11 Best Things to do in Vila Nova De Gaia

  • Dom Luis I Bridge

    Porto Bridge from Vila Nova da Gaia
    Bridge from Vila Nova da Gaia

    The double-decker Dom Luis I bridge is an icon of the city of Porto. It spans the River Douro linking the Port wine houses of Vila Nova de Gaia with the bustling downtown Ribeira district of Porto. Construction took place between 1881 and 1886 with the bridge being built adjacent to an existing bridge which it replaced. The granite pillars of the original bridge are still in place, standing on the Ribeira like a pair of gate posts.

  • Casa do Infante

    Casa do Infante
    Casa do Infante

    Also known as the Alfândega Velha (Old Customs House), this is the house which, in 1394, Prince Henry the Navigator was born in (or Infante D. Henrique as he was known locally).

    The restored interior is now home to a museum with a diverse range of exhibitions chronicling both the life of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Discoveries along with Porto's role in this era of Portuguese history. Other topics covered include the Roman occupation during the 4th-5th centuries and the buildings life as a customs house and mint.

  • Episcopal Palace

    The former residence of the bishops of Porto is built in a late baroque and rococo style and is believed to be the work of Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni

  • Igreja de São Francisco

    Situated only a short walk from the Ribeira and in Porto's historic centre this is by far the finest church. The Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St Francis) dates back to the 14th century when it was built as an enlargement to an existing church connected to the Franciscan convent. Constructed in the Gothic style the exterior is fairly modest compared to some of the Manueline excess of this period seen elsewhere. However, all this restraint is thrown to the wind when it comes to the interior.

  • São Francisco Catacombs

    The Franciscan monastery in Porto dates back to the 13th century and although the monks are long gone and the site much diminished there is still plenty to see. Topping most people's list is a visit to the Igreja de São Francisco with its exuberant Baroque interior of gold and carved wood. However, a ticket to see the church also covers entry to one of Porto's most unusual and macabre visitor "attractions".

  • Palácio da Bolsa

    Palacio da Bolsa interior
    The Arab Room - Palacio da Bolsa
    Josep Renalias CC BY-SA

    The neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace is located in the historic centre of Porto. The palace is perhaps best known for its magnificently decorated interior, most notably the 'Arab Room'

  • Porto Cathedral

    Porto Cathedral
    Porto Cathedral
    Pedro Paulo Palazzo CC BY-SA

    The fairly austere and imposing cathedral in Porto (Sé do Porto) was mostly built during the 12th and 13th centuries in the Romanesque style. However, it didn't really reach completion until the 16th century and even after this it was considerably remodelled and extended in the Baroque style.

  • Igreja de Santa Clara

    Igreja de Santa Clara interior
    Igreja de Santa Clara interior
    António Amen CC BY-SA

    Porto's Igreja de Santa Clara is a fine example of my favourite kind of historic Catholic church; these are the one that are fairly austere and humble on the outside, but when you pass through the doorway you are almost overwhelmed by the opulent decor.

  • Miradouro da Vitória

    Miradouro da Vitória - Porto
    Miradouro da Vitória - Porto
    WASD42 CC BY-SA

    Miradouro is the Portuguese word for viewpoint, and the Miradouro da Vitória is perhaps the best known of these in Porto. The view over the Ribeira from here is a great way to take in some of the main sights of the city; the Dom Luis bridge, the Se and Bishop's Palace all stand out above the patchwork of terracotta roofs below.

  • Igreja da Misericórdia - Porto

    Igreja da Misericórdia - Porto
    Igreja da Misericórdia
    António Amen CC BY-SA

    The Igreja da Misericórdia do Porto is located on the historic Rua das Flores in downtown Porto. The church does not stand alone but is instead sandwiched between the offices and shops that line this typical Porto street.

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Vila Nova de Gaia travel guide »

Situated on the far bank of the Douro from Porto's Ribeira district is Vila Nova de Gaia (or just Gaia). Despite its location Gaia is actually a city in its own right and extends quite some way from the riverside. Although being just at the other end of Porto's famous Dom Luis bridge this is a fairly arbitrary distinction for most visitors.Generally speaking Vila Nova de Gaia is known for one…