Porto is one of the prettiest European cities I’ve ever visited, with stunning photo opps around every corner! That’s why today I’m writing up all of the best Porto Instagram spots, complete with a custom Google map and addresses!
Be sure to bookmark or pin this post for later so you can pull it up when you’re in Porto and have this guide handy for all the best Instagram spots Porto has to offer, and check out other Cheap European Vacation options as well.
I spent a few days exploring and snapping away on my DSLR—there are countless photo spots in this stunning city. But I’ve narrowed this list down to my top 20 favorites for you.
And as promised, here’s my custom map with all of these spots marked, so you can get a visual lay of the land.
Porto is super walkable and as you can see, most of these Porto Instagram spots are very centrally located.
Your Insta feed is going to be looking so magical with pics from all these incredible locations! Enjoy!
Pssst, heading to Porto? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!
What to See in Porto: 4-day Travel Guide
Top 20 Things to Do in Porto Portugal
Boutique Hotels in Porto
The 14 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
P.S. If you’re looking for those iconic blue tiles specifically, I have a whole post about where to find Azulejos in Porto here!
Top 20 Porto Instagram Spots
1. Dom Luis Bridge
The Dom Luis Bridge is one of the most Instagrammable places Porto has to offer!
This double-decker bridge is pedestrian-only on the second level, and the scenery from up here is absolutely breathtaking.
On the evening when we first arrived in Porto, the first thing we did was take a stroll across the bridge and we were just blown away.
If you hit this spot during golden hour like we did, your photos will be even more magical!
Address: Pte. Luiz I, Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
2. Esplanada do Teleférico
I think I originally spotted this Terrace Bar in another travel blogger’s post when I was planning my trip to Porto. It’s actually on the other side of the Dom Luis Bridge from Porto, in the town Vila Nova de Gaia.
Since it’s just across the bridge, you get incredible views of the bridge, the river, and the beautiful waterside part of Porto from here!
They have an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a glass of Port and snap some beautiful photos.
Address: R. Rocha Leão S/N, 4430-210 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
3. Concrete Lookout spot next to Terrace Bar
When my friend Kara and I were sipping Port and snapping pics at the Terrace Bar, we noticed this kind of wide, long concrete slab jutting out right next to the bar.
There was a girl sitting on the concrete, perched at what is probably one of the best views of Porto.
Of course, we hoisted ourselves up there and joined her, and took one of my absolute favorite shots that I got in Porto here.
If you’re facing the Terrace Bar, this concrete area is on your right.
Come here for sunset for some jaw-dropping photos!
Address: 10 R. Rocha Leão (linked on Google Maps here)
4. Livraria Lello Bookstore
This was one of the spots that I was most excited about visiting in Porto!
Livraria Lello is known for being the most beautiful bookstore in the world—and it’s said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s visions of Hogwarts.
One look at this gorgeous bookstore and you’ll agree. It feels like Harry and Hermione are absolutely grabbing a book before heading to class here.
It’s a bit tricky to get a photo here because it’s such a busy spot. You’ll have to wait in line, which can be over an hour long, even if you buy a ticket online. My best tip is to buy the Priority Entrance ticket, which lets you skip the line for 15,90€. Worth it, IMO! Especially when you’ve got all the photo spots Porto has waiting for you to hit up.
The crowds and the fact that you have to wear a mask indoors makes it tricky to get an Instagrammable shot, but it can be done, friends!
Climb up to the second story and stand at the top of the beautiful, curving staircase. Face away from your photographer, and just have some patience and wait for the right moment when there aren’t a ton of people around.
There you have it! I wore this white dress with a line/grid print on it because I thought the white would pop against the red and the grid print kinda reminded me of school paper, lol.
If you want to be super extra, Kara even brought her own wand for the shot.
Livraria Lello is located right in the Porto city center, so you’ll have plenty of options for a lunch spot or other things to do afterwards.
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
5. São Bento Train Station
The Sao Bento Railway Station is another iconic spot for photos in Porto. You don’t have to buy a ticket anywhere to go into this entryway where the beautiful blue tiles are.
It’s pretty busy in here but if you go early in the morning you could probably get a shot by yourself. For this shot, I stood in an area that didn’t feel as crowded, and again with patience, waited for this corner to clear out.
Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
6. Top of Clerigos Tower
Climb Clérigos tower for some epic views of the city and the Douro River. It’s a lot of stairs, but it’s worth it!
Address: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
7. Chapel of the Souls
Chapel of the Souls, or Capela das Almas, is another iconic church you’ll see people getting some great Instagram shots with.
It’s easier to get a clean shot with you in it from the side of the church, with its blue tiles taking up most of the frame.
The front of this church is also beautiful, but it’s at a busy cross street, so you’ll have to go early to get a pic on that side without a ton of pedestrians in the shot.
Address: Rua de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-212 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
8. Miss Pavlova
This sweets shop is soo cute!
