Ponte de Dom Luís I
Ponte de Dom Luís I
4.5
About
Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience Ponte de Dom Luís I
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,270 within 3 miles
Attractions
501 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Steve_of_N21London, United Kingdom2,040 contributionsThe Iconic metal bridge of PortoWhenever 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.Traveled as a coupleWritten May 14, 2022
- Denny SGothenburg, Sweden184 contributions19th century engineering at its bestPonte 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 March 4, 2022
- Mark HSonoma, California2,399 contributionsPonte de Dom Luis Forms an Engineered Tiera Over the Douro RiverSpanning the Douro River between Porto (north bank) and Gia (south bank), Ponte de Dom Luis I is a double deck engineered work of art. The soaring trellised arch elegantly echoes the Maria Pia Bridge slightly upriver. Both bridges were designed or inspired by Gustave Eiffel, the designer and engineer of the Paris Eiffel Tower. Ponte de Dom Luis was the brainchild of Théophile Seyrig, a German engineer and disciple of Eiffel, who had worked on the Maria Pia Bridge. Both reflect Eiffel’s innovative light structural lattice approach that is not only elegant, but also functional: it allowed the total weight of metal need in a structure to be reduced by with 20 to 30% over design practices in the 1800s. With a length of 566 ft, the upper deck handles only metro trams, while the lower deck accommodates cars and trucks, but fortunately both decks have pedestrian passageways. This lends itself to an excellent walking tour of Porto and Gian from both the lower and upper levels. For instance, we spent the night on a boat in Gaia and walked along the waterfront Av. de Diogo Leite to the lower deck, where there is a pedestrian crossing in the center of the span. You come out on the scenic waterfront Cais de Rebiera on the Porto side. Work your way uphill and toward the bridge. There are several possibilities. However, I highly recommend you include the train station in your path for its spectacular blue tiles. When you reach R. da Ribiera Negra, head toward the monument Pilares Ponte Pênsil D. Maria II. There are pedestrian lanes on either side of the upper deck. This crossing is more scenic that the lower crossing. Continue to the south bank to a lovely park, Jardim do Moro. Adjacent to the park is upper terminus of the Gia Cable Car, which you can ride back down to the Gaia waterfront/port warehouse area. Of course, if you wanted to walk downhill instead of uphill, you could reverse our path. Decide your own route depending on where you would start and where you want to end up, but don't miss this beautiful walk. There are tours but this could be easily done on your own with a simple map.Written November 22, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
24,951 reviews
Excellent
17,067
Very good
7,048
Average
774
Poor
42
Terrible
20
Witold
Jelenia Gora, Poland21 contributions
Jan 2023
Crossing the upper pedestrian part of Luis 1 Bridge in a sunny afternoon with no wind is a pleasure on its own. We managed to admire the views and had a drink at Vici Hotel just by the other end lof the bridge. The lower passage is under construction and of course you can cross if you must, but is it is not a pleasure.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Familyoffduty
Western Ireland, Ireland637 contributions
Jan 2023
Extraordinary bridge built by Eiffel in the 1880's. A great walk with super views over the city. Worth the climb up the hill.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lizzie R
21 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Worth a visit as is a great view of the river and both sides of Porto. South of the river gets lively with music and drinks which is great fun.
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
carreroster
Colombia170 contributions
Dec 2022
If you are in Porto, this is a sighting that you are going to see regularly. This bridge dominates the city.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom V
Brussels, Belgium113 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
The Ponte Dom Luís I is a double-decker bridge in Porto that spans the River Douro. It connects the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood, home to many Port wine houses, with the Ribeira district of Porto. The bridge was designed by Téophile Seyrig and built between 1881 and 1886, replacing an earlier bridge on the same site. The Ponte Dom Luís I is notable for its two levels, with one on top of the arch and the other suspended below it. The top level originally carried road traffic but now also carries Porto Metro trains and has a pedestrian walkway. The lower level is still used for road traffic, but currently undergoing some construction. The bridge has a span of 172 meters and a height of 44.6 meters
Written December 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark3,763 contributions
Dec 2022
The picturesque Louis I bridge - that leads you from downtown Porto across the Douro River to all the port wine tastings on the side - has an upper and a lower deck. You can walk on both. The upper deck is for the brave, the lower deck is for all us ordinary mortals.
