How To Spend a Day in Vila Nova de Gaia – OUR CROSSINGS

With its quays lined with restaurants and stunning viewpoints, Gaia is a must-visit for a trip to Porto.

Vila Nova de Gaia boasts panoramic views of the Douro River, white sand beaches, and ancient monasteries, and is where the Port wine cellars were built in the 1700s.

But a wine tour is not the only reason to visit this area. When wandering the quiet streets, you can discover many incredible places.

Given that Vila Nova de Gaia is located directly across the river, many people assume it is part of Porto, but it’s actually a city in its own right.

You can easily spend the best part of a day here, although if you’re planning on visiting museums and beaches, you might need another half day, depending on how much you want to see.

So let’s take a look at what to do in Vila Nova de Gaia with this complete guide to the city’s top attractions.

Taking in the sweeping views from a viewpoint near the cable car station

Start your Day With A Stroll Around the Historical Centre of Gaia

The historic centre of Gaia might be less extensive than Porto’s; nevertheless, it offers a serene atmosphere when you walk through the quiet alleys between the cellars.

Once you’ve explored the little back alleys, make your way to the lively riverfront where shops sell the typical blue and white tiles, colourful pottery and cork purses.

As well as this, when we visited on Saturday, the entire street was bursting with colourful market stalls. We spotted the typical tourist fare, but also some gorgeous jewellery and scarves, too.

All along the river, you will also find many opportunities to take a boat trip in a traditional Portuguese-style boat that was used to carry goods up and down the river.

We had taken a boat trip the previous day from the north side of the river, but I would recommend getting a boat trip from the Gaia side instead because it was cheaper!

Head To The Monastery of Serra do Pilar For an Amazing View

The Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar is a circular former monastery that takes its name from the mountain range on which it sits, the Serra do Pilar.

It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996; it is a true landmark of Vila Nova de Gaia.

While the architecture is noteworthy, it’s the views from the balcony surrounding the cloister’s top that earn the most praise and are well worth the small entrance fee.

Due to its hilltop location, it offers one of the most spectacular views over Porto, the red roof tiles of Gaia and the Douro River.

After you’ve enjoyed the views, you can explore the interior and marvel at impressive carved gold leaf altars with Solomonic columns.

There are also wooden carvings of the saints Eulalia, Apollonia and Augustine.

Opening times: Low season: 09h30 – 17h30, High season: 09h30 – 18h30

Entrance fees: Patrimony Room, Cloister & Viewing platform: €3.00

Sweeping city views from the viewing platform

Fly Over the City with the Gaia Cable Car

To see Porto from a new perspective, you can go for a ride on the Gaia Cable Car.

We gave it a go, and it turned out to be a convenient and time-saving option due to the ease and efficiency it provided for going up and down.

While paying 10 euros for a five-minute one-way ride seems a lot for such a short trip, once you see how much of a trek it would be to get up and down to the top of the bridge, you realise that the ride serves its purpose well.

Plus, seeing the city’s ginger rooftops from 300 meters of altitude only adds to the experience.

*Good to know – The carriages are a little bit tricky to board as they continuously move, so if you have mobility issues, it may not be for you.

Gaia cable car is an efficient shortcut to get up or down.

Immerse Yourself in Wine History at one of the Port Wine Cellars

If you wish to try Port wine during a trip to Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the top places to go.

There are lots of Port Caves in Gaia, with many of them open to the public and offering tours and tasting.

Here, you can step into the legendary world of Sandeman Port, one of the most iconic names in Port wine.

Inside its historic cellars, you’ll travel through over two centuries of tradition, guided by the mysterious figure of The Don.

The Sandeman Hall immerses you in the brand’s origins, taking you back to 1790s London through artwork, rare artefacts, and bold early advertising campaigns.

Don’t miss the remarkable collection of vintage bottles, one of the most extensive in Europe, tracing the evolution of glassmaking and its influence on fine wine ageing since 1650.

The famous Sandeman Port cellars in Gaia

Find The Half Rabbit

Designed and completed by a Portuguese artist, Bordallo II, Half a Rabbit is a giant sculpture made of recycled materials and trash collected from the city.

Plastic containers, street signs and metal pieces are some of the materials used to create the rabbit’s ears, eyes and whiskers.

The artwork is a nod towards humanity’s wastefulness and the impact it has on the natural environment.

The artist has created many similar pieces all around Portugal, but this is perhaps his most famous.

The mural is tucked down on one of the side streets and takes up the corner of a building.

The Half Rabbit is literally made from recycled trash

Grab A Lunch In One Of The Restaurants Along The Cais de Gaia

Once you are done with a port wine tour, go for a walk along the vibrant riverside district of Cais de Gaia.

It is lined with many wonderful restaurants where you can savour fresh fish paired with a glass of Porto.

As you walk around, savour the views of Porto and of traditional rabelo boats, once used to transport wine barrels down the Douro River, a charming nod to the region’s winemaking heritage.

Some of the restaurants can be easily accessed on foot, some require a short taxi ride, but they are all wonderful places where you can pause and indulge.

Brasão Salgueiros – a beautifully decorated restaurant with stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere, where you can have dinner on a terrace.

Enoteca 17.56 – located at Rua Serpa Pinto 44b in Vila Nova de Gaia, the restaurant offers an unforgettable wining and dining experience as well as wonderful river views

Mira Mira – led by a famous Portuguese chef, Ricardo Costa, the restaurant offers traditional Portuguese flavours mixed with modern cooking techniques.

