Bolsa Palace — Attraction in Porto

I visited the palace on 3rd June 2024 with my partner. We arrived at about 2.15pm. We were very lucky there were no queues.

We had 25 minutes before the start of the tour, so I asked the receptionist if there was a restaurant, I was told there was.

The problem began as soon as we left reception and encountered the tall security/ doorman at the entrance to the main hall. I asked him where I could get a coffee, he pointed toward a coffee machine without uttering a word. I then immediately asked him where the restaurant was, he said it was closed. I walked into the main hall and about 5 minutes later stepped outside to a nearby café, leaving my partner inside the hall.

Returning with coffee and cakes, I was unexpectedly halted by the same doorman. He said I had to go back to reception, I couldn't understand why. My entrance ticket was visible and he had seen me when I first entered the hall and when I left to get the coffee. I tried to clarify that he had just seen me leave moments before, but he dismissively pointed towards reception, several times with no attempt to explain why I needed to go to reception. He just curtly stated, "I don't speak English," strange, given our earlier communication in English. His demeanour was cold, and his refusal to explain or engage in any helpful dialogue was frustrating.

Bewildered, I proceeded to reception where the staff member I spoke to was equally confused about the doorman's actions. She accompanied me back to the doorman, only to find out following a brief exchange between them in Portuguese, (most of which I understood as I live in Porto). He told the receptionist that the issue was that re-entry was not allowed. This was not communicated as a problem when I exited the main hall, nor were there any signs to this effect. I left the building for no more than 10-15 minutes. I was booked on the 2.45 tour, which had not started, and my partner was still in the hall when the doorman refused me entry.

Though the tour guide, reception staff, palace itself and the guided tour were exceptional, the interaction with the doorman was needlessly stressful. It felt unwelcoming and tarnished the initial part of our visit. He was rude, dismissive and cold.

For those planning to visit this iconic site, the Palacio da Bolsa is undoubtedly worth the trip, but be aware of potential miscommunications at the door. A clearer and friendlier approach from the security staff would ensure all visitors start their tour on a more...

Stepping into the Palacio da Bolsa is like stepping into a time machine, transporting you back to the opulent era of 19th-century Portuguese commerce. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for any visitor to Porto, offering a stunning showcase of Neoclassical architecture and a fascinating glimpse into the city's commercial past.

A Palace Fit for Kings

From the moment you lay eyes on the Palacio da Bolsa, you'll be awestruck by its grandeur. The building's imposing granite façade is adorned with intricate carvings and statues, hinting at the treasures that lie within. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a sweeping marble staircase that leads to the Sala do Pregão, the former trading hall. This lavish room is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design, with its soaring coffered ceiling, gilded balconies, and intricate coat of arms.

A Journey Through Porto's Commercial History

Your guided tour will take you through the palace's many opulent rooms, each with its own unique story to tell. You'll learn about the rise of Porto as a major trading center, the role of the Associação Comercial do Porto (the commercial association that commissioned the palace), and the significance of the palace in Portuguese history. Along the way, you'll be captivated by the sheer opulence of the palace's décor, with its rich wood paneling, gleaming chandeliers, and exquisite paintings.

Architectural Highlights

The Palacio da Bolsa is a treasure trove of architectural gems. Be sure to pay attention to the Sala do Tribunal, with its stunning stained glass skylight, and the Sala dos Juramentos, where new members of the association were once sworn in. But the true highlight is undoubtedly the Sala Árabe, the Arab Room. This opulent chamber is a symphony of Moorish design, with its intricate tilework, carved plasterwork, and Arabic calligraphy. It's no wonder that the Sala Árabe is considered one of the most beautiful rooms in Portugal.

A Must-Visit for History Buffs and Architecture Lovers

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture lover, or simply looking for a taste of Porto's grandeur, the Palacio da Bolsa is a must-visit. With its stunning interiors, fascinating history, and captivating guided tours, the Palacio da Bolsa is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Porto's rich...

I have mixed feeling about this place. The visit itself was amazing! This is a very prestigious place with beautiful rooms. My favorite was the oriental room. It was majestic!

However the staff could use a bit of training and be more professional. The queue to enter was very long and we waited 30 minutes to have tickets. I was wondering why I took so long but then I heard that you have to take a guided tour to enter inside. Otherwise you can’t visit.

Thankfully they have tours in several languages like Portuguese, French, English or Spanish. Each have a nominated time for the visit. The issue is that the lady who sells the tickets are sometimes making mistakes. For example she sold one visit for 4pm in French then another for 3pm because she forgot that there was a visit earlier.

When it was our turn we asked about the French tour as we heard it was the earliest one and we had a plane to catch later. She then asked if we were living in France. We told her that we were living in England. She then told us in a rude way "so why don’t you do the English tour". We told her that we speak both languages and chose the first one that was available. She found that it was weird…

The staff should be a bit more professional and respectful to guests.

The guided tour was a bit quick and to be honest we didn’t have the time to listen because we were busy admiring and taking pictures. In total it lasted less than an hour.

But we don’t regret our visit because the place...