11 Of The Best Porto Instagram Spots

Is Porto the most photogenic city in Portugal? We think so!

With its azulejo-covered buildings, pastel-hued streets, and beautiful riverside views, Porto is a dream for photographers and casual Instagrammers alike.

We spent days wandering through this charming city, camera in hand, capturing every corner – from hidden alleyways to iconic landmarks.

And let’s just say, Porto knows how to steal the spotlight.

So if you’re looking for the best Instagram spots in Porto, we’ve got you covered!

From famous must-sees to underrated gems, here are the most photogenic places you won’t want to miss.

1. Jardim Do Morro

By Liza From Atlas Rambler Travel Guides

Jardim do Morro is one of the best places in Porto to watch the sunset. On summer evenings the park is alive with locals and tourists alike, listening to buskers, enjoying a glass of wine and trying to get that perfect sunset snap!

Being on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Duoro River, Jardim do Morro overlooks the picturesque skyline of the Ribeira district. The reflection of the sunset hues on the river along with the region’s famous clay-tiled roofs create a postcard image of Porto.

To get there you can either walk across the famous Dom Luís I bridge or take the metro to Jardim do Morro station. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the early morning before the sunlight is too harsh. However, I recommend embracing the atmosphere of Jardim do Morro. Bring a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine and settle in for a few hours as the sun goes down!

2. Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau on the Vila Nova de Gaia main street is a beautiful location to try one of Portugal’s delicacies:  Pastel de Bacalhau, or, salted cod fritters.

Their shop is like something straight out of a novel, with floor to ceiling bookcases, sweeping gold staircases, live music and an open kitchen which allows you to see the cod fritters being handmade. 

It’s free to enter and you’re not obliged to buy anything, but I’ll be surprised if you’re not tempted once you see them being made fresh in-store. 

3. São Bento Railway Station

By Angie From Where Angie Wanders

Porto is blessed with a wealth of fabulous Instagram spots and one of the most incredible and most important is no other than the historic São Bento Railway Station, a short walk from Porto Cathedral.

While a railway station sounds like an unlikely candidate for an Instagram spot it is one of the best places to see azulejo tiles in Porto, drawing attention for its depiction of events and battles in Portuguese history detailed in over 20,000 exquisite blue and white tiles.

While the locals in Porto are used to seeing such artistic craftsmanship on a daily basis, visitors searching for the best Instagram sports in Porto will undoubtedly end up at the railway station to capture themselves in front of these huge ceramic murals.

So, while Sao Bento railway station never intended to be one of the top Porto Instagram spots it now most certainly is!

São Bento Railway Station Address: Praça Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal

4. Miradouro da Vitória

A list for the best Instagram spots in Porto wouldn’t be complete without one of the most famous view points in the city, would it?

Miradouro da Vitória is only a short walk from Porto Cathedral, and being one of the best free viewpoints in Porto, it’s no surprise that there’s usually quite a few people up here. Especially at sunset, so you might want to try one of the lesser-known spots on this list for that time of day.

Located above the historic Ribeira quarter, from Miradouro da Vitória you’ll be able to look out over old roof tops, across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and Dom Luís I Bridge. 

While the best light is later in the day, if you want less people you’ll be best to head to this lookout earlier in the day. However, depending on the weather it can be a bit too bright for good photos of the city at this time.

5. Chapel of Souls

By Soumya of Stories by Soumya 

If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram spot in Porto, head to Capela das Almas or the Chapel of Souls located at the intersection of Santa Catarina and Fernandes Tomas streets.

Dating to the 18th century, Porto’s Chapel of Souls is an impressive building known for its magnificent façade adorned with Portuguese azulejos. Over 15,000 blue and white tiles adorn the exterior of the church and depict stories from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine.

With a vibrantly decorated façade, Chapel of Souls is one of the most picturesque places in Porto. However, the chapel is located on a busy street. So, it can be quite difficult to get a solo picture during the day. Be sure to get here early to get the best shot.

The church is only a few minutes away from the Bolhao Market, a historic marketplace where you can grab a quick bite or pick up some cool souvenirs. 

6. Capela do Senhor da Pedra

Here’s a more unique Instagram spot in Porto and if you love beautiful architecture, you’re going to love this place.

Capela do Senhor da Pedra (Chapel of the Lord of Stone) is a small altar built on a giant boulder that stretches out to see which were once used for pagan rituals.

The structure we see today symbolises the clash of naturalist paganism and Christianity during the 17th Century, when the chapel was built on the site to reclaim the area in the name of god. I think the end result intertwines nature and spirituality perfectly, and is the perfect place for sunset photos!

Today, this area has yearly 3-day pagan festivals and is visited by tourists year-round who want to get a photo of its iconic ocean stairs.

Capela do Senhor da Pedra is an easy day trip from Porto, accessible by train from Sao Bento station or by car, with ample parking around town.

7. Moorish Room, at Palacio da Bolsa

By Danae of Danae Explore

Tired of outdoor photos in Porto? Is the day rainy or cloudy? Then head to the best indoor spot for Instagrammable photos: the Moorish Room in the Palácio da Bolsa of Porto.

