Best bridges in Porto: Iconic landmarks and views

Spanning the Douro River, six bridges in Porto create a breathtaking city skyline, making a river tour one of the city's best outdoors things to do. Start with the historic Dom Luis Bridge and Ponte Maria Pia and explore four additional modern concrete structures marking Porto as one of Europe's great river cities.

Further afield, you'll find the ancient Ponte de Lima, Sao Goncalo Bridge, and the thrilling 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge. In the bridges of Porto, you won’t just see a city; you’ll see a region's rich history and culture.

Porto’s best bridges at a glance

Best Porto bridges for sunsets: Dom Luis Bridge, Arrábida Bridge, and Freixo Bridge

Best bridges in Porto for city views: Ponte do Infante and Dom Luis Bridge

Best Porto bridges for architecture: Ponte Maria Pia and Arrábida Bridge

Best bridges for a day trip from Porto: 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge and Ponte de Lima

1. Dom Luis Bridge

The most famous bridge in Porto, the Dom Luis Bridge, was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a co-founder of Eiffel and Company alongside Gustave Eiffel. Its sweeping iron arch and panoramic upper walkway provide some of the most breathtaking views in the city, especially at sunset.

Things to do nearby

• Dive into the world of Portuguese wine at WOW Porto, a collection of museums dedicated to Porto's most famous export.
• Admire the stunning Gothic cloister and intricate Baroque interior of Porto Cathedral, one of the city's most historic landmarks.

Address

Ponte Luis I, Porto

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Ponte Maria Pia

If the Ponte Maria Pia looks familiar, it's because it shares a striking resemblance to the Dom Luis I Bridge. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this iron arch was completed in 1877, more than a decade before the Eiffel Tower cemented its legacy in Paris. At the time, it was the largest arch bridge in the world, a feat that made Eiffel nearly as important to Porto's skyline as he was to France's.

Things to do nearby

• Take in the view from Jardim do Morro, a hillside park especially beloved at sunset.
• Let the Gaia Cable Car whisk you from the riverside to the sky for one of the best views of the city.

Address

4430-999 Oliveira do Douro

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Ponte de São João

One of Porto's modern railway bridges, Ponte de São João, completed in 1877, provides a thrilling train ride with stunning views of Ponte Maria Pia. As one of the oldest bridges in Porto, it stands in a straight-line contrast to its iron-arched neighbor, a highlight for train travelers.

Things to do nearby

• Ride the scenic Douro Valley train line for one of the most picturesque train journeys in Portugal and catch a glimpse of these ancient Porto bridges.
• Explore Cemitério do Prado Repouso, Porto's "Museum of Death," with ornate tombs and chapels.

Address

4430-999 Porto

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Ponte do Infante

A sleek, modern bridge with a graceful arch, Ponte do Infante pays tribute to its neighbors, Dom Luis Bridge and Ponte Maria Pia. Perfectly positioned between them, it provides some of the best views of the most famous bridges in Porto.

Things to do nearby

• Miradouro das Fontain has is a treasured viewpoint featuring one of the best city views, including four of Porto's six bridges.
• Stroll Avenida Gustave Eiffel for a beautiful riverside walk featuring rooftop bars and colorful houses.

Address

R. de Cabo Simão 89, 4430, Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. Arrábida Bridge

Opened in 1963, Arrábida Bridge once held the record for the world's largest concrete arch. Today, you can get up close to the famous span on a supervised bridge climb, or catch a sunset over the Douro River from this westernmost of the bridges in Porto.

Things to do nearby

• Walk toward Dom Luis Bridge, and explore five of Porto's best museums, including the Soares dos Reis National Museum and the Museu do Carro Eléctrico.
• Travel 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) west to Praia Cabedelo do Douro for kitesurfing and stunning sunsets.

Address

Via de Cintura Interna, 4400-492 Porto

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Freixo Bridge

The easternmost of Porto's major bridges, Freixo Bridge is a sleek, modern structure that efficiently channels traffic in and out of the city. While its design is understated, the bridge provides spectacular views and stunning sunsets over the Douro River.

