Ponte de Dom Luís I (Luís I Bridge), Porto (must see)

The Douro river doesn’t do soft edges—its banks are carved in granite, and the bridges that cross it seem to rise straight out of that stone. Within less than a mile, you’ll spot two iron giants: the Dom Luís I Bridge and its close relative, the Dona Maria Pia Bridge. At first glance, they look almost like twins—same sweeping arches, same intricate ironwork stretched across the river like a web.

That resemblance isn’t a coincidence. The Dona Maria Pia Bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the very same mind behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Dom Luís I Bridge came from Teophile Seyrig, who had worked alongside Eiffel before going solo. So, what you’re looking at here is less of a copy and more of a friendly rivalry in iron. The Dom Luís I stretches 564 feet across and rises about 146 feet above the river, holding its own with quiet confidence.

Now here’s where things get interesting. This isn’t just a bridge but a two-tier experience. One level runs high across the top of the arch, while the other hangs below it. Originally, both were built for road traffic. Today, the upper deck belongs to the metro and pedestrians, while the lower level handles cars. And if you’re deciding where to walk, there’s really no debate—the top is where the magic happens.

Up there, the city opens up. The skyline of old Porto spreads out in front of you, with the cathedral and the Clergymen’s Tower rising above the rooftops like they’re keeping watch. The river curves below, boats drifting past, and for a moment, you’re not just crossing a bridge—you’re suspended between two sides of the city and two centuries of engineering ambition.

So, yes, Porto has more than one bridge. But if you’re picking just one to walk, make it this one. Come for the structure, stay for the view—and leave with just enough adrenaline to say you’ve done it properly.