Porto Instagram Spots: 17+ Porto Places for Stunning Photos
Visiting one of the most picturesque European cities? There are Porto Instagram Spots at EVERY turn but let me help you find them easier with this guide!
Having been to Porto, Portugal now two times, I have found hundreds of beautiful viewpoints, gorgeous backdrops and stunning vistas.
The first time we visited Porto in 2018, we did an Airbnb Photowalk tour, where we were able to see Porto through the lens of a photographer and pose with the beautiful backgrounds.
The second time we visited Porto was after our wedding in Douro Valley, Portugal, we loved visiting the same spots but added in new ones as well!
This blog post will have a mix of views from our Airbnb photowalk experience and photos from our time in Porto this past summer.
Get your cameras ready, your Instagram will be blown away.
We loved our photowalk photographer so much, he was our Douro Valley wedding photographer this past summer. Such a full circle moment!
The Best Porto Instagram Spots
Map of the Best Instagram Spots in Porto
São Bento Railway Station
Starting the list off with the most picturesque railway station!
São Bento Railway Station located in downtown Porto is a beautiful yet functional train station.
The famous Portuguese blue tiles (azulejo tiles) line the walls of the railway station and make for fun photo backgrounds!
The station is free to enter, take as many pictures and then head back out on your tour of Porto’s most gorgeous places.
Bolsa Palace (The Stock Exchange Palace)
Bolsa Palace, also known as The Stock Exchange Palace is a great Porto monument to visit if it’s raining in Porto!
The monument is a working building, however, a small section of it is closed off for tours. It is STUNNING.
The inside of the building is very photogenic, in my opinion, the best area is the entrance foyer. The ceiling opens up to the sky.
In order to enter, you must purchase a guided tour. The tour is 30 minutes in length and tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Porto’s Blue Tile Churches (Azulejo Tiles)
Porto has a few blue tile churches that make for the best photo backgrounds and are some of the most Instagrammable places in Porto.
Here are the top 3 blue tiled churches!
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (Church of Saint Ildefonso)
Igreja do Carmo (Church of Our Lady of Carmo)
Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls)
Porto Viewpoints
Porto has a number of viewpoints for great Instagram spots and are what truly make Portugal worth visiting.
Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
Porto Cathedral’s square, Terreiro da Sé, has gorgeous viewpoints over the city. Spend some time admiring the cathedral before you take your Insta photos.
When we visited, there were live musicians in the square, making for the perfect environment.
Miradouro da Vitória
Miradouro da Vitória is one of the top viewpoints in Porto.
Overlooking the Douro River and the buildings below make for a great Instagram photo spot.
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, Miradouro da Ribeira or Miradouro do Teleférico
Located in Vila Nova de Gaia are a few Miradouros that overlook Porto and the Douro River.
These three viewpoints are located next to the Pilar Monastery and are a great place to watch the sunset over Porto.
You will see many people bring snacks and drinks and sit on the grass enjoying the views.
Head over to this viewpoint after crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge. Take the Nova de Gaia cable car down to river level afterwards!
The views from these three viewpoints are all very similar.
I recommend visiting this side, Vila Nova de Gaia if spending at least 3 days in Porto.
Vila Nova de Gaia Riverside / Cais de Gaia
In my opinion, the views of the Douro River and Porto are much better on the Vila Nova de Gaia side.
You get more views of colourful buildings and the sunset views are more rewarding.
I mean… look at this photo, it is VERY Instagrammable.
Casa da Música
For a more modern look in Porto, Casa da Música fits the bill.
This Porto music hall is starkly different than the rest of the photos you will have from Porto!
Casa da Música offers great musical performances.
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Visit the beautiful Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
This park is stunning. Experiencing it for the first time during a photoshoot was interesting and gave us pictures we wouldn’t be able to take on our own.
This enchanting park offers a number of picturesque vistas, making it a photographer’s (or Instagrammer’s) dream.
Look out for the peacocks while there!
The Streets of Porto
Some of the greatest Porto Instagram spots are not even “spots”.
The streets of Porto themselves offer authentic and captivating backdrops for photos full of character!
With their narrow cobblestone lanes, colourful facades, and charming architectural details, Porto’s streets are wonderful Instagram spots.
Porto Tram
You’re probably reading this like… “Huh?? Joanna, what are you talking about?”
LISTEN!! The trams are GREAT Porto Instagram spots. Just see for yourself how cool they are.
They give me music video vibes, so pensive, haha.
Of course, you have to pose in front of them too!!
Douro River & Cais da Ribeira
I saved the best for last! In my opinion, the Douro River, in Porto, is one of the most scenic views in Europe.
There are many places to take breathtaking photos along the Douro River.
Colourful buildings, terracotta rooftops, and charming riverside promenades are a wonderful background for your Instagram photos.
The Douro River is my top Porto Instagram spot! Photographs near the Douro River can have many backdrops; the river itself, the buildings beside the river and Dom Luís I Bridge.
If you only have one day in Porto, this MUST be on your visit list.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Dom Luís I Bridge is a famous bridge above the Douro River in Porto. The architectural details of this bridge is amazing as a backdrop to your Instagram photos.
Just see for yourself…
Spending time taking photos here was one of my favourite experiences from this trip.
I have most of these photos printed in my house and plastered all over my Instagram.
Make sure you also get to the top of Dom Luís I Bridge for views of Porto.
Pin these Porto Instagram Spots for later!
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Final Thoughts on your Porto Photo Adventure
Porto is the most beautiful trip I have experienced and I hope I was able to share some of it’s beauty with you in this photo guide.
If I could spend all my summer days and nights in Porto, I would. I dream of retiring in this gorgeous city and enjoying the views, wine and delicious food.
Porto holds a very special place in my heart. I can’t wait to return again & again.
