Discount code
Start cooltura Things to see in Porto
Porto

Things to see in Porto

Porto is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Europe. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite gastronomy, there are countless things to do in Porto to satisfy any traveler.

From its charming old town, filled with cobblestone streets and colorful houses, to its stunning monuments, there are plenty of things to see in Porto. Find out more!

The best things to see in Porto

Ribeira: The Heart of Porto

The Ribeira district is one of the most vibrant and picturesque places in Porto. Situated by the Douro River, it is full of bars, restaurants and narrow cobbled streets, which retain the charm of a bygone era. It is the ideal place to stroll, have a coffee or enjoy a meal overlooking the river. From here, you can get some of the best photos of the colourful houses lining the riverbank.

Crossing the Bridge of Luis I

This impressive two-level bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Port wine cellars are located. Walking across the top of the bridge is an experience not to be missed, as it allows you to enjoy panoramic views of both Porto and Gaia. At night, the lights of the city reflected in the river create a magical atmosphere.

Visiting the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

Port wine is famous all over the world, and you can't leave the city without tasting it. In Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river, you will find some of the best Porto wineries such as Sandeman, Graham's or Taylor's, where you can take a guided tour, learn about the production process and participate in a wine tasting.

Lello Bookshop

Known as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, Librería Lello is a must for book and architecture lovers. Its stunning neo-Gothic design, with a fairytale staircase and colourful stained glass windows, makes it a unique space. It is said that this bookshop was a source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling during her stay in the city, and that’s why it is known as the Harry Potter bookshop in Porto.

Admire the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Located in the old part of the city, Porto Cathedral is one of the most important monuments. With its mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles, the cathedral is a reflection of the city's architectural heritage. From its square, there are breathtaking views of the city and the Douro River.

Clérigos Tower

The 76-metre-high Clérigos Tower is the highest point in Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is a worthwhile experience for those seeking spectacular views of the city. From the top, you can see the cityscape stretching to the skyline and the Douro River.

Stock Exchange Palace

This magnificent 19th century building is one of Porto's most important monuments. Although it once served as a trading centre, today the Stock Exchange Palace is known for its impressive Arab Hall, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. The luxury and architectural details of this hall make it one of the cultural jewels of the city.

Boat trip on the Douro River

One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Porto is from the river. Boat trips on the Douro River offer you a unique view of the bridges that connect the city, as well as the hills covered with vineyards. It is a relaxing activity that will allow you to get to know Porto from a different perspective.

São Bento Station

São Bento train station is not only a place of transit, but also a masterpiece of Portuguese art. Its concourse is decorated with more than 20,000 traditional tiles, depicting historical scenes of Portugal. It's a perfect place to stop and admire the local art, even if you don't have a train to catch.

Tasting the Francesinha

Finally, no trip to Porto would be complete without trying its famous local dish: the Francesinha. This hearty sandwich of meat, sausages, cheese and a spicy beer-based sauce is a gastronomic experience. You can find it in many restaurants around the city, but some of the best places to try it are Café Santiago or Bufete Fase.

Find accommodation in Porto

After a day exploring the incredible sights of Porto, there is no better place to rest than at the chic&basic Gravity. Located in the heart of the city, this contemporary and minimalist design hotel offers the ultimate comfort for your stay. Its modern décor and relaxed atmosphere make it the ideal retreat after an adventurous day in the city.

Stay at this hotel in the Baixa district, where you will be within walking distance of the main points of interest, such as the Ribeira, the Clérigos Tower and the wineries of Vila Nova de Gaia. Thanks to its privileged location, you will be able to enjoy not only the iconic views of the city, but also the proximity to the beaches and the city's most important museums.

It is the perfect starting point to discover all that Porto has to offer.

Book your stay at the chic&basic Gravity!

Previous article Article Next article Article
Cooltura

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in.

Evento

The Pride 2024 celebrations are just around the corner and the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Porto are getting ready to have another great party.

