The bridge stood proudly in the background, occasionally I could hear the rumble of trains passing over the nearly 130-year-old bridge. There was magic in the air, and the adventure had just begun.
We had pre-booked accommodation (Apartamentos Sobre O Douro) with a view overlooking the “Rio Douro,” which turned out to be absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.
Life by the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge
Even though it was raining on the first day we were in Porto, we could hear and see plenty of activity along the river and on the bridge in the morning. We quickly realized that a lot was happening along the Douro River and that the “Dom Luís I” bridge was practically a landmark of the city.
Along the Rio Douro and up to the “Dom Luís I” bridge, there is a long row of cafes and restaurants. The food is certainly more expensive here compared to choosing a place away from the river, but we still ate there every day because there is something magical about enjoying a good beer in the sun in February while watching people.
The fog lifts, and the city comes alive
The real magic happened on day 2. We woke up to fog. In fact, it was so foggy that we couldn’t see the bridge. We could only just see the river from our window. As the fog slowly started to lift, it felt like being in a fairy tale. When it gradually disappeared, the city magically emerged from the fog, coming to life.
Near the “Dom Luís I” bridge, along the river, there is a small market every morning, where mostly tourist-related items are sold. The market consisted of only a few stalls, but it was there every day we were in the city.
Crossing the bridge
One of the more challenging experiences in Porto is walking across the bridge (which has two levels). The lower level is for cars, but it is also possible to walk across the bridge. If you have a fear of heights and want to challenge it, this is the perfect place to do so. The upper level is for trams and pedestrians, and the view from there is absolutely fantastic.
Walking on the upper level is a great experience, but it may not be suitable for those with a nervous disposition, as there is a 75-meter drop below.
Some facts about the Dom Luís I Bridge
The bridge was constructed in 1886 by Téophile Seyrig, who had previously built another bridge in the city and had also worked with the famous Gustave Eiffel.
The bridge stands at a height of 75 meters and has a total length of 385 meters.
