porto free tour

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Free tours in Porto

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Explore the beauty of Porto: Free walking tours, sights and things to do

Porto is a beautiful city in northern Portugal, known for its picturesque streets, delicious food and, of course, its world-famous port wine. But there is much more to discover in Porto than just wine tasting. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or just looking for a unique experience, this city has something to offer everyone.

One of the best ways to explore the city is through free walking tours in Porto. These tours are provided by experienced local guides who will guide you to Porto's most popular attractions and share their knowledge of the city's culture, history and traditions. You can explore the historic Ribeira district, admire the iconic bridge of Dom Luis I and discover the hidden gems of the city's medieval quarters.

Porto has many other attractions, such as the stunning Clerigos Tower, the beautiful Lello Bookstore and the charming São Bento Station with its intricate tilework. And of course, no visit to Porto would be complete without tasting local delicacies like the famous Francesinha sandwich or the mouthwatering pastries known as "pastel de nata."

Porto is a wonderful place that offers something for everyone, from free walking tours to numerous attractions and activities. So why not pack your bags and discover the beauty of this city?

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Best things to do and see in Porto

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. It is also known for the many bridges that cross the Douro River and for its namesake wine. This city is a top tourist destination because of its picture-perfect sunsets, exquisite local cuisine, and all the amazing architecture it has to offer. 

One of the best ways to get to know the city of Porto is by doing a free walking tour with a professional guide who will help you discover all its hidden charms. Some of the most emblematic places in this city are the Dom Luis I Bridge, the LIvraria Lello Bookstore, Clérigos Church, The Stock Exchange Palace, (Palácio da Bolsa) the narrow streets of the Ribeira neighborhood, the Dragon Football Stadium, San Francisco Church, the Porto Cathedral, Casa da Musica Theater, the Serralves Foundation, the Crystal Palace Gardens, the Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves, the Arrabida Bridge and the Bolhão Market. 

You can see other walkers' reviews with their evaluation of guides and their own experience on the walking tour. The city of Porto has so many different monuments to explore whether you tour during the morning, afternoon or evening to really enjoy its cityscapes and its delicious cuisine. 

What happens if it rains on the scheduled day for my free tour?

Are free tours accessible for people with reduced mobility, how can i identify the guide of my free tour, what happens if i am late to the meeting point of the free tour, free walking tour near porto, others cities to visit after porto, find other guruwalks in porto, where are you traveling to.

Porto Sunset Free Tour

Open your heart to Porto’s Soul and its people, the Tripeiros, and finish the day visiting what you’ve missed when the sun is setting. See our most emblematic spots, stores and cafés and close the night over the river!

 Capela das Almas      Mercado do Bolhão        Gaia Viewpoint

Porto Petiscos & Wine

Spoil your senses with our most exquisite petiscos and wine in Porto on this culinary adventure. Ideal for foodies wishing to explore the local cuisine and enjoy their stay, just like the locals do!

 Local snacks     Port wine     Five traditional taverns

A Free Tour is different than any other kind of tour: they’re based on tips only! Part of this covers marketing and operational expenses, which are usually very high. This way we achieve great quality in the tours, high guest satisfaction and we also make sure that, regardless of the budget, everyone can enjoy Porto as much as we do.

Free Tours Porto

Come join one of our marvelous  Free Walking Tours in Porto and see the city with our own eyes! From the riverside houses of the  Cais da Ribeira  with incredible views over the Douro river, the mesmerizing Bridge of Luis I and the town of  Vila Nova de Gaia , filled with Port wine cellars with hundreds of years of history. And Porto is so much more: traditions, history, student life… and even Harry Potter!

We don’t like lecturing you with years and names of people. Our tours are a fun way of discovering each city, not only its history but also its traditions, legends and way of life, by the hands of experienced locals! At Free Tour Portugal we think that anyone should be able to enjoy our country and that this is the best way to expand culture and achieve fairer prices for everyone.

Come enjoy Porto with us. Book now one of our fabulous Free Walking Tours in Porto !

How did we calculate this rating? A weighted average has been calculated from the reviews on the following platforms: TripAdvisor:  4.911 ratings, average of 5/5 FreeTour.com: 864 ratings, average of 9,4/10 GuruWalk: 261 ratings, average of 4,8/5 Google: 60 ratings, average of 4,5/5

PORTO FREE TOUR

Porto free tour a free walking tour  in the heart of the city.

If you want to see the best of Porto in one day, our Porto Free Walking Tour is definitely the right choice for you. This free tour is a great introduction to the city and you’ll get to see Porto’s top attractions in one single tour. Take Porto free walking tour will take you through 3.000 years of history showing you the unmissable Porto and offering you dozens of local tips and plenty of things to do in Porto. We’ll start our Porto free tour at the Fountain of Youth at Avenida dos Aliados where an introduction to Porto will take you right to the liberal wars and why is there a heart in King Pedro IV statue.  Your guide will take you outside bookshop Lello, one of Porto’s gems and reveal how a famous young magician gave fame to this wonderful place.  We’ll venture into the Carmo and Carmelitas churches and admire the beautiful Clérigos tower. The 76 meters-tall tower with its 49 bells stand over the Clérigos church and constitute one of the most singular works of Nicolau Nasoni, the Italian Baroque architect whose signature is all over the city. You will learn about Porto’s narrowest building and a statue that many say was a warning of the dictator Salazar to Porto’s inhabitants.  This Porto free walking tour could not miss the São Bento train station. Named one of the most beautiful stations in the world year after year, you will be amazed by the over 20.000 blue and white tiles that depict Portugal’s history, which artist Jorge Colaço took over a decade to place. Speaking of scenic beauty, we will also take you to one of Porto’s most iconic viewpoints where you will have a change to appreciate a spectacular view of the picturesque neighborhoods, the bridges and the Douro River below.  This Porto walking tour will end at the very heart of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto cathedral and the descent to the Ribeira district by the ancient neighborhood of Barredo. We will tell all about dishes like Porto francesinha and tripes before finishing right at the bank of the Douro River to admire the Eiffel bridge of Dom Luís I while talking about the many cellars of Port wine on the other side of the troubled waters.  This is arguably the best walking tour in Porto and as you can see we go by many of the must see places to visit in Porto. You will also be rewarded by our guide’s top things to do in Porto. Take our Centre Free Tour so you make learn why Porto is called the invincible city.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

The Origin of the name of Portugal

Praça da Liberdade

Liberal Revolution

Lello Bookstore

Porto's University

Carmo and Carmelitas Churches

Torre dos Clérigos

The World's Oldest Alliance

Misericórdia Church

Narrow streets of Barredo

Ribeira 

...and much more!

Other Information

Group Policy

Minimum number of participants.

Groups of 7 to 15 people are always welcome. In this case, we ask for a prepayment in cash of 10 euros per person (from 13 years old) and 5 euros per kid (6 to 12 years old) at the meeting point. Children under 6 years old are free of charge. This principle arises from the need to protect and value the level of quality and dedication that we demand from our Take Lisboa guides. For group bookings of 16 or more people, contact us to arrange a private tour.

Please note that this Free Tour only takes place with a minimum of 4 adult participants.

How long does the Free Tour take?

In what language is the Free Tour?

The Free Tour lasts around 2h30. 

​The tour is exclusively in English.​

What's included in the tour?

What's not included in the tour?

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide expert in our history and ready to give you great tips to make your stay in Porto unforgettable.

The tour does not include transportation, entrance to monuments or meals.

How do I book the Free Tour?

