For the best view of Porto and to truly see the sights, we highly recommend the Porto cable cars. You get an amazing view of the city including the Douro River, the Porto bridges and Porto’s old town.
You can also choose between one way and then get off and do some sightseeing or a return trip. Either way, it’s a tourist attraction of Porto that must be on your Porto bucket list.
Please note the ads cover the high costs of running Trip Meets Travel and keeps it free for you to enjoy. We also have affiliate links. If you purchase something we recommend, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Cable Car Porto
Put your fear of heights to one side for a moment and take a Cable Car through Porto. People always wonder where to get the best photo of any city you visit, and the answer is always get yourself high up and take a top photo of your location.
The featured photo above was taken on the cable car of the famous Porto bridge and many other great pictures of Porto were taken in those 6 minutes up in the air!
I have done this a zillion times even before recommending the cable cars of Portugal.
In York I highly recommend the York Walls for the view, top of Edinburgh Castle, in Scarborough the top of Scarborough Castle will give you both beach views, or the same with Whitby after climbing to the top to see all of Whitby Bay in the background. Or another favourite was always visiting Portmeirion in Northern Wales and getting a bird’s eye view.
So, if you are visiting Porto, I would make sure you do the Cable Car on your first day, as you won’t want the next few days to quickly zoom past and you miss your opportunity.
Meet Mariana
Mariana is a Portuguese Expat living in Yorkshire. She made the move from Porto in Northern Portugal to England when she married Jack in early 2023. On a visit back to Porto to visit family she spent 2 days exploring all the tourist hotspots of Porto including many hidden gems for the readers of Trip Meets Travel.
What Are Porto Cable Cars?
The cable cars are basically a high up view of the city of Porto. You sit in what they call a cable car and are transported through the city of Porto, getting the best view as you can. Think of the view you get in a big wheel city and expect similar views with the cable cars. Yet, unlike a big wheel you are moving along a cable track, meaning you get more Portuguese beauty in your shot.
Of course, nobody explains the cable cars better than a local and this is what Mariana said about the cable cars.
The cable cars connect the high part of the city to the lower part of Gaia. The journey takes around 6 minutes, where you get to enjoy a view of Gaia as well as the Douro River, the bridges and Porto’s old town, which is right on the other side. It’s located by Jardim do Morro (Morro Gardens) and the tram station. As someone who is scared of heights, I can assure that the Cable Cars are very safe and stable. There was me thinking I was the only one with an issue with heights but it seems I am not alone and I do prefer the look and safety of these over the big wheel at Zoo Marine in the Algarve, because I was always convinced Kyle would bolt and jump over as it was never this high at the sides. But before you jump on your cable car and enjoy a great ride through Porto, lets talk about the main attractions included from the cable car…..
Gaia
The cable Porto Cable Cars actually take place in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Because of its association with Gaia most people refer to the cable car experience as the Porto Gaia cable car.
If you are not familiar with Gaia in Porto, Gaia is a city and a municipality in Porto District. It is located south of the city of Porto on the other side of the Douro River.
So, if that’s a little confusing, if you’re in Porto looking at the river you’ll see a city on the other side, that’s Gaia. You can access it by crossing the bridge (both from the bottom or the top of the bridge).
Gaia has an area of 168.46 km² and a total population of 302,295 inhabitants.
Some attractions and sights you might not want to miss in Gaia are their beaches, their parks and gardens like the Jardim do Morro (Morro Garden) which is where the Cable Cars are situated and where if you visit around the time when the sun is setting, you’ll be able to see the most stunning view of the sunset.
Douro River
Cable cars in Porto are probably used the most for that amazing view of the Douro River.
The Douro River is the third longest river of the Iberian Peninsula. Rising in the Sierra de Urbión in Spain, crossing the north part of Portugal into the Atlantic Ocean.
The scenery and slow-flowing waters make the Douro River the perfect setting for boat cruises. These cruises can range from half-day tours that depart from Porto to week-long cruises on more upscale luxurious ships.
