It’s one of the visit cards of the city. Oporto’s Ribeira, in Portugal, is one of the most beautiful local neighborhoods and a mandatory stop for anyone passing through the city.
Inevitably I got there when I visited the historic center (see here 4 Amazing Stores in Oporto). I came from the Church of San Francisco area, walking along the waterfront when I got to Ribeira and was impressed with all the excitement.
The place is very busy; since it’s from here that the traditional boats departure for the trips on the Douro River. Also the various terraces are perfect to spend the afternoon contemplating the view in the company of a cold fino (local name for beer).
And what a view! Over Gaia and the area of the Port Wine Cellars, and the D. Louis Bridge, where some intrepid kids jumped into the water in that hot day that I chose to wonder around.
Oporto’s Ribeira is synonymous of tradition
This is one of the oldest neighborhood of the city and that’s evident in the buildings that we find there, with charming architecture and, at the same time, giving a touch of color with its painted facades.
Any time of year is good to visit Oporto’s Ribeira . Of course if you choose to go with good weather you can enjoy it more.
Now, if you don’t mind the confusion and you’re a fan of local traditions, nothing like visiting the place on the night of the St. John celebrations. The fun is guaranteed, with lots of music, food and drink, and of course, memorable fireworks.
The view over D. Louis Bridge
The neighborhood buildings
The D. Louis Bridge
Kids jumping from the D. Louis Bridge
The neighborhood buildings
The view over Gaia
Have you ever visited Oporto? What did you think of the city? Tell your experience, what you liked about it, in the comment box below.
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27 COMMENTS
Megan Rose
7 years agoI would love to see the festival there!
Katherine
7 years agoThe view behind D. Louis Bridge is so colourful! I’ve never been to Oporto before, and to be honest, I’d never heard of it, so this was a really pleasant read. Thank you!
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORGlad you liked it, Katherine. 😀
Marlise Vidal
7 years agoAhhh… I’ve been to Porto just once and only for 8 hours, during a flight connection. I need to go back to see more things because I really liked the place.
Sonam
7 years agoWow I would love to visit this city. It looks so so stunning. Thanks for sharing such details.
Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld
7 years agoI’m hearing for this place for the first time. Actually, it turning out that I don’t know almost anything about Portugal. However, this place looks lovely, and I would love to visit it. So, thanks for sharing.
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORHi, Bilyana. If you ever feel like it, you can check out other posts I have here on the blog about my lovely home country 🙂
The Spirited Sloth
7 years agoWow, the photos of Oporto are wonderful. I have never been to Oporto Ribeira but Portugal is a must on my bucket list! I could see myself drinking a cold fino and enjoying the view, hopefully not on a busy day 🙂
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORSo cool you’ve learned local expressions like fino! How did you learn it? It’s typical from the north region.
Valen Dawson
7 years agoI am so sad that I missed Porto when I went to Portugal. Your photos are great!
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORThanks, Valen! You just have to return and check out Porto 🙂
Mackinaw Road
7 years agoPortugal is definitely on my bucket list and this city looks fabulous!!!
Amanda
7 years agoThese photos are incredible. I haven’t been to Portugal and have never heard of this place but adding it to my list now!
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORYou have to visit Portugal, Amanda. It has amazing cities and lots of history. 🙂
Matt
7 years agoI visited Porto last year and loved it, so many hills though. Between the stunning views, winding streets and, of course, the delicious Port, a great place to get lost in for a few days.
Victoria Watts
7 years agoI was there a few years back. It really is gorgeous. Your photos are beautiful 🙂
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORThank you so much, Victoria!
Micki
7 years agoI love the great photos; those colorful buildings are so fun! I can’t wait to visit Portugal. Thank you for sharing!
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORThank you so much for reading, Micki.
Stella the Travelerette
7 years agoI loved Oporto! I have fond memories of looking at that bridge. And I was there just before St. John.
Woody World Packer
7 years agoGreat post! We are planning to visit Portugal in May this year. Been to Portugal before and did the Algarve, This year we want to visit Oporto, Lisbon and drive down South again before driving further to Spain.
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORHi! It sounds like a great plan! Make sure to check out other posts here and if you have any question about some specific place in Lisbon or Oporto, let me know 😉
Wanderlust Vegans
7 years agoIt looks like a fun city to walk around. The boat trip sounds like a great option as well to see all those colourful buildings by the water. Portugal is a great country for architecture.
Christopher James Mitchell
7 years agoI adore Portugal! I truly think it’s the most underrated country in Europe, but posts like this remind me that it won’t be underrated for much longer, that’s for sure!
Marlene Marques
7 years ago AUTHORHi, Christopher! Thank you so much for your comment! I think people are starting to notice Portugal, as the tourism is growing every year. 😉
Archana Singh
7 years agoBeautiful pictures. I would love to be a part of the festivals there.
Ana Ojha
7 years agoNever heard of Oporto before. The looks like a cool city to walk around and the view is just splendid!