Palace of the Stock Exchange (Palácio da Bolsa)

Most Porto sightseeing tours, particularly those of the Old Town, include a stop outside the Palace of the Stock Exchange, but a tour of the interior is not always a given; check that your tour includes an interior visit if you’d like to admire elaborate ballrooms, stone staircases, and other impressive features. Some Palace of the Stock Exchange tours also include a cruise on the Douro River and a visit to the historic wine cellars.

• The popularity of the palace means that admission tickets often sell out, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

• The obligatory guided tour lasts around 45 minutes and is available in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English.

• Wheelchairs and strollers can access the palace.

The palace is open to visitors in the morning and afternoon (with a break at midday) from October to March, and from morning to early evening April through October. You can admire the exterior of the place at any time of day, but for the most magical views, visit during the early evening when it's illuminated.

The Palace of the Stock Exchange is located on Rua de Ferreira Borges in Porto’s historic center, and is a 5-minute walk from the famous Ribeira waterfront district. If you’re taking the tram, disembark at the Infante stop on Linha 1—which travels a scenic route along the Douro river—or take buses 10, 900, 901, or 906 to the Ribeira stop.

Highlights of the palace interior include the Nations’ Room, with its collection of international flags, exquisite parquet floors, and a grand staircase adorned with chandeliers, but the undisputed star attraction is the Arabian Room, where arabesque decor and gilded pillars are reminiscent of the UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace in Granada; live concerts are held here throughout the year.