The Douro Cruises are often connected to the Porto Wine and the viewing of where the grapes get planted and collected.
In the Douro Region there’s a grape-growing region – fun fact, the hills where the grapes are planted are so steep that it makes it impossible for the fruit to be collected by machinery, which makes the Douro Region the world’s only major grape-growing region where the grapes are harvested by hand.
The Douro River is truly a beautiful river and if you look down whilst on the cable car, you’ll get an amazing view of said river, as well as the cruises, the main Porto bridge, Porto Old Town and of course Gaia.
Top tip, if you do the cable cars or choose to go to Gaia on a Saturday, there will be a little market with local vendors.
The Bridges
If there is just one photo that would make you stop and look on Pinterest of the views of Porto it would be the gorgeous bridge across the river Douro.
Known as the Dom Luís I Bridge or Ponte D. Luís I in Portugueseits history is remarkable.
The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge built on the Douro River between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Designed by German architect, Téophile Seyrig, a disciple and business partner of French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the The Dom Luís I Bridge was completed in 1886.
Originally built for road traffic, the upper span of the bridge now carries Line D of the Porto metro and as well as a pedestrian walkway. While the down span is meant for cars and has a walkway for people to walk on. Making it possible to be crossed, by foot, from the upper and down level.
On top of its functionality, when crossing and if you can put your fear of heights aside, you get an amazing view of the Douro River, Porto Old Town and Gaia.
The Old Town
For many tourists visiting Porto, they won’t venture to the old town because it’s at the far side of the city of Porto.
But what you can do instead is get a one way ticket on the cable cars and get off at the old town, then have a good explore and then later on head back on the cable cars. It will save a lot of walking and then you get the chance to explore the best of both.
Porto Old Town, also known as Ribeira, just like the name tells us, is an older part of Porto city. This is noticeable by looking at the charming little houses that were built right by the edge of the river.
Although many people still live in these houses, due to age most of the houses became inhabitable. So, they were transformed and remodelled, while still keeping its charm, into small little cafes and restaurants.
So, a few things you can do in Old Town, on top of just indulging in the sights, is to have a break and try the food.
If you plan to visit Old Town on a Saturday the locals, put out a little market, just like in Gaia, where you can buy little gifts to bring back from your travels.
When Is The Cable Car in Porto Portugal Open?
The cable car in Porto Portugal has a few different opening times depending on the season. The winters are not that cold in Portugal allowing them to open all year around.
Here are the main opening times by season for the Porto Cable Cars:
May and June:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays: 10:00- 19:00
July and September:
Everyday, from 10:00 – 19:00
October and December:
Everyday, from 10:00 – 18:00
Our Visit On The Cable Cars
Once we had arrived at the cable cars in Porto it was fairly quick to actually get inside.
You’ll have to make your way where the cable cars are, of course, either from crossing the top part of the bridge (which will mean your cable car journey will start from the top to the bottom of the city) or cross the bridge from the lower level which of course will take you from the bottom of the city to the top on your cable car journey.
We planned to only do a one way journey, starting from the top and getting off at the bottom, which then allowed us to explore Gaia and the market that was happening on that day.
From getting inside of the building to getting in the cable car took around 5-10 minutes. There were no lines, just the small one waiting to get in the cable car itself. We decided to go on the cable cars just after lunch.
A picture was taken of us (which is totally optional and free of charge but will have a cost of 10 euros if you choose to have it).
The ride was approximately 6 minutes and very smooth, the cable cars are secure and don’t swing with the wind.
Coming from someone who is very scared of heights, the fear quickly vanished once we were in the air, and I was taken by the amazing view.
Where To Stay In Porto
Porto has some brilliant places to stay especially for being close to all the major attractions. You also have something for every budget with cheap, mid-range and pure city centre comfort.
I have included below three amazing choices all with great reviews and perfect for city break to Porto.
