CAIS DA RIBEIRA (QUAYSIDE)

There's an open space on the quayside called the Praça da Ribeira. It is lined on one side with bars and restaurants which stay open when all others on the river's edge close. Taking centrepiece of the square is a curious bronze water feature called "O Cubo", designed by Jose Rodrigues. It represents a cube held aloft by jets of water with false bronze pigeons stuck to its sides share the space with real birds. This contemporary fountain stands in the place of a much older water feature.

Overlooking the square standing, inside his niche below the Portuguese coat of arms, is a small statue of John the Baptist. He is the patron saint of the city and inaugurated in 2000. It's a feature attached to the end wall of a three-story building where you'll also find a much older fountain dating from the 1780s. The square was created after a fire cleared the area in 1491. | 41º 08' 26.8" N | 08º 36' 46.9" W

The walk east along the riverfront towards the Dom Luis I bridge is dominated by restaurants. They occupy former merchant warehouses on ground level. In-between arches are hidden courtyards that host some great hideaway places. There's also a walkway above the warehouses, the Rua de Cima do Muro, where there are even more restaurants. The outdoor seating is busy at all times of the day. Here too you'll encounter many street entertainers, buskers, human statues and street traders. All-in-all, the riverside is a buzzing hive of activity.

Elevador da Ribeira (Elevador da Lada)

Tucked away in one of the small squares behind the riverside, next to the Taberna da Lada, is the lower terminus of the little known Elevador da Ribeira (also known as the Ascensor da Ribeira). It will whisk you halfway up the hill in just enough time for you to take a few photos along the way, free of charge.

Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 20h00 | FREE
Rua da Lada, 4050, Porto, Portugal | 41º 08' 26.9" N | 08º 36' 42.3"

Moored up on the quayside and the Cais de Estiva are several tour boats that offer tourists trips up and down the river. There's plenty of choice of tours with varying duration and agendas, ranging from an hour or so to a whole day cruise.

Capela da Lada

On the eastern end of the quayside, opposite to the Pillars of the Old Suspension Bridge (Pilares da Antiga Ponte Pensil), is a tiny chapel that has the impression of being squeezed in by its neighbours. Topped by a single bell tower, its façade is Baroque in a style that is a clue to its age. Its single nave interior is also white with flashes of gold gilding. The interior is illuminated by a leaded window above the entrance.
Rua de Cima do Muro 12, Porto 4050-200 Portugal. | 41º 08' 27.1" N | 08º 36' 37.3"

Funicular dos Guindais

The Guindais funicular railway descends 61 metres (200 ft) down the steep cliff from Batalha to the quayside at Ribeira opposite the bridge entrance. The three-minute journey is used by commuters and tourist alike. The original was built in 1891, yet the current service dates from 2004. As the self-levelling cars climb down the hill, it follows the line of the medieval walls. Giving a birds-eye view of the Dom Luís I Bridge and Gaia beyond along the way. The funicular is an ideal way to traverse the steep hill between central Porto and the Ribeira, saving time and tired feet.

It's operated by the Porto Metro company and accessed using the Andante ticket, allowing a trip on the funicular to be combined with a journey on the Porto Metro and selected bus routes.
Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 20h00, Weekends: 08h00 - 00h00

The quayside becomes a little wider West of the Praça da Ribeira, the beautiful yellow Pestana Vintage Porto hotel stands on the corner of the Cais da Estiva. There are restaurants, cafés and wine bars along this area but fewer in number, this end of the quayside has a more relaxed atmosphere. The quayside ends with the Largo do Terreiro, from here the path leads you past the Casa do Infante museum up to the Praça do Infante Dom Henrique where you'll find the Palácio da Bolsa, Igreja de São Fransico church and the Ferreira Borges market.