Porto Six Bridges Panoramic Cruise on the Douro River
Active
50m
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The traditional six bridges cruise is more than a simple boat ride; in fact, it is an experience that everyone who visits Porto must try. The reason is really simple, the beauty, the climate, the sensations of being in the middle of two cities, and obviously, the magnificent views projected by the amazing six bridges which connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Porto, Heritage site by UNESCO, is special from the river making this cruise one the most beautiful and fantastic activities that Porto has to offer you, so get on board and appreciate this amazing boat trip.
Available options
From Gaia: Six Bridges Cruise
Departure from Gaia Quay: This open ticket is valid on Rota do Douro Boats departing from Gaia Quay (Gaia side). <br/>Starting point:<br/>Rota do Douro, R. Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 162 e 164, 4400-175 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
From Porto: Six Bridges Cruise
Departure from Ribeira Quay: This open ticket is valid on Douro Acima & Tomaz do Douro Boats departing from Ribeira Quay (Porto side). <br/>Starting point:<br/>Cais da Ribeira, 4000 Porto, Portugal
What's included
Panoramic river cruise
Detailed itinerary
1
There are six magnificent bridges that join the two banks of the Douro River. Have fun on the Six Bridges Cruise and get to know them!
Classified as a National Monument the D. Maria Pia Bridge is a railway infrastructure that crosses the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was once the largest iron arch bridge in the world and is considered one of his greatest masterpiece.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
The Ponte Dom Luís I is a true icon of the city of Porto and a marvel of 19th century engineering. The Dom Luís I Bridge spans the River Douro between Porto on the north bank and Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
The Arrábida Bridge is an arch bridge that crosses the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It was built in 1963 as a response to the increasing flow of traffic and the need for alternative connections to the old bridges. At the time of its construction, the bridge had the largest reinforced concrete arch of any bridge in the world.
4
The São João Bridge was built to replace the D. Maria Pia Bridge, another iconic bridge in Porto.
The São João Bridge has become an iconic landmark in the Porto skyline and an important transportation link between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Interestingly, during the construction of the bridge, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Roman road and a medieval shipyard on the site, providing valuable information about the history of the area.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
The Freixo Bridge was inaugurated in September 1995 is a road bridge that connects Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto, over the Douro River. Of all the bridges connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the Ponte do Freixo is the one that is furthest upstream from the Douro River.
6
The Infante Dom Henrique Bridge, also known as the Infante Bridge, is a road bridge connecting Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto, over the Douro River, in Portugal.
Named in honor of Infante Dom Henrique (He was the main promoter of the Portuguese expansion, the so-called ''Portuguese Discoveries''), he was born in Porto, it is the newest bridge connecting Porto and Gaia.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Personal Expenses
Gratuities
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.8
386 reviews
5★
157
4★
98
3★
72
2★
32
1★
27
Tripadvisor
3.7
451 reviews
5★
131
4★
143
3★
100
2★
45
1★
32
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The cruise is under the responsibility of the cruise operator (subject to weather and navigation conditions)
Third party services are subject to availability and may change without notice
The cruise is panoramic and no guide or audio guide service is guaranteed
There is a minimum of participants for the activity to run
The opening hours of the Six Bridges Cruise are daily from 10:30am - 6pm April - September and from 11am - 4pm October - March
Meeting point
VALID ONLY FOR THE OPTION FROM GAIA
Departures from the Gaia Quay located in Gaia (Gaia).
Ticket valid for the company Rota do Douro
Schedules confirmation not available (open ticket)
We kindly advise being on the meeting point about 15 minutes before the departure time.
Important notes
Please note that you need to exchange your ticket at the starting point.
Either you print your ticket in advance or you will need to send to the ticket office agent by email at the desk.
Please note that this is an open ticket and we don`t guarantee the seats. There are departures every hour so if there’s no availibility when you arrive to the quay you can embark on the next available departure.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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