Porto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and was originally the capital. The names of Portugal and port wine come from Porto. Ancient temples stand alongside modern buildings and the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, Porto is a very picturesque city built along the hills overlooking the Duero estuary. Art fans and photographers will find inspiration here: baroque architecture, majestic neoclassical buildings, magnificent museums and labyrinths of authentic streets will not leave you indifferent.
To help you get to know the city better, we have selected the most interesting pet-friendly highlights of Porto for you.
Porto's best dog-friendly sites
The old Portuguese city of Porto has traces of more than two thousand years of history: it has witnessed the Reconquista, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Each epoch has influenced the cityscape in its own way and given it a special Portuguese colour.
Porto has a lot of iconic highlights, but we recommend you to start your acquaintance with the city with Ribeira district. Here - on the old cobbled streets with expressive medieval monuments - you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Portugal. Sound from various taverns and restaurants located on the river promenade turns into a general symphony that does not stop from early morning to late evening. Colored house roofs look as if they were painted by a talented artist and are tightly pressed together. Walking the dog along the Duero Promenade is a must: here you can take nice photos, as well as buy nice little souvenirs in local souvenir shops.
Strolling through Ribeira, you may have noticed a majestic two-story bridge. In Portugal there are many rivers with bridges over them, but this one is a special one. The Ponte Luís I was built at the end of the 19th century. Built in the mid-19th century, its history has an indirect connection with the architect of the Eiffel Tower. The bridge connects Ribeira and the small town of Vila Nova de Gaia with a two-story metal structure. On the first level there is a highway and on the second – the subway. There is also a special pedestrian zone from which a panoramic view of Porto opens. You will surely be impressed with the bridge's grandiose construction.
If you go to the other side of the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, you will come to a small but very cozy park, Jardim-do-Morro. You will also get a chance to take a cruise to see the Ponte Luís I from a new perspective.
After that you can go to the main city square – Praça da Liberdade. All around are villas and administrative buildings in the Art Nouveau style. The square and its surroundings strongly contrast with colorful Ribeira. All the buildings around Praça da Liberdade are built according to some plan, where relaxation and eye-pleasure are the main principle.
Strolling through the streets of Porto with your dog, you can unexpectedly discover something unique even in side streets: behind every house there are hidden details with an interesting history that are worth seeing. However, there is one street in the city that belongs to one of the most important ones — Rua Santa Catarina.
This street can safely be called the "business heart" of Porto. If you are a shopping lover then it is paradise for you. It is here that you can buy high quality goods and souvenirs. Here, walking the dog turns into a live museum, where unusual and creative window displays serve as exhibits. The movement of locals and tourists does not stop until late at night. Each visitor takes a tour of all the souvenir shops, shops, local pastry shops and cafes. Join us and you won't be disappointed.
If you look around here, you will surely notice the top of a high tower above the buildings. This is the bell tower of the Clérigos church. Go to appreciate the beauty and splendor of these structures. The Clérigos Church is built in baroque style, its appearance is reminiscent of a theater or a palace. The main entrance surprises with pomp and uniqueness. Behind the church rises the bell tower, which is considered the tallest in the country. For several centuries it played the role of a lighthouse for all ships that entered the port of Porto. Now it's a landmark for locals and tourists alike: the bell tower is visible from almost every point in the city. Even the building of the Clérigos Church is decorated with a rich pediment and reliefs. The temple part is decorated with unusual rounded sides of the main nave, fine wall known from the outside, as well as with a massive staircase in front of the entrance. It is precisely because of these details that the exterior of the church has secular features.
When walking your dog through the old town of Porto, you will come across another imposing building - Palácio da Bolsa. This stock exchange palace was built on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery that was built in the 19th century. century was burned. After the fire, the local traders took care of the remains of the building. As a result, a neoclassical building has grown on this site, whose architecture inspires. The originally designed business center is in fact a real palace housing a museum with a collection of paintings and sculptures.
