Portugal is one of the most beautiful and affordable countries in Europe. Discover the best photography locations of Porto, the city by the Douro river
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, and also one of the most beautiful ones. Its capital, Lisbon, attracts many tourists due to how well communicated it is. However, the second-largest city in Portugal, Porto has much to offer. It is a very walkable city, with cosy streets and one of the best sunset spots I have ever seen. These are the 7 best Porto Instagram photography locations.
Let’s start by saying that one day might not be enough to visit Porto. From my experience, 2 full days (one/two nights) would give plenty of time to visit the most important attractions, and also to chill and enjoy the vibe of the city. It is very different from what you can find in Lisbon, and even for a tourist, this is something noticeable.
Douro river
Douro river is the highest-flow river of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain + Portugal + Andorra, technically), and it is in Porto where it flows into the sea. The whole city is built around the river, and most of your time in Porto will be by the Douro river at sight. Plenty of small boats make its shores an attractive walk, and it is at dusk when there is a lot of activity. Both shores are interesting and worth visiting.
Pro tip: photographing a river on a sunny day might be challenging due to the water reflections. Make sure to take photos from the right shore so your photos don’t end up burned. If you use a DSLR/mirrorless camera, a polarizer will make wonders.
Churches
Porto has some unique churches, that besides their architectural beauty, have a special touch. Their main feature is the blue tiles that decorate the exterior of the church. These are 4 religious building where you can admire the blue tiles also known as azulejos:
- Porto’s cathedral cloister
- Igreja (church) do Carmo
- Capela (chapel) das Almas
- Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
As an absolute fan of churches and its architecture, most of them are not worth visiting inside, excluding the Porto cathedral cloister. Remember that these type of monuments are periodically under restoration, thus, it is likely to find some of them covered with scaffolding.
Livraria Lello
Any Harry Potter fans around? If this is the case, Porto is a city you must visit. JK Rowling spent some time there and got inspired by the clothing Porto university students use. They use black capes, just like the ones that Hogwarts students use. However, there are more Harry Potter inspirations in Porto. One of the characteristics of Hogwarts is that the stairs of the castle move at their will. No, there are no moving stairs in Porto, but there is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the Livraria Lello.
Once you put your first step in, you will understand why it was used as an inspiration for Hogwarts. The curve stairs, the red tones, the lamps… it is a tourist trap, but quite worth visiting. And if you buy a book, they will discount you the price of the ticket! To get nice photos of Livraria Lello, get up early, as there is usually a queue even before they open.
Dom Luís I bridge
Another iconic Porto photography location is the Dom Luís I bridge. This amazing bridge crosses the Douro river and its main characteristic is its height. Standing 85 meters above the river, this isn’t a bridge for those afraid of heights. There is the possibility to cross it from the lower deck, but the views from the higher one are well worth it.
Although the tram crosses this bridge as well, I highly recommend walking through it, as it gives plenty of time to enjoy the views and admire its structure.
For the photographers, this is one of those elements that require some perspective to understand how massive they are. Thus, shooting it from the shore or from the sunset spot that I describe below is quite recommended.
Palácio da Bolsa (Stock exchange palace)
This mid-nineteen century neoclassical building is full of surprises, being my favourite one the Arab Room. To visit the palace it is necessary to get a ticket (10€, discounts for students and children), and it is highly recommended to join a guided tour.
The two most interesting spots both from a photographic and touristy point of view are the central open space, which allows playing with the architectural style and get interesting photos, and the Arab Room. This Moorish style room, inspired by the Alhambra de Granada feels completely out of place. Its colours, tones and beauty are worth the visit. My only complaint is that guided tours are not for photographers. If you need your time to find a composition that you like, this is not for you, as it is a fast-paced tour.
São Bento Railway Station
One of the unexpected Porto photography locations is its train station. Its reception is decorated with its typical blue tiles (azulejos), and it is a very interesting spot for street photography due to the constant traffic of passengers.
What I loved, though, is the station itself. While nowadays most stations are underground, this one has plenty of light. Moreover, the trains get into a tunnel just after leaving the station, making a unique image. Finally, it is completely free to walk around. If you want a couple of Instagram style photos, walk towards the tunnel and turn around. It is a perfect spot for this type of photos.
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar (sunset viewpoint)
It there is one photography location in Porto that I think everyone should visit this is the Serra do Pilar viewpoint. Everyone says that in Portugal light is different. It is true. I have never seen light like in Porto or Lisbon. The way it shines has something special. Even if you don’t believe me, just get to this viewpoint and enjoy the sunset over the Douro river, with the Dom Luis I bridge below you.
This is a free spot and it can get quite crowded. Moreover, it is very easy to access, so try getting there early enough to secure a spot for the sunset. It is perfect for shootings, and if all you are looking for is a Porto Instagram spot, this is the one.
Bonus I: Porto Cathedral
The first bonus spot in the Porto photography locations is its cathedral. It is not listed as a regular photography spot because it is not a specific location. The cathedral is visible from many points of the city. From the Cathedral area, there are some nice views over the Igreja dos Clerigos tower.
Bonus II: Trams
Porto is not a city with specific photography locations. Besides the listed above, my personal recommendation is to get lost with your camera. Their yellow trams (just like in Lisbon), its beautiful but hilly streets, and all the tiny details is what makes Porto one of my favourite cities in Europe.
Have you ever been to Porto? What is your favourite Porto photography spot? If you want to see more of my work and keep updated with my trips and photography guides, you can follow me on Instagram (@aniolvisuals). Interested in my photos? Drop me a line at hello@aniolvisuals.com.
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