Luís I Bridge
Luís I Bridge
4.5
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Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.
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- Sylvia DrSoul FernandezSan Juan, Puerto Rico12,271 contributionsFor me the most beutiful bridge in Porto day and night! See my pics! #lawofattractionphotosThe most beutiful hotel, view and breakfast in Porto! And if Ines is by your side you will surely enjoy it more. She took care of me all morning while I enjoyed my breakfast and the amazing views here! The quality of the food is amazing and a buffe for €20 is nothing when you get ALL you want with excellent service (Inés) and just breathtaking views! See for yourself in my photos #lawofattractionphotos ❣️❣️❣️ I started by sitting inside and then realized the view was worth $1,000 and came out for breakfast!! What a view! Quality of the food is great and service/ Inés amazing!Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 24 September 2023
- Deborah D DeWittAmsterdam, The Netherlands293 contributionsOur Fear of Heights Conquered!The first time my friend and I visited in September it was a bit rainy and when we attempted to walk across we were a little intimidated, so we turned around. We vowed to get across this bridge the next time, so when we went back in October it was sunny and clear and we made it a point to get across this bridge. The views are amazing, if you have a fear of heights. We started on the Gaia side and walked to the Porto side. We figured if we continued to talk then we would not look and become shaken...LOL. We made it and took some amazing photos to celebrate! My late husband would be proud of me.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 13 October 2023
- Bandit-OneLucerne, Switzerland10,198 contributionsAn impressive sight and amazing viewsThis is another great piece of architecture in Porto and a definitive must-see and do. If you want to cross the river Douro, then this is a great way to do so. Be it on the lower level or on the top level. For the amazing city views of course you should head to the top. There are some cable-cars passing the bridge. But not very frequently, so there's a lot of space, even though full with visitors. There's always a gap to be found to take in the views or to take some pics. At its construction, its 172 metres span was the longest of its type in the world. The construction was to be administered by Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. It was inaugurated on October 31st, 1886. There are many reasons to come to this bridge. The city views, the river Douro views. Or for the bridge itself and its stunning architecture and history.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2023
- GarfieldluvrDenver, Colorado973 contributionsBreathtaking Bridge!We walked across both the lower part and upper part of this bridge during our two days in Porto, and I recommend you do the same. The lower part is not as scenic of course, but takes you to the section with all the port wineries, which has a great view of the city. The upper section of the bridge has a fantastic view of the river and an even better view of the city once you make it to the other side. The bridge itself is breathtaking.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 November 2023
- Colin T1 contributionPorto Christmas marketsVery nice place to visit and very easy to get around by public transport! Was very disappointed with the Christmas markets to which our visit was based around! But genuinely enjoyed the city all the same though!! Will definitely visit the city again!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 January 2024
- Quzc0Malaysia165 contributionsIconic BridgeThe iconic bridge of Porto. Pictures do not do the bridge justice, you just have to come admire it with your own eyes. It is beautiful in any angel, especially during sunset. Walking across the bridge (side by side with the tram) itself is an experience.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 January 2024
- KomatorBarcelona, Spain902 contributionsLandmark in PortoThe Puente D. Luis I is one of the landmarks of Porto. It's one of the bridges that connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. It's a metallic bridge that looks stunning when the sun sets and it lights up. Compared to other bridges (like those in Budapest, Prague...), it's a rather ordinary bridge.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 January 2024
- VanessaLytham St Anne's, United Kingdom4,259 contributionsSpectacular Bridge. Great sun sets over it.Iconic bridge with great views of Porto and Vila Nova De Gaia. Two levels to the bridge and accessible by road and path. There is a funicular at the side of it to take you up to the top of the city, but this wasn't working when we went. (Be prepared for lots of steep hills and steps!) We wandered over the bridge a couple of times to visit the other side which is a must! There is lots to do and see over there too.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 March 2024
- Ann HYork, United Kingdom2,524 contributionsGreat viewsWe were lucky enough to have stunning views of this bridge from our apartment and could see it lit up at night in all its glory. There are two levels to it that you can walk across and it is worth doing this to explore both sides of the river. Lots of places to sit and admire this amazing structure while enjoying a drink.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 March 2024
- hmill42894New York City, New York322 contributionsWalk over both levelsA walk over the bridge is a necessary stop on most Porto trips. We walked over the much smaller lower level from Cais de Ribeira to the other side of the river, and then walked across the upper level back from Vila Nova de Gaia. Was a nice place to walk; be aware that metro trains cross the bridge too so just be careful.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 April 2024
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Jacqui J
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK114 contributions
Jan 2020
We did most of our trip by foot, the place is beautiful, I love the way they keep the facade of the older properties and completely knock the inside down and re-build. England should take note as we knock down and build monstrous ugly buildings in place. The only down side we found was two things, the food seemed boring, the same sort of thing in most restaurants and believe me we looked at hundreds. Several were closed, to get something different you had to pay a lot of money. The second thing was people begging and aggressively, they actually pull you or get hold of your hand, we had this happen at least once a day, but they were everywhere.