You can book your Free Tour by clicking the Book Now button on this page, then choose the date and complete the booking form. You will receive your confirmation immediately. If you have any difficulties please contact us by email, phone or Whatsapp:

[email protected]  | +351 914 059 080

Is booking mandatory?

​Booking is usually not mandatory you can just show up at our meeting point and join the Free Tour. Although it is recommended especially during public holidays and festivities, at such dates you should book as soon as possible to guarantee availability.

How do I get my ticket?

​Once you book the Free Tour a Booking Confirmation is sent by email. If you do not receive the confirmation email check your spam or contact us.

You do not need to print the confirmation, you can present it to our team on your phone/tablet at the beginning of the Free Tour.

Is the Free Tour accessible?

No. This Free Tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Meeting Point

WE WILL MAKE YOUR

Visit unforgettable.

A little bit about us

Hi Porto Walking Tours is a local company founded to provide an authentic experience of the city and take you out of the beaten track to show the real Porto.

Our team of local guides, are very knowledgeable, well informed, entertaining and free to give their touch according to the expectation of each group.

Porto is one of the most important cities in Portugal and the one that gave name to our country (and the famous wine). Located on the banks of the Douro River, its historical area was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

The historical facts that changed the history of Portugal, the incredible architecture with its impressive buildings and monuments, the many traditions still kept by the locals and the delicious typical food  from the North of Portugal. Hi Porto Walking Tours will take you around this charming city and show you why Porto has become such a popular destination in recent years.

Look out for the white umbrella and join us on a fantastic walking tour!

Free Walking Tour Porto

Join one of our famous Free Walking Tours and let our guides take you around the best spots of the city and show you why Porto is such a beautiful and popular destination.

Private Tour Porto

Have you ever considered having a walking tour with a private guide for your group? It can be cheaper than you think and we have the best options and prices.

Free Walking Tour Lisbon

If you've enjoyed our tour in Porto and is also visiting Lisbon, join one of our fun and knowledgeable guides and discover the best of this fantastic city.  

• Jun 9, 2021

Best day trips from Porto

• Feb 9, 2021

Discover the secrets of Port Wine

• Nov 28, 2020

Top 10 places to visit in Porto

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY ABOUT US!

"I have done this tour many times and had many good ones too. But the tour with Felipe was out of this world! Its funny, interesting and super entertaining. Felipe does love his job and makes it so obvious with his body language and small anecdotes he tells about the city that you cannot find anywhere else. In the age of recommendations I avoid recommending things to people but will break this rule. You are missing a lot if you don’t get a tour with Felipe!"

[email protected]

+351 939 102 917.

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Historic Porto Tour

The colourful city of Porto settled beautifully on a steep banks of the river Douro, right at the Atlantic coast, enchants everyone with its marvellous views, pastel painted houses with terracotta roofs, facades covered with azulejos, unique character of its people, the taste of port wine and exceptional cuisine. All that topped with a young and bohemian spirit creates the most charming atmosphere that will make your stay here unforgettable! 

Porto’s life has always been linked to the sea. It were the Romans who called it Portus Cale (and that is where the name of the country, Portugal, originates), till the present day the locals call it Oporto, meaning “the port”. For centuries, it was known as a city of shipbuilders and a place from where many Portuguese sea expeditions would depart. It was from the port of Porto, his birthplace, that prince Henry the Navigator set out to conquer Northern Africa at the beginning of the 15th century, thus launching the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. Because of the high demand of meat for the sailors, all that remained for the people of Porto were leftovers. And so they started to be called “tripe eaters”. Although those days are long gone, tripe is to this day a traditional dish here. The city of Porto is inhabited by specific people – friendly but very straight. In Portugal, they even say that the people of Porto are a separate nation. For centuries, it was a working class that mostly prevailed here. The untamed city’s character pierces through its history – it was here that the liberal revolution against the monarchy started, and when the monarchy set out to punish it, its people stood bravely and resisted an 18-month siege. That is why Porto is often called an “unvanquished city”. The revolution that started here changed not only the city but the entire Portugal and eventually led to the overthrow of the monarchy at the beginning of the 20th century. That’s a piece of history you shouldn’t miss!   

Take a walk with us through the steep streets of Porto to learn about pivotal moments in both the city’s and the country’s history, and to see its most iconic sights. Starting from the Fonte dos Leões and the University we will show you many facades and interiors covered with azulejos, hand-painted tiles, including those in the incredible São Bento train station, where they cover entire walls and show scenes from Portugal’s history . We will lead the way to one of the most magical bookshops in the world – Livraria Lello, one that inspired JK Rowling to write her Harry Potter books. Walking down towards the banks of Douro river we will see the city’s landmarks, among them the Torre dos Clérigos and the Porto Cathedral. We will delight in the beautiful views from the Vitoria viewpoint, from where you will be able to see the city, the river and the bridges not only connecting its banks, but also (surprisingly) connecting Porto with France. We will introduce you to the many local customs and traditions, especially food and wine related. Our tour will give you a chance to soak in the vibe of Porto which, despite being 2 thousand years old, feels young and energetic, in many places covered with amazing street art and famous for its great night-life. Come and join us in the exploration of the fascinating city of Porto! 

During this 2,5 hour tour, you will see and experience:

• Clerigos Tower
• São Bento Station
• Cathedral of the Sé – the Porto Cathedral
• Ribeira Bridge Luis I
• Aliados Avenue
• Lello and Irmão Bookstore
• University of Porto
• Porto City Council
• Rua de las Flores – charming shopping street
• Mirante de la Vitoria – Vitoria viewpoint 
• Cordoaria Square
• Chain of Relationship
• … and much, much more

Entertaining, well-organized, heartful

Felipe not only knows a lot about Porto’s and general history, but also manages to get YOU interested about it. The tour is very extensive and pretty intense, yet suitable for a broad audience. In short: highly recommended

Very cool tour!

Very detailed and full of tips tour owned by Gianfranco. I discovered using walkative website and I really enjoyed a lot. Thanks man for this nice tour!

This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

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Free Walking Tour of Porto

• 9.60 / 10 63,201 reviews | 380,177 travellers The guide Marta Roldán was charming, kind and close. Very cute. Involved in explaining everything to us very well. It went by very quickly. 10 María

Let yourself be seduced by Porto ’s charming streets and colourful buildings while you wander through its nostalgic historic centre and learn about its fascinating history on a free walking tour .

Description

At the indicated time, we'll meet at the meeting point to start our free tour of Oporto . Once we're all together, we'll begin our  free walking tour of the city . Are you ready?

During the next 2.5 hours, we'll discover the top attractions and most emblematic places in Porto such as Avenida de los Aliados . Of course, we'll pass by the Clerigos Church and its beautiful Bell Tower, the highest in Portugal, and admire great panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Walk to the University of Porto to discover if the stories that link it to the Harry Potter books and films are true, and then admire the stately San Bento railway station , famous for being decorated with over 20,000 tiles that narrate the history of Portugal.

Afterwards, we'll visit the “Sé do Porto”, the Porto Cathedral , a fortress-like building with battlements that has undergone numerous modifications throughout its history. We'll learn the details of this religious building , built in the highest part of the city.

This free tour doesn't admit groups of more than 6 people, even if they book the activity separately. If your group is larger than 6 people, check out our Private Tour of Porto instead.

