Porto, the Photographer’s Paradise – Porto Photo Journey

My personal Porto photo journey and few tips how to find the best photo opportunities in Porto – the photographer’s paradise.

Just a couple of hours after I arrived in Porto and ventured into its streets, I realised that Porto is indeed a photographers paradise.

Not only the incredible architecture, the colours, the riverbank and its breathtaking sunsets or old streets nooks and crannies but also the incredible, magical mood that this city emanates gives tons of fantastic photo opportunities.

Porto is indeed a photographer’s paradise. Here is my Porto photo journey.

A word of advice – when in Porto, always have your camera with you and ready. There wasn’t a day that I ventured into its streets, and I didn’t find fantastic photo opportunities. Not only that. ..

Very quickly, it stopped being a Porto photo opportunity search. I naturally wanted to capture the feel of the city. I became so mesmerised by its atmosphere, the deep colours and this unexplained magical feel that I couldn’t stop snapping photos hoping that at least one will capture the essence of Porto.

I didn’t go everywhere, nor did I find all the best Porto photo spots. But what I found put Porto in a very special place in my heart.

Once you are in Porto, don’t worry about ticking all the locations off your list. You will come across them naturally. And then some.

Get off at the Sao Bento Metro station and take your way down towards the Ribeira district and riverbank. But take your time. Take Rua des Flores and then head towards Igreja de Santa Clara. Follow the small cobbled winding streets towards Ribeira. You will not be disappointed. 

Those streets are full of surprises. Winding stairs and cobbled paths, small quirky restaurants at each corner, colourful facades and somehow, melancholic architecture – this, for me, is the best part of the city. 

Eventually, you will find yourself at the bank of Douro River. Unquestionably the best Porto photo spot.

The vast body of the Douro river, dotted with colourful boats and cruise yachts, is surrounded from both sides by colourful houses and historical buildings spreading to the top of the valley. Magnificently hanging over the whole river gorge is the Ponte Luís I Bridge – the landmark of Porto riverside and the city.

Both sides of the river are great for photography but make sure you climb up to the upper level of the bridge as this will give you the best Porto photo spot.

At the riverbank, you will find numerous bars and restaurants with buskers entertaining diners and passers-by. And if you will have only one chance to be there – make sure it’s just before the sunset. I am a massive fan of the coastal sunsets. But after I experience the Porto Ribeira sunset, I had to pick my jaw right from the pavement.

But there is much more to Porto than just Ribeira and Douro river.

Spend an afternoon wandering around other Porto districts like Baixa/Se, Bolhao (my favourite after Ribeira) or Fontainhas, where you will find a lot of hipsters sitting by the river. Let yourself be surprised by the city. No matter where you will end up – it will be an incredible Porto photo journey.

You will find landmark monuments and cathedrals, grand plazas like The Praça da Liberdade, cute bookstores, and less touristy parts of the city – nevertheless equally interesting.

If you have a spare day, make your way to Matosinhos and take a walk towards Foz do Douro and all the way to the Douro Lighthouse.

Matosinhos is located few kilometres from the Porto downtown area so you will have to take the Metro or a taxi. The trip is definitely worth it. Before embarking on your Metro trip – check this website for some explanation.

Matosinhos has one of the best Porto beaches where you can also spend a day. From there, you can follow a beach promenade which then turns into a wooden pathway towards Foz. Stop for a glass of wine at one of many bars and restaurants, but make sure you make it to the lighthouse on time for the sunset.

Although I like spending more time in one place, I have only stayed in Porto for a week. I was gutted, knowing the city is an endless well full of magnificent and exciting photo spots. I guess I will have to return for more 🙂

I will return for more. Once you visited Porto, it will stay in your heart for ever, and you will have this never-ending longing for return.

If you like this photo journey, be sure to check my Madeira photo journey.