There was one man with three little dogs not far from the hotel, we went past him at 10am going out then in the evening at 7.30 he was still there but hanging one of the dogs in the air with it’s lead while kicking the other two little dogs. It was very upsetting I fact I tried to stop him. This upset me and quite a lot of people passing by.
There was one man with three little dogs not far from the hotel, we went past him at 10am going out then in the evening at 7.30 he was still there but hanging one of the dogs in the air with it’s lead while kicking the other two little dogs. It was very upsetting I fact I tried to stop him. This upset me and quite a lot of people passing by.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
philtraveller
Bristol, UK302 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
PhilTraveller says: this bridge dominates the Ribeira area, and spans the Douro River.
It had two levels - one connects the higher parts of the city either side of the Douro River, and is used by the city’s excellent metro trains. And you can walk into it from street level and cross to the pleasant PatK opposite Ribeira.
The second lower level is at river height and carries cars, and again you can walk it, to get between Ribeira and the port wine merchants across the river.
TIP: if you are staying uphill from the river, then a great circular walk would be to head first to the top level if the bridge ( rather than going down to the lower river level)... cross the upper level , visit the park & cathedral, and then wind your way on foot down to the port wine merchants on the riverside below (or take the cable car down ) ... then walk back across the lower level of the bridge to Ribeira.
The bridge is free to cross. It’s very safe and easy to walk ... no movement etc.
It had two levels - one connects the higher parts of the city either side of the Douro River, and is used by the city’s excellent metro trains. And you can walk into it from street level and cross to the pleasant PatK opposite Ribeira.
The second lower level is at river height and carries cars, and again you can walk it, to get between Ribeira and the port wine merchants across the river.
TIP: if you are staying uphill from the river, then a great circular walk would be to head first to the top level if the bridge ( rather than going down to the lower river level)... cross the upper level , visit the park & cathedral, and then wind your way on foot down to the port wine merchants on the riverside below (or take the cable car down ) ... then walk back across the lower level of the bridge to Ribeira.
The bridge is free to cross. It’s very safe and easy to walk ... no movement etc.
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denny S
Gothenburg, Sweden177 contributions
Feb 2022
Ponte Dom de Luis I bridge is a double deck metal arch bridge spanning the Douro river between the Porto Old Town (Ribeira district) and the wine making district of Vila Nova de Gaia, constructed 1881-1886. At the highest level, 60 meters above the water, you have a fantastic view of the city. The lower level is the easiest to use if you are going to the port wine houses in Vila Nova de Gaia. The iron framework of this bridge is a very beautiful sight and it's a true icon of the city of Porto. It has clear similarities with the Eiffel Tower because it was designed by the German architect Teophile Seyring who was a business partner of Gustave Eiffel. This is of course a must in Porto.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve_of_N21
London, UK3,273 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Whenever you see pictures of Porto they always include this famous historic bridge. Dating back to 1886 the bridge was completed by Théophile Seyrig, who was a student of Gustavo Eiffel, and connects the city to Vila Nova de Gaia, the neighbouring municipality, where the famous Port Wine cellars are located. It’s iconic status comes from having two spans, the upper deck being for the subway trains and pedestrians and the lower deck primarily for road traffic with a narrower walkway for pedestrians.
