6 bridges cruise in Porto: Is it worth it?

One of the most popular things to do in Porto is the 6 Bridges Cruise, so I decided to write…

Sara Riobom
17 de February de 2024

One of the most popular things to do in Porto is the 6 Bridges Cruise, so I decided to write this article answering the question burning in your chest (“Is it worth to take the 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto?”), and how to save money on this activity.

If you are tired for touristy activities and yet would like to do a river cruise, check out my article about the Best river cruises in Porto (besides the 6 bridges cruise), because it is REALLY worth reading it 🙂

If you want to do a river cruise in Porto BUT not with other 60 people (that is how many people join the 6 bridges cruises!), then consider doing one of these cruises:

What is the 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto

6 bridges cruise porto

It is a 50 minutes river cruise in Douro river, starting either at Ribeira’s quay (in Porto), or in Vila Nova de Gaia’s quay (depending on the company you choose), and it shows the amazingly beautiful 6 bridges in Porto.

The 6 bridges Cruise is ideal for:

  • Families with kids – it is actually one of the activities we like to include on our private tours in Porto, whenever there are children in the group. During the 6 bridges cruise the kids get to see many exciting things, from natural elements to buildings on both margins, and hence they never get bored.
  • If you need a break in between activities – as the 6 bridges cruise is rather short, you can use it as a relaxing moment in between a tour and a visit to a Port wine cellar, for instance, or between visiting the best monuments in Ribeira and going out for dinner.
  • If you are in need of a relaxed time – there’s nothing for you to do once you’re on board, just enjoy the sun and take great photos of Porto 🙂
  • If you would like to have a better idea of the main buildings of Porto. From the river you have a much nicer and complete perspective of them.
  • Naturally, if you’re curious about the 6 bridges of Porto 🙂

How to take the 6 bridges cruise

six bridges cruise porto

There are several ways. I always prefer to buy the tickets online as I hate to wait in queues (specially during summer time!).
Then, you just need to print the tickets and show it at any boat departing from Ribeira neighborhood, in Porto.
I recommend you to arrive 10 minutes earlier, in order to ensure that you are one of the first to enter the boat – this way, you’ll get a spot at the bow, rather than on the inside.
You can save your seat by getting the online ticket to the 6 bridges cruise. Don’t forget that kids under three years old don’t pay, and kids between 4 – 10 years old have 50% discount.
If you want to make the most of your day in Porto, why not combine the cruise with some other activities? Check out some tips below for some great ways to spend your day (and save money). 😉

How to save money on the 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto?

Hop On Hop Off bus tour + 6 Bridges Cruise + Port wine cellar visit: save 41€

hop on hop off bus porto
© Hop on hop off bus tours

Many people prefer the combined ticket to the Hop On Hop off bus tour + 6 bridges cruise + Port wine cellar. It is indeed a great deal, as you only pay 35€.
This is incredibly cheap because the river cruise costs 15€, a visit to a Port wine lodge around 17 / 20€ and the Hop On Hop Off Bus around 22€ / day.
The total cost of those separate activities would be 17€ + 15€ + 22€ x 2 days = 76€, so at the very least, you are saving 41€ if you get the combo ticket.
With this ticket, you get a Hop-on hop-off bus ticket that is valid for 2 days and you can use as many times as you want during that period of time. This is great for those who don’t have a lot of time in the city and for seniors, because you avoid the hills of Porto.
You also get a guided tour of the Calém wine lodge with wine tasting and discounts on restaurants, bars, shops and other attractions. Plus the 6 Bridges Cruise, obviously. Save yourself some bucks by getting the online combo ticket.

City Train tour + 6 Bridges Cruise + Port wine cellar visit: save 10€

porto city train tour kids activities
© Get your guide

Another way of saving money is to get this ticket for the City train tour + 6 bridges cruise + Port wine cellar. It is a great combo if you are travelling with children because they usually love the magic train!
And it’s very cheap – only 29€. I recommend you buy the combo ticket because if you buy separately you will be paying double that price (over 40€) because the river cruise costs 15€, a visit to a Port wine lodge around 17 / 20€ and the magic train 10€.
Therefore at the very least, you are saving 10€ if you get the combo ticket.

What does the 6 bridges cruise in Porto consist of?

I already told you the history of the 6 bridges of Porto, and hence I am not going to do the same on this article.
Instead, down below you’ll find some pictures taken from inside the boat during the cruise – they might actually help you to decide to either take it or not! 😉

luiz i famous iron bridge porto
Luiz I bridge

The 6 bridges cruise starts at Luiz I bridge, designed by Théophile Seyrig – no, this is NOT Eiffel’s bridge, unlike what many tour guides in Porto will make you believe!

infante dom henrique brige porto
Dom Henrique’s bridge

Afterwards, you’ll see Infante Dom Henrique’s bridge, launched in 2003. It was the last bridge to be built in Porto, and it is a remarkable example of how engineering can present elegant solutions to difficult challenges.

porto bridge maria pia
D. Maria Pia’s bridge

You’ll then view the beautiful D. Maria Pia’s bridge – designed by Théophile Seyrig and Gustave Eiffel. In 1991, this bridge was superseded by São João bridge, built some meters away, as you can see in the picture.

freixo porto bridge
Freixo bridge

Behind São João bridge, looking very tiny on this picture, is Freixo bridge, launched in 1995.There is a high way called “VCI” that surrounds the city in between Freixo bridge and Arrábida bridge. If you’re renting a car at the airport of Porto, you’ll most likely take this highway when entering the city.

arrabida bridge porto
Arrábida bridge

It’s time to go peek my favorite bridge of Porto, the Arrábida Bridge. What a superb piece of engineering – it is actually my favourite bridge in Porto!Nowadays you can climb the arch of the Arrábida bridge from the inside, but to be honest it’s nothing special because, unlike what you might thing, the view from the top is not spectacular.

afurada fishermen village boats river
Afurada

During the 6 bridges cruise, you can admire the wonderful views of both Porto and Afurada, the magic fishermen village that will appear on your left hand side.

Important notes regarding the 6 bridges cruise in Porto:

  • Don’t forget to bring both sunscreen and a light scarf, as it gets very sunny and windy at the same time.
  • Please remember that the online tickets are valid for all the boats that depart from the deck in Ribeira, in Porto, and not on the boats that depart from Gaia.
  • Remember that this is one of the most popular activities in Porto and hence you should book your tickets in advance – at least 3 / 4 days.
  • Once inside the boat, please be reasonable and don’t put yourself in danger by climbing to the edges to take photos, as the staff will come to take you down!
  • If you’re travelling with children, make sure they behave inside the boat, by not screaming and running around other people.

I hope you enjoy the ride! 🙂

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6 bridges cruise porto

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