Art

Tucked away in the stunning scenery of Porto, you'll find the awesome Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu Serralves). This is not just your typical museum: from modern art to a magnificent park and a villa full of history, Serralves is the perfect place to lose yourself in.

The musical scene in Madrid is more alive than ever, offering an incredible variety of live shows that you can't miss.

One of Barcelona's biggest cultural attractions is its music festivals.

Música

Barcelona is a paradise for music lovers, thanks to its diverse offering of concerts throughout the year.

Música

The Spanish capital is renowned for its musical scene, surprising every year with an agenda full of must-attend events. In 2024, Madrid will host prominent international artists and bands at major festivals.

Música

Don't miss the best concerts in Madrid in 2024! As one of Europe's leading music capitals, Madrid promises an exciting year of live shows.

Evento

Porto, a vibrant and cultural city, becomes the perfect setting for music lovers with exciting festivals that fill the streets with captivating notes and rhythms.

If you are planning to visit Barcelona in the spring, there is one celebration you can't miss: Sant Jordi's Day.

Música

The Primavera Sound Barcelona Festival is coming back to the city and once again bringing the musical experience of the year.

Evento

The history, tradition and vibrant culture of Madrid becomes more alive than ever during the Fiestas de San Isidro.

If you are planning a trip to Porto, there is one place you cannot miss: the famous Livraria Lello.

Photography lovers should not miss the World Press Photo exhibition in Barcelona, a must for anyone who appreciates art, culture and stories told through powerful images.

Art

A city full of history, charm and a vibrant cultural scene, Porto is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a sea of knowledge and beauty.

Art

The museums in Madrid offer a peek into the heart and soul of Spain's art, history, and culture.

Barcelona, famous for its vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and stunning architecture, is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

The Portugal coast boasts some of the best beaches you could ever dream of. Whether it's for sunbathing, enjoying sports or taking long walks, Porto's beaches are an essential stop if you're in the city.

With emblematic monuments such as the Sagrada Família and Parc Güell, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, the Agbar Tower and its magnificent beaches, Barcelona offers a unique perspective from the heights.

The skyline of Madrid has a unique charm that is best enjoyed from above. From the viewpoints of Madrid, you can appreciate the city's magnificent architecture, the night lights, and the bustling streets and squares.

Fashion designer Pablo Erroz and contemporary artist Luis Vidal have joined forces to create an exclusive piece of decoration for chic&basic hotels.

Explore some of the most prestigious and representative Porto wineries, each with its own history and unique wines.

Explore the exclusive flavours and atmospheres of the best cocktail bars in Madrid. Discover places perfect for a special night out, bars with expert mixologists and hidden corners with unique cocktail menus.

Barcelona is a city that never sleeps, always vibrant and full of life. If you're a mixology lover looking for something a little more sophisticated than the usual bars, you'll love exploring Barcelona's best cocktail bars.

Art

Welcome to Barcelona, a city brimming with vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and a rich history that's waiting to be explored.

The Retiro Park, popularly known as El Retiro de Madrid, is one of the most emblematic and beloved green spaces in the Spanish capital.

Música

Desde sus humildes comienzos hasta su actual estatus como uno de los festivales más importantes, el Festival de Jazz de Madrid ha contribuido significativamente a consolidar la ciudad como un centro cultural y musical.

Porto, a city where culture and architecture tell stories of a fascinating past and a vibrant present, offers an exceptional lookout from its viewpoints.

Explore Barcelona's tapas bars and enjoy a variety of delicious bites while you dive into the authentic local life.

Porto is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Europe. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite gastronomy, there are countless things to do in Porto to satisfy any traveler.

Evento

If you are planning to visit Barcelona in September, there is one event you can't miss: the popular festival of La Mercè.

Moda

One of the most awaited events of the year for fashion lovers is the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Madrid.

Discover the best day trips from Barcelona: explore charming villages, idyllic beaches, mountain landscapes, and historic sites full of charm.

