Why?
Is it worth the effort (and the price)?
We think so, as well as 99% of people who have visited us. Is it for the fact that the arch of Arrábida Bridge is an iconic location with amazing views of Porto, Gaia and the Douro Estuary? Is it for visits being carried out safely in groups of up to 13 people, accompanied by a friendly guide? Or is it just for the surprise we have at the top? Come here and find out!
But is it a really must?
As far as we know, this is the only bridge in Europe where the arch can be visited. Worldwide there are only three more - in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, and in Auckland, New Zealand - but it isn't so easy to get there ...
I've got other things to do in Porto...
Climbing the arch is THE new experience in Porto and the perfect complement to a bus circuit, a six bridges cruise, a tuk-tuk, tramway, bike or segway ride, or even walk by the river. It is open to the public for the first time since 1963!
Who?
Who can climb the bridge?
Anyone who can climb stairs autonomously and is older than 12 years-old.
Up to how many people can climb the arch at a time?
Each tour is made with a group of between 1 and 13 people + 1 guide. If you have a larger group, we can divide it by the 2 parallel arches (that are 8 meters apart), allowing 26 simultaneous visitors, 13 in each arch.
We can also split larger groups into successive visits, in or outside of our usual schedule.
It is necessary to form a group to go up?
No, we do visits as long as there is one person interested in climbing.
Which languages do you speak?
All members of the team speak Portuguese and English; and in some days, also and Spanish, French, Italian and German (please confirm in advance, if necessary).
The exhibition at the bottom of the arch is bilingual: English and Portuguese.
How can I get in touch with you?
You can either visit us at the bottom of Arrábida bridge's arch (on the side of Porto) or call +351 929207117, and we will call you back if we cannot answer immediately.
When?
Do you visit on weekends?
Yes, we visit the arch every day, with the exception of December 24th and 25th (Christmas); from Monday to Sunday, and on holidays too. We climb the arch 363 days a year.
Close in winter?
No, we just won't make visits if there are no conditions to go up and down the stairs safely; otherwise, we hope to make visits throughout the year.
Will there still be visits next year?
Yes, and in the following years too; Over time, we hope to be able to connect the east and west arches of the bridge, as well as enrich the exhibition with new content.
What time is the Porto Bridge Climb?
See our online booking platformto see available times!
And at night, are there visits too?
Yes, we usually do ascents once a month on the night of the full moon; and from time to time we also go uphill to see the sunrise. We usually announce these initiatives on our Facebook e Instagram
Do you climb beyond your normal schedule?
Yes, we can visit at other times, by appointment, and with an additional fee (variable depending on the size of the group).
If you want to do a climb at a special time, please contact us by phone (929 207 117) or email (info@portobridgeclimb.com).
Where?
Where is the entrance to Porto Bridge Climb?
At the very arch of the bridge, along the North riverside of the Douro river, in Porto.
The access is up a granite staircase that exists 50 meters to the West of the bridge (on your left if you turn your back to the river).
The pin on Google Maps is in the exact position of the staircase!
Does the visit end on the same side of the river?
Yes, during the visit we walk up half of the arch, between Porto (north bank) and the top; then we go down the same stairs, and end just where we started.
What is the route of the visit?
In most of the tours, we start at the foot of the arch on the Douro's north bank (Porto's side), and go up the stairs in the East arch of the bridge (the side that is closer to Ribeira). We do not pass to the South side of the bridge (Gaia's side) or to the West arch, that is closer to the river mouth; however, we have good views over that area.
Sometimes, we climb the West arch (the one closest to Foz and Afurada), that offers a more natural landscape. This happens when there is a group greater than 13 people that want to climb simultaneously, on special events or when the sunset tour on the East arch is already full.
Can we use the visit to cross the river Douro
No, because we only have the security system installed on Porto's side of the bridge; we only reach the middle of the arch, not crossing to the South side (Gaia).
Is there any access to Porto Bridge Climb in the South riverside (Gaia)?
No, for now visits begin and end in the North bank (Porto).
Bookings
Do you recommend that you book the visit?
Yes, because that way you can be sure that you go up on the day and at the time you want; the important thing is that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time, because after that moment we cannot guarantee that the spaces will be saved. Use o booking form and immediately receive confirmation.
And for large groups?
If your group has more than 13 people, please contact us (929 207 117 or info@portobridgeclimb.com) and we can make a reservation that also includes the western arch, so that up to 26 people can climb together._cc781905-5cde- 3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_
A group of 100 people can have the experience in just over 2 hours!
What if I don't have a reservation?
In that case, you can spawn at the bottom of the arch and wait your turn.
Do you have to pay when making the reservation?
No, payment is made immediately before the visit, at our reception; it is possible to pay with cash or with debit or credit cards.
I have a confirmed reservation; just arrive at that time, or is it better to come earlier?
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before the reservation time; after that time, we may not be able to ensure that you visit at the scheduled time.
I won't be able to arrive on time for the time I booked. And now?
First we ask that you try to notify us by phone (call 929 207 117). We will try to get you up on the next available visit, but we cannot guarantee that there will be vacancies right after.
Rules
Do I need any special clothes or accessories to climb the bow?
Just bring comfortable shoes and clothes, we'll take care of the rest.
- Flip-flops and high heels are prohibited, and we recommend closed-toe shoes such as sneakers.
- For the convenience of putting on the harness, we do not recommend skirts or dresses.
Can I bring my cell phone or camera during the climb?
No, cell phones and cameras cannot be used on the way up and down the stairs. However, they can be taken to the top by the visitor or by the guide in a backpack and returned at the top of the arch to be able to photograph. Before starting the way down, everything is put away again until we are back at the base of the bridge. The reason is to ensure that everyone has their hands free during the way up and down, to hold the handrail and the rope that connects to the steel cable, in order to avoid tripping.
Are there any exceptions to this restriction photographing and recording during the climb?
There are! Cameras that record autonomously (like a go-pro) and that are securely attached to the harness, arm, head or chest can be used throughout the visit.
I'm a photography lover, can I bring my tripod and several lenses on the way up?
Yes, photographic material that is well packed in a bag or backpack can be taken by the owner to the top, and used freely up there; but the impossibility of photographing on the way up and down the stairs remains.
Can I smoke during the visit?
Smoking is not permitted during the visit.
Fears (there is no reason to have!)
I'm afraid I cannot climb; what should I do?
We suggest you to visit the bottom of the arch and watch a visit; you can also talk to those who have just gone up and down safely.
For those who are afraid, the experience is even better, because besides the beautiful scenery and the impressive building, there is also a great feeling of overcoming fear!
What scares me most is to have a vertical perspective of the water; is it a problem?
Throughout the visit we never have a vertical view of the water, as there are always at least three meters of reinforced concrete to the left and right.
The climb is difficult? Will I make it?
It is much easier than climbing the Clérigos Tower (another landmark in Porto)!
The visit requires only a moderate physical effort: half of the 262 steps are smaller than 15 cm.
Moreover, the way up and down is done in stages, to respect everyone's rythm; we go up and down as a group!
Those who are afraid of heights or have vertigo can climb?
The feeling of security is high throughout the visit, according to all people with these concerns that have visited us. The arch is 8 meters wide, the same as a two way street
Even so, people who have less confidence are placed next to the guide, for a closer monitoring.
Is it dangerous?
No, the visit is safe. We walk on a 8 meters wide concrete arch, in a stair that has at least two meters of concrete to both sides. On the left side we have a handrail and two steel cables on the right. We are linked to a Lifeline (EN 795) + harness (EN 361).