Luxury Porto: InterContinental Porto Hotel is a five-star hotel in the city of Porto. Located in the Historic Centre region, its architecture bleeds right in with surrounding buildings. The rooms are beautifully decorated and will offer all the comfort you’re looking for. The hotel also offers an indoor sauna that you can take advantage of, as well as massages and body treatments – Click here for more details including loads of photos, reviews and more about the facilities.
City Moderate: The Eurostars Porto Douro Hotel is a four star Hotel in Porto City if you’re looking for a solid mid-range. Located in the Old Town region, makes it perfect for you to explore the historic part of the city while getting a beautiful view of the Douro River right from your window – Click here for photos, more info and to read the glowing reviews.
City Budget: If you’re looking for a more budget friendly hotel then Moov Hotel Porto Centro Hotel will be a great option for you. The hotel offers multiple affordable rooms, and its location makes it easy to explore the Porto city centre, without breaking the bank – You can find out more here about this Porto budget hotel and just check out the photos, it is amazing.
Cable Car Porto Review
We loved using the cable cars in Porto for our bird’s eye view of Porto. Especially for the view of the bridge in Porto.
It’s location is very easy to get to, it’s not super overcrowded and you just can’t beat the view you get on the ride.
The cable cars are very safe and secure which makes for an anxiety free ride.
On top of that you can go home with a lovely photograph and a booklet of all the best places to visit in Porto.
To get the most out of the cable cars we recommend pairing it with a stop at one of the drop off points such as Gaia pier, or maybe taking a trip to the old town. We chose The Don Luis I Bridge.
Don Luis I Bridge
After coming out of the Cable Cars we walked along the Gaia pier, making our way to cross the Don Luis I Bridge.
This Porto bridge connects Porto and the neighbouring city of Gaia. Made of metal, it measures 395 metres and it’s divided by a top and bottom part (both crossable by foot).
On top of its main purpose of connecting the two cities, you get an amazing view of both cities from the top.
Cable Car Porto Visitor Information
- Where is the Porto Cable Cars located? The Cable Cars are located close to the tram station and the Jardim do Morro (Morro Gardens).
- Cable car top entrance. You can choose to enter via the top entrance and this location is Rua Rocha Leão, Estação do Teleférico.
- Cable car bottom entrance. Or you can enter at the bottom of the cable car with the plan to head back up. This location is Avenida Ramos Pinto – Cais de Gaia.
- Does Porto have parking? If you require to take a car or transportation there are a few local parking spots available, just be aware that most charge an hourly rate. Though do note that the Cable Cars are easily accessible by foot, so if you can we advise you to walk there.
- Cable car in Porto prices. The price for entry into the cable cars are great value for money and a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) pay just 22,50€. Children under 5 are free, children over 5 are 5€ and adults are 10€. This is based on a return ticket and single rides are even cheaper.
- Does the cable cars have toilets nearby? We are not aware if the Cable Cars have toilets. Though if you do want or need to use the toilet, there are nearby places that will let you use their facilities but be aware that you might have to consume something in order to be able to.
- When is the cable cars open? The Porto Gaia cable car is open at 10am and depending on the season remains open to 6pm or 7pm.
- Can you just turn up at the cable cars or do you need tickets? In order to ride the cable cars, you need a ticket, so we advise you to get your tickets online in advance.
- What else can you visit in Porto that is nearby? One of the best and singular things about Porto on top of the great food and culture) is that the city is small which means that a lot of the sights and attractions will be within walking distance from each other. We recommend you read our things to do in Porto and if you want a quick idea on what to do that’s nearby you have – Gaia River side that will provide you with many restaurants and entertainment, you have the The Dom Luís I Bridge, the Douro River, the Morro Gardens and the Morro Palace.
Pin Visiting Cable Cars Porto For Later!
Well, that’s a wrap, do you have any questions then do ask below and if you want to refer back, to this later for planning your porto visit then don’t forget to pin it to your travel board or days out board on Pinterest.