From casual beach bars to high-end restaurants, these are the best beach restaurants in Barcelona where you can enjoy some tapas or a paella by the sea.

Música

Summer is synonym of fun, sun and, of course, music festivals. Check out the best summer festivals in Barcelona, Madrid and Porto.

Continuing with our consistent commitment to culture and including contemporary art as part of our hotels, we present the "L Pool". 

Artes gráficas

Following the chic&basic 'less is more' philosophy, the visual language of 'dot' is based on maximalism in size, minimalism in design.

Artes gráficas

At chic&basic we know that a picture is worth a thousand words. That's why we take so much care of our graphics.

Fotografías

chic&basic hosted the second edition of Art Photo Bcn. A hybrid event where, in addition to discovering the latest photography by emerging artists, conferences, workshops, and courses were held for the general and specialised public.

Fotografías

Project led by Silvia Prada. This stirring artist created a series of photographs for our chic&basic Born hotel. For this she chose boys and girls on the street and locked them in a hotel room to "play" while she photographed them. The photographs were taken in the rooms as well as in the restaurant and common areas.

The tradition of tapas in Madrid is not only an essential part of its gastronomic culture, but also one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the city.

Fotografías

chic&basic converted itself into an exhibition space to give voice to the third edition of the Art Photo BCN festival, an initiative of the Art Deal Project gallery that brings photographic creation to all kinds of audiences. chic&basic became the stage where 20 photographers exhibited and explained their works to a professional jury from the art sector.

Fotografías

chic&basic was awarded the Photolover 2016 distinction, granted by the Photographic Social Vision Foundation.

chic&basic once again stood in the forefront of the Catalan capital’s artistic sector, thanks to the collaboration of its hotels in Barcelona in events such as the World Press Photo and the DOCfield chic&Basic Festival, with a recognition that rewards its efforts to present photography to all audiences, an artistic discipline as beautiful as it is full of possibilities.

Música

At chic&basic we love music and we want to share it. Every Friday we organised a dj session with DJ WYLD for people to dance, have fun, and enjoy a good beat.

Fotografías

chic&basic shows its commitment to the world of images by collaborating with the Documentary Photography and Photojournalism Festival DOCfield>16, an event organised by the Photographic Social Vision foundation.

Artes gráficas

chic&basic collaborates with Read or Die, a call to the creative community that supports the printed format. A meeting point where you can connect with different agents of creation and find new publications that are emerging in the publishing market.

Performance

At chic&basic we enjoy contemporary and urban art. That is why we sponsor the “Fenòmens” series, where hybrid creations take the body as the central point and combine it with movement, technology, music, performance, image, and dance.

 

Moda

During Barcelona Fashion Week 2015, Sight Management Studio set up a unique space in chic&basic dedicated to the meeting of models and celebrities represented by this great international agency.

Moda

Weekend Art is an event where a selection of designers, artists, and fashion designers exhibit and sell their creative work over the course of a weekend.

Evento

ROOM ART FAIR is an international and independent fair that brings together the most recent creations of emerging artists from Europe. The 2011 edition was held at chic&basic.

 

Moda

One day, one hotel, 40 designers. Changing Room is where the contemporary, fresh, and cool design of our hotels merges with the creations of 40 national and international designers, who are offered a room to display their work.

Música

The Portuguese duo Schmitz Deejays filled our lobby with “groove” and good music. The Schmitz Deejays are a duo formed by Xminder and Giltz in Lisbon. They started with alternative music styles like indie, rock, and funk. Their career has led them to experiment and evolve in the creation of electronic music, minimal, techno, house, breakbeat and many more styles.

Teatro

Committed to culture and art from Barcelona, chic&basic hotels supports local theatre with the events of ‘Microtasting’ theatre.

Theatrical pieces in a small format, lasting no more than 20 minutes, for guests and citizens of Barcelona. Every Wednesday and Thursday at our hotels in Barcelona. (Note: Season finished).