12 Places To Watch a Stunning Sunset in Porto, Portugal (2024)

Before moving to Portugal, many people told me the weather in Porto was dreary compared to the south. I didn’t think so: my birthday in January was spent in Jardim do Morro with friends, eating cake without even a winter jacket. I’d never get that in the UK!

Whatever time of year you visit, use this guide to discover the best sunset in spots in lovely Porto…

What does ‘miradouro’ mean?

You’ll see this word everywhere while researching sunset in Porto. Similar to the Spanish word ‘mirador’, it means viewpoint. Look out for it on signposts and maps; you may discover new ones I didn’t!

Where to find the best sunset in Porto

Although this guide isn’t in any particular order, the first three are my favourites. Yes, they’re busy and touristy but for good reason.

The most famous sunset spot in Porto is easily Jardim do Morro (Morro Garden) on the top level of Vila Nova de Gaia. It doesn’t matter the time of year: if it’s a clear day, the crowds flock to Jardim do Morro to watch live performers and admire golden hour over the city.

Spending time at this atmospheric viewpoint will always remain a favourite memory from my time in Porto. The gardens look across the Douro River to Riberia’s colourful waterfront.

Insider tip – if you’ve been port tasting in Gaia during the day, walk up the hill (free) or catch the cable car from Gaia Lower Station. It’s pricey at €6 (€9 return) but it’s a fun way to travel with lovely views.

Jardim do Morro bar

It’s not the best option for those travelling on a budget since the drinks are quite pricey (around €7 a cocktail) but you can’t deny this rooftop bar beside Jardim do Morro is a lovely spot. Like the park, it overlooks the Douro and Riberia.

They serve Portuguese wines, beers and the classic Porto beverage of porto tonico, a cocktail made with sweet white port, tonic water, a sprig of mint and a slice of orange. Bliss!

Although Jardim do Morro is the most atmospheric place to sit down and watch sunset in Porto, the Monastery of Serra do Pilar arguably offers better views. Firstly, it’s slightly higher and secondly, it faces west which means you’re directly looking at the sunset (unlike in Jardim do Morro where it’s slightly to your left).

This ex-monastery is no longer in use but has a colourful history. It took 72 years to construct due to lack of funds, then was used as a makeshift for during the 1832 Siege of Oporto. These days, it’s an iconic monument preserved to look as it would in its heydey.

Tip – you can easily see sunset from Luis I Bridge, Jardim do Morro and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar during the same evening. They’re all right beside each other.

Moving away from this area and onto other sunset locations around Porto…

Miradouro da Rua das Aldas

This is a well-known miradouro because it’s beside Porto Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace. Work it into your Porto itinerary by visiting these historical monuments in the afternoon and staying for sunset.

The Aldas Street viewpoint overlooks Porto’s mismatched rooftops out to the Douro. It’s an atmospheric place at dusk because there are usually buskers playing live music.

This large green space is one of my favourites in Porto. Enter via the Crystal Palace Gardens, pass the Superbock Arena and keep walking around the side. When you reach Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha, you’ll be rewarded with views of the many bridges crossing the Douro to Gaia.

Pack a picnic because there are plenty of places to sit including stone benches and tables on the riverside.

Keep walking to the best sunset spot in the park…

Torreão do Jardim do Palácio

Torreão do Jardim do Palácio is a small stone tower that turns into one of the prettiest sunset spots in Porto during the late afternoon/early evening. Since it’s only small, you’ll want to visit early enough to nab a spot at the top. If you don’t manage it, never fear: this whole area is lovely.

Find it towards the back of Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha. Afterwards, continue around the park in the opposite direction to the one you came. You’ll eventually make it back to the front entrance of the Crystal Palace Gardens.

Miradouro da Vitória

This elevated viewpoint in central Porto (near the Clérigos Tower) benefits from the fact it’s hidden down a side street. However, it’s no hidden gem and has become a popular place to watch sunset in Porto.

You visit Miradouro da Vitoria any time of day but sunset is undeniably most atmospheric. Watch seagulls soar with Porto Cathedral to the left and the Douro to your right. From here, you can see down to Riberia and all the way over to Gaia.

Address: Rua de São Bento da Vitória 11.

Now for a hidden gem!

Near the Bonfim area of Porto, Miradouro das Fontainhas is a cliffside viewpoint with spectacular views of two bridges: Ponte Infante Dom Henrique and Ponte D. Maria Pia, the latter designed by Gustave Eiffel (arguably not his most famous monument).

To escape the crowds, pull up a chair outside one of the no-frills cafes (Azul e Branco is a good choice with typical Porto dishes for €2). Glance down the cliffside to see community gardens maintained by elderly Porto locals.

Finally, another option is to walk across Ponte Infante Dom Henrique. As a car bridge, it’s not as peaceful as Luis II Bridge but – on the plus side – you’ll have the pavement to yourself since it’s not a tourist spot. Sunset is just as impressive; you can see over the monastery and other parts of Porto.

Read next: Bonfim area guide

Sunset viewpoints near Porto

Leaving the city centre behind, here are a few final places to watch sunset around Porto…

Matashinos Beach

On the west coast of Portugal just up from Porto, this beach town is a fantastic place to surf, eat seafood and – you guessed it – watch sunset. It takes just 40 minutes to reach by Metro or 20 minutes by car/Uber. You can also catch the 500 or 502 bus for €1.50.

Praia de Matosinhos (Matosinhos Beach) is the optimum spot for a sundowner with several beach bars on the sand.

Foz Promenade

Between Matashinos and Porto is an upmarket neighbourhood named Foz (pronounced Fosh) where the Douro meets the ocean. With a promenade running along the seafront, it’s a lovely place to amble at sunset admiring the sun as it slips behind the waves. 

Catch the 500 bus (€1.50) from Porto to Foz or, the more atmospheric option, the historic Line 1 tram from Riberia.

Matashinos-Foz coastal walk and bars

Finally, the Foz to Matashinos coastal walk follows a beautiful stretch of coast from Matashinos’s Castelo do Queijo to Foz’s promenade. Walking should take 30 minutes unless you stop for photos.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of coastal bars where you can stop for a drink. Expect to pay tourist prices, though.