Avenida dos Aliados

Avenida dos Aliados (Allies Avenue) and Praça da Liberdade represent the central square of Porto, crowned by the city hall building, from where the executive power of the city is exercised. It is one of the great tourist attractions in Porto and one of the main areas which you will pass during your visit.

Aliados wasn’t always the grand boulevard you see today. In the early 20th century, this area was made up of narrow streets and older buildings that were demolished to create a modern avenue symbolizing Porto’s growth and ambition.

The name “Aliados” (Allies) refers to the allied countries of World War I, reflecting the historical and political context during which the avenue was developed.

If you want to be right in the heart of the action, this is the most centric place to stay in Porto, as from here you can easily walk everywhere. In addition, it is served by public and tourist buses, the Aliados and Trindade metro stations and Porto São Bento train station.

This is where the portuenses gather for New Year's celebration, the São João Festivities, free concerts and other events that take place throughout the year.

What to see in Avenida dos Aliados in Porto

It's only about 250 meters long, so we recommend walking the entire length, from Porto City Hall to Praça da Liberdade at the other end.

The City Hall and the majestic buildings

At the top of the avenue stands the impressive Porto City Hall. Although it looks historic, it was only completed in 1957, making it relatively modern despite its classical architectural style.

The avenue has a gentle uphill slope, creating a strong visual perspective that naturally draws your attention toward City Hall, which acts as the focal point of the entire space.

All the white buildings surrounding this square are from the late 19th or early 20th century, made with modernist magnificence. Full of details, the buildings stand out for the sculptures of women and men protruding from their facades.

Further down in the square we see a curious statue of a naked and smiling woman, representing the “Youth” made last century by Henrique Moreira.

In Praça da Liberdade, the main statue represents D. Pedro IV on horseback, an important historical figure in both Portuguese and Brazilian history. It’s 15 feet tall and has more than 10 tons of bronze.

The most beautiful McDonalds

You can peek into the McDonalds which is located in front of the square (we are not suggesting you to eat here… just to see). You will see that it maintains the same modernist style inside and on the outside, it is like an old cafe.

For a more Portuguese style experience, a few meters away are Café Guarany and Café a Brasileira, also in modernist style.

Important streets of Porto

Thanks to its central location, from Aliados you can easily walk to the main streets of downtown Porto. It will only take you a few minutes.

If you go towards the streets on the side where McDonalds is you can go up to Rua de Santa Catarina, or to Bolhão where you find the public market and some of the most famous places in the city to eat Francesinhas.

If you continue down from Aliados, towards the river, you will pass through Rua das Flores until you reach the Ribeira area and the Dom Luis I Bridge.