Porto Things to Do Tips by vichatherly

Climb the tower Igreja dos Clerigos Oporto views Review

By climbing up to the top of the Tower Igreja dos Clerigos you give yourself brilliant views of the coty of Porto. A nice climb of 200 steps to the top of the tower

"This architectonic whole was built between 1732 and 1763, by initiative of the Poor Clergymen Brotherhood. The plan was ordered to the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. The church’s façade is profusely decorated with baroque elements and the interior has rich wood engravings. The tower is regarded as one of Nasoni’s masterpieces thanks to its harmonious proportions and to its decorative richness, and it became one of Porto’s ex libris."

Address: Rua São Filipe Néri

São João National Theatre

Another gorgeous looking building.

The primitive building was built in the late 18th century by initiative of Francisco de Almada e Mendonça and following a plan by the Italian architect Vicente Mazoneschi.

A fire destroyed it in 1908 and it was rebuilt three years later. The new theatre was planned by the architect Marques da Silva, and introduced some innovating details in the Porto architecture.

For the first time, cement – in its natural colour – was used in the outside coating.

Palácio da Bolsa Monuments Review

The construction of the Stock Market Palace, headquarters of the Porto Commercial Association, began in 1842 where the old S. Francisco convent used to stand.

The architect Joaquim da Costa Lima is the author of the plan. The hall that makes way to the Nations patio is covered by a glazed metallic structure. Inside the Palace, the “Arab Room”, inspired by the Alhambra Palace is worthy of notice, as well sculptures by Soares dos Reis and Teixeira Lopes

Walk across the bridges - Ponte Dom Luís Bridges Review

Ponte Dom Luís

Erected in 1861-66 by the Société Belge de Willebroeck to plans by Théophile Seyrig, a former assistant to Eiffel. This is a double-decker road bridge connecting Oporto with Vila Nova de Gaia.

Its span is 558ft and it is 223ft high with a 26ft wide roadway which carries single-file two-way traffic on both levels. Pedestrians can freely cross both the upper and lower levels on narrow pavements.

Until the 1990s the top deck also carried trolley buses.

Visit Foz beach

This is a brilliant place to enjoy your Super Bock.

The Porto Sé (Cathedral) Churches/Cathedrals Review

The Porto Sé (Cathedral) is a building of roman structure that dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, which suffered great changes during the Baroque.

Outside it still maintains the looks of a fortress church with battlements.

Worth the walk.

Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto

Phone: 222 059 028

Plenty more Port to be drunk Oporto Wine Review

I think you can even lay your own Port and come and collect it ten years later.

Visit the Port lodges Oporto Wine Review

Visit the Port lodges and have a free tasting.

Sandeman Lodge. A good tour gives you an excellent feel for the place.

Opening times 9.30am to 12.30pm, 2.00pm to 5.00pm (Closed weekends October to April).

Address: The House of Sandeman

Directions: Largo Miguel Bombarda, 3
4400 Vila Nova De Gaia

Other Contact: Vila Nova de Gaia. Opening time

Phone: 351 2 30 40 81

Santo Ildefonso Church Churches/Cathedrals Review

A stunning church to look at.

The church was rebuilt from 1730 on since the first church was in ruins. It was concluded in 1737.

The nave is of polygonal type in proto-baroque style.

Above the entablature there is a niche with the patron saint.

It has steeple towers with dentils on the cornices, topped on each side by fantasy spheres and frontons.

The walls are decorated with tiles by Jorge Colaço (1932), depicting scenes from the life of St. Ildefonso and allegories from the Eucharist.

Address: Largo de Sto. Ildefonso, 4000-001 Porto

Visit São Bento Train Station Train stations Review

This is São Bento train station in Porto. Porto (Oporto in English) is home to the Port wine industry, and 15 minutes walk from this station are the Port wine cellars where free tours and samples abound. Should you ever find yourself in São Bento take a good look at the huge azulejo murals before you leave, because you'll probably too drunk to see them on the way back.

The panels here are prime examples of the romantic style in Portugese tiles. Jorge Colaço (1868-1942) was key proponent of this style and many of his works feature historical events. These panels illustrate his attempts to apply oil painting techniques to ceramics. Other examples of his work can be found at the train stations in Évora and Beja, and in the Buçaco Palace on the Azores

Directions: The Sao Bento station is in the center of Porto, near the end of the Avenida dos Aliados.