Porto 6 Bridges Cruise Tour by Traditional Rabelo Boat

Porto , Portugal

Porto 6 Bridges Cruise Tour by Traditional Rabelo Boat

Active

(14 reviews)

50m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the waters of the Douro river and be amazed by the famous 6 Bridges Cruise. Along the route, admire up close six engineering masterpieces that tell the story and architectural evolution of the region — from the historic elegance of the Luís I Bridge to the imposing modernity of the Freixo Bridge.

With regular departures throughout the day, this river cruise offers privileged views of the riverside areas, iconic viewpoints, and the vibrant soul of both cities. Perfect for all ages, it’s a relaxing, cultural, and photogenic experience — ideal for families, couples, or curious visitors.

Book your seat now and experience the Douro river in a unique way, with comfort, beauty, and history at every bend of the river.

Before boarding the 6 Bridges Cruise, please go to the pier to validate your voucher and check-in. We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes early.
If the boat is full, you will have to wait for the next embarkation.

Available options

Porto 6 Bridges Cruise Tour by Traditional Rabelo Boat

What's included

Audioguide (QR code inside the boats)

Restroom on board

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Inaugurated in 1886, the Luís I Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. With two overlapping decks, it connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia at different levels. Its impressive iron structure and the panoramic views it offers have made it an unmistakable symbol of the urban landscape.

Inaugurated in 2003, the Infante Bridge honors Prince Henry the Navigator, a historical figure connected to the city of Porto. Featuring a slender and elegant concrete arch, it was designed for light road traffic, replacing the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge. Its location offers a privileged view over the historic center and the banks of the Douro River.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this bridge was the first to establish a railway connection between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Passing beneath its imposing structure, it's impossible not to admire the elegant metal arch — an innovative engineering feat that marked a milestone in the evolution of bridge architecture.

Designed by engineer Edgar Cardoso and inaugurated in 1991, the São João Bridge replaced the Maria Pia Bridge as the main railway link. With a contemporary design and a reinforced concrete structure, it represents the ongoing tradition of innovation in Portuguese engineering across the Douro River.

Stop 5 Pass by

When it was inaugurated in 1963, the Arrábida Bridge held the title of the world’s largest concrete arch — a remarkable engineering feat for its time. Its wide curve and imposing pillars give it a dramatic and unforgettable presence near the mouth of the Douro River.

Stop 6 Pass by

The Freixo Bridge is the easternmost of the six bridges connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Designed to meet the demands of modern road traffic, it stands out for its functional style and clean lines. It marks the transition between the urban fabric and the serenity of the Upper Douro region.

What's not included

Meals

Alcoholic Beverages

Bottled water

Soda/Pop

Available languages

Audio guide

DE PT EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.2

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Cais Douro Acima, near Hotel Pestana Vintage Porto

Important notes

Before boarding the 6 Bridges Cruise, please go to the Douro Acima pier (next to Pestana Vintage Hotel) to validate your voucher and check in. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early.
If the boat is full, you may need to wait for the next departure. Cruises run every 30 minutes.

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River