Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and one of the major urban areas of the Iberian
Peninsula.
Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, it is one of the oldest European
centres and its historical core was proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 1996.
The city boasts some of the most picturesque architectural landmarks in Europe and with
its narrow streets, colourful houses, breathtaking views and baroque style churches and bridges,
it makes Porto an excellent tourist destination.
Before we get into the top 10 things to do in Porto, we’ve included links in the description
to various discount codes and links to resources of things to do, so make sure you check those
out.
10) At number 10 is SEA LIFE Porto
SEA LIFE Porto was opened in 2009 and is a conservation minded aquarium participating
in habitat protection and breeding programs.
Teeming with aquatic life, there are more than 5000 marine creatures that call this
aquarium home, including sharks, jellyfish, seahorses and starfish.
There are 31 different aquatic habitats to see and with a mesmerising Ocean Tunnel and
feeding sessions, visitors can really get to know this undersea environment.
9) Number 9 is the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Porto
The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Porto is the best way to see all you want in this large city, home
to stunning architecture, interesting museums and great attractions.
Choose from a 1 or 2 day ticket and create your own itinerary, hop on and off whenever
you like, at all of Porto's best, most convenient locations for sightseeing.
Each bus is equipped with panoramic windows and audio guides giving helpful commentaries
along the route.
8) At number 8 is the Luís I Bridge
An industrial symbol for Porto, this twin-level metal arched bridge that spans the River Douro
between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, was completed in 1886 by a student
of Gustave Eiffel.
The bridge’s top deck is now reserved for pedestrians, as well as one of the city’s
metro lines, the lower deck bears regular traffic, as well as narrow walkways for those
on foot.
Visitors can see spectacular views of the city and river from the bridge.
7) Number 7 is the Funicular dos Guindais
The Funicular dos Guindais is an elegant and unique way of getting from one part of the
city to the other.
The funicular runs along a steep hill connecting the Ribeira neighbourhood, located on the
river bank, and Batalha, at the top of the city.
One of the highlights of taking this means of transportation are the views you get of
Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto’s medieval city walls and the scenic waterfront.
6) At number 6 is the Serralves Museum
Porto's Serralves Museum is a world of exciting contemporary art and one of the most popular
museums in Portugal.
With a gigantic collection that includes over 4300 artworks from the 1960s to the present
day, as well as massive botanical gardens packed with intriguing sculptures and organic
designs, Serralves is a real authority in the modern art scene.
5) Number 5 is the Cálem Caves
Porto Calém was established in 1859 and has always paid great attention to the production
of quality Port wines, resulting in recognition by the Wine World.
Visitors can touch, smell and taste their way through the history of Port and the Douro
Valley, see the cellars, explore the interactive museum and tour the historic winery.
4) At number 4 is the Crystal Palace garden
This was the site of Porto’s Crystal Palace, which lasted from 1865 to 1961 and was modelled
on the monument in London.
The gardens were devised to complement the palace and were landscaped by German landscaping
architect Émile David.
The gardens consist of eight hectares of luxurious greenery, romantic nooks and paths with astonishing
views over the river.
Planted with gingko, pines, camellias, rhododendrons and beech trees, there are also fountains
and beautiful sculptures to be admired.
3) Number 3 is the Clérigos Tower
The ornate, 75 metre high tower of the Baroque church can be spotted from most parts of Porto
and was the tallest building in the country when it was completed.
It’s a beautiful monument, with delicate carvings all the way up and a clock so high
you need to take a few steps back to be able to read it properly.
With its prominent position, you can get some amazing 360° views of the city from the top.
2) At number 2 is Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest sights to see in the city and one of its most important.
It’s almost 800 years old and the architecture here is without doubt quite a sight to behold.
Despite going through a lot of changes over time, the cathedral has kept big pieces of
its original 12th-century architecture.
Inside there’s a narrow Romanesque nave and choir, and a beautiful apse that got an
opulent Baroque redesign, in the 17th century.
1) And at number 1 is Zoo Santo Inácio
Zoo Santo Inácio is the largest zoo in northern Portugal where endangered species are protected
and given a home that closely resembles their natural environments.
Visitors can see a collection of stunning rare wildlife, including rare Asian Lions
and rarely seen snow leopards, plus cheetahs, Siberian tigers, and more.
With birds of prey, huge snakes, cheeky primates, plus incredible feeding displays and so much
more, the zoo makes a great day out for all the family.
So that sums up our top 10 things to do in Porto, we hope you enjoyed, if you did please
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Until next video have a great day.