What to do and see in Porto, Northern Portugal: The Best Things to do

Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.

Clérigos Tower is the foremost undisputed landmark of Porto and a reference in the city's history. Clérigos Tower opened its doors in 1763, becoming the highest bell tower of Portugal, with over 75 metres. In 1753 the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni was invited to design and build this magnificent Heritage, considered National Monument since 1910. The famous church was built in the eighteenth century, between 1732 and 1749 and this was the most emblematic work of the architect Nicolau Nasoni. Is one of the most beautiful temples of baroque feature, and a reference in the history of Porto. The Exhibitions allow to discover the history of the Brotherhood of Clérigos, admire pieces from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century, in painting, furniture, jewellery and vestment collections. Christus collection, on the 3 floor, is a trip through time and space where art and religion complement each other.

National Monument, located in the historical centre of the city, classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palacio da Bolsa, built by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent, has become by excellence the Porto city’s drawing room, welcoming the most illustrious visitors, amongst which are monarchs, presidents and ministers from almost every country, transforming this building into the most visited monument in northern Portugal.

Have you ever thought of taking a seat on the 22nd chair of the Dragao Stadium's Presidential Box? By visiting the Dragao Stadium, you will be able to experience the President's Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa place and enjoy an inside and privileged look over this worldwide referenced work designed by architect Manuel Salgado. You will have the opportunity to see the pitch from the access tunnel's point of view, to feel the scent of the dressing rooms, to take the coach's seat on the press conference room just like you are making the match analysis... On this path you will appreciate an engineering project that delivers all of the requirements that make it environmentally friendly, you can witness on the stands the 29 kilometres of rows that can fill up to 52 thousand spectators and amaze yourself with the artistic legacy of Master Julio Resende and Alberto Carneiro. All of this in one tour only!

Always fresh, always at hand The past is revisited in the new Bom Sucesso Market, through the familiar colors and scents of fruit and vegetables. One can almost hear the market woman's catchy cries. Modern days are still filled with those scents and colors, but the Market has gone a step further by adding new delicacies and flavors. The place invites visitors to find out more about its history and about the road taken until the present day. In here all five senses are awakened. And at the end of a working day, this inviting and sensorial space is ideal for a snack among friends, ideal to share thoughts and dreams, or to revive old memories. Life can be smooth, even with abounding sensations. Matches your smile Bom Sucesso Market is a Babel made of costumes, routines and traits of people that are here, and people that arrive. There are shopping bags, and little gifts to be exchanged, there are offices closing new deals and opening new doors. There are local people enjoying the place, but also foreign faces, with different accents and languages, already so familiar. In between the hotel and the market area there is bustle and pauses punctuated with fleeting smiles and loud guffaws. We love this concept that becomes more meaningful when a smile flowers from a pair of lips, when people cross each other's paths in a place where so many things happen.

The only place in Europe where one can visit the arch of a bridge, experiencing an both iconic and impressive building for its size and elegance; it is the only national monument of the twentieth century in Porto. All tours are guided and include a number of safety equipments - harness, lifeline and handrail; even those who have vertigo can climb! Once we reach the top, there is a unique view of Porto, in a quiet and relaxing place that is now open to the public for the first time in 53 years. At the foot of the arch, an exhibition on the construction of Arrabida and the other 5 bridges that connect Porto and Gaia invites for a stroll on the riverside.

The FC Porto Museum by BMG welcomes its visitors with the unique view of the Dragon Valkyrie, work of art of Joana Vasconcelos. Over 125 years of history are gathered in seven thousand square meters and in 27 thematic areas, exhibiting more than 200 trophies and 280 videos, 80 per cent of which displayed in an interactive environment.