Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
Things to do in Northern Portugal, Portugal: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Brimming with both history and natural wonder, Northern Portugal is home to Porto, the city that gave the country its name, as well as the important ancient town of Braga. Also here is Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, a gorgeous wilderness area of mountains, gorges, water features and wildlife. Many picturesque villages and manor houses dot the countryside. Two areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alto Douro Wine Region, and the Paleolithic rock art in the Côa Valley.
Restaurants in Northern Portugal
1. Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By dexxyAberystwyth
Not easy to reach but well worth the effort. Continue down the road from Galafura to Covelhinas and on to Regua for a real treat.
2. The Douro Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By judythr
We stayed at the Quinta Monte Bravo, a bit off the beaten track but lovely and Teresa's dinners were far better than at any restaurant we visited in Portugal except maybe one. The sheer beauty of the terraced vineyards and olive groves plus the beautiful and historic river Douro are just amazing! And, yes, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which speaks for itself!
3. Ostraveiro
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
In Ostraveiro we make aquaculture of oysters and also guided visits to the production. A perfect place to be with family or friends to taste our delicacies. You can book our navy for private parties. - Guided tours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday by appointment and confirmation of availability. - Events or group up to 30 people: Thursday, Friday and Saturday by appointment and confirmation of availability. - Events or groups from 30 people: day to be agreed upon availability confirmation.
Reviewed By TCchills - Lisbon, Portugal
Over expectation from beginning to end. Cool place, amazing oysters and the ice cream, ohhh the ice cream...The owners (Sandra and Sandro) are superb. Congratulations for the project and may the oysters be with us ????
4. Ponte de Dom Luis I
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,398 reviews
Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.
Reviewed By 364anac - Porto, Portugal
This Eiffel style bridge is the perfect spot to see the Rebelo boats where the Oporto wine barrels were carried down the river from the Douro valley, the historic Porto town center and a perfect background for the trip picture from the Gaia cable car (teleférico de Gaia)
5. Palacio da Bolsa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,347 reviews
National Monument, located in the historical centre of the city, classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palacio da Bolsa, built by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent, has become by excellence the Porto city’s drawing room, welcoming the most illustrious visitors, amongst which are monarchs, presidents and ministers from almost every country, transforming this building into the most visited monument in northern Portugal.
Reviewed By JimRiesterer - Edina, United States
Formerly the HQ for the rich merchants of Porto and today the center of the chamber of commerce, you will want to take one of the short guided tours of this place next to the famous golden church. Tickets cost €10 and you will be guided through some historic and breathtaking rooms in the Stock exchange palace. Tours are offered in different languages throughout the day and you just need to pop into the ticket office to find out the day's schedule as it varies (apparently). We arrived 9:40 and we able to book the 10:15 English tour. Each group has around 50 people which can be a bit tedious. The tours follow a consistent plan beginning in the lofty hall of nations and ending in the amazing Arabic room. You also see the business court room and several others of note. We were done in a little under an hour.
6. Centro Historico de Guimaraes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,021 reviews
Reviewed By maude52
It’s a beautiful city. The real Portugal. Lots to see. Very walkable. Great restaurants. They light the city at night. It’s like Christmas
7. Estadio do Dragao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,947 reviews
Have you ever thought of taking a seat on the 22nd chair of the Dragao Stadium's Presidential Box? By visiting the Dragao Stadium, you will be able to experience the President's Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa place and enjoy an inside and privileged look over this worldwide referenced work designed by architect Manuel Salgado. You will have the opportunity to see the pitch from the access tunnel's point of view, to feel the scent of the dressing rooms, to take the coach's seat on the press conference room just like you are making the match analysis... On this path you will appreciate an engineering project that delivers all of the requirements that make it environmentally friendly, you can witness on the stands the 29 kilometres of rows that can fill up to 52 thousand spectators and amaze yourself with the artistic legacy of Master Julio Resende and Alberto Carneiro. All of this in one tour only!
Reviewed By Prenton2
A fantastic place to visit tour of ground and museum €15 per person well worth the money as a trip. Tour guide very knowledgeable and after the tour of the stadium finished you are able to go around the museum unguided and at your own pace you can easily spend over 2 hours here the museum is never-ending ! Interesting day out if you like football. There is also a competitively priced cafe .
8. Cais da Ribeira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,851 reviews
Reviewed By rhmclapham - Swansea, United Kingdom
The beating heart of an incredible city, just sitting in one of the myriad cafes and restaurants and watching the world bustle past....one of life's must do moments that will linger for a lifetime. Ships ploughing their way up the river, ferries making their way between banks, couples laughing, glorious food, wine and vistas to die for... Did I mention it was a nice place to visit?
9. Largo da Oliveira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 940 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
A stunner of a square, thr nicest in the whole old town although the Sao Tiago right next door through the arches runs it close! The beguiling Padrao Do Salado draws the eye, a lovely monument to those who died in the 14th century battle of Solado against Muslim forces. It has a big cross inside a gothic style portico. Behind it the Oliveira Church is a masterpiece. Its wonderfully intricate inside and out, such a peaceful place with beautiful stonework and sunshine pouring in the windows. All atound the Square there are restaurants with outdoor seating. It's a wonderful atmospheric area, one of my favourite places in Guimaraes. Dobt miss the old town hall at the far end from the Padrao, the one with the arches and the reddish hue.
10. Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Reviewed By 64beckim - Sao Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal
Came here for a few hours with my boyfriend and our friend, the castle is located in a lovely town at the top of the hill offering great views of it below. The grounds are beautifully kept and the castle itself is in great condition, plus your able to walk inside and up to the top. This is my second time here and I'd definitely come again. The church next to the castle is also beautiful and worth a visit.
