Guidebook for Vila Nova de Gaia
Sightseeing
Ribeira station
Planned by the engineer Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, it was inaugurated in 1886 and it is composed by two overlapping iron decks. The bridge has 395 metres long and 8 metres wide, and its arch is still considered to be the world's biggest one in forged iron. Nowadays the upper deck is used by the Metro of Porto, connecting the area of Porto's Cathedral to the Garden of Morro and to the Avenida da República in Vila Nova de Gaia.
585 locals recommend
Luís I Bridge
Ponte Luís IPlanned by the engineer Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, it was inaugurated in 1886 and it is composed by two overlapping iron decks. The bridge has 395 metres long and 8 metres wide, and its arch is still considered to be the world's biggest one in forged iron. Nowadays the upper deck is used by the Metro of Porto, connecting the area of Porto's Cathedral to the Garden of Morro and to the Avenida da República in Vila Nova de Gaia.
What from outside looks like an ordinary 14th century Gothic and Baroque construction, has the most extraordinary church interior in Oporto and unquestionably one of the most fabulously opulent in all of Europe.
The extensive 17th and 18th baroque decoration is a profusion of gilt wood carvings in the vault pillars and columns: cherubs, plants, and animals dripping with gold -- note the "Tree of Jesse," dating from 1718.
The little that is not covered in pure gold (it is said that there is 400kg of it here) such as the wide-ribbed Gothic arches, is made of marble.
There is a museum housed in the catacombs below consisting of artifacts from the former monastery.
433 locals recommend
Monument Church Of St Francis
Rua do Infante Dom HenriqueWhat from outside looks like an ordinary 14th century Gothic and Baroque construction, has the most extraordinary church interior in Oporto and unquestionably one of the most fabulously opulent in all of Europe.
The extensive 17th and 18th baroque decoration is a profusion of gilt wood carvings in the vault pillars and columns: cherubs, plants, and animals dripping with gold -- note the "Tree of Jesse," dating from 1718.
The little that is not covered in pure gold (it is said that there is 400kg of it here) such as the wide-ribbed Gothic arches, is made of marble.
There is a museum housed in the catacombs below consisting of artifacts from the former monastery.
This baroque work by Nicolau Nasoni was built in the first half of the eighteenth century. The Clérigos Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city of Porto. The panoramic view over the city and the river Douro which can be seen from the top of the tower makes the 240 step climb worth the effort. Capitalising on the recent work to renovate and reconvert one of the most significant buildings in the city of Porto, based on a project which rapidly resolved the restrictions on accessing the complex, a multi-sensory facility has been created which simulates the experience of climbing up the Torre dos Clérigos, which is accessible and available to all visitors.
1226 locals recommend
Clérigos Tower
Rua de São Filipe de NeryThis baroque work by Nicolau Nasoni was built in the first half of the eighteenth century. The Clérigos Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city of Porto. The panoramic view over the city and the river Douro which can be seen from the top of the tower makes the 240 step climb worth the effort. Capitalising on the recent work to renovate and reconvert one of the most significant buildings in the city of Porto, based on a project which rapidly resolved the restrictions on accessing the complex, a multi-sensory facility has been created which simulates the experience of climbing up the Torre dos Clérigos, which is accessible and available to all visitors.
Construction dating from the twelfth/thirteenth century, in Romanesque style, that has been enlarged and renewed over the years up to its final setting, in the twentieth century, resulting in an idealized reconstitution of the medieval cathedral. Special mention goes to: the Gothic São João Evangelista Chapel and the cloister, from the fourteenth century; the enlargement of the main chapel, the Santíssimo Sacramento Chapel and its silver altar, from the eighteenth century (mannerist); the eighteenth century Baroque frescos in the main chapel and the sacristy, by Nicolau Nasoni, and the tiles in the cloister, by Vital Rifarto; the sculpture in the Baptism Chapel, by Teixeira Lopes (father)...
566 locals recommend
Porto Cathedral (Se Cathedral)
Terreiro da SéConstruction dating from the twelfth/thirteenth century, in Romanesque style, that has been enlarged and renewed over the years up to its final setting, in the twentieth century, resulting in an idealized reconstitution of the medieval cathedral. Special mention goes to: the Gothic São João Evangelista Chapel and the cloister, from the fourteenth century; the enlargement of the main chapel, the Santíssimo Sacramento Chapel and its silver altar, from the eighteenth century (mannerist); the eighteenth century Baroque frescos in the main chapel and the sacristy, by Nicolau Nasoni, and the tiles in the cloister, by Vital Rifarto; the sculpture in the Baptism Chapel, by Teixeira Lopes (father)...
A National Monument, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is the property and headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto. It was designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima in a neoclassical style in 1842. Situated in the historical centre, it is one of the most visited monuments with the famous Arabian Room being its major highlight. A Cultural and Conference Centre, the Stock Exchange Palace is a venue with unique conditions for hosting events and excellent initiatives. Included in the Urban Wine Route. Accessible for people with reduced mobility through a side entrance.
