Free tour

Free tour of downtown Porto. Discover the city while enjoying the parks, architecture, and culture

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Porto

Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Marc

Registered on 08 October 2024

Living in Porto, Portugal, since 2022, I speak English, French, Spanish and now in my second year of Portuguese language studies. Originally from California, where I attended University of California, Los Angeles and received my bachelor’s degree in art history. My interests include traveling, beaches, museums, theatre, dance, languages and fine dining. My art history background provides a unique perspective to speak about art, architecture, culture and of course history. I'm passionate about ceramics and especially the large scale ceramic murals know as azulejos (blue tile) murals. I'm always learning more about this great city. Did you know the great city of Porto takes its name from an ancient roman village known as Portus Cale? This is present day Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Come explore with me! Happy to provide suggestions for dining or other activities after the tour.

Free booking and cancellation

Pay-what-you-wish tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Discover Porto: A 3-Hour Walking Tour of Culture and History
Duration: 3 Hours
Style: Walking Tour
Focus: History, Culture, Azulejos, Gardens, and Landmarks
Route: Bairro da Bôuca → Cedofeita → Cordoaria Garden → Virtudes→ Igreja do Carmo → Porto University → Livraria Lello → São Bento Station → Sé Cathedral → Ribeira → Virtudes

2. Let me take you on a tour of historic downtown Porto. Walk through the old city previously known as Porto Cale by the Romans. Stroll with me and let's enjoy the beautiful historic sites: Carmo Church, University of Porto, Cordoaria Garden, Virtudes Gardens, Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello, Se Cathedral, as well as the magnificent São Bento train station with it's stunning examples of azulejos (blue tiles). Learn about murals and their history. Afterwards, we wander to the Liberty Place and then down to the very special riverside (ribeira) where are tour ends. I'm very passionate about history and my adopted city and I would love to share it with you. Happy to give recommendations to bars, restaurants and additional sites upon request.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

R. da Boavista 370, 4050-040 Porto, Portugal

Stop 1: Bairro da Bôuca Our journey starts at Bairro da Bôuca, a striking example of modern architecture by Álvaro Siza Vieira. This urban housing project embodies Porto’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modern design. Look for me at the complex. I’m tall with a grey beard and have a blue/white polka dot umbrella.

Outside visit

Bouça neighborhood

Outside visit

Cedofeita Street

Stop 2: Cedofeita – Art and Azulejos Wander through Cedofeita, Porto’s art district, where azulejos (hand-painted ceramic tiles) adorn many of the neighborhood’s historic buildings. These tiles, introduced during Moorish rule and popularized in the 16th century, tell stories of faith, daily life, and history.

Ticket not included

Church of Carmen

Stop 3: Igreja do Carmo – The Azulejo Queen Prepare to be awed by Igreja do Carmo, a Baroque church dressed in blue-and-white azulejos. The tiles depict scenes of the Carmelite Order’s history, a perfect blend of beauty and storytelling. Step inside to see its lavish gilded altar.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).