Things to do nearby

• Relax at Praia Fluvial do Areinho, a scenic riverside beach perfect for sunbathing and paddling.
• Explore Marina do Freixo, a bustling hub for boat charters and water sports.

Address

Circular Regional Interna do Porto, Porto

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

7. 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge

Located just outside Porto, the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge is a must-see for thrill-seekers. Stretching 1,193 feet (516 meters) across the Paiva River, this pedestrian bridge sits 574 feet (175 meters) above water, presenting incredible views and an engineering marvel. Plus, it's wheelchair accessible.

Things to do nearby

• Hike the Passadiços do Paiva Trail, a scenic 5-mile (8-kilometer) wooden walkway along the Arouca Geopark, following the Paiva River.
• For adrenaline junkies, River Paiva displays some of the best whitewater rafting in Portugal.

Address

Areinho, 4540-257 Arouca

Opening hours

May–September, 8:30 AM–6:30 PM

November–March, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM

April and October, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM

8. Sao Goncalo Bridge

Just under an hour from Porto, in the charming town of Amarante, you'll find the Sao Goncalo Bridge. This 18th-century stone bridge features unique, asymmetrical arches and provides an idyllic backdrop for the 16th-century church that overlooks it, which houses Saint Goncalo's tomb.

Things to do nearby

• Explore the Amadeo de Souza Cardoso Museum, where a stellar collection of modern art is housed in a cloister of a 16th-century convent.
• Sample the delicious pastries invented by nuns at the Santa Clara convent. Near the bridge, you'll find a cafe offering these sweet treats.

Address

Av. Gen. Silveira, 4600-758 Amarante

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

9. Ponte de Lima

Located in the oldest town in Portugal (which takes its name after the bridge), Ponte de Lima was originally built by 1st century Romans to connect Portugal to Spain. While little of this original stone arched bridge remains today, much of the visible medieval structure nonetheless dates back to the 14th century. Don't miss out on the chance to visit the historic riverside town, one of the top weekend destinations from Porto.

Things to do nearby

• Ponte de Lima is particularly admired for its gardens and parks. The riverside Sebastião Sanhudo Garden is a photogenic gem.
• Almost 2,400 feet (725 meters) above sea level, the Penedo do Branco viewpoint creates a stunning view of the town and surrounding countryside.

Address

Av. Gen. Silveira, 4600-758 Amarante

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

FAQs: Bridges in Porto

What is the famous bridge in Porto called?

The Dom Luís I Bridge, also known as the Luís I Bridge, is a renowned double-deck metal arch bridge connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River.

What are the six major bridges in Porto?

Porto is home to six iconic bridges: Arrábida Bridge, Dom Luís I Bridge, Infante Dom Henrique Bridge, Maria Pia Bridge, São João Bridge, and Freixo Bridge. Each bridge offers unique architectural styles and stunning views of the Douro River.

Why does Porto have many bridges?

Porto's numerous bridges connect the city to Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River. This area has historically been significant for the port-wine industry and serves as a residential zone. The geography necessitated the construction of multiple bridges to facilitate transport and commerce between these regions.

Which bridge in Porto was built by Eiffel?

The Maria Pia Bridge, constructed in 1877, is attributed to Gustave Eiffel. This railway bridge connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, showcasing Eiffel's engineering prowess.

Why is the Dom Luis I Bridge significant?

The Dom Luis I Bridge holds special significance as it was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, famous for the Eiffel Tower. Completed in 1886, it was the longest iron arch bridge in the world at that time. Its unique design and historical importance make it a key landmark in Porto.

Is it possible to walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto?

Yes, you can walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge. The upper level of this double-decker bridge features a pedestrian walkway alongside the metro tracks, providing stunning views of the Douro River and the cityscape.

How many bridges are there in Porto?

Porto, Portugal, has six notable bridges spanning the Douro River: Dom Luís I, Arrábida, Infante, Maria Pia, São João, and Freixo, each with unique architectural features. These bridges connect Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, serving both transportation needs and offering stunning views.

What is the oldest bridge in Porto?

The oldest bridge in Porto is the Ponte Maria Pia, an iron railway bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, completed in 1877. Although no longer in use for rail traffic, it remains a significant historical landmark in the city.