Order a slice of delicious, traditional Portuguese cake and head to the back patio for this pink and vibey backdrop.
Address: Rua do Almada 21, 4050-036 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
9. Parque de Serralves
Parque de Serralves has a few different Instagramable photo spots, including the Serralves Villa and the gardens/fountains surrounding it, and the Treetop Walk.
Note: I did boost the saturation of the pink in this building because while it’s light pink in person, it was photographing a bit more orange/beige and I didn’t love that look. I think the pink is way more fun and makes it pop!
Address: R. Dom João de Castro 210, 4150-417 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
10. Stock Exchange Palace
The Stock Exchange Palace, aka Palacio da Bolso, is located in the historic center of Porto.
While the outside facade looks interesting, the Patio das Nacoes (Hall of Nations) looks like a great spot for a photo.
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
11. Igreja Santo Ildefonso
Igreja Santo Ildefonso is another striking church in Porto. It was pretty easy to get a photo here as it’s situated in a way that it doesn’t get a ton of foot traffic.
I opted for this shot of me walking towards the church, but I think it’d also be nice to sit on the stairs and get a photo there.
Address: 4000-126 Santo Ildefonso, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
12. Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
The Jardins do Palacio de Cristal is a beautiful area to walk around and explore, plus it has several Instagrammable spots.
We snapped photos at this fun castle tower overlooking the Douro River and the town of Gaia. We had to be VERY patient to get this shot of me without any other people up there, but it was worth it!
We also found these little overlooks above the gardens, and they were giving me major Romeo and Juliet vibes.
Address: R. de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
13. Casa do Vinho Verde
Book a wine tasting at Vinho Verde House and ask to be seated in their gardens. It’s an incredible way to spend the afternoon, soaking up views of the Douro River while enjoying their crisp white wines!
Address: R. Joaquim Leitão 297, 4100-289 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
14. Joana Vasconcelos Mural
This incredible mural is made up of 8000 hand-painted tiles and is known for being one of Porto’s largest public works.
Would you believe it’s the side of a Steak’n’Shake??
Address: Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 67, 4050-159 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
15. Underneath the Dom Luis Bridge where you catch the cable car
I don’t have a specific name for this Porto Instagram spot, but one evening when we were opting to take the little cable car/tram instead of the stairs from the Ribeira river walk area, I noticed how pretty it was down here with the bridge above us.
Sit here with a pretty dress on and you’ll have a great Instagram photo!
Address: 4000-173 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
16. Porto Cathedral
I didn’t realize how beautiful the Porto Cathedral is on the inside before our trip—I definitely would have gone in had I known!
I mean, can you think of a more Instagrammable spot in Porto?
Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
17. Monastery Serra do Pilar
You’ll spot the monastery from far away, but it’s especially beautiful as you cross the bridge.
Snap a shot with the Monastery behind you, or pay a few Euros to enter and get some amazing views of Porto.
Address: Largo Aviz, 4430-329 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
18. Ribeira District
You’ll find tons of restaurants and wine bars along the river in the Ribeira district. I recommend just grabbing a drink here, as the food isn’t great.
But you know what is great? The gorgeous scenery! Whether you look to the south out at the river and across to Gaia, or you take in the colorful buildings along the river, you can’t go wrong.
Address: Cais da Ribeira 47, 4050-511 Porto, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
19. Douro River Cruise
We also did a Douro River Boat Cruise, which gives you a gorgeous photo opp of the riverwalk along the Ribeira area.
20. River Spot Below the Monastery
When you’re in Gaia across from Porto, stroll down R. de Cabo Simão.
It’s a little street below the Monastery, and we actually accidentally stumbled across it when we were trying to find our way back to Porto.
The sun had just set and the lights of Porto and the bridge were twinkling behind us.
We hopped onto this concrete ledge for some shots, but please be careful if you do the same!
Address: Somewhere around R. de Cabo Simão, 4430 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (linked on Google Maps here)
Those are all my favorite Porto Instagram spots! You really can’t go wrong in this city—everywhere you look is just so Instagrammable.
If you post any pics from these Porto Instagram spots, be sure to tag me @wtfab, I wanna see!
Planning a trip to Porto? Find all my Porto travel guides and recs here!
What to See in Porto: 4-day Travel Guide
Top 20 Things to Do in Porto Portugal
Boutique Hotels in Porto
The 14 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
Airbnb Porto
Azulejos in Porto: The Best Places to See Blue Tiles in Porto
Livraria Lello Harry Potter Bookstore in Porto
Harry Potter Porto Spots Fans Will Love
Porto Food Guide: The Best Porto Restaurants
The Best Rooftop Bars Lisbon Has to Offer
FAQs
Some of the best Porto Instagram spots are:
– Dom Luis Bridge
– Esplanada do Teleférico
– Livraria Lello Bookstore
Yes, Porto is very Instagrammable. Every spot around the city is so stunning.
The best time to visit Porto is from May to September when the weather is at its best. You’ll get beautiful pictures during this time.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
