Holiday Inn Express Porto – Boavista Local area

Conceived to mark 2001, the year in which Porto was Cultural Capital of Europe, Casa De Música is the first new building in Portugal to be entirely dedicated to music and aims to make an exciting contribution to the national and international music scene as an arena for all types of musical events. Besides concerts, recitals and other types of performance, Casa da Música also organises events for musicians and musicologists and invests in research into the origins of Portuguese music.

Ponte Dom Luís I defines Porto’s skyline with its striking double-deck iron structure. Once the largest wrought-iron arch bridge in the world, it stretches 385 meters and rises 60 meters above the Douro River. Part of Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, it links Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and offers some of the city’s most spectacular views—completely free to enjoy.

Discover the heart of Porto at Bolhão Market, a historic two-story market in a classic building. Wander stalls brimming with fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, and uncover local specialties. Sample tasty treats like ham, oysters, or tapas, soak up the lively atmosphere, and chat with locals for an authentic taste of the city’s culture.

Perched on a hill, Porto Cathedral impresses with its fortress-like interior, rose window, and stunning Gothic cloisters. A remarkable blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, it reflects centuries of history. Admire the 18th-century azulejos in the cloisters, enjoy panoramic views of the city and Douro River, and imagine historic moments like King John I’s wedding unfolding within these walls.

Discover Porto through guided tours that bring the city to life. Taste local wines on Porto Wine Tours and savour the iconic Port wine straight from the source, or cruise the Douro River to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, or simply exploring, these experiences showcase the very best of Porto.

The Ribeira District and the Douro Waterfront are vibrant, historic areas in Porto. Ribeira is known for colourful buildings, narrow, winding streets, and a lively atmosphere. The Douro Waterfront offers scenic views of the Douro River and is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. The area is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into Porto's rich history and culture.

Located near Praça de Lisboa, Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world with its intricate neo-Gothic and art nouveau design. It’s one of Portugal's oldest bookstores and is most famous for its iconic central wooden staircase with elegant curves and large stained-glass windows. It is also said to have inspired the creation of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series, attracting travellers from all over the world.

At 249 ft (76m) tall, Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos in Portuguese) is the tallest campanile in Portugal, and climbing its 200 steps will give you an expansive view of the city and the river. When you climb up, you’ll come across 49 bells which form a large carillon that can give you quite a fright if you’re in the bell tower when they ring. The effort of climbing all those steps proves to be worthwhile once you reach the top and look out from the tower’s observation deck over Porto.

The Serralves Museum & Gardens is a cultural institution with a contemporary vision of art and landscape. The landscape and architectural heritage consists of the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Serralves Villa (a unique example of Art Deco architecture), the Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira (Cinema House) and the 18-hectare Serralves Park, which is complemented by the pioneering Treetop Walk and a farm dedicated to raising cows, goats, sheep, and chickens—all sustainably.