More Information

2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Local English–speaking guide expert in art and history

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Take Oporto Show more

Corporate name: Take Traveller's Hub Unipessoal Lda.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

Garrett Monument, in front of the Town Hall

Cathedral of Porto

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Free Tour of Porto

Book the original Porto free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of Porto

Housing many of Porto’s major landmarks, the stunning historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this 3-hour free walking tour, your local expert guide will help you to tick off many of Porto’s must-see sites, such as the iconic Dom Luis bridge and the world-famous Lello bookstore, and you will also enjoy some truly stunning panoramic views.

Your Porto Free Tour meets at the Bishop António Ferreira Gomes, opposite Clérigos Tower.  We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

One of Europe’s most beautiful city centers

You’ll be amazed by the stunning Porto city center, and won’t be at all surprised to learn of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Starting at the iconic Clérigos Church with its 75.6 meter tower, you’ll want to keep your cameras at the ready as your expert local guide leads you past the beloved Porto Cathedral, the amazing tiles of the renowned São Bento station, and past the 14th century city walls. You’ll even get a chance to see the world-famous Lello bookstore and hear how its connection to Harry Potter has made it one of the most popular bookstores on the planet today.

The sites and tastes of the Douro River

As you make your way through the twisting ancient streets and out of the city center, you’ll be faced with amazing panoramic views, and will encounter the impressive Douro River. Not only does the river host the iconic Dom Luís I bridge (built by Eiffel’s protégé Seyrig), it’s also the home to Porto’s famed Port wine industry.

Free Tour concept

The tips-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

The Porto Free Tour starts at the statue of Bishop António Ferreira Gomes, opposite the Clérigos Tower

• Discover the Lello bookstore and its connection to Harry Potter
• Photograph Porto's iconic blue tiles, or "azulejos"
• Marvel at the impressively tiled São Bento station
• Take in the fabulous panoramic views
• Encounter the Douro River, with the Dom Luís I bridge and the Port wine cellars
• Crane your neck up at the 75.6 meter Clérigos Tower
• See the Porto City Hall and the Porto Cathedral

TOUR SCHEDULES

Click on 'See more dates' to check availability

• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for guide (optional)
• Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
• Unfortunately, we do not advise guests in wheelchairs to join the Free Tour due to old streets and uneven terrain. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused

Customer reviews

Free Walking Tour with Diogo

Diogo was an absolutely spectacular tour guide. He was knowledgable, hilarious & fun. He did a great job of mixing in the historical significance of Porto with absolutely wonderful local suggestions for food, drink and leisure. I’ve done many free walking tours (Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, etc.) and Diogo was one of the best guides I’ve had so far. We were completely enamoured with him, his sense of humour and passion for what he does. DEFINTELY RECOMMEND a tour with Diogo. Absolutely fabulous. 

Free walking tour - Beautiful Porto

We did the free walking tour of Porto on the recommendation of a friend and we are so glad we did. Our guide Diogo was brilliant, he kept it fun and interesting even in the blistering heat giving us a local history. It was so good I was able to explain most of what we saw after the tour finished.

Highly recommended morning free walking tour

I went on the 11am free walking tour (English) with João who was a brilliant guide. The tour included an overview of the history of Porto, told with just the right balance of humour and factual information. We stopped at all the main sites, with plenty of time to take photographs and ask questions. Highly recommend for anyone who wishes to learn more about the history of Porto and it's people. Muito obrigada, João!

Walking tour with Lucy is amazing

We took the walking tour with Lucy and it was awesome. We take free walking tours in every city we visit to get an overview of the city. Lucy's tour was fun, informative, entertaining and interesting. She gave a great tour and we had a blast. If you want to learn and be excited about the city of Porto go with Lucy!

Free walking tour through Porto

The best way to see what Porto has to offer. We had Adriano as our tour guide and it was great having someone so enthusiastic and knowledgable (even offering recommendations of places to eat to anyone who wanted them after). 

What is a Free Tour?

The Free Tour is the best introduction to Porto! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 3 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Porto's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

• The route covers many of Porto's major landmarks
• The meeting point is centrally located opposite the Clérigos Tower
• The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
• The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN PORTO

• Select Tour
• Third Party Activity
• Private Tour

Ribeira Free Walking Tour

The scenic walking tour that explores Porto's neighbourhoods along the Douro riverbanks

Porto Boat Tour

Experience Porto from the magnificent Douro River on this six bridges cruise

Wine Cellar Tour and Tasting

No trip to Porto is complete without an authentic wine cellar tour and tasting!

Day Trip to Guimaraes

A perfect day trip from Porto to the charming birthplace of Portugal

2-hour Porto Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Porto's top attractions with your private tour guide

3-hour Porto Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Porto's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private t ...

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

Free Tour of Lisbon

Free Tour of Madrid

Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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Free Porto Walking Tours

Which free tour is best.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the history of Porto or its most notable landmarks, there are several free walking tours available in this city that we will cover in this post.

All tours are offered by local tour guides.

• Overview + Schedule

Old Town Porto

• Alternative Porto
• Harry Potter Tours
• Douro River Cruises
• Porto Wine Tours
• Tours in Lisbon

O VERVIEW + SCHEDULE

Porto, Portugal is rich with history and culture both modern and centuries-old, which explains why tour companies offer so many different types of services in this city.

Most of these outings are focused on orientation, offering several important details about the city centre, otherwise known as Old Town Porto .

The tours listed below are run through us. More tours are available in the following sections.

Searching Availability...

Here is a calendar with more of the best free walking tours in Lisbon.

Other tours explore some of the beautiful street art on display throughout the city.

There are also free walking tours that focus on the ways in which Porto inspired Harry Potter and how women shaped the city both in the past and today.

What is a free tour of Porto? They are pay-what-you-wish tours, which means that you can decide what the service was worth, or what you could afford after the tour is over.

You are not obligated to pay anything, but according to online reviews, most people give between €5 - €20 each to Porto's best local tour guides.

In addition to fully guided tours, there are also self-guided tours you can use to explore the city at your own leisure.

Tours are typically offered in English, Spanish, and sometimes other languages such as French and German.

We offer tours globally . Here are just a few cities.

•  Barcelona

As the name implies, these free Porto walking tours provide a closer look at the historic center of the city.

They cover topics like how Porto became such an important location and which buildings/landmarks played a significant role.

There are several options to choose from, but no matter which service you pick, you can usually expect to visit some of the following locations and monuments:

• Praça da Liberdade
• Porto Cathedral
• Tower of Clérigos
• University of Porto
• São Bento Train Station
• Palacio da Bolsa
• Douro Riverside
• Clérigos Tower
• Arrabida Bridge

Along the way, you'll experience a lot of incredible architecture, histyoric baroque churches, and more.

Your knowledgeable guide will likely point you in the direction of the best cafes, restaurants, and other places to visit while you're in the area.

The historic city centre of Porto is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so these tours cover one of the most notable locations on the globe.

If you’re interested in learning more about these sites or seeing them up close, consider taking a Porto free walking tour listed below.

Take Porto Tours

Visit the heart of Porto on this 2 ½ hours free walking tour which covers some of the most historic locations.

Along the way, you’ll get an introduction to the city with plenty of advice and suggestions for how to get the most out of your trip.

Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, this tour is offered twice per day at 10:30 am and 15:30 (3:30 pm).

This company also offers pay-what-you-wish walking tours in Lisbon .

Learn more or book the tour .

1-2 Porto Tours

This is a somewhat newer tour company, and they are quickly making a name for themselves with one of the best free walking tours in the city.

Over the course of 2 ½ hours, you’ll learn about the history of Porto from its birth to the Carnation Revolution and beyond, even offering a few details about modern life and culture.

