About Sao Bento Station
Sao Bento, named for St. Benedict, sits right in the historical heart of the city of Porto. Construction began in 1904, and the station was inaugurated in 1916. The cornerstone was placed by King Carlos I, the first Portuguese king to be assassinated since the 16th century and the last but one monarch the country had before the monarchy was abolished.
Sao Bento Station takes its name from the Benedictine convent that used to occupy the site where the station now sits. Built in a Beaux-Arts style that was popular at the time, the station is in keeping with the rest of Porto's beautiful Old Town and is known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. One of the most famous features of the station is the gorgeous Azulejo panels which line the station’s interior and depict the story of Portugal’s past, including famous battles and royal lineage.
Sao Bento's central location makes it a busy and very popular train station. However, it's important to note that the main line from Lisbon doesn't stop here, but at Campanha station. From there, it's possible to hop on a local train to bring you to Sao Bento.
Sao Bento station is well-connected to Porto's Francisco Sa Carneiro airport. Bus line 3M goes direct from the airport to the station, and Metro line carries passengers from the airport to nearby Trinidade station.
Things to do near Sao Bento Station
Sao Bento's central location in the city means that you can start exploring Porto right away. Much of what the city has to offer is within a short distance of the train station. In fact, you can start exploring before you even step outside.
- Brush up on Portuguese history before leaving the station. Twenty thousand beautiful blue-and-white tiles tell the story of the nation's history on one wall of Sao Bento. This impressive display was completed in 1916 and has become a famous symbol of the station and the city as a whole.
- Explore the real Porto at Bolhao Market. This lively commercial center is where local residents come to get their produce. It’s also a great place to while away a few hours in one of the many cafés, enjoying an authentic experience of Portuguese life.
- Make your way up to the city's highest point at Porto Cathedral. One of the city's oldest buildings, the Cathedral was started in the 12th century but not completed until the 16th century. As a result, it represents several different architectural styles and periods. This ornate structure also contains more examples of the local tile work on its walls. Plus, it offers one of the best views in the city.
- Enjoy a ride over the Douro River on the Luis I bridge. The Metro line runs over the top of this bridge and offers a great photo opportunity of the river valley - if you’re quick.
- Learn all about Porto's most famous export at Caves Calem. Fortified wine, or port, is named after Porto, and the region around the city remains an important center of production. Caves Calem explores the history of this world-famous drink and, of course, you'll have the opportunity to try some for yourself.
- Savor the view at the Jardins de Palacio de Cristal. These 19th century landscaped gardens offer tranquil gravel paths, manicured greenery, and excellent views over the river and the city.
Transit options near Sao Bento Station
- Sao Bento is connected to Porto’s Metro system, and is a stop on line D.
- Vintage Tram line 22 leaves from outside the station.
- Sao Bento bus station is right outside and is served by many bus routes, including 1M, 11 M, 500, 900, and 901.
Luggage storage near Sao Bento Station
Portugal’s second city, Porto, is a popular destination for jet setters with fascinating cultural attractions, white sandy beaches, and historic landmarks. Despite being compact, Porto is hilly, meaning you won’t want to lug your bags around, especially during the summer. Bounce offers luggage storage services near Sao Bento Station, where you can drop off your cumbersome suitcases before taking in the sights. Booking through the Bounce app is a breeze, and within minutes you’ll find a convenient and safe place to stash your stuff while touring Porto.
Attractions and activities near Sao Bento Station
- Livraria Lello: Often described as the world's most beautiful bookstore, Livraria Lello is the perfect place to get some iconic Porto photos — and maybe even buy a book or two. One of Portugal's oldest bookstores, Livraria Lello is known for its iconic red staircase and ornate decoration. You could easily spend hours browsing the shelves here, but it's no place to bring large bags. Make sure to drop them off at a convenient luggage storage before visiting.
- Casa de Musica: This ultramodern concert hall was opened in 2005, and is the first building in Portugal to be devoted exclusively to the performance of music. The architecture alone makes this building worth visiting, but if you can time it right, you could also hear music by Portuguese artists or internationally renowned musicians.
- World of Discoveries: This interactive museum is something completely different – a hit with adults and kids alike. Focusing on the Portuguese age of discovery, exhibits include reconstructions of Lisbon's old port, an African village, and equatorial forests. As much a theme park as a museum, World of Discoveries takes you on a thrilling boat ride through history and around the world. Large bags aren't permitted on the boat, so make sure you drop them off at a Porto luggage storage service before you visit.
- Porto Cathedral: Porto is home to several beautiful churches, and Porto Cathedral is one of the best. The cathedral is among Porto’s oldest monuments, dating back to the 12th century, and is a National Monument of Portugal. Built-in Romanesque style, Porto Cathedral, is one of the most important pieces of architecture in the city. One highlight from the interior of the cathedral is the cloister that is encircled by Baroque azulejos of religious figures, including the Virgin Mary, as well as scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
- Luís I Bridge: One of Porto’s most prominent modern landmarks, the Luís I Bridge, is not for the faint-hearted. This double-decker arched bridge was built in the late 19th century and mimics the same features as the Dona Maria Pia bridge, which was designed by world-famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It spans over 560 feet across the Douro River and was the largest arched bridge of its kind after completion.
Visitors can walk along the top deck of the bridge. However, acrophobes may want to give this a miss, with the bridge standing at 190 feet above the water below. You won’t want to carry your heavy bags across this dizzying bridge, so check in at a luggage storage service near Sao Bento Station first. - Ribeira Square: Porto’s riverside central square is the perfect place to relax and soak up some local culture after exploring the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ribeira Square, has been Porto’s main commercial hub since the Middle Ages. One of the most intriguing historic sights in Ribeira Square is a late 18th-century fountain that stands three stories high and bears the Portuguese coat of arms. If you’re looking to relax in Ribeira Square, you’ll find several restaurants and cafes which offer alfresco dining and drinks.
- Soares dos Reis National Museum: This 200-year-old art museum holds one of the most significant collections of Portuguese art in the country. The Carrancas Palace houses Soares dos Reis National Museum, which is the oldest palace in Portugal. You’ll find works by many famous Portuguese artists from the 19th and 20th centuries on display, including the likes of Vieira Portuense, Marques de Oliveira, and Domingos Sequeira.
The museum is named after António Soares dos Reis and holds many of his best statues, including sculptures of the Duke of Wellington and Pedro I of Brazil. You won’t be able to bring any large bags into the Soares dos Reis National Museum, so stop by a luggage storage service near Sao Bento Station before heading to the museum.