Ponte de Dom Luís I, Northern Portugal, Portugal

5nicole p 5:00 PM Feb 19, 2023

Enjoy the views and get some exercise!
It’s « just a bridge » but a great one to get some views of the city and enjoy a hike up to get in some cardio. We started from the historic side and took the stairs up - the line for the funicular was quite long and we wanted the exercise. There are a few stops on the way up and a little cafe too. Once at the top, we strolled across and only had to move over once for the metro. The views were stunning. At the other side, we took the cable car down (purchase ticket inside of the station gift shop if the website is down - it’s 7euro per adult one way). On the way back we strolled the water front and to the lower section of the bridge. The lower section was under going maintenance so there was zero flavored through the fencing and it was single file with people walking bikes so it was slow. We took the lower section back.

5Denny S 5:00 PM Mar 3, 2022

19th century engineering at its best
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.