Arrábida Bridge (Ponte da Arrábida)

The Basics

While the bridge's architectural excellence makes it worth a visit in its own right, many people who come here do so expressly for the option to climb up 213 feet (65 meters) to the top of the bridge, where they'll be greeted with an exhibit on Portuguese bridges alongside expansive city views. If you'd rather see if from below, tours and cruises pass by throughout the day.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Ponte da Arrábida is a must-visit for anyone interested in engineering or architecture.

• The bridge climb is only open to visitors age 12 and up.

• Dress comfortably and wear good shoes if you want to ascend the bridge’s 262 steps.

• This attraction is not suitable for wheelchair users or strollers.

How to Get There

The Arrábida Bridge spans the Douro River, between the cities of Porto and Villa Nova de Gaia in the Norte Region of Portugal. Bridge climbing tours generally depart from the northern side of the bridge, right by the riverbank, near the Ponte Arrábida light rail station (tram line 1). The Casa da Música metro station is about a 10-minute drive away.

When to Get There

The bridge is a year-round attraction, though tours to the top only take place in the afternoon until sunset (except under special prearrangements). If you're visiting on a cruise, you'll be at the mercy of boat schedules. To see and photograph the bridge from the riverbanks below, come early in the morning for the best light.

Dom Luís I Bridge

Porto's other celebrated bridge, Ponte de Dom Luís, stretches across the Douro River just east of Arrábida Bridge. It was built at the end of the 19th century and was the longest double-decker metal arch bridge at the time. While the Dom Luís Bridge doesn't offer climbing opportunities, it does offer some fantastic city views.