Funicular Dos Guindais

Porto is built on steep hills, and the Funicular dos Guindais is one of the simplest ways to deal with them. The short railway climbs the slope between the Ribeira waterfront, at the foot of the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the upper town, near the Batalha district and the old walls, in a ride of about three minutes. It saves a long walk up a steep, stepped lane, and its two carriages, which pass each other halfway, offer a good view of the city on the way.

The funicular follows an older line. The first funicular here, the Elevador dos Guindais, opened in 1891 and used a water-ballast system, in which one carriage was filled with water at the top so that its weight pulled the other up, and it ran for decades before closing in the 20th century. The name guindais comes from the word guindar, to hoist, which recalls the cranes that once lifted goods from boats on the river up the slope to the warehouses and houses above. After a long gap, the modern funicular, an electrically driven system, opened in the early 2000s on a similar route, and it has become a popular part of the visitor's Porto.

The line is short, about 280 metres, with a height difference of around sixty metres, and it runs on a gradient steep enough to make you aware of the climb. The lower station is on the Rua da Ribeira Negra, close to the quay and the bridge, and the upper station is near the end of the bridge's upper deck, beside the remains of the medieval walls, the Muralha Fernandina, built in the 14th century. As the carriage rises, the view opens over the roofs of the Ribeira, the river and the port lodges across the water, and the great iron arch overhead. The ride is a fine photo opportunity, and the carriages have large windows.

Using the funicular is a good strategy for planning a route in the city. Many people take it up and walk back down through the lanes of the Barredo district, or the other way round, so that they avoid the toughest climb. It is helpful for people with limited mobility, families with children and anyone carrying luggage, though there are steps at the stations, so check access if you use a wheelchair or pushchair. Tickets are sold at the station, and fares are higher than on ordinary public transport, so you pay for the convenience and the view.

The funicular runs daily, with longer hours in summer and later service on weekends, though schedules change, so check at the station. It combines well with a visit to the Ribeira, the bridge and the cathedral, and it suits all ages.