7 Things to Do in Vila Nova de Gaia

The city part of Porto located across the Bridge Luís I, Vila Nova de Gaia, has many interesting places to offer. Below we will depict the most famous places as well as some less traditional spots to visit.

• Wine cellars – Porto is famous for the Port wine being stored in wine cellars located in Vila Nova de Gaia. The most famous are Calém, Sandeman, Offley, Taylor’s, or Ferreira. You can visit the wine cellars for a guided tour and learn about the history and the production of port wine. In the end of the visit you can also taste some port wine. We recommend booking your ticket in advance as they are usually sold out quickly.

• Jardim do Morro and Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar – Jardim do Morro is one of the most searched places in Porto to watch the sunset. The Monastery of Serra do Pilar offers also a great view over the Bridge Luís I as well as the historic center of Porto.

• Gaia Cable Car – Gaia cable car offers to its passengers a trip between the historical Port wine cellars and the dazzling views over the historic city of Porto and river Douro, in the route between the Cais de Gaia and the Morro garden. You can buy your ticket either on spot, or online.

• Mercado Beira-Rio – When in Gaia, do not forget to visit the Market Beira-Rio, where you can enjoy good local food or drinks.

• Half Rabbit by Bordalo II – This piece of street art made by Portuguese artist Bordalo II represents how wasteful our society is as it is made of trash. If you like this type of art, Bordalo II has created several similar sculptures all around Portugal, so you can add them to your wish-list.

• Restaurants – After visiting all the above attractions, you deserve also some refreshments 🙂 Among our favorite restaurants in Vila Nova de Gaia are Stramuntana Gaia, newly opened Restaurante Arcada, or Mais Mar located in the Mercado Beira-Rio.

• Beaches – And of course beaches cannot miss in our list of things what to do in Vila Nova de Gaia. Among the most well-known beaches in this district are Praia da Madalena, Praia de Miramar (being famous for the Chapel Senhor da Pedra located just on the beach), or Praia da Aguda.