Porto Cathedral Tours and Activities

Porto Cathedral featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Porto Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, religious aspects and interior views
Porto Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, interior views and a church or cathedral
Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral featuring a square or plaza, a monument and heritage architecture


This superb cathedral combining Gothic and Romanesque styles features a wealth of religious sculpture and painting.

Visit Porto Cathedral and admire the stunning wall of painted tiles, the fabulous silver altarpiece and the glistening treasury. Enjoy the superb views across the city from the upper floor and learn about the cathedral’s integral place in Porto’s history. 

Stroll around the cathedral and admire the Romanesque façade. One of the oldest parts of the cathedral, the plaza has changed little since the structure was completed in the 13th century. With its high towers and peaked battlements, at first glance it resembles a fort, although you will start to appreciate several other features as you get closer. Admire the beautiful rose-shaped stained-glass window above the main entrance. Note the slight difference in style of the cupolas on the turrets. These Baroque elements were added in the 18th century. 

Step inside the cathedral to discover a wealth of religious art. Your eye will be drawn to the glistening silver altarpiece of the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament. Explore the interior further and you will come to the small São Vincente Chapel where you will see a set of sculptures which date to the 14th century. Head to the treasury to appreciate more superb sculptures and fine religious paintings. You will also find other relics such as old scripts and jewelry. 

Be sure to pay a visit to the Gothic-style cloister. This was added during the reign of King John I and features one of the cathedral’s highlights, a superb wall of painted tiles by artist Valentim de Almeida.

Don’t miss the fine granite staircase designed by Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni. Climb these steps to reach the upper floor and enjoy superb views across Porto and the River Douro. 

Porto Cathedral is located in the city center, a short walk from several bus and metro stops. Admission is free throughout the year although there is a small fee to enter the cloisters. It is open daily.

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Best Lodging Options Near Porto Cathedral

The Social Hub Porto

The Social Hub Porto

4 out of 5
Praça de Dom João 80, Porto, Porto
The Social Hub Porto
GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS

GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS

4 out of 5
27 Rua da Fábrica, Porto
GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS
Zero Box Lodge Porto

Zero Box Lodge Porto

3 out of 5
R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 13, Porto, Porto
Zero Box Lodge Porto
GA Palace Hotel

GA Palace Hotel

5 out of 5
Rua Alexandre Herculano, 311, Porto
GA Palace Hotel
Wine & Books Porto Hotel

Wine & Books Porto Hotel

5 out of 5
Rua José Falcão, 39-41, Porto
Wine & Books Porto Hotel
Memoria Porto FLH Hotels

Memoria Porto FLH Hotels

4 out of 5
2 Rua de São Francisco, Porto
Memoria Porto FLH Hotels
Pousada Porto - Rua das Flores

Pousada Porto - Rua das Flores

4 out of 5
Rua das Flores, 84-102, Porto
Pousada Porto - Rua das Flores
Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina

Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina

4 out of 5
Praca Da Batalha 116, Porto
Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina
The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel

The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Infante Dom Henrique, 26, Porto
The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Porto Cathedral

At Porto Cathedral, immerse yourself in the local culture with engaging photo tours and sightseeing adventures that showcase the stunning architecture and panoramic views. Explore nearby shops to find unique souvenirs, or partake in curated experiences that highlight the vibrant atmosphere of Porto. This historic site offers a perfect blend of exploration and leisure for every visitor looking to capture the essence of the city.

Shopping

Visit Livraria Lello, a stunning bookstore just 483m from Porto Cathedral, and Bolhao Market, a vibrant public market 805m away. If you're up for a drive, El Corte Inglés de Gaia, a family-friendly mall, is located 1.6km away, offering various entertainment options.

Recreation

Casa da Música offers vibrant concerts, immersing you in the local music scene just 3.2km from Porto Cathedral. For sports enthusiasts, Dragão Stadium provides an exhilarating atmosphere. Alternatively, Lavandeira Municipal Park invites you to unwind amidst nature, promoting wellness and relaxation only 3.2km away.

Adventure

The Gaia Cable Car offers breathtaking views as you glide over the Douro River, located 805m from Porto Cathedral. For more excitement, visit Emboscada Parque Aventura, 16.1km away, where you can tackle thrilling obstacles. Lastly, explore the scenic Passadiços do Paiva treeTopWalk, 41.8km away, for a delightful outdoor experience.

Nightlife

In Porto, the Porto Coliseum offers a vibrant atmosphere with its cultural shows, just a short stroll from the Cathedral. Teatro Nacional São João, nearby, adds to the family-friendly entertainment. For a more thrilling experience, head to Casino Espinho for a romantic night filled with gaming excitement.

Find the best attractions near Porto Cathedral

While visiting Porto Cathedral, you can explore various attractions and points of interest, including nearby churches, vibrant piazzas, and urban parks. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city lovers alike. Don't miss out on visiting Porto's key attractions, including the stunning Se Catedral and the bustling downtown, where you can gather more information about the city and its history.

  • Ribeira Square: Nestled 322m from Porto Cathedral, Ribeira Square is a vibrant piazza where you can soak in the local culture and city vibes. Enjoy stunning views of the Douro River while sipping coffee at charming cafés or exploring colourful buildings.
  • Clerigos Tower: Located 483m from Porto Cathedral, the Clerigos Tower offers a taste of Porto’s rich history. Climb its 225 steps for panoramic views of the city, and immerse yourself in the architectural beauty that embodies the essence of Port!
  • Dom Luis I Bridge: Just 322m from Porto Cathedral, this iconic historic bridge connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Walk across its impressive arches for breathtaking views and experience a true symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.

Best time to go to Porto Cathedral

Visitor numbers around Porto Cathedral is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Porto Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Porto Cathedral falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Porto Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
September68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October63.7°F (17.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December52.3°F (11.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Porto Cathedral

Porto Cathedral provides free entry, making it a great budget-friendly destination. Nearby, you can explore Ribeira Square, the historic centre, and Livraria Lello without any cost. For accommodation, consider visiting in January, February, or November for lower rates, and book about a month in advance. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are pricier. Use Expedia to compare room rates, refine your preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Porto Cathedral are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Porto Cathedral about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Porto Cathedral is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Porto Cathedral is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Porto Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.