At the moment the lower deck is undergoing some much needed renovation work to protect it for future generations and is closed to traffic. It is still open for pedestrians but it is true to say the walk across at this level is not particularly pleasant at the moment.
The walk across the top deck is quite spectacular and affords some excellent views and even for those with bad vertigo I would recommend it as you can always walk in the middle of the bridge, just keep an eye and ear out for the subway trains.
At the moment the lower deck is undergoing some much needed renovation work to protect it for future generations and is closed to traffic. It is still open for pedestrians but it is true to say the walk across at this level is not particularly pleasant at the moment.
The walk across the top deck is quite spectacular and affords some excellent views and even for those with bad vertigo I would recommend it as you can always walk in the middle of the bridge, just keep an eye and ear out for the subway trains.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ays Espiritu
Bonn, Germany374 contributions
Jul 2019
We walked pass this bridge many times as we stayed in Vila Nova de Gaia. It is really lovely to look at and a lovely spot to enjoy the view.
The lower part of the bridge got a narrow path for pedestrians hence be careful. The vehicles crossing the bridge are driving slow though.
The upper part of the bridge are actually rail tracks but are open to pedestrians. There are security officers there to remind people when trains are passing. From here you get a lovely view of the sunset and both sides of the river.
The lower part of the bridge got a narrow path for pedestrians hence be careful. The vehicles crossing the bridge are driving slow though.
The upper part of the bridge are actually rail tracks but are open to pedestrians. There are security officers there to remind people when trains are passing. From here you get a lovely view of the sunset and both sides of the river.
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bahadir S.
Canakkale, Türkiye591 contributions
Apr 2019
Great bridge connecting the cities of Porto City and Gaia in the very center of Porto city. Designed by the architect of the Eiffel tower, Gustave Eiffel, this bridge is 85 meters high and 400 meters long. While road vehicles pass through the lower part, tramway passes through the upper part. If you are at the bottom and want to go to the upper part, you can take the funicular on the Porto side of the bridge and go up. The view at the top and walking here was really great. I strongly recommend that those who go to Porto go upstairs to this bridge.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ165,453 contributions
Nov 2019
A Beautiful Architectural Marvel
This is one of the most iconic bridges, that I have had the pleasure to observe, and even travel across. In November, we were back to Vila Nova de Gaia, and were again blessed with a view of the Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge from our room. It was gorgeous both night and day, and we awoke to it, and also went to be to it.
On this abbreviated trip (work truncated the visit on both ends), we only crossed it once, and that was to dine in Porto, across the River from us.
The structure is magnificent, and its unique structure is beautiful during the day, but it really comes to life in the evening, with the lighting, which reflect in the waters of the Douro below.
It serves three purposes, all aimed at crossing the mighty Douro River: it’s a pedestrian bridge (though we have never walked it), a railway bridge, and then an automobile traffic bridge.
This is a must do, when in Porto, or Vila Nova de Gaia, and we were blessed to be able to see it at all hours of the day.
This is one of the most iconic bridges, that I have had the pleasure to observe, and even travel across. In November, we were back to Vila Nova de Gaia, and were again blessed with a view of the Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge from our room. It was gorgeous both night and day, and we awoke to it, and also went to be to it.
On this abbreviated trip (work truncated the visit on both ends), we only crossed it once, and that was to dine in Porto, across the River from us.
The structure is magnificent, and its unique structure is beautiful during the day, but it really comes to life in the evening, with the lighting, which reflect in the waters of the Douro below.
It serves three purposes, all aimed at crossing the mighty Douro River: it’s a pedestrian bridge (though we have never walked it), a railway bridge, and then an automobile traffic bridge.
This is a must do, when in Porto, or Vila Nova de Gaia, and we were blessed to be able to see it at all hours of the day.
