Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
Top 10 Historic Sites in Northern Portugal, Portugal
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. Igreja Matriz Larinho
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Aldeia Tipica do Fujaco
3. Castro Ovil
4. Igreja de Sao Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,460 reviews
Reviewed By JanesLondon - Surbiton, United Kingdom
This chuch has stunning golden Baroque interior and a wonderful carved altarpiece: the Tree of Jesse. There is also a small museum attached. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
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. Ponte Romana de Trajano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By JaniceC471 - Bedford, United Kingdom
Lovely authentic Portuguese town, with plenty of sights to admire while you wander around the town. The Roman Bridge connects both sides of the town and as it is for pedestrians you can stroll slowly and admire the views of the town and the river.
7. 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.
8. Fortaleza de Valenca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,049 reviews
Reviewed By KaiamCarecho
it's worth taking the time to get to know this place! nice and historic place, Fortaleza de Valença.
9. Ponte Fortificada de Ucanha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
The most well-Known bridge over the Varosa river is the Ucanha bridge. It was probably built during the 14th-15th century and replaced another Roman bridge. The tower by the bridge was built in 1465 by the initiative of D. Fernando, abbot of Santa Maria de Salzedas monastery. The tower was the entrance to the mosnastic "couto" (land) and served as a toll that the travelers had to pay for crossing it.
Reviewed By IndySig - Indianapolis, United States
The little town of Ucanha is such a treasure. Park just outside of town and stroll around. They are creating a lovely park along the water and it will be a great place to stop for a picnic lunch. Beautiful area.
10. Viarco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