You can take this tour in either English or Spanish twice per day at 10:15 am and 15:15 (3:15 pm).

Book this tour or learn more .

Hi Porto Walking Tours

Much like the other companies on this list, Hi Porto provides this pay-what-you-wish tour two times a day at 11 am and 15:30 (3:30 pm) in both English and Spanish.

Get more information or book this tour .

Additional Old Town Porto Tours

In addition to the tours we’ve already mentioned, there are a few more options you might want to consider which are also excellent services covering the historic center of Porto.

• Sandeman New Europe
• Porto Walkers
• The Walking Parrot

City Lovers Tours

P orto street art tours.

These tours focus on a different side of Porto, giving you a look at how modern culture has helped shape the city just as much as its medieval history.

While on these outings, you can expect to learn about and see a variety of significant street art, sculptures, and ancient buildings in various neighborhoods that will usually take you off the beaten track.

Here are a few of the most notable stops included on these free walking tours:

• Lello Bookstore
• Porto University
• Rua da Madeira
• National Theatre
• Dom Luís Bridge
• Rua de Santa Catarina
• Carmo & Carmelita Church

If you want to discover what makes these locations so interesting, consider taking one of the pay-what-you-want tours below.

While their Old Town tour covers some of the most important histories from centuries past, this outing is all about street art and its influence on modern culture in Porto.

This 2 ½ hour tour is available in both English and Spanish every Tuesday and Friday at 15:30 (3:30 pm).

Book your tour or learn more .

Available in both English and Spanish, you can take this 2 ½ hour tour daily at 16:30 (4:30 pm).

Street Art in Porto Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided tour provides stops at a dozen different examples of interesting or culturally significant street art in Porto.

Although you won’t have a professional tour guide to provide additional details about each piece of art along the way, this is an entirely free option that you can use whenever you want.

H ARRY POTTER TOURS IN PORTO

Did you know that J.K. Rowling actually lived in Porto when she was working on her first manuscript for Harry Potter?

Thanks to this history behind the books, there are some companies offering tours of the city which focus on areas that may have inspired this fantasy world of wizards.

There’s at least one free option and another service you may want to consider which has very low ticket costs.

While on these tours you can expect to see some of the following locations:

• Palacio Atlántico
• Cafe Majestic

Harry Potter and the Heroes of Porto

This is actually a virtual tour, and it’s free to join and works on the pay-what-you-wish model once the tour is over.

While enjoying this online experience, you’ll see 7 notable locations that reveal some of the potential influences Porto may have had on the book series.

As long as you have a computer or tablet which can stream both audio and video, you can take this pay-what-you-wish tour.

It generally runs every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday in English ( Book here ).

It generally runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 19:30 (7:30 pm) in Spanish ( Book here ).

Aside from its historical and cultural tours, this company also offers a Harry Potter tour which provides information about how the magical world of J.K. Rowling’s books came to exist.

Although Take Porto Tours offers a lot of free tours, this is one service that requires you to purchase a ticket, just €15 per person.

This outing is approximately 2 - 2 ½ hours long, and it’s available every Saturday at 11 am.

If you’re planning to visit Lisbon as well, it’s worth keeping in mind that Take Tours also offers its services in that city.

An Unexpected Harry Potter Porto Tour

If you’re looking for another free alternative, this self-guided tour covers some of the most important sites in Porto which are linked to the history of Harry Potter.

The only disadvantage of this option is that it is not professionally guided, but it is entirely free to use.

Although you could take it anytime you want, many of the stops included close down in the evening, so it makes more sense to enjoy this outing sometime in the morning or afternoon.

Learn more or take this self-guided Harry Potter tour .

MYSTERIES AND LEGENDS OF PORTO

If you're curious about some of the creepier aspects of Porto's history, these outings provide information about the most grizzly tales that have haunted this city for generations.

Here are a few of the sites and secrets you can expect to be covered on these tours:

• Rua das Flores
• Courtyard of the Hanged
• Old Armenian Quarter
• Medieval Wall
• Louis I Bridge

This type of free walking tour Porto offers is similar to a ghost tour, but it covers more historical fact than supernatural activity. Still, if you're in the mood for a disturbing night tour, consider one of these outings!

In addition to their standard Old Town tour, this company also offers an outing called "Dark Porto" which covers various mysteries, legends, and crimes from throughout the history of this city.

This 2-hour and 15-minute outing is available in English at 18:00 (6 pm) every Tuesday - Sunday. You can also take the tour in Spanish nightly at 18:30 (6:30 pm).

This is another company that offers an outing covering this subject called the "Mysterios Porto Fair" tour.

You can take this 1 hour and 45-minute tour in Spanish every night at 19:15 (7:15 pm).

DOURO RIVER CRUISES

If you're interested in seeing this historic city from the water, there are plenty of Douro River cruise options you might want to consider. Unfortunately, these waterfront outings are not free, but the average price is between €15-€20, so it's a pretty affordable activity.

Here are a few of the best cruises and boat tours you can enjoy on the Douro Riverbanks.

PORTO WINE TOURS

There are several tours from Porto that cover some of the best wines which come from the region.

These outings typically visit wineries, wine cellar locations, or even the Douro Valley Vineyards to give visitors a closer look at how wine is made in Porto.

Some tours also include wine tastings for guests!

As with Douro River Cruises, these services are not free, and in this case, they can run up to €100 or more, but some are as low as €20.

Here are a few of the best options to consider.

And much, much more

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• Essential Porto Free Walking Tour
• Porto   /  
• Free Walking Tours   /  

Let us take you to the most incredible places in Porto with an English speaking guide passionate about history. For two and a half hours you will visit the most essential places in the city while you discover the unknown and interesting history of Portugal.

• Witness the most emblematic places in Porto
• Discover the exciting history of Portugal
• See the most beautiful sights of Porto
• Learn about the origin of Portugal's name

The essential Porto Free Walking Tour is the best way to get in touch with the city and get to know its most important places. 

You will learn about the historical events that have defined Portugal , from the Reconquest to the Carnation Revolution, as well as the history behind its monuments, the character of its inhabitants and its traditions.

After meeting your guide at Praça da Liberdade, we will start a tour of the “Undefeated City”, as Porto is usually called. Get ready to witness the history of Portugal told through tiles at the beautiful Sao Bento Station and to marvel at the modernist charm of the Café Majestic , considered one of the most beautiful in the world and a place of gatherings of intellectuals and personalities.

We will stroll through the Bolhao Market , the liveliest and most important of Porto, and then continue along the Rua Galerias de Paris, one of the hotspots of Porto's nightlife. We will approach the Lello Bookstore , the magical place that inspired J.K. Rowling to write and create the Harry Potter universe.

Monuments such as the University of Porto, the Palace of Justice, the Carmo Church and the old Jewish quarter will also be included in the tour. We will be able to admire the best views of Porto from the Mirador da Vitória and we will reach the Clérigos Tower, the highest tower in Portugal that offers unparalleled views of the city.

The stories and anecdotes you will learn on this free tour will give you an insight of the essence of Porto. You will have a complete understanding of one of Europe's most beautiful cities and receive recommendations on what other places to visit, where to eat and what to do off the beaten path.

How much does this free tour cost?

You set the price yourself. At the end of the tour, each participant will pay a fair amount according to the level of satisfaction received. You will be accompanied by expert guides in history and art history.

Meeting Point

• Guided tour of Porto of 2,5 hours
• Local guide in English
• Entrance fees to monuments

Cancellation Policy

• The use of comfortable shoes and clothes is advised. The entire tour is done on foot.
• Group reservations of more than 6 people are not allowed.
• The maximum allowed is 3 children per adult.

