A stop outside of the Palace of the Stock Exchange features on most Porto sightseeing tours, particularly those of the Old Town, however, a tour of the interior is not always a given; ensure your tour includes an interior visit if you’re keen to admire elaborate ballrooms and stone staircases. Some Palace of the Stock Exchange tours also include a cruise on the Douro River and a visit to the historic wine cellars.
The palace is open to visitors between 9am-1pm and 2-5:30pm October to March, and between 9am-6:30pm April through October. You can admire the exterior of the place at any time of day, but for the most magical views then 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 décor and gilded pillars are reminiscent of the UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace in Granada; music concerts are held here throughout the year.
DE
