goes down the bridge. At the end of the tunnel do not miss the stunning view before getting to Ribeira.