Another important sight of Portugal that appeared on the territory of the burned monastery is the Porto São Bento railway station. beginning of the 20th century At the beginning of the 19th century, the monastery was converted into a railway station, which is now one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world.
After old architectural works of art, you can switch to a modern construction wonder. Take your dog to Casa da Música. The House of Music is brand new in the city, but it is already considered a real symbol of Porto. The geometric building in deconstructivism style is now a center of many cultural events. The uniqueness of Casa da Música lies in its acoustics, which are ideal for concerts. In addition to the creative exterior, the house surprises with its furnishings. The architect who designed the building took care of the townspeople: thanks to panoramic windows, passers-by can perfectly see everything that is happening in the concert halls from the street.
If you like to relax in nature, go to the Jardim da Cordoaria with your dog. In addition to the shady walkways and green areas, this garden is known for the sculptural composition "The Thirteen Laughing Ones Above Each Other". The city legend says: When you walk under these laughing figures, you immediately get a lot of positive energy and a good mood.
After this active walk you will surely dream of a good rest. For this we have selected for you a number of dog-friendly hotels where you can restore your strength for further adventures.
Pet friendly accommodation options of Porto
Hotel Selina Porto is located in the center of Porto, a few minutes walk from Galeria de Paris street, not far from the Carlos Alberto Theater and the famous Clérigos Church.
On the territory of this dog-friendly hotel there is its own restaurant and in the immediate vicinity you will find numerous cafes and bars.
The reception works 24/7.
Accommodating a dog costs 10 EURO/night, with no animal weight restrictions.
The Star Inn Porto hotel is the first economy class design hotel in the city. The rooms are furnished in a modern style and have free internet connection.
Each room has air conditioning, flat screen TV, work desk and private bathroom with shower.
In the Café Area you can enjoy various drinks and snacks 24 hours a day.
Accommodation per dog (max. 20 kg) costs 20 EURO / night. It is also necessary to register a returnable deposit of 100 EURO for the whole stay. Food and water bowls are available upon request.
The dog-friendly Hotel Caléway is located in the northern region of Vila Nova de Gaia, next to the Gaia cable car and the Ponte Luís I bridge.
The reception works 24/7. In the rooms there is air conditioning, balcony, television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
On request, a buffet or American breakfast can be served in the morning. The hotel bar, garden and terrace are also available to guests.
Dogs weighing up to 20 kg are welcome at the Hotel Caléway (max. 1 animal per room). The accommodation price is 20 EURO per day.
The NH Porto Jardim hotel is located a 20-minute walk from the theater "Coliseu do Porto", close to the city markets Mercado do Bolhao and Mercado Ferreira Borges, as well as to Ribeira Square.
On the hotel territory, guests can relax in the pool and enjoy the sunny weather.
In the morning a rich breakfast buffet is served. On the hotel territory there is also a restaurant with international and local cuisine.
Dogs weighing up to 25 kg are welcome, the only accommodation price per animal is 25 EURO for the whole stay.
The 4-star dog-friendly Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Aliados is located not far from the city market Mercado do Bolhao, theater «Coliseu do Porto» and bookstore Lello.
The hotel offers rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms, as well as a public lounge. On the hotel premises are also located Restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and fitness center. Guests can also relax on the sunny terrace.
The price of accommodation for a dog (max. weight 10 kg) per day is 12 EURO / day. Food and water bowls are available.
The 5-star Hotel Pestana Porto A Brasileira is located near the historic Porto São Bento train station.
All rooms are designed in an individual style and furnished with modern elegant furniture. A breakfast buffet is served every morning at the hotel. In the hotel restaurant you can taste Portuguese specialties throughout the day.
Dogs weighing up to 15 kg are welcome in the hotel. The price of accommodation per dog is 25 EURO/day (only one animal can be accommodated in a room).
Old narrow streets, tall buildings, medieval architecture and Art Nouveau buildings, legends and mysteries of Porto — all this is waiting for you. Immerse yourself in the history of this magnificent European city.
Come here with your dog, open your heart to the atmosphere of Porto and the city will give you back beautiful memories that you will cherish for a long time!
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