Written 31 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
culturedportugal
142 contributions
Feb 2020
We used this bridge to cross over to the other bank - we were lucky in that the weather was perfect and we had wonderful views of the river, café and restaurant along both banks and views of the other bridges. The metro which is mostly outdoor also uses this top tier of the bridge, but there is a separate area for pedestrians.
Pedestrians can also cross on the lower tier of the bridge. The upper tier is recommended for the extra views.
Pedestrians can also cross on the lower tier of the bridge. The upper tier is recommended for the extra views.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mk-L
New York City, NY60 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
You will get an amazing view of Porto from this bridge. If you time it right, you can also catch gorgeous sunsets from the bridge. Just a heads up, the subway also uses the bridge => keep your eyes open for the oncoming trains.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phatbloke
London, UK550 contributions
Jan 2020
After I'd visited the cathedral, having walked all that way up hill, I decided to walk over the bridge, great views of the city, but not for the faint hearted. I don't mind heights usually but it was quite intimidating tbh. But if you feel you can deal with it then do give it a go
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Θα μπορούσε κάποιος να μου πει αν είναι δυνατόν να βαδίσω στο επάνω τμήμα της γέφυρας, ξεκινώντας από το ιστορικό κέντρο της πόλης και από ποίο ακριβώς σημείο? Εννοώ χωρίς να χρησιμοποιήσω τελεφερίκ ή τρενάκι. Ευχαριστώ.
Written 6 October 2019
Saindo da Ribeira, quanto tempo de caminhada pela Ponte D. Luis I para chegar em Gaia?
Written 17 September 2018
Olá,ao sair da Ribeira terá 2 opções. fazer a passagem pelo tabuleiro inferior ou então pelo tabuleiro superior (aconselho esta última).
Para subir para o tabuleiro superior pode subir pelo elevador dos guindais ou então subir pelas escadas do codeçal. A travessia da ponte demora o normal 5/10min.
Written 18 September 2018
Ho long is the tour to climb the bridge?
Written 23 June 2018
The climb tour is on a different bridge. Not sure how long it would take but as you have guides and safety ropes etc...I would imagine 2 hours plus...
Written 5 July 2018
Question, where can I book the sunset tour? Planning my vacay in May. Thanks sher
Written 21 February 2018
Maybe in a turist point Near there.
Written 3 March 2018
O nome da ponte NÃO é D. Luís I , mas apenas Luiz I !!!
A ponte D.Luis I fica em Santarem!!!
Written 10 September 2017
obrigado. Ia referir o mesmo.
Written 14 November 2017
I would not worry about it! The bridge is quite wide so if you get nervous, you can walk in the middle of the track and not be forced to look down. I have some height issues but no worries for me here. Give it a try. You have to walk on the upper path but again, no big worries. The tram/train goes down the middle of the road so must be careful when walking that no train is coming. Not sure where to catch it but again, think it is more of a local tram than a train. Good luck! Drink LOTS of port while there...try the "green wine" "young wine" really good!
Written 15 June 2017
Hi, we are visiting Porto in a couole of weeks and the bridge is on my itinery but I am terrified of heights! Is it possible to walk at the lower level or are pedesrians only allowed on the upper track? Also which tram is it that you mention? Many thanks, Kathryn
Written 5 May 2017
You can walk along both levels but on the lower level the pavements are a bit narrow and you find yourself constantly dodging oncoming people. Its also busy with cars so you can't even walk on the road. The upper levels affords fantastic views of the city. If you can overcome your fears it is well worth it.
Written 8 May 2017
I was there too this last June. Quite a great firework. Fantastic! Another big impression made the shaking of the Dom Louis Bridge afterwards, when thousands op people try to reach the other side. Wow. The same experience as Rasapuzinaite.
Written 11 November 2016
lukaszd_1984
Wloclawek, Poland
Hi guys, i'm going to Porto on holidays, does anyone know if there's like a viewing point where I can see that bridge and a bit of city from above? Thanks in advance :)
Written 23 July 2016
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