Enoteca 17.56 is perfect for a special meal.

Discover some of the most beautiful beaches

If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, you can escape to the beach.

One of the most beautiful beaches in the region is Praia de Miramar, which stands out thanks to a chapel nestled on a rock in the middle of the beach.

It is one of the symbolic places of Gaia and the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset. You can get there by car, by urban train (Linha Aveiro from General Torres railway station in Gaia) or by bike.

Other beaches worth checking out are:

Praia da Madalena – A beautiful beach with nearby bars and restaurants.

Praia de Miramar – Known for its charming chapel, “Capela do Senhor da Pedra” dramatically situated on the rocks by the sea

Praia de Lavadores – Ideal for strolling along the ocean at sunset.

Miramar Beach with the Capela do Senhor da Pedra

Learn about Flora and Fauna at the Gaia Biological Park

If you wish to marvel at the animal and plant life, then head to Gaia Biological Park, which is a refuge of natural beauty and tranquillity.

The charming park is located in the valley of the River Febros and houses hundreds of flora and fauna species in their natural habitat.

There is also a recovery centre for wild animals that have been wounded or illegally held in captivity, and a nursery that produces thousands of plants each year.

As you explore the park, you’ll find and learn about various native animals such as wild boars, foxes, deer and others.

In addition to wild animals, you will also find a fantastic diversity of plants typical of the region and well-signposted trails that let you explore the park on a bike.

Address: Rua Cunha Avintes, Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening hours: Daily: Oct-Mar 9am-5pm & Apr-Sep 9am-6pm

Admire Porto

Situated across the Douro River from Porto’s historic centre, Vila Nova de Gaia is the best place to take in unobstructed view of the cityscape of Porto.

It’s a view not to be missed and to be savoured.

As the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia provide natural elevation, you get to take in stunning panoramic views of the city’s skyline, the Douro River, the Rabelo boat sailing and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

Many of Gaia’s viewpoints feature bars, restaurants, and terraces, making them ideal for enjoying wine while taking in the unfolding scenery.

Some of our favourite points of view to admire Porto from Gaia are Graham’s restaurant, Serra do Pilar, Yeatman’s bar, Porto Cruz’s terrace, and Calçada da Serra street.

The traditional wooden boats called “rabelo boats”

Stop by Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

If you don’t mind trying a local speciality in a more touristy environment, stop by Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau.

While most people stop by it to sample Codfish Cake with PDO Serra Cheese filling, I was drawn to Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau by its stunning interior and a shiny chandelier.

As we arrived just in time for an organ concert, it only added to the delightful experience to sample the crispy golden dumplings made with the finest codish.

It cost 15 EUR for a salt cod and cheese snack and a glass of white port, and you can even keep the glass and the paddle as a souvenir.

Address: Av. de Diogo Leite, 122, Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10am – 11pm and Friday and Saturday: 10am – 11pm

The wonderful interior of Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

End Your Day by Watching a Sunset at Jardim do Morro

After a long day of exploring, it’s time to wind down.

Head to Jardim do Morro, which is known as one of the best places to watch a sunset over Porto, and find a spot to sit down.

This public garden, located close to the cable car station, is a wonderful place where locals and visitors gather at the end of the day to be captivated by the view of Porto’s neighbourhoods, illuminated at dusk.

Once you arrive, you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere with buskers playing music, people chatting, and vendors selling wine and beer from portable coolers.

If you fancy, you can get a drink from one of the vendors, or you can bring your own.

As this is one of the best sunset spots in Porto, you can expect lots of people; some of them relaxing after a busy day sightseeing, some of them just warming up for a night of partying.

While the ying curtain of clouds diffused the sun’s diffused colours during our visit, we still had a memorable time soaking up the mellow vibe and the sweeping views over the city.

Getting there: Walk across the top of Dom Luis Bridge

Additional Places If You Have More Time

If you are staying in Gaia for longer than a day, there are many more wonderful places worth checking out.

Church of Santa Marinha – a little parish church that was built in the 16th century

WOW (World of Wine) – Gaia’s cultural quarter, home to several museums, bars, and restaurants

Convent of Corpus Christi – a Dominican convent founded in 1345 by Dona Maria Mendes Petite

Casa Barbot – House of Culture that offers space for exhibitions and events such as seminars, workshops, book launches, and musical performances.

Aqueduct of the Arches of Sardão – an aqueduct built in 1720 consisting of twenty-three large full arches, supported by the same number of pillars.

Cork experience at World of Wine in Gaia, Portugal

How To Get To Vila Nova de Gaia

Vila Nova de Gaia is situated directly across from Porto, on the opposite side of the Douro River.

To get there, you can simply:

Walk: Cross the Dom Luís I bridge in 10 minutes from Porto’s centre.

By tram: Take the metro line D to the Jardim do Morro station.

By taxi or Uber: A quick and convenient option for a few euros.

By water taxi: An original experience that allows you to cross the Douro.

Tourists crossing the bridge to get to Gaia

Where to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia

Vila Nova de Gaia can easily be used as a home base for exploring Porto and the North of Portugal.

While there aren’t as many hotels in Vila Nova de Gaia as there are in Porto’s historic centre, you can still find several choices to consider for every budget.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, you can check into Five Star Luxury at The Yeatman Hotel, where you’ll feel pampered from the moment you walk in the door.

The House of Sandeman – Hostel & Suites offers reasonable rates for budget-conscious travellers.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Vila Nova de Gaia? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Vila Nova de Gaia and have travel-related questions!

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