Located in the heart of Porto, this 19th-century palace serves as the city’s former stock exchange and boasts a variety of stunning rooms, with the Moorish Room being the crown jewel. Inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, its intricate Arabic-inspired designs, gilded stucco work, and vibrant colours make it a mesmerising backdrop for photos.

But the Instagrammable spots in this place are not limited to the Moorish Room. The central courtyard is beautiful and offers lovely photo opportunities, both from the ground floor and the windows on the first floor. Don’t worry about the time of day, but try to visit when there is sunlight to enjoy the beautiful effects of the sun’s rays through the panels.

However, these photo opportunities require some planning: you can only visit the Palácio da Bolsa through a guided tour, which must be booked in advance. Tours are available in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish.

8. Cais da Ribeira de Gaia Mirador

By Sara From Big Adventures With Little Feet

At the top of the  Gaia Cable Car you’ll find yourself within walking distance of the Cais da Ribeira de Gaia Mirador.  This has long been one of the most popular photo spots in Porto, because from this spot in Vila Nova De Gaia you can see over to Ribeira which is the old town of Porto and the waterfront.  If you’ve not got a fear of heights then you could always make use of the wall as a prop in your photo.  If you then move a few steps and turn 90 degrees then you’ve a great shot with the Ponte Luis 1 bridge behind you as well.

We went on a drizzly day in September, and it was still a busy spot with tourists like ourselves coming off of the cable car and going straight to have their photos taken.  You’ll want to, like other photo spots, get there early so that you do not have to queue to take your photo.  We found that riding the cable car in Porto with our kids was one of the most fun ways to get to this Instagrammable spot.  So you can have fun as well as get a fantastic photo!

9. The Ribeira Waterfront

By Sydney From Alone And Abroad

The Ribeira waterfront promenade is full of charming cafes, souvenir shops, and, of course, port wine bars. This part of Porto is almost overwhelmingly beautiful; you’ve got the cafes to one side, the Douro River on the other, and all of it framed by the iconic Ponte Luis bridge. Nearly every inch of this neighbourhood is photogenic with the brightly coloured buildings and old mediaeval architecture.

But for the best photo ops, head to Praça Ribeira. In this square, there’s a staircase near the water that leads up to the Pestana Vintage Hotel. Climb it, and you’ll have a perfect vantage point to capture the square and river in one shot.

This part of Porto can get cramped during the peak of tourist season, so if you’re hoping for no strangers in the background, try to get here first thing in the morning – at least before 9:00 am. If you don’t mind the crowds, the lighting is the best right before sunset.

10. Rabbit Street Art

By Victoria From Guide Your Travel

Rabbit Street Art, also known as “Half Rabbit,” is an iconic urban art in Porto, Portugal. Portuguese artist Bordalo II created this striking installation in the Miragaia neighbourhood at Rua Guilherme Braga.

The piece is part of Bordalo II’s “Big Trash Animals” series, which highlights the issue of waste by creating artworks from discarded materials. The “Half Rabbit” stands out for its vibrant colours and its message about environmental conservation.

The artwork is a blend of materials, including plastic, metal, and other debris, carefully arranged to form the image of a rabbit. The piece’s dual nature, with one side vividly coloured and the other more subdued, reflects the contrast between waste and beauty.

The best time to visit Rabbit Street Art is during the daytime when natural light enhances the colours and textures of the installation. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography, casting soft shadows and highlighting the intricate details.

Stand directly across from the piece for the best photo to capture its grandeur. Including some of the surrounding urban landscape can provide context and contrast. Use a wide-angle lens to encompass the entire artwork and its surroundings if possible.

Visiting Rabbit Street Art in Porto offers a unique glimpse into contemporary environmental art and provides a thought-provoking experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors

11. Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Porto and in fact, it is often referred to as the most beautiful bookshop in the world!

If you’re an avid book reader like me (have GoodReads? Add me here!) you could probably get lost for the entire morning here but even if you’re not, there’s still plenty I’m sure you can appreciate, from the gothic exterior, to the art-nouveau interior. 

Due to its popularity and world wide fame, you can only enter with a ticket (which is discounted off the price of a book if you choose to purchase) or you can go as a part of a guided tour.

Disclaimer: unless you go right at the very end of the day just before they close, you’re really going to struggle to get photos without people in them. It really is that busy. So I would plan to go late, or think of some out of the box instagram shots so you’re not disappointed.

Porto is one of those cities where every turn reveals a new photo-worthy moment.

Whether you’re snapping a classic shot of the Dom Luís I Bridge, capturing the vibrant tiles of São Bento Station, or stumbling upon an unexpected hidden gem, this city is full of picture-perfect surprises.

So, which of these Instagram spots are you adding to your must-visit list? Or do you have a secret Porto photo spot we missed? Join our Facebook group and let us know! And if you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to check out our other Porto guides for even more travel inspiration.