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Porto Free Walking Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Porto Walking Tour: DIY Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Porto, Portugal is a stunningly beautiful city…and the absolute best way to experience it is on foot! We’ve created an easy-to-follow, Self-Guided Porto Walking Tour that includes all the top Porto sights. In addition to our step-by-step directions, we include a helpful Porto map at the end of this article.

Free Walking Tour Porto: A Self-Guided Porto Walk

Our Self-Guided Porto Free Walking Tour is perfect for visitors who prefer to discover at their own pace. For each Porto attraction, we include information about the sight, our insider tips and a location link.

About Our Free Tour of Porto, Portugal

We cover some ground in our Porto Walking Tour! There are 26 sights highlighted in our City Sightseeing Porto Tour. Plus, an additional 20+ attractions that are noted along the route. Visitors can enter these top Porto sights (some require a ticket) – or simply enjoy the walk and the atmosphere.

Our walking tour of Porto is a little over 5 miles in length. How long your Porto City Tour will take depends on your pace and how many sights you decide to enter. The Porto walking route itself – without visiting any churches or climbing the Porto bell tour – could take as little as 3 hours. However, travelers who want to step inside the markets and stop to see the cathedral interior could easily spend an entire day on our Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal.

Visitors who would prefer a leisurely pace can divide our route into 2 or 3 different Walking Tours in Porto. Below, we note the best places to break up the route into multiple days of Porto sightseeing.

Guided Porto Tours

While we think our Porto Self-Guided Walking Tour is the best way to explore the city. There are also numerous Porto Tours to consider. These include Porto Wine Tours, the Hop On Hop Off Porto Bus and Porto Boat Tours. We highlight top rated tours in Porto, Portugal that are led by local guides at the end of the article. 

Walking Tour of Porto: What You Will Need

Before you set off on your walking tour in Porto, make sure you have some of these travel essentials!

Walking Shoes 

Not only is Porto a hilly city, but many of the streets are cobblestone and some sidewalks have uneven pavement. For our DIY Free Porto Walking Tour, make sure you wear comfortable travel shoes . I wear these lightweight shoes by Columbia – and Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes for urban walks.

Travel Camera 

Don’t forget your camera for your Porto sightseeing tour. The city is filled with incredible architecture and quaint lanes – and you will want to capture it all! Rather than relying on your phone, we recommend upgrading to an actual camera for high quality photos. We carry a Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens that takes excellent photos and is a fantastic DSLR budget camera option for travel.

Porto Weather Gear & Day Pack

Being so close to the sea, the weather in Porto can change quickly. While walking around Porto, we recommend bringing a travel umbrella or packable raincoat . In the summertime, a travel hat can provide protection from the sun – and it’s always a good idea to apply some sunscreen ! As you explore Porto, you will also want to carry a great day bag to organize all your essential travel items .

WiFi in Porto

Our DIY Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal is highlighted with information, tips and maps. In order to access our advice while touring Porto, it is necessary to have a WiFi connection .

While cell phone plans can be adjusted for data usage in other countries, it can be extremely expensive. Instead, we use a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi Hotspot – which is not only ideal for free walking tours, but for frequent travels abroad.

Perfect for families or friends traveling together, the hotspot can connect up to 10 devices and supports both SIM cards or eSIM data packages. We would have literally been lost in Porto without it!

An Actual Map of Porto

Call us old-fashioned, but even with a Wi-Fi connection, we think it is a good idea to carry a Porto map – like this one – when touring the city. In fact, we think it is best to purchase a map in advance of your trip so that you can study the layout. You might even prefer to highlight our Porto Walking Tour route so that you can easily follow along. 

Portugal Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may protect against flight cancellations or lost luggage , as well as when travelers get ill or injured abroad. Find out more about rates and coverage at World Nomads .

Helpful Information about Porto, Portugal

We share heaps of pertinent information throughout our outlined Self Guided Porto Walk. That said, we offer even more detailed advice in these Porto Travel Articles. 

• A Perfect Porto Itinerary
• What to Eat in Porto
• Best Porto Craft Beer Bars
• Things To Do in Braga on a Day Trip
• Visiting Aveiro, Portugal

Porto Walking Tour Itinerary

Visitors can choose to complete our self-guided Porto walk without making any stops or they can opt to enter attractions along the way. That said, it is important to check opening hours before you set out to ensure that you can visit the sights of interest during your walk. Alright, lace up your shoes, because it’s time to start your DIY Free Porto Walking Tour!

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Porto Travel Guide to plan your trip to Portugal!

#1 Liberdade Square and Statue of Dom Pedro IV

MAP . Start your city tour of Porto in Praca da Liberdade – or Liberty Square. Designed in the 18th century, the square long served as the central hub of political, economical and social life in Porto. Ringed by opulent architecture that dates to the early 1900s, the south end of the square is marked by a large equestrian statue dedicated to King Peter IV.  Note: The area’s currently a construction site for a new Porto Metro station.

Called ‘The Liberator’ and ‘The Soldier King’, King Peter IV is credited for freeing Brazil from colonization and fighting for a constitutional monarchy in Portugal. He so loved the people of Porto that he left them the gift of his heart, which today is housed in the Lapa Church.

Stroll north from the King Pedro IV Statue along Avenida do Aliados – and perhaps pop into the Imperial McDonald’s, which is often touted as the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurant in the world.

Directions : Walk to the City Hall building on the north end of the square.

#2 Porto Sign and Camara Municipal

MAP . Featuring a 230-foot-tall tower and carillon clock, the Camara Municipal – or City Hall Porto – is a must-see landmark on Porto city tours. Construction of the building began in 1920, but it wasn’t completed and finally occupied until 1957. Visitors can go inside to see the lavishly decorated lobby and get an elevated view of Praca da Liberdade.

Sitting in front of the City Hall building is a large, blue Porto sign. Visitors often climb on the sign to get their photo taken – but we prefer the view from in front of the fountain across the street, where you can see both the sign and City Hall.

Directions : Walk around City Hall to the north side. There you will find a pleasant square and the Trindade Church.

#3 Igreja da Santissima Trindade

MAP . Continue your Porto City Walking Tour at the church behind City Hall. Built in the 19th century, the Igreja da Santissima Trindade – or Holy Trinity Church – features a neoclassical façade and rising bell tower. The interior of the church is decorated with marble and gilded woodwork.

Directions : Walk east on Rua de Fernandes Tomas to the Bolhao Market. Along the route, you will pass by A Favorita do Bolhao (#783 Rua de Fernandes Tomas), a traditional grocery store – stocked with tinned sardines and typical Porto eats – which has been open for more than 80 years. Step inside and take a look!

#4 Mercado do Bolhao

MAP . Established in 1914 and recently reopened after a complete renovation, the Bolhao Market is a bustling building where all the best tours in Porto make a stop. Visitors can set off on a shopping spree down the lanes of stalls on the ground floor. Then get a bite to eat from vendors who sell local prepared delicacies and regional wine by the glass. While many choose to gather on the stairs on the north end, the Porto Bolhao Market also features several sit-down restaurants on the top floor.

Directions : E xit on the north side from the upper floor and walk east to the Capela de Santa Catarina.

#5 Capela das Almas (or Capela de Santa Catarina)

MAP . One of the most beautiful churches in Portugal, Capela das Almas is the next stop on our Best Porto Walking Tour. Also known as Capela de Santa Catarina – or Chapel of Souls and Chapel of Saint Catherine – the building dates to the early 18th century.

