Posted on June 18, 2012 by sguese

Known largely for its port wine, Porto sits 195 miles north of Lisbon. Most visitors don’t get up to the former Roman settlement of Portus Cale. Seated on a rocky gorge with the River Douro running through it, Porto is still worth the trip up north from Lisbon. Down the steep narrow streets of the city’s Ribeira, you will find a city of countless postcard worthy views. After grabbing your car hire in Porto, take in some of the city’s best views from these perches.

Torre Dos Clérigos

Porto’s Torre Dos Clérigos offers up a bird’s eye views of Porto’s rooftops. Your eyes will be seeing orange from all of Porto’s tile-work. Italian born baroque master Nicolau Nasoni built the tower. Nasoni constructed the tower in 1754 to measure 76 meter high. If you want to take in the view from one of the tallest structures in northern Portugal, you will have to work. The Torre Do Clérigos requires the scaling of 225 steps via a spiral staircase. The work does not go without reward once you see Porto and the River Douro for this vantage point.

Ponte de Dom Luís I

In the summertime, you might catch teenagers putting on a show from Ponte de Dom Luís I. Completed in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel, Ponte de Dom Luís I is the city’s monumental double decker bridge. From its top deck, you can spot Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank along with wonderful views of the city.

Praca da Ribeira

Not all of Porto’s best views have to come from a high vantage point. Praca da Ribeira is proof of that fact. The thoroughfare presents river views and shots of Porto’s grand tiled townhouses. You can spot the port wine lodges across the Douro as well as the double decker Ponte de Dom Luis I.

Mosteiro da Serra de Pilar

The Mosteiro da Serra de Pilar might be closed to the public as its still belongs to the Portuguese military, but you can still come up to the striking circular cloister for its views. The 17^th century Mosteiro da Serra de Pilar offers up splendid views of the bend in the rive, the bridge and of course, the city of Porto itself. If you want a look inside the cloister, you can come for Mass on Sunday mornings.