401 locals recommend
Palácio da Bolsa
A National Monument, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is the property and headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto. It was designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima in a neoclassical style in 1842. Situated in the historical centre, it is one of the most visited monuments with the famous Arabian Room being its major highlight. A Cultural and Conference Centre, the Stock Exchange Palace is a venue with unique conditions for hosting events and excellent initiatives. Included in the Urban Wine Route. Accessible for people with reduced mobility through a side entrance.
Drinks & Nightlife
“Of course we have to (try to) write about Port Wine. Port is an important part of Porto (pun intended). Curiously, the wine cellars or lodges are all located in Gaia, on the other margin of river Douro. The main historical reason is because some centuries ago, the Bishop of Porto charged high taxes to the Port producers, so they moved to the other side of the river, where the Bishop didn’t have jurisdiction”.
91 locals recommend
Taylor's Port
250 Rua do Choupelo“Of course we have to (try to) write about Port Wine. Port is an important part of Porto (pun intended). Curiously, the wine cellars or lodges are all located in Gaia, on the other margin of river Douro. The main historical reason is because some centuries ago, the Bishop of Porto charged high taxes to the Port producers, so they moved to the other side of the river, where the Bishop didn’t have jurisdiction”.
Last night a Dj saved my life!
Planning to go out at night for some drinks and at the same time something tells you it’s going to be one of those nights where you end up dancing until the break of dawn?
I know just the hot spot for doing the entire social drinking mixed with small talk before heading down a staircase, onto the “twilightest” of the dance zones: Plano B Music Club.
At Cândido dos Reis street, one of the main arteries of Porto’s nightlife, parallel to Galerias de Paris street, you’ll find Plano B, portuguese for Plan B.
514 locals recommend
Plan B Club - Port
30 R. de Cândido dos ReisLast night a Dj saved my life!
Planning to go out at night for some drinks and at the same time something tells you it’s going to be one of those nights where you end up dancing until the break of dawn?
I know just the hot spot for doing the entire social drinking mixed with small talk before heading down a staircase, onto the “twilightest” of the dance zones: Plano B Music Club.
At Cândido dos Reis street, one of the main arteries of Porto’s nightlife, parallel to Galerias de Paris street, you’ll find Plano B, portuguese for Plan B.
Located in one of the main arteries of the Porto night and decorated by interior designer Paulo Lobo, Porto Tónico is a bar to consider for good after-work moments, with conversations between cocktails inspired by port wine, or other more traditional ones, And pop and rock music from the 1970s to the present.
In addition to a lounge area at the entrance, the dance floor in the background invites you to dance as the evening progresses, with dj's selecting the music between Thursday and Saturday. The atmosphere is young and relaxed, enjoying a modern space, in shades of green and gold and with a design of very good taste.
59 locals recommend
Porto Tonico
96 R. de Cândido dos ReisLocated in one of the main arteries of the Porto night and decorated by interior designer Paulo Lobo, Porto Tónico is a bar to consider for good after-work moments, with conversations between cocktails inspired by port wine, or other more traditional ones, And pop and rock music from the 1970s to the present.
In addition to a lounge area at the entrance, the dance floor in the background invites you to dance as the evening progresses, with dj's selecting the music between Thursday and Saturday. The atmosphere is young and relaxed, enjoying a modern space, in shades of green and gold and with a design of very good taste.
Food Scene
“You have to taste ‘Francesinha’, a serious matter in Porto. It even has an official Brotherhood for the best recipes and places.”
416 locals recommend
Café Santiago F
226 R. de Passos Manuel“You have to taste ‘Francesinha’, a serious matter in Porto. It even has an official Brotherhood for the best recipes and places.”
“Let me give it to you straight: the thing about Maus Hábitos is that you can pretty much spend an entire day there. Now, I’m not saying you should do it because there’s plenty to see in Porto. But you could. And you’d probably like it.”
395 locals recommend
Maus Hábitos
178 R. de Passos Manuel“Let me give it to you straight: the thing about Maus Hábitos is that you can pretty much spend an entire day there. Now, I’m not saying you should do it because there’s plenty to see in Porto. But you could. And you’d probably like it.”
The slightly toasted, perfectly crunchy bread. The extremely tender meat that melts in your mouth like butter. The beautifully decadent Serra da Estrela cheese with its uniquely intense flavor… Be prepared for a food-gasm. You’ll be asking for more as soon as you take the first bite. And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back and… Venham mais 5!
79 locals recommend
Venham mais 5
219 R. de Santo IldefonsoThe slightly toasted, perfectly crunchy bread. The extremely tender meat that melts in your mouth like butter. The beautifully decadent Serra da Estrela cheese with its uniquely intense flavor… Be prepared for a food-gasm. You’ll be asking for more as soon as you take the first bite. And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back and… Venham mais 5!