In 1929, the church was completely covered in the characteristic blue and white painted tiles, called azulejos. Although small, visitors should step inside to see the interior as well. It’s one of the best free things to do in Porto!

Directions : W alk south on Rua de Santa Catarina, the famous pedestrian-only Porto shopping street.

#6 Rua de Santa Catarina (Shopping Street Porto)

MAP . A nearly 5000-foot-long shopping street, Rua de Santa Catarina is lined with name-brand stores, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes. The area is one of the top places to go in Porto – not only for shopping, but simply for strolling. 

As you meander south along the promenade, stop into Fabrica da Nata for a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart fresh from the oven. At the next intersection (R. Formosa), detour a few steps to the west and step back in time at the traditional A Perola do Bolhao shop where they sell sweet treats, cured meats, wine and deli items.

Directions : Continue walking south on Rua de Santa Catarina to Majestic Cafe (which will be on your left).

#7 Majestic Café

MAP . Porto’s glamorous Majestic Café was first opened in 1921 under the name Café Elite. The stylish establishment attracted Porto’s most renowned citizens – from politicians to poets. In the 1980s, the building was declared a Cultural Heritage Site, even though it was in a state of disrepair after being left abandoned.

Since its full renovation, the Majestic Café has been restored to its former glory. Tuxedoed waiters greet patrons at the door and the coffee is ridiculously expensive for Porto, but the french toast gets rave reviews and the lavish interior is truly a sight to behold. All in all, it’s a great place to take a quick break during your Porto Walking Tour Self-Guided Route. 

Directions: Continue walking south to Rua de Passos Manuel, and turn left. Walk east past the art deco Coliseu Porto Ageas theater to Praca dos Poveiros square. Pass through the square to the quaint park on the southeast corner.

#8 Jardim Marques de Oliveira Porto

MAP . Porto’s oldest park, Jardim Marques de Oliveira, opened in 1834. The lovely space features an old gazebo, fountains, statues, benches and bright flowers. An ideal place to rest weary feet, the park is also the meeting place for older gentlemen who come to play cards.

Several of our favorite restaurants are located in the area around the park – like Casa Guedes, Venham Mais 5 and Cafe Santiago. If you’ve managed to hold out for lunch, we recommend eating at one of these iconic spots. Find all of our foodie tips in our guide to Porto Food: What and Where To Eat in Porto .

Directions : From Praca dos Poveiros, walk west on Rua de Santo Ildefonso to Igreja de Santo Ildefonso church.

#9 Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and Praca da Batalha

MAP . The Baroque Igreja de Santo Ildefonso – or Church of Saint Ildefonso – was built in the early 1700s. It took 30 years to complete – and was officially opened in 1739. In 1932, the church’s facade was covered in 11,000 of the traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles. The tiles were painted by Portuguese artist, Jorge Colaco, who is responsible for many of the azulejo murals that you will notice while on Porto walks.

If the gates are open, the interior is also quite impressive and free to visit. There is a small museum on-site as well that requires a ticket to enter.

Praca da Batalha – or Batalha Square – expands around the corner. The open space is bordered by the Batalha Palace (which dates to the 18th century), the Royal Theatre of Sao Joao Opera House (built in 1908 on the former site of a theater dating to 1794) and the Cinema Batalha (an art deco theater built in 1947). A statue of King Pedro V, which was dedicated in 1866, stands in the center of the square.

Directions: From the church, walk west and downhill on Rua de 31 de Janeiro, enjoying the view of Clerigos Tower. At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto Praca de Almeida Garrett and enter the Sao Bento Train Station.

#10 Sao Bento Train Station Porto

MAP . The always-buzzing Sao Bento Railway Station was constructed in the early 1900s – and the true gem of the stately 3-story granite building is the grand entrance hall. The interior of São Bento is decorated with 20,000 azulejo tiles – a project that took 11 years to complete (by artist Jorge Colaco, of course).

The colorful upper tiles feature the different modes of transport that have been used in Portugal. The blue and white tile murals depict important scenes in Portuguese history. The station is featured in all of the best Porto Free Walking Tours and sightseeing guides – and for good reason!

Directions: Exit the station and turn right. Walk north across the street to the Church of St. Anthony.

#11 Igreja de Santo Antonio dos Congregados

MAP . The Igreja de Santo Antonio do Congregadas – or the Church of St. Anthony – has a history that stretches to the late 17th century. Dedicated to St. Anthony (the patron saint of Lisbon), the exterior tiles portray the story of the saint’s life. The church is free to visit – and many of Porto’s faithful residents are often found inside praying. 

Directions: W alk west (passing where this tour began) and start the climb toward the Clerigos Bell Tower. On the south side of the street is O Mundo Fantastico das Sardinhas Poruguesas – a popular Porto tinned sardine store. Further up is Confeitaria dos Clerigos, which is a local bakery offering traditional Portuguese snacks. Continue walking uphill and find the entrance to on the north side.

#12 Igreja dos Clerigos and Porto Bell Tower

MAP . The Igreja dos Clerigos – or Church of the Clergymen – was built in the mid-1700s in the Baroque style (one of the first of its kind in Portugal). The iconic bell tower stands nearly 200-feet-tall – and has long been a symbol of Porto.

Climbing the 240 steps to the top requires a ticket . It includes entrance to the museum and is one of the top things to do in Porto. The church interior own it’s own can be visited for free. It is well worth spending some time here when walking Porto to enjoy these sights. 

Directions: W alk north across the Praca de Lisboa. Go through the shops or on the grassy park on top of them to the Livraria Lello Bookstore.

#13 Livraria Lello (Famous Porto Bookstore)

MAP . The Livraria Lello – or Lello Bookstore – ranks as one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. When it first opened in 1906, the incredibly ornate bookshop was an instant hit with intellectuals and quickly became a part of the cultural life in Porto.

Lello Bookstore is said to be the inspiration for some of the scenes in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. There are rumors that she even wrote the book in the shop. Due to it’s insane popularity, visiting is no longer one of the free things to do in Porto, Portugal. Tickets are now required to enter and should be booked in advance.

Directions : W alk northwest on Rua das Carmelitas toward the 19th century Fonte dos Leoes (Lions Fountain) that fronts the stoic University of Porto building. Continue walking northwest across the square and tram tracks to the famous tiled ‘double’ churches.

#14 Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas

MAP . The Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas – the Carmo Church and Carmelitas Church – are both a stunning and peculiar sight in Porto. The two extravagant churches stand side-by-side, separated only by a narrow house.

Carmelitas Church, which is on the left, was built in the 17th century as part of a convent; it features a bell tower and an intricately decorated interior. The Carmelitas Church is free to visit.

The Carmo Church, on the right, was built in the 18th century for Carmelite monks. Designed in the Baroque style, the exterior has dynamic embellishments on the front and extensive azulejos tiles on the east-facing wall. The interior of the Carmo Church is lavishly decorated with gilded woodwork. To visit the Carmo Church, guests need to purchase a ticket – which also allows entry into the ‘Hidden House,’ the crypt, rooftop and other rooms within the complex.

Theories abound as to why the two churches were built next to each other but separated by a slender home; some say it was to keep the monks and nuns from becoming too friendly, while other tales say a law prohibited two churches from being built with a common wall. In any event, the cramped house was actually used as a residence until the 1980s!

Directions: Walk north along the east side of Carmo Church to the small square, Praca de Carlos Alberto.

