The 16 Best Things To See and Do in Porto's Ribeira District

The Rio Douro runs through the city of Porto and borders the south end of the Ribeira neighborhood; you can’t visit Ribeira and miss the River Douro. Take a stroll along the river’s banks and enjoy the views of Ribeira’s colorful Portuguese architecture, all while keeping an eye out for passing fishing boats on the water.

An impressive, wrought steel wonder that spans the width of the River Duro, the Ponte de D. Luís rarely fails to impress travelers making their way through this historic neighbourhood. With a total length of more than 300 meters, this breath-taking structure was once the longest of its kind on the planet. Today, trams can be heard clattering across the waters on the upper deck, where there’s also a pedestrian walkway with dramatic views of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Elevador da Ribeira is another great way to take in some of the neighborhood’s best views. While used as a means of public transportation for locals, the elevator serves as a leisurely activity for visitors. Riding the elevator costs a nominal fee and it connects Ribeira’s port to the middle slope of the neighborhood, known as Barredo. Take the elevator up, and walk down so that you can fully explore the Ribeira neighborhood in all its glory.

D. Tonho is a suave and sophisticated spot to eat in Ribeira. Boasting some of the finest riverside seating in the neighborhood (made possible by those sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows) this fine-dining retreat matches the views with a menu of meticulously prepared dishes which fuse innovation and the Portuguese tradition.

Alminhas da Ponte means the ‘shrines of the bridge’. Here, visitors can see multiple shrines made out of bronze. Created by Portuguese sculptor José Joaquim Teixeira Lopes in 1897, the Alminhas da Ponte is one of Ribeira’s most prominent heritage sites. The shrines were made in order to commemorate the falling of one of Ribeira’s bridges in 1809. To date, visitors often leave candles and flowers at the shrines in order to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster.

Want to get some information on Ribeira or the city of Porto in general? Then it’s worth making a stop at the Porto Convention Bureau. Here, you can meet and talk to some of the most knowledgeable people about the neighborhood and the city. Centrally located on Ribeira’s main street, the convention bureau is easy to find. Often the bureau also holds large events, so make sure to check their schedule to see any upcoming happenings.

Almost hidden, Alminhas da Boa Fortuna is located in an alleyway just off the bustling Barredo Street. Meaning ‘the shrines of good fortune’, it is a small blue-painted shrine on an unassuming yellow wall. It’s easy to miss, but the inscription above the shrine reading Senhor da boa fortuna,meaning ‘lord of good fortune’ gives it away. Legend has it that visitors who stop by the monument will receive good fortune on their trip.

Capela da Lada is one of Porto’s many Catholic churches. Located on the eastern side of the Ribeira neighborhood, Capela da Lada is a small, unassuming church nestled in-between a couple of Ribeira’s local businesses. Its faded white façade of the late Baroque style reflects the old age of the building, while the inside of the Capela da Lada is also white but features ornate gold details and moldings. A great spot to explore architecture and religious heritage alike.

Coisas de Cá is a small craft store selling some of Ribeira’s best small trinkets and art. The store focuses on traditional Portuguese crafts, which makes for the perfect place to buy souvenirs from Ribeira. Choose from Portuguese-made jewellery, ceramics, authentic antique church tiles and artisan metal art pieces. Since each item sold at Coisas de Cá is handmade by regional artists, they reflect the people, traditions and the history of Portugal as a whole.

Built in the 14th century, this building was first the Old Customs House (Alfândega Velha) since it housed the customs agency responsible for controlling goods and merchandise that traveled in and out of Portugal. In the late 14th century, it became the home where Henry the Navigator was born, thus becoming the Casa do Infante (Prince’s House). Despite the building’s age – it’s over 600 years old – its appearance today reflects renovations made in the 17th century. Recommended by Nina Santos.

History doesn’t always mean ancient, and Porto’s modern history is becoming as representative of the city as the old. From the center of the Ribeira Square, a large bronze cube attracts plenty of attention as a form of contemporary art. Built in 1982, the block sits near a 17th century fountain, blending old and new in one glance. Recommended by Nina Santos.

Symbolic representations of King Pedro IV can be found in Porto and Lisbon, but Porto’s statue is located at the impressive Avenida dos Aliados. In addition to representing a monarch from Portugal and Brazil’s joint history, the statue is a great meeting place as it’s one of the iconic structures in the city. Recommended by Nina Santos.

The 15th century Santa Clara church may actually be one of the most exquisite example of Portugal’s 17th century woodwork, reflecting Baroque and Rococo (late Baroque) styles. Fairly simple on the outside, it may take some searching to find, but these efforts will be rewarded after stepping across the historic threshold towards the extensive floor to ceiling detailing. Recommended by Nina Santos.

What about shopping in a historical grocery store? Although not as old as other landmarks, visiting A Pérola do Bolhão is an interesting experience since it allows today’s visitors to shop in a classic grocery store from the early 1900s. This is a great place to stock up on dried fruits, cheeses, olive oils, and wines. Recommended by Nina Santos.

In Porto, walking is the best way to experience as much as possible. While exploring on foot, be sure to include a stroll along the 14th century Muralha Fernandina – or Walls of Fernandina. Most of the old walls are no longer in existence, some embedded within other city buildings, but the area still standing is worth a visit and offers a glimpse into the past when this Roman fort once helped protect the city. Recommended by Nina Santos.

Don’t bring a new pair of sneakers to Porto, unless you want them looking worn and old by the time you leave. These stone steps may make anyone overlook the funicular and climb instead. They will take you up to the Santa Clara Church, so make a note and avoid searching longer than necessary. In addition to exercise and a sure-fire way to find the church, climbing the stairs will award climbers with unique views of the river and Dom Luís Bridge. Recommended by Nina Santos.

Planning a visit to Porto? Don’t stop there. There’s so much to see in this beautiful country, and the best way to see it all is by joining a multi-day group tour that combines Porto with Lisbon, Sintra, Aveiro, the Douro Valley and more. Check out our Portugal collection and book your next holiday!