Location: Vila Nova de Gaia
Top Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia
10 Things to Do in Vila Nova de Gaia That You Shouldn't Miss
Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈvilɐ ˈnɔvɐ ðɨ ˈɣajɐ]; Proto-Celtic: *Cale) is a city and a municipality in Porto District in Norte Region, Portugal. It is located south of the city of Porto on the other side of the Douro River. The city proper had a population of 178,255 in 2001. The municipality has an area of 168.46 km². and a total population of 302,295 inhabitants (2011), making it the most populous municipality in Norte Region. Gaia together with Porto and 12 other municipalities makes up the commonly designated Porto Metropolitan Area.
Restaurants in Vila Nova de Gaia
1. Ponte de Dom Luis I
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.
Reviewed By Gary S - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Well we picked the wettest Easter on record to visit Porto.
We did the lower part of the bridge on the pouring rain and the return from the Dark Side by the upper bridge in what can only be described as crazy windswept outward bound type adventure. People were blown sideways. Umbrellas broken beyond repair.
What a day.
It's just a bridge...looks the bees knees. It was built back in 1792...so with those winds it has stood the test of time.
We were shot blasted but survived.
2. Porto Augusto's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 695 reviews
3. Serra do Pilar Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
4. Quinta dos Corvos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By marcin839
For a person who never stomped grapes to turn them into wine, this was great tour into the wine making. Our hostess, Maria Tomé explained in great, understandable details how you get port out of grapes. After the port making lesson, she introduced us to her favourite ports. Although we were biased towards white port, she let us try an ambrosia of a red port - we left with 4 bolts of port; including the red one :)
Highly recommended way of spending few Euros on worthy cause. We will never look at port the same way. Thank you Maria!
5. Graham's Port Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
RESERVATION REQUIRED. Originally built in 1890, Graham's Lodge was renovated in 2012 and now offers tours (in several languages) and Port tastings.
Reviewed By Erick H - Guildford, United Kingdom
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Graham's for several reasons. First off, their tour is very personally oriented. Compared to the other full tour we went on had only a very repetitive audio tour. Whereas Graham's has tour guides for multiple languages. They are also...MoreDear Erick, Many thanks for your input and feedback on Trip Advisor. It’s a pleasure to know that you enjoyed your experience at Graham's. Hope to receive you again and your family and friends in the near future. Best regards, The Graham's team
6. Capela do Senhor da Pedra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
Reviewed By Ines B - Bremen, Germany
You can easily get here from Porto city center (São Bento) by train for something around 2-3 €. Exit at Miramar train station and have a nice walk to the beach throug the small village with its beautiful houses.
The chapel is kind of romantic - you can take a lot of pictures and rest at one of the big rocks, watchig the sea.
Restaurants/bars are nearby so you can refresh yourself after a walk along the beach.
7. Cockburn’s Port Wine Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
The Cockburn’s Port Lodge holds the largest quantity of Port in oak barrels and wooden vats of any cellar in the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia. This is where Cockburn’s Ports are aged, in particular its famous Special Reserve.
Reviewed By Ldn1987 - London, United Kingdom
Interesting but brief overview of their history and port. However the guide herself was excellent, answered many questions, and the nature of the tour was light and entertaining. In addition to the tour, each guest has an opportunity to choose which tasting they prefer. Have...MoreDear Guest, Many thanks for your input and feedback on Trip Advisor. It’s a pleasure to know that you enjoyed your experience at Cockburn's Lodge. Hope to receive you again and your family and friends in the near future. Best regards, The Cockburn's team
8. Real Companhia Velha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Founded in 1756 by Royal Charter of King D. José I, Real Companhia Velha, also known as Royal Oporto Wine Company, has the most ancient Portuguese cellars in the countryThe centuries old cellars of Real Companhia Velha, are situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, right in front Oporto, in other words, on the left bank of Douro river.Over 100.000 m2 stores carefully a vast selection of Port Wines Tawny – aged in oak barrels -, as well as Vintage Port, maintaining the prestige e reputation this house enjoys over 250 years. At the cellars of Real Companhia Velha, in the silence of its vaults, the wine is kept in barrels of noble wood, the work made by coopers who have served the Company for many generations.There, asleep in a unique peacefulness, barrels and vats are lost in time... 10, 20... 30 years... What does it matter! The time it takes for each wine to reach its exact point of maturity.One of our Top Tours,starts with an exclusive video that shows the evolution of the Port since the Douro Region, all the way to the old cellars, followed to a visit to the main ageing cellar, centuries old, moving up to visit our old “Vintage” museum. Finishes with a tasting of two young Ports, white and red, plus a 20 year old tawny.
Reviewed By Gavril Adrian B - Aveiro, Portugal
Great place for the winelovers and for the people who want to understand the history of Porto wine ...
9. Churchill's - Visitors Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
This is a space which breathes elegance and style, serving as a backdrop for the best Churchill’s has to offer – its wines. “Churchill’s thinking behind this venture was based upon the philosophy that enjoyment of a glass of Port requires a state of wellbeing”. For those keen to enhance their knowledge of the Douro Region, and the history of Churchill’s, the visitors Centre provides a perfect platform. Tailor-made tastings of our Douro Wine and Port are offered in our Tasting Room, which has a spectacular view of the Rio Douro. Churchill’s Visitors Centre also offers a rare opportunity for Vintage Ports tastings, focusing on the singular and unique characteristics of this Wine, which is generally considered to be one of the great Wines of the World. Churchill’s “al fresco” is an extension of our Visitors Centre. A delightful garden with splendid views over Porto and the Douro River; a privileged place where you can enjoy a glass of wine, taste some delicious finger food with Portuguese flavours, benefit from the fresh air and the sun, feel the pleasure of a truly relaxing and unique moment.
Reviewed By Gochiso-sama - London, United Kingdom
This was my 3rd visit to Porto. and this time we managed around 8 spot for tasting.. this was the our favorite.. low key, friendly and we absolutely loved our Sommelière Carmen! Great knowledge and heart warming service.. thank you sooo much!Thank you very much for your kind review. We are very glad you have enjoyed our wines and our staff. It was a pleasure having you at our Visitors Centre! We hope to receive you again in the future!
10. Cave Vasconcellos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By Carlito597 - London, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit. Their red wines from Duoro are well worth buying. Their 40 year old port wine....just buy it!
