What to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

Activities, attractions and tours

#Porto #Portugal #bridge #ponte A ponte de D. Luiz I foi construída, no final do século XIX, sobre o rio Douro, ligando a cidade do Porto a Vila Nova de Gaia. A ponte tem dois tabuleiros. No superior circula uma linha de Metro do Porto e no inferior circulam viaturas e pedestres. Vale a pena atravessá-la a pé tanto pelo tabuleiro superior como pelo inferior. Vista magnífica sobretudo no final do dia. The D. Luiz I bridge was built at the end of the 19th century over the Douro river, linking the city of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. The bridge is double-deck metal arch bridge. In the upper one runs a line of Metro do Porto and in the lower circulate vehicles and pedestrians. It is worth walking across both the top and bottom decks. Magnificent view especially at the end of the day.
#Porto #Portugal #bridge #ponte A ponte de D. Luiz I foi construída, no final do século XIX, sobre o rio Douro, ligando a cidade do Porto a Vila Nova de Gaia. A ponte tem dois tabuleiros. No superior circula uma linha de Metro do Porto e no inferior circulam viaturas e pedestres. Vale a pena atravessá-la a pé tanto pelo tabuleiro superior como pelo inferior. Vista magnífica sobretudo no final do dia. The D. Luiz I bridge was built at the end of the 19th century over the Douro river, linking the city of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. The bridge is double-deck metal arch bridge. In the upper one runs a line of Metro do Porto and in the lower circulate vehicles and pedestrians. It is worth walking across both the top and bottom decks. Magnificent view especially at the end of the day.
This is the well known and iconic view of the downtown in Porto, Portugal from the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar. If you planning to enjoy a view like this you have to start the trip earlier as it is fair bit of a walk to get there and the spot is very popular among the tourists and photographers. But if you there at the right time you can enjoy this scene with Douro River and Luís I Bridge.
Porto from Jardim do Morro, in Gaia
This bridge is definitely the show piece of Porto! It is a double-deck bridge made by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel in 1886. Both decks are accessible on foot. When you cross the Dom Luís I Bridge you will enter a different city called Vila Nova de Gaia. In this city you will find numerous Port Houses which you can visit. From here you have an amazing view over the city of Porto. The view gets even better when you climb the steep hill of Serra do Pilar Monastery. #Porto #Portugal #AboveItAll
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What to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

Popular places to visit

Beautiful warm sunset from Porto in Portugal overlooking the old town harbour with the view over the Douro river.

Porto Historic Center

You can learn about the history of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória when you stop by Porto Historic Center. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Porto Historic Center
Ribeira Square featuring a monument, a square or plaza and a fountain

Ribeira Square

Perched on the banks of the River Douro, Ribeira Square is one of Porto’s oldest and most exciting districts.

Ribeira Square
Porto Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and interior views

Porto Cathedral

This superb cathedral combining Gothic and Romanesque styles features a wealth of religious sculpture and painting.

Porto Cathedral
Dom Luis I Bridge which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Dom Luis I Bridge

Enjoy fantastic city views from this fine old bridge and admire its intricate ironwork, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower.

Dom Luis I Bridge
A wide shot of the Bulhão Market in Porto

Bolhao Market

During your visit to Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Bolhao Market. Wander through the waterfront and beautiful beaches in this romantic area.

Bolhao Market
Wonderfull historical library in Porto.

Livraria Lello

During your visit to Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Livraria Lello. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Livraria Lello
Casa da Musica featuring street scenes and modern architecture

Casa da Música

Listen to classical and popular music concerts or dine out in style at one of Portugal’s most modern performance spaces.

Casa da Música
Amazing view of Douro River

Clerigos Tower

Learn about the local history of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória when you take a trip to Clerigos Tower. Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.

Clerigos Tower
i find in this avenue an endless amount of possibilities for everthing night photography, street photography, arquiteture

Avenida dos Aliados

You can learn about the history of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória with a stop at Avenida dos Aliados. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Avenida dos Aliados

Explore areas of Vila Nova de Gaia

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Magarão

Magarão might not have many top sights, but Parque Biológico de Gaia and St. Ignatius Zoo are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Magarão
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Carvalhos

When in Carvalhos, you can plan a visit to St. Ignatius Zoo and El Corte Inglés de Gaia, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Carvalhos
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Serzedo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Serzedo and surrounding area, you can visit Senhor da Pedra Chapel and Espinho Beach.

Serzedo

Frequently asked questions

Is Vila Nova de Gaia worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia is explore Porto Cathedral. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's coastal beaches and dining.
How do I spend a day in Vila Nova de Gaia?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Luz Beach and Cais de Gaia, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Vila Nova de Gaia.
What is the top tourist attraction in Vila Nova de Gaia?
The top tourist attraction in Vila Nova de Gaia is Porto Cathedral, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Porto Cathedral, Luz Beach and Cais de Gaia with a three-day trip to Vila Nova de Gaia. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Porto.
Is Vila Nova de Gaia a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Vila Nova de Gaia. Several sights, such as Porto Cathedral and Cais de Gaia, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Vila Nova de Gaia's neighbourhoods, União de Freguesias do Centro is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Centro / Baixa is 3 kilometers away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Vila Nova de Gaia with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all ages, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Vila Nova de Gaia with kids.

What to do in Vila Nova de Gaia for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia for adults including Taylor's Port Cellars and Real Companhia Velha Cellars.
Are there free things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia?
In Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto Cathedral is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia.