Sao Bento Railway Station
The Sao Bento Railway Station is a landmark of the city. Located in Praça Almeida Garrett, this vast three-story-high u-shaped building is a prime example of architectural rigor and symmetry, with much of its design influenced by the French Beaux-Arts style. Designed by Jose Marques da Silva, the project was approved in 1903 and construction began in the following year.
Although the exterior of the building is impressive, the real gem is found inside. The main hall is adorned with more than 20,000 tiles that recount Portugal’s history.
Travelers consistently report that it is one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe – if not the world. So, make sure to visit this striking structure during your stay in Porto! The entrance to the station is free.
Praca da Liberdade
There’s no shortage of things to do in this area. The best part is that all of it can be experienced in a few city blocks.
This tree-lined boulevard that connects Rossio with the Avenide de Liberdade is home to hotels, restaurants, shops, and banks. The pavements are adorned with traditional Portuguese cobbled designs that were commissioned during the reconstruction of Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake.
See the sights with a self-guided walking tour like this one from GPSmyCity. Or, download the free app for a mobile-guided experience that works offline. You can also take the metro line D to Aliados or Trinidade, or tram line 22. At the large traffic island, Marques de Pombal is immortalized on a column and you can find the National Sports Museum here (closed in winter). It features items like a runner’s sneakers, cleats from Cristiano Ronaldo, and the 16th-century “De Arte Gymnastica” by Hieronymi Mercurialis.
World of Discoveries Museum
With an eatery, a theme ride and interactive exhibits, this museum-meets-theme park catapults you back to the 14th to 16th century when Portuguese navigators conquered the oceans.
The first room outlines the evolution of ships, showing how they adapted to ever-longer voyages and how the navigation instruments that helped them survive their perilous journeys evolved. Other rooms feature maps, 4D globes and a model of a naval shipyard with simulations of life onboard and the cramped conditions.
The highlight is a boat tour that simulates the gradual stages of Portugal’s exploration: sailing down the west coast of Africa, detours to Brazil, rounding the Cape of Good Hope and heading east to India, China and Japan. The experience is highly immersive and guaranteed to please kids, who will love the swashbuckling theme-park-style boat ride.
FC Porto Museum
Visit the famed FC Porto Museum and discover the club’s impressive legacy. Uncover the legends and European champions that have donned the team’s blue shirts while you explore zones such as the trophy room and stadium.
Admire the trophies and advanced innovative technology of the museum, which features 27 thematic sections displaying 200 awards and 280 videos – 80% of them presented in an interactive environment. Take in sights such as the ‘Valquiria Dragao’ (Dragon Valkyrie), a work of art by Joana Vasconcelos, and learn about 128 years of history.
Most tickets include a visit to the FC Porto stadium (Estádio Do Drag
Mercado Bom Sucesso
Mercado Bom Sucesso is one of the city’s most popular markets. This traditional market sells a variety of goods, including clothes and second-hand books. It also offers a wide range of foods and drinks.
Mercado Bom Sucesso offers an authentic taste of Porto’s culture and history. Its food is delicious and the atmosphere is lively. Moreover, the market is an excellent place to interact with local people.