“A couple of years ago, I was camping nearby Lisbon when I asked for a bifana, in a snack-bar. I was salivating for that moist and spicy pieces of pork meat stuck in a bread, but all I got was a simple pork steak, with kind of the same spicy sauce, inside a dry bread: at that moment, I missed the bifanas that I’m used to. I missed the bifana from Conga!”
109 locals recommend
Conga
318 R. do Bonjardim“A couple of years ago, I was camping nearby Lisbon when I asked for a bifana, in a snack-bar. I was salivating for that moist and spicy pieces of pork meat stuck in a bread, but all I got was a simple pork steak, with kind of the same spicy sauce, inside a dry bread: at that moment, I missed the bifanas that I’m used to. I missed the bifana from Conga!”
Armazém do Peixe
311 Largo Padre Joaquim de AraújoTaberna São Pedro
42 R. Costa GoodolfimParks & Nature
The City Park is the largest urban park in Portugal, with an area of 83 hectares that stretch out as far as the Atlantic Ocean, which is globally something of a rarity. It was designed by the landscape architect Sidónio Pardal and inaugurated in 1993 (1st phase) and finalized in 2002. The presence of stone takes on a preponderant characteristic of this park, where the construction of supporting walls for terrain, spots to stay and paving create a rural and bucolic idea. In 2000, it was selected by the Order of the Engineers as one of the `100 most remarkable works constructed in Portugal in the 20th century`. Among other installations, it lodges the Centre for Environmental Education.
1306 locals recommend
Parque da Cidade do Porto
Estrada Interior da CircunvalaçãoThe City Park is the largest urban park in Portugal, with an area of 83 hectares that stretch out as far as the Atlantic Ocean, which is globally something of a rarity. It was designed by the landscape architect Sidónio Pardal and inaugurated in 1993 (1st phase) and finalized in 2002. The presence of stone takes on a preponderant characteristic of this park, where the construction of supporting walls for terrain, spots to stay and paving create a rural and bucolic idea. In 2000, it was selected by the Order of the Engineers as one of the `100 most remarkable works constructed in Portugal in the 20th century`. Among other installations, it lodges the Centre for Environmental Education.
The Romantic Gardens of Palácio de Cristal occupy an area of 8 hectares in Porto's centre and they were designed in the 19th century by the German landscape architect Émille David, in the context of constructing the building of Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). Currently, the following still remain preserved in accordance with the original project: Jardim Émille David at the main entrance, Avenida das Tílias, the forest and the balconies' design over the river Douro. We can also contemplate magnificent panoramic views over the river and the city that the viewpoints in strategic places offer to us. It is to be noted that these gardens, making a good use of the botanic heritage and of the..
1180 locals recommend
Crystal Palace Gardens
Rua de Dom Manuel IIThe Romantic Gardens of Palácio de Cristal occupy an area of 8 hectares in Porto's centre and they were designed in the 19th century by the German landscape architect Émille David, in the context of constructing the building of Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). Currently, the following still remain preserved in accordance with the original project: Jardim Émille David at the main entrance, Avenida das Tílias, the forest and the balconies' design over the river Douro. We can also contemplate magnificent panoramic views over the river and the city that the viewpoints in strategic places offer to us. It is to be noted that these gardens, making a good use of the botanic heritage and of the..
Getting Around
São Bento Station
Praça de Almeida GarrettOportomotorent-Bike Rental e Scooter
430 R. da Praiahttp://www.oportomotorent.com
Shopping
The building where the library is now located was inaugurated in 1906. Special mention goes to its beautiful Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details. On the inside, the library is decorated in painted plaster imitating wood and presents a magnificent staircase linking it to the upper floor - one of the first reinforced concrete works in Porto. Also worthy of attention is the huge stained-glass skylight, bearing the library's monogram and motto: 'Decus in Labore'. In 2008, the English newspaper The Guardian considered this library the world's third most beautiful, as did the Lonely Planet in its guide "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011", describing it as an 'Art Nouveau gem', and .....
1351 locals recommend
Livraria Lello
144 R. das CarmelitasThe building where the library is now located was inaugurated in 1906. Special mention goes to its beautiful Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details. On the inside, the library is decorated in painted plaster imitating wood and presents a magnificent staircase linking it to the upper floor - one of the first reinforced concrete works in Porto. Also worthy of attention is the huge stained-glass skylight, bearing the library's monogram and motto: 'Decus in Labore'. In 2008, the English newspaper The Guardian considered this library the world's third most beautiful, as did the Lonely Planet in its guide "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011", describing it as an 'Art Nouveau gem', and .....
El Corte Ingles de Gaia
1435 Av. da República