Top Things to Do in Porto's Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is one of the oldest and most traditional places in Porto. It is located next to the Douro River and is a fundamental part of Porto’s historic center. Today, it is where the largest concentration of bars and restaurants in the city can be found, and one of the main places to visit in Porto.

The Ribeira of Porto

 

The Ribeira is the soul of Porto. You won’t get tired of walking through its medieval-style streets where you’ll find a wide range of bars and restaurants. You’ll eat like royalty and taste authentic Port wine.

In addition, among other things, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the Douro River from the Luis I Bridge, which is one of the city’s symbols. This area is characterized by its maritime atmosphere and the presence of typical boats called rabelos.

In fact, one of the main things to do on the Douro River is taking a traditional boat ride in Porto, also known as the 6 bridges cruise.

Another attraction you’ll find in the Ribeira is the opportunity to attend a fado concert in Porto. One of the most emblematic is the fado session at A Casa da Guitarra, a small tavern-like venue where you can listen to a sample of authentic fado while enjoying a glass of Port wine. 

What to See in Ribeira

If you’re wondering what to see in Ribeira de Porto, the Cais de Ribeira street and the Avenida Gustave Eiffel, two of the most charming in the entire city, will be your starting point to a maze of streets where you’ll enjoy getting lost.

A Boat Ride on the Douro River

 

The Douro River and the rabelos are the main protagonists in the Ribeira. These boats were used to transport barrels of Port wine to and from the Port wine cellars, but today their use is purely touristic.

They should not be confused with the moliceiros, the traditional boats used to navigate the canals of Aveiro, also known as the Portuguese Venice.

The 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto will allow you to board these traditional vessels, from where you can see places like the Bolsa Palace, the Port Wine Museum, the Crystal Palace, and especially the six bridges that cross the Douro in Porto.

Funicular dos Guindais

Route of the funicular in the Ribeira of Porto

 

The original funicular was inaugurated in 1891, but it closed just a couple of years later due to a terrible accident. Since then, it was forgotten until in 2001 the city proposed to build a new one in the same location.

The modern funicular was inaugurated in 2004 and, like its predecessor, connects the Battle Square (Augusto Rosa Street) with the Ribeira (Avenida Gustave Eiffel).

Praça da Ribeira

 

Next to the Douro River, surrounded by colorful buildings, is Praça da Ribeira. The Ribeira Square in Porto has medieval origins, where you can take great photos, rest for a while, or grab a bite at one of the bars with terraces in the square.

As a curious fact, the fountain that occupies the center of the square was discovered during archaeological studies in the ’80s. Start exploring the area by joining a walking tour of the Douro river bank.

Las Alminhas do Ponte

It is a low relief bronze sculpture that the sculptor Teixeira Lopes completed in 1897 to immortalize the tragedy of March 29, 1809, the day when hundreds of people died fleeing from the troops of Marshal Soult, who attacked the city by order of Napoleon. The weight of the crowd, which in panic tried to cross the Bridge of the Boats, caused the bridge to collapse.

Legend has it that during the days the river overflows, one can still hear the scream of Orlando Beirão Valente, a hero who crossed the bridge 16 times with elderly people and children until he finally died by falling into the river.

Today, the residents of Ribeira continue to leave lit candles and flowers at Las Alminhas do Ponte to remember the tragedy.

Casa do Infante

 

The Casa do Infante is a museum and the headquarters of the historical archive of Porto. It is located in a building called Alfândega Velha that was built in 1325, making it one of the oldest constructions in Porto.

Throughout its history, the building has served various purposes. At one time, it hosted kings as a royal residence and has also functioned as a customs house due to its strategic position so close to Largo do Terreiro (the Ribeira dock in Porto where people board the rabelos for sightseeing rides).

The Casa do Infante is named after the fact that Infante Dom Henrique, one of the most important Portuguese navigators, was born there.

Exploring Porto by Tuk Tuk

 

Another typical activity in Porto is exploring the city by Tuk Tuk. This 50-minute fun experience will take you to discover the streets and main monuments of Porto aboard these quirky vehicles.

Where to eat at Porto's Ribeira - Best restaurants

Restaurants located at Porto's Ribeira are a double-edged sword; some offer excellent quality, price, and service, while many are typical tourist trap restaurants where the food is poor and the prices are exaggerated.

One of our favorites is the Ribeira’s restaurant (Rua de Cima do Muro 42/44); it not only has one of the best views of Porto, but the food is exquisite, the service is excellent, and the prices are reasonable. Its menu features traditional dishes from the area, so you can’t leave without trying the Francesinha, caldo verde, or bacalhau balls.

Another place to eat in Ribeira de Porto is Taberna dos Mercadores (Rua dos Mercadores 36/38). Also dedicated to traditional Portuguese cuisine, it is one of the best places to taste authentic Portuguese grilled meat without detracting from the rest of its menu.

Come discover Ribeira and treat yourself to a half-day tour of Porto to uncover some of its secrets and part of the history of the place with the help of a guide.

If you have time to explore more of Porto and its surroundings, we recommend visiting Coimbra, the city where Portugal was born, discovering the Sanctuary of Fatima, or strolling through Guimarães, an interesting city near Porto whose medieval historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.