The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace), in the historic centre, is the great neoclassical building of Porto's merchant class, built in the 19th century next to the Church of São Francisco. It can only be visited with a guide, in about thirty minutes, but the tour is worth the detour: the Nations Courtyard under a glass roof, the grand staircase, then the Arab Room, a salon covered in gilding and stucco in a Moorish style. The individual ticket costs €14 (prices taken from the palace's website in October 2026). Tours run every day, in Portuguese, Spanish, French or English depending on the order in which visitors arrive.
Highlights
The Arab Room
Begun in 1862 and inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, this is the palace's reception room. The walls and ceiling are covered in gilded stucco and polychrome motifs, under chandeliers and a dome. The tour ends here, and the guides leave a moment to look at the ceiling.
The decoration of the room
One detail is enough to understand the ambition of the place: slender columns, stained glass with geometric patterns and hand-painted woodwork. The room is still used for official receptions and gala dinners of the Porto Commercial Association, which owns the palace.
The grand staircase and the Nations Courtyard
The entrance hall leads on to a monumental granite staircase, lit by a glass dome. The Nations Courtyard, at the centre, is decorated with the coats of arms of the countries that traded with Porto in the 19th century.
Opening hours and prices
Every day from 9:00 to 18:30. Individual ticket: €14; reduced rate (students, seniors, school groups): €9.50; free for accompanied children under 12. The visit is guided only and lasts about 30 minutes. Tickets are available on site or online through the Visit Porto and North booking site.
Practical info
Tips
- In high season tours often sell out: book online, or come at opening time. The palace has a side entrance with a ramp, a lift and an accessible toilet. The palace and the Church of São Francisco are neighbours: allow two hours for both. The Ribeira is five minutes on foot downhill. For the rest of the day, see Porto in one day.
How to get there
Rua de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, at the top of the Ribeira. 5 minutes on foot from São Bento station (metro, line D) and the Church of São Francisco.
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