Don’t hesitate to cross the river! Just one portwine tasting is worth the effort (c;
Don’t hesitate to cross the river! Just one portwine tasting is worth the effort (c;
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jyc823
nj155 contributions
Dec 2022
Enjoyed our walk over the bridge, great view of Porto. Highly recommend if weather permits. We took the short cable car ride to avoid climbing any stairs to get to the bridge since we were already on the Gaia side.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WAStoy
Orlando, FL4 contributions
Dec 2022
Two levels to walk the Dom Luis l bridge, from the top level which is same level as the monorail /street level or the lower level, from which the view is slightly blocked due to ongoing construction work on the bridge. Either way, a good experience to get from Cais da Ribera over to the port wineries in Gaia, and back.
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gamain
Inverell, Australia1,436 contributions
Aug 2022
Viewing travel pamphlets of Porto, there always seemed to a photo of the Ponte de Dom Luis I. As a visitor arriving into Porto with so much to see in and around the Douro River, the Ponte de Dom Luis I, was a must see. To look up at the structure, to walk across with thousands of others, whilst taking in the views of Porto on the north bank of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank, was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The bridge is a fabulous viewing platform that just epitomises the location, whilst costing nothing, apart your time.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
T0urist7
Warsaw, Poland1,433 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Tripadviosrs seems to be very confusing for those who want to see Porto. Everything you love about traveling collides in Porto with a confidence that quickly dazzles visitors, from restaurants, wine to bridges (including the Luis Bridge), to views and much more. It is a mistake to choose the bridge as the best tourist attraction in Porto
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
z-barboutsi
Athens, Greece177 contributions
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.
mvtorŕes
Nova Lima, MG12 contributions
Saindo da Ribeira, quanto tempo de caminhada pela Ponte D. Luis I para chegar em Gaia?
Ricardo S
7 contributions
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.
Caroline L
Johannesburg, South Africa7 contributions
Ho long is the tour to climb the bridge?
Broadster67
Derbyshire, United Kingdom280 contributions
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...
Sheris H
Suriname6 contributions
Question, where can I book the sunset tour? Planning my vacay in May. Thanks sher
Luiz Fernando C
Rio de Janeiro, RJ100 contributions
Maybe in a turist point Near there.
Joka_Cabral
Porto, Portugal3 contributions
O nome da ponte NÃO é D. Luís I , mas apenas Luiz I !!!
A ponte D.Luis I fica em Santarem!!!
Tiago165
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal39 contributions
obrigado. Ia referir o mesmo.
Porto in October reviews
Ed G M
Penticton, Canada157 contributions
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!
Kathryn S
chorley160 contributions
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
martinmolloy72
Manchester, UK796 contributions
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.
Ferrie240
Rijswijk, The Netherlands5 contributions
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.
lukaszd_1984
Wloclawek, Poland25 contributions
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 :)
Ponte de Dom Luís I (Porto) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ponte de Dom Luís I
- We recommend booking Ponte de Dom Luís I tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 116 Ponte de Dom Luís I tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ponte de Dom Luís I:
- Highlights & Hidden Gems of Porto: Private City Tour (From $64.89)
- Private Porto Secrets Walking Tour With free Port Wine Tasting (From $27.50)
- Oporto Six Bridges Cruise (From $16.50)
- 3-Hour of Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike - Guided Tour (From $42.89)
- The Best of Porto: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour (From $31.90)
- Hotels near Ponte de Dom Luís I:
- (0.11 mi) Vincci Ponte de Ferro
- (0.10 mi) Oh! Porto
- (0.09 mi) Bridge It
- (0.17 mi) Casa dos Guindais
- (0.10 mi) Apartamentos Sobre O Douro
- Restaurants near Ponte de Dom Luís I:
- (0.07 mi) Bacchus Vini
- (0.08 mi) Casinha Sao Joao
- (0.10 mi) Porto Escondido
- (0.12 mi) A Bolina
- (0.11 mi) Taberna Rio