#15 Praca de Carlos Alberto

MAP . Named after an exiled king who lived in a palace on the square in the 1800s, Praca de Carlos Alberto – or Carlos Alberto Square – is small, but beautiful. The black and white tiled pavement (which is so characteristic of Portugal) draws the eye to the solemn World War I monument (Monumento aos Mortos da Grande Guerra) that stands on the north end.

On Saturdays, the Porto Belo Street Market takes place here. The quaint square is one of our favorite places to pass through on a walk around Porto.

Directions: Retrace your steps past the Carmo Church and continue walking south on Praca de Parade Leitao (on the west side of the University of Porto building). Enter the shaded Jardim da Cordoaria and cross the street to Largo Amor de Perdição in front of the massive Centro Portugues de Fotografia Museum. If time allows, detour to the immaculate Igreja Sao Jose das Taipas Church. Next, walk Rua de Sao Bento da Vitoria south to Miradouro da Vitoria.

#16 Miradouro da Vitoria Porto

MAP . Offering one of the best views of Porto, Miradouro da Vitoria is a small gated viewpoint that sits in front of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitória church. The panoramic vista encompasses the Se Cathedral, Ponte Luis I Bridge, the Douro River, Vila Nova de Gaia and the tiled rooftops of the Ribeira district. This a top spot for amazing Porto photos.

Directions: Exit through the gate and turn right. Then left onto Rua da Vitoria and right at Rua do Ferraz and follow it down to Rua das Flores. 

#17 Rua das Flores Pedestrian Street

MAP . Another one of the pretty Porto walking streets, Rua das Flores is a must to stroll down at least once on your visit. Coffee or chocolates, wine or cocktails, window shopping or people watching, Rua das Flores has it all, and you’ll never walk alone!

Directions: At the bottom (south end) of Rua das Flores is Largo São Domingos square. Pause to enjoy the architecture and ponder the odd pillars. Then continue down R. de Sousa Viterbo and up the red iron staircase to Mercado Ferreira.

#18 Mercado Ferreira Borges

MAP . Dating to 1885, the Ferreira Borges Market – which was named for a famous local politician – is a historic Porto landmark…yet, oddly it was never used as a marketplace. Instead, it served various random purposes – such as a military warehouse and local soup kitchen.

The city nearly tore it down in the 1970s to build a parking lot, but it was saved for its unique iron design. In 2010, the space was renovated to host a night club, live music venue and restaurant. During the day there’s a small cafe and bar where you can grab a beverage and enjoy it al fresco with a beautiful Porto view! (Plus, there are free public toilets inside.)

Directions: Exit the market building and walk south into the Jardim do Infante D. Henrique park. At the center is a statue dedicated to Prince Henry the Navigator. On the west side of the park is Palacio da Bolsa.

#19 Palacio da Bolsa

MAP . The neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa – or Stock Exchange Palace – took nearly 70 years to complete, from 1842 until 1910.  Still the headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a museum (tickets required), conference center and restaurant.

Directions: Walk to the south side of the Palacio da Bolsa and take the stairs up to the Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco.

#20 Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco

MAP . A stunning Gothic structure, the Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco – or the Monument Church of Saint Francis – was built between 1383 and 1425. While the exterior has remained relatively the same through the years, the interior was renovated in the 18th century with a grandiose Baroque flair.

It is estimated that 650 pounds of gold decorate the church’s interior. In 1832 during the Siege of Porto, a fire destroyed the attached cloisters (which is now where the Palacio da Bolsa stands), but thankfully the church was left undamaged. A ticket is required to enter.

Directions: Retrace your steps to the southeast corner in front of the church. Cross the street to the south and make a short stop at the blue tiled Church of St. Nicholas. Then continue west to Rua da Alfandega, turning right to walk south toward the river. Take your first left onto the narrow Rua da Fonte Taurina and walk along the narrow curving street to Praca da Ribeira. 

#21 Ribeira District and Cais da Ribeira Porto

MAP . One of the oldest neighborhoods in Porto and a UNESCO site, the riverside Ribeira District is a tangle of medieval streets and ancient structures. Once a bustling port, the old warehouses are now prime locations for many of the most popular Porto restaurants and bars. The upper, terraced residences still serve their original purpose. While many have been converted to tourist accommodations, some are still occupied by locals, whom you may see hanging laundry or watering plants.

At the heart of the district is the Praca da Ribeira. Long serving as a center of commerce and community, the Ribeira Square opens to the Douro River. The city walls were torn down in the 1800s. At the north end is a fountain – and above it is a Portuguese coat of arms that dates to the late 1700s and a statue of St. John the Baptist.

The Cais da Riveira – or the Waterfront – is a wide, pedestrian zone lined with cafes and restaurants. Across the Douro River you’ll have a clear view of Vila Nova de Gaia and it’s numerous Porto Wine Cellars. We will visit these later in our Porto Walking Tour.

Many of the popular Rabelo boat tours – like the 6 Bridge Tour – depart from the docks here along the riverside. If time permits, go ahead and give your feet a rest and hop on a Douro River Tour!

Directions: Continue along the Waterfront to the east and pass under the bridge. Either take the Funicular dos Guindais up to Batalha station (ticket required) or walk up the stairs (just past the funicular station) to the south end of Batalha Square. Walk west along the south side of Rua de Saraiva de Carvalho to the small park. Find the nearly hidden Igreja de Santa Clara Church.

#22 Igreja de Santa Clara Porto

MAP . Built in the early 1400s, the Igreja de Santa Clara – or St. Clara Church – has a modest exterior, but a dazzling interior. Originally constructed as part of a convent, the church was modified throughout the years and now features an exquisite glittering gold interior.

An inexpensive ticket is required to enter – which includes visiting the main church, plus the upper room. 

Directions:   Continue walking west to the Se do Porto Cathedral.  

#23 Se do Porto Cathedral

MAP . The Se do Porto – or the Porto Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady – marks the historical center of Porto. It took more than 600 years – from the 1100s to the 1700s – to complete, in which time many adjustments and alterations were made to the original plans resulting in a mix of architectural styles. In the mid-1700s, famous Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, added a Baroque flair to the cathedral. 

The dominating hilltop structure features two towers, an ornate interior and a cloister. There is a fee to enter the church, but the ticket allows visitors to climb to the top of the tower for great views of Porto.

Fronting the church is a large square which also offers nice views over the river and Vila Nova de Gaia. At the center of the square is a decorated pillar, which once served as a place for hangings.

Directions: Exit to the north of the Cathedral, taking a closer look at the azulejos tiles that decorate the walls. Turn right (south) onto the pedestrian-only street and walk onto the upper level of the bridge.

#24 Ponte Luis I Bridge Porto

MAP . Designed in the late 1800s by Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel, the double-decker iron Ponte Luis I Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in the city. Connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, the bridge was an engineering feat of its time. Originally, both levels were utilized for vehicles, but since the early 2000s, the top deck only accommodates trams and pedestrians, while the lower crossing is used by cars and people – although the sidewalks are quite narrow and crowded.

Pedestrians can get a peek at another famous Porto bridge, Dona Maria Pia, which is also made of iron, that straddles the Douro just upstream. The twin bridges are named after Portugal King Luis I and his wife, Maria Pia of Savoy.

Directions: Cross the bridge from Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia – taking in the views of the river from both sides – just watch for trams! Once across, continue walking south on the east side of Avenida da Republica. At the first intersection, make a sharp left U-turn onto the ramp that leads up to the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar.

