See the best viewpoints in Porto

It is one of the main green areas in the central area of Invicta and the perfect place for a romantic walk, especially in the late afternoon, when its several viewpoints offer magnificent sunsets. The splendid panoramic views over the Douro River, Serra do Pilar, Arrábida Bridge, Alfândega and the riverside of neighboring Vila Nova de Gaia are reasons that justify a visit to this garden, which appears prominently in any list of the best viewpoints in Porto.

It is one of the most visited monuments in Porto and to reach its top you have to climb 225 steps via a spiral staircase. An effort duly rewarded when we come across the superb 360-degree views over the Douro and the surroundings that the National Monument and its 75 meters high allow us to enjoy. In special seasons, the Tower is open until 11 pm, which allows for a remarkable experience watching the sun set or the busy night of the historic center.

Not far away, the Passeio das Virtudes Garden is another point that stands out among the best viewpoints in Porto, offering a splendid panoramic view of almost every corner of it. The setting to the city is magnificent, as well as for the Douro River, Alfândega and Gaia. This is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in good company. Also take the opportunity to appreciate the largest Ginkgo Biloba in the country, an 18th century tree from China, measuring approximately 35 meters.

Located in the Bonfim area, a typical neighborhood close to Infante Brige, it offers impressive views over the Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia and part of Dom Luís Bridge and the city of Porto itself. It's a great place to take excellent photos to remember later or to show friends and family the beauty of this area. It is also one of the most popular spots to enjoy the fireworks display of the famous São João Festivities, in June.

It is an icon of the Foz area, and was considered as one of the “coolest” places in the world, and, with the ocean right in front, it allows extraordinary views to the sea. A privileged urban artery in the Invicta, very popular for hiking or jogging or, simply, admiring the surrounding beauties. The localization, the beautiful architecture and views from the popular Foz Gazebo, a balcony to the Atlantic Ocean, set it as one of the best Porto viewpoints.

It is next to Vila Nova de Gaia, but it is very easy to get there on foot from Porto through the beautiful Dom Luís Bridge. If you prefer, you can also take the metro, especially because there is a stop right in front of this well-kept garden, which offers spectacular views over Porto and the Douro. Board the Gaia cable car and explore the magnificent scenery that connects the Jardim do Morro stations, located 63 meters away, to the Cais de Gaia municipal market, at 4.5 meters height.

In the same area, but at a higher point, stands the Serra do Pilar Monastery, from where you can see brutal panoramic views over Porto, the Douro or Ribeira. Furthermore, along with the Historic Center of Porto, the Serra do Pilar Monastery is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, a distinction that has made it even more sought after. From its imposing terrace it is possible to observe the riverside areas of Porto and Gaia, as well as Fontainhas and São João Bridge.

It is one of the “ex-libris” of the Santo Tirso municipality and one of the best viewpoints in the Greater Porto area, offering excellent views over the city and Vale do Ave. It is located on Monte de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, a place with great scenic, forestry and tourist value, which usually hosts one of the most emblematic bicycle stages Volta a Portugal. The beautiful Sanctuary located on Monte is another strong reason to visit the viewpoint.

Roughly the same distance from Porto, but in the Paredes municipality, the Nossa Senhora do Salto Viewpoint is another place where it is possible to enjoy enchanting views. One of the most beautiful spots in Parque da Senhora do Salto is the “mouth of hell”, a kind of gorge with peculiar geological characteristics from which water flows in a cascade. If you're lucky, you can even observe species such as the peregrine falcon. This place is shrouded in great mysticism, thanks to the legend of a knight who survived a jump into the abyss.

Another of the best viewpoints in the Greater Porto area is São Félix, located on the hill with the same name, in Póvoa de Varzim. It is located at the highest point of the Serra de Rates, 200 meters above sea level, and is an excellent panoramic point, with fantastic views over the surrounding region, particularly the sea, city and countryside. It is a great place for family or friends get-togethers, and the Monte also has several windmills as an attraction, as well as a chapel dedicated to Saint Félix.