The 8 top sunset spots in Porto for your bucket list

After some busy hours in Porto spent checking out historical sites like the Porto Cathedral, sampling local wine across the many port cellars, and walking along the Douro River, there’s no better way to end the day than by catching the sunset. Watching the sun go down over the curving water and hills dotted with terracotta rooftops is a sight you won’t want to miss.

This guide on where to watch the sunset in Porto takes you from elevated viewpoints in the city’s most beautiful parks, like the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal, to atop its most famous bridges, such as the Arrábida Bridge. Bear in mind that while these are considered the top sunset spots in Porto, some do bring you to Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro River, given how close the two cities are to each other.

1. Jardim do Morro

Perched on a hilltop, Jardim do Morro is a beautiful green space in its own right with its manicured grounds and palm trees. But many come here specifically for the views as the park overlooks the winding Douro River, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset in Porto.

Know before you go

• To arrive by metro, take the Line D/yellow line to Jardim do Morro station.
• Alternatively, you can get here on foot from the Dom Luís I Bridge or by using the Gaia Cable Car.

Address

Jardim do Morro, 4430-210 Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Jardim do Palácio de Cristal

It’s easy to lose track of time wandering around the themed landscaped gardens of the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal. You’ll want to note when sunset is, though, because this park offers amazing views down onto the river and city. From here, you can see the sunset behind the iconic Arrábida Bridge.

Know before you go

• The gardens are free to visit.
• Visit the Museu Romântico, a house museum on the grounds, to see a snapshot of upper-class life in the 19th century.

Address

R. de D. Manuel, 4050-346 Porto

Opening hours

Every day, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM (April–September)

Every day, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM (October–March)

3. Super Bock Arena – Pavilhão Rosa Mota

The best rooftop in Porto for watching the sunset waits for you within the Crystal Palace Gardens. Go to the Super Bock Arena, head to entrance door 3, and check out the Porto 360 experience. After a little tour of the historic building, you’ll get the chance to climb up 150 stairs to the top of the building’s dome, providing incredible views in every direction.

Know before you go

• You must buy a ticket for a guided tour to go to the top.
• If you’re hungry before or after your tour, you can grab a bite to eat at the arena’s food court.

Address

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, R. de D. Manuel, 4050-346 Porto

Opening hours

Wednesday–Sunday, times vary

4. Arrábida Bridge

Spanning the Douro River and with six lanes of traffic, the massive Arrábida Bridge offers thrill-seekers the rare opportunity to climb its concrete arch, one of the largest of its kind and the world's only arch in Europe open to visitors. Book your climb during sunset for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Know before you go

• The climbing experience is available to ages 12 and up.
• You can’t use your phone for pictures during the climb, but they do allow autonomously recording cameras, like Go-Pros, that are securely attached.

Address

Via de Cintura Interna, 4400-492 Porto

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. Parque das Virtudes

Meander up and down the terraced gardens of the quiet Parque das Virtudes, and then head to the Passeio das Virtudes viewpoint for one of the best sunset views in Porto — a panoramic look over the river and city.

Know before you go

• You can see what’s considered Portugal’s largest Ginkgo biloba tree here, standing around 35 meters tall.
• Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, is just a 20-minute walk away.

Address

Passeio das Virtudes 53-3, Porto

Opening hours

Every day, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (April–September)

Every day, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (October–March)

6. Boat Cruise

If you’re looking for something a little more romantic, consider booking a sunset boat cruise along the river or out to the ocean. Cruising under Porto’s six bridges is made all the better under the golden glow of the sunset. This is an experience you’ll want to book in advance to ensure you get a spot at your desired time.

Know before you go

• Many boat tours depart from the Douro Marina (also called Marina da Afurada).
• There are different watercraft to choose from, including rabelos (traditional wooden boats), smaller yachts, and sightseeing cruises.

7. Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

Visit the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar to see a 16th-century monastery with a famous circular church (one of Porto’s most interesting architectural gems) — and to get panoramic vistas for a spectacular sunset. From the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar lookout point, you have a great view of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the city of Porto.

Know before you go

• The grounds, including the viewpoint, are free to visit, but there’s a small admission fee to go inside the monastery.
• The site is owned and operated by the Portuguese military, so don’t be surprised to see military personnel about.

Address

Largo Aviz, 4430-329 Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:30 PM (April–October)

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM (November–March)

8. Dom Luis I Bridge

While the Dom Luis I Bridge is beautiful to look at while watching the sunset, it’s also a popular experience to walk across the famous bridge crossing the Douro River as the sun goes down. Both the upper and lower levels of the Dom Luis I Bridge are open to pedestrians, allowing you to move between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Know before you go

• While you may see young locals jumping from the bridge’s lower level into the water, keep it safe and stick to the walkway.
• Take the upper deck from the Porto side to the Vila Nova de Gaia so you can face directly west for the best panoramic sunset views.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours