12/10/2026
The Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte Dom Luís I) is the symbol of Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. It crosses the Douro River and connects Porto with the town of Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side. The bridge was opened in 1886 and named after King Luís I. It was designed by the engineer Théophile Seyrig, who had worked with Gustave Eiffel. The bridge is made of iron and has two levels, or decks. When it was built, its great arch was the longest of its kind in the world. Today it is part of the Historic Centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to See
The best thing to do is to walk across the bridge. The upper deck is about 45 metres above the river and is used by the metro and by people on foot. From here there are amazing views over the colourful houses of the Ribeira district, the river with its traditional boats, and the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. The lower deck is close to the water and links the Ribeira waterfront with the Gaia riverside. On the Gaia side, near the upper deck, you can visit the Serra do Pilar viewpoint or take a cable car down to the river. The bridge is especially beautiful at sunset and when it is lit up at night.
How to Get There and Practical Information
The bridge is in the centre of Porto, a short walk from the cathedral and the Ribeira district. The upper deck can be reached on foot or by metro (line D, stations São Bento and Jardim do Morro). The lower deck is reached from the Ribeira waterfront. Walking across the bridge is free and possible at any time. On the upper deck, people walk next to the metro tracks, so stay on the walkway and be careful. It is a good idea to cross on the upper deck and return along the river on the lower deck.
Weather in location: Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte Dom Luís I), Porto, Portugal
- Today 15°…21°
- Wind 4 km/h N
- No precipitation now
