The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is a 19th-century neoclassical building in the heart of Porto's historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), next to the Church of São Francisco. Built from 1842 by Porto's Commercial Association on the ruins of a former Franciscan convent, it is a National Monument famed for its grand staircase, the glass-roofed Hall of Nations, and above all the Arab Room (Salão Árabe), modelled on the Alhambra and gilded with 18 kg of gold leaf. The interior can be seen only on a guided tour of about 30 minutes covering the main halls.
The Arab Room (Salão Árabe): a roughly 300 m² reception hall built 1862–1880 after the Alhambra, decorated with about 18 kg of gold leaf — the crown jewel of the palace
The Hall of Nations (Pátio das Nações): a central courtyard under an iron-and-glass dome, lit by daylight with stained glass bearing national coats of arms
The monumental marble grand staircase and richly decorated Golden Room and portrait halls
A National Monument (listed 1982) on the site of the old Franciscan convent, easily paired with the adjacent Church of São Francisco
Historic venue where the 'Treaty of Porto' creating the European Economic Area was signed in the Arab Room in 1992
Good to know
RulesThe interior is accessible only via a mandatory guided tour (about 30 min); there is no free-roam self-guided entry, so plan around tour departure times. (Verify latest)
RulesTour languages (Portuguese, English, Spanish, French) are often assigned in order of ticket purchase, so arrive early and buy your ticket first to secure the language you want. (Verify latest)
SeasonIn peak season, on weekends, and from mid-morning to afternoon, queues build and tours in your preferred time or language can sell out; early morning or late afternoon tends to be quieter.
RulesInterior photography is generally allowed but flash is prohibited; use the daylight from the glass roof and windows. (Verify on-site latest)
SafetyThe surrounding Ribeira and São Francisco area is crowded with tourists and prone to pickpockets — wear bags in front and keep valuables secure.
MannersAs a guided group visit, stay with your guide, keep noise down, and follow the set route through the rooms.
Practical info
Open Tue–Sun 09:00–18:30, closed Mondays (verify latest). Adult about €14, student/senior about €9.5, under-12s free with an adult. Tickets can be bought online or on site, but tour slots/languages go by arrival order. Combine on foot with the Church of São Francisco and the Ribeira riverfront.
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