#25 Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

MAP . The round, white Serra do Pilar church – part of a former 16th century monastery – can clearly be seen from many places around Porto. While most of the monastery is now used by the military, part of it is open as a museum (ticket required). However, it’s the Porto city views from the elevated square that make it worth trekking up the hill!

Directions: Take the ramp back down and cross through Jardim do Morro park (which also has nice views and plenty of places to sit and relax). On the far side, find the staircase that leads down to Calcada da Serra Street. Turn right and start the downhill trek (including the hairpin left just after passing under the bridge) to the Vila Nova de Gaia Riverside. Alternatively, buy a ticket and take a ride on the Teleferico Gaia Cable Car!

#26 Vila Nova de Gaia

MAP . Vila Nova de Gaia – or just Gaia – is a separate municipality from Porto, yet it is a must-see for Porto visitors. Gaia is famous for being home to numerous Port Wine Cellars and the views of Porto from the waterfront are simply spectacular.

For those who may not know, Port is the famous Portuguese fortified wine made exclusively in the Douro Valley. The vineyards are located upstream from Gaia and we include a day tour to the region in our Complete Itinerary for Porto .

The wine was traditionally transferred by rabelos boats to be processed and stored in Gaia warehouses along the river and in the sprawling neighborhood to the south. When the Port wine was ready, it was loaded onto bigger boats and shipped all around the world.

A wide pedestrian walkway in Gaia parallels the river – and port wine tasting rooms, restaurants and cafes line the path. Visitors can join cellar tours ( book in advance ), sip port on an elevated terrace or get an inexpensive tasting along with petiscos – small plates for sharing – at the countless number of bars and cafes.

At the west end of the waterfront is the Natas D’ouro bakery (one of our favorite Pastel de Nata bakeries!) and the Mercado Beira Rio, which features an array of cuisine from top area restaurants.

You can continue touring the area on a Gaia cellar walk (use these directions ) and seek out some of the interesting street art down the narrow lanes. Another way to end your day of Porto sightseeing is with a combined evening port wine tasting and Fado show at the Calem cellars (but you need to book your seat in advance ).

That ends our Self-Guided Free Porto Walking Tour! Below is our Porto Map of Sights, as well as tips for other interesting tours in Porto.

Shorter Porto Walking Tours

Our Porto walk can easily fill an entire day of exploration. Those who would rather break it up into multiple Porto, Portugal walking tours, however, can easily do so. 

2 Porto, Portugal Self-Guided Tours

To split our Self-Guided Porto Free Walk into two tours, we recommend seeing sights 1-21 on Day 1, then exploring sights 22-26 on Day 2.

3 Self-Guided Walking Tours: Porto, Portugal

For shorter routes, our Walking Tour of Porto can be divided into three separate outings. First see sights 1-10 from our DIY Free Tour Porto, then explore stops 11-21 for historic Porto attractions. Finally, discover Gaia with sights 22-26.

Porto, Portugal Map

Use this Google Map to find an interactive version of all the stops on our Free Porto Walking Tour below. You can also pick up a free Porto tourist map at the Tourist Information Office.

Porto Walking Tour Map and Directions

In our Porto Walking Tour Self Guided route, we include written directions, as well as a map link to each sight – and the above Porto Map of Attractions.

Travelers who wish to divide up the route or want step-by-step directions can use these Google Map links for our Porto Walking Tour to navigate from one sight to the next.

• Tour 1 – Sights 1-10 Map
• Tour 2 – Sights 11-21 Map
• Tour 3 – Sights 22-26 Map

More Tours in Porto, Portugal

While we think our walk outlines the best Porto free tour to begin your visit, there are many other tours that provide an excellent experiences. Below we share some of the top rated offers with the option to book your spot!

Douro River Cruise Tours Porto

There are numerous Porto river trips – but a 6 Bridges Cruise is the most popular way to see the sights by boat. On this affordable 50-minute Porto boat cruise, visitors board a traditional Rabello boat for a tour on the Douro River. Book it now!

Porto Wine Tour

Wine is part of the culture in Porto – and it’s not just about port! Join an afternoon tour for an introduction to Porto wine. On these guided tours participants will get to taste 3 wines and learn about the history of wine making in the region. Get the details!

Pro Tip : Visitors can also take a Porto Cellar Tour that details the process of making port – with a p tasting at the end! Learn more!

Porto Food Tour

We love the food in Portugal! Fellow travelers can use our Porto Food Guide to create their own foodie tour. For those who would rather a guide lead the way can join this highly-rated group Food Tour in Porto. Reserve your spot!

Guided Walking Tour Porto

We won’t take it personally if you would rather a guide show you the sights – and there are many top-rated Guided Walking Tours in Porto to choose from. On this 3-Hour Guided Porto Sightseeing Tour, you learn about the history of the city from a local and get insider tips, too. Find out more!

Porto Private Tour

Travelers who prefer a private tour of Porto can also hire a local guide. On this popular half day Porto tour, guests get a personalized introduction and local knowledge. Book it!

Guided Free Tour Porto

Visitors looking for a Guided Oporto Free Tour should check out the Porto Sandemans Tour. Just keep in mind that the Free Walking Tour Porto Guides expect – and hopefully deserve – to be tipped. Guests who do not want to pay a guide should stick with our outlined Self-Guided Walking Tour Porto!

Porto Bus Tour: Hop On Hop Off

To avoid walking the hills and battling the crowds, take the Hop On Hop Off Bus in Porto instead! The Porto Sightseeing Bus has two routes that make stops at major attractions and includes commentary in 8 different languages. Book it now!

Pro Tip: Experience top Porto attractions with a combo ticket that includes the Hop On Hop Off Bus, a River Boat Ride and a Port Cellar Tour. Get the Details!

Porto Tram Tour

An alternate way to see the city in a DIY style is on a Porto Tram City Tour. Although not really an official Porto tour, visitors ride the historic trams to many of the sights. Find more info about using the trams to tour Porto on the official transportation website .

Porto Bike Tour

While we think we have given you the best walking tour Porto, bike tours in Porto are a fabulous way to sightsee! Rather than walking in Porto, follow a guide on two wheels on a 3 hour guided tour across town. Get the details!

More Portugal Travel Tips

We’ve got you started with the best free walking tour in Porto. However, there is a lot more involved in planning a trip to Portugal. We share our top tips for what to do and see – plus advice on where to stay and how to get there – in our Detailed Itinerary for Porto .

For those visiting Porto from abroad should also read our Advice for Planning a European Vacation .

More Travel Tips for Portugal can be found in our other free travel guides. 

• 10 Day Portugal Itinerary
• Plan an Amazing Lisbon Itinerary
• Where to find the Best Lisbon Viewpoints and beautiful Lisbon Churches
• A Guide to Free Things To Do in Lisbon
• How To Plan a DIY Sintra Day Trip
• What To See in Belem and How To Visit Cristo Rei from Lisbon
• Madeira Island Itinerary
• Things To Do in Funchal, Portugal
• What To Eat on Madeira Island

Stay Organized with a Travel Planner

As you research and make reservations for your Porto, Portugal trip, you need to stay on top of the details. With our Printable Travel Planner – you can keep organized so that nothing falls through the cracks!

Start planning your trip to Portugal ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Porto Free Walking Tour

                          with eugenia,    tours... for a tip.

Porto Free Tours

Join me for a walking tour in porto.

A few years ago I had a little time available in my professional life, Porto was just starting to be a trendy city to be visited, and I just found out something that gives me a great pleasure, to show around my city to those willing to discover it through my eyes.