Visit the birthplace of Portugal: city walls, a thousand-year-old castle, storybook medieval squares and the country's first king. Discover Guimarães with a local. Book for €1.50 and decide what it's worth at the end.
Fun fact: An old city wall tower bears the inscription “Aqui nasceu Portugal” (“Portugal was born here”): nearby, in 1128, the battle that paved the way for Portugal's first king was fought.
Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of Portugal's beginnings
- Storybook medieval squares: Oliveira and Santiago
- The Paço dos Duques and Portugal's first king
- Tales of countesses, distant kings and battles
- Finish at Guimarães' thousand-year-old castle
Full description
If you're looking for the exact place where Portugal began, this is it. Guimarães is the country's birthplace, and an old wall tower proclaims it without a hint of modesty: “Aqui nasceu Portugal” (“Portugal was born here”). Your local guide will take you from the lively Toural to the thousand-year-old castle, sharing stories of Vímara Peres, Countess Mumadona Dias and D. Afonso Henriques, the first king, who turned a battle into the birth of a nation. You'll wander (with a guide) through a maze of narrow streets and medieval squares straight out of a storybook, such as Largo da Oliveira, where you might get to try a convent sweet. Discover the legend of Santiago, the convent of Santa Clara's unusual fire alarm system, and the noble past of the Paço dos Duques de Bragança. We finish at the castle, a symbol of independence and a source of inspiration for poets. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it secures your place in the group, but it doesn't go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-wish: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they've earned. Most people leave €15–€20 per person, but here the price is set by your smile, not a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 15 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Largo do Toural
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point: in front of the Bertrand bookstore
On foot (3 min)
2Monumento ao Nicolino
Guided visit · 10 min
Vímara Peres and the city's origins
On foot (3 min)
3Iglesia de São Francisco
Guided visit · 10 min
The Franciscans and the old trade of tanning
On foot (3 min)
4Jardín de la Alameda
Guided visit · 10 min
Monte da Penha and Vila Flor Palace
On foot (3 min)
5Muralla «Aqui Nasceu Portugal»
Photo stop · 10 min
The phrase that sums up the city
On foot (5 min)
6Largo da Oliveira
Guided visit · 15 min
Mumadona Dias, the Battle of Salado and convent sweets
On foot (3 min)
7Largo de Santiago
Guided visit · 10 min
Legends of Santiago and the convent of Santa Clara
On foot (8 min)
8Paço dos Duques de Bragança
Guided visit · 10 min
The noble palace and the statue of D. Afonso Henriques
On foot (3 min)
9Castillo de Guimarães
Guided visit · 15 min
Finish at the symbol of Portugal's birth
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 15 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
Spanish
What's included
Local Spanish-speaking guide
Walking tour of just over 2 hours through the historic center
Stories, fun facts and recommendations from a local
Not included
Your pay-what-you-wish contribution to the guide at the end of the tour (the average is €15–€20 per person)
Monument admission (exterior visits only)
Food, drinks and transportation
Meeting point
Guimarães, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow “Free Tour” lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
Company's general termsShowHide
Free tour on a pay-what-you-wish basis: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end of the tour, each person gives the guide whatever they consider fair, in cash and euros only (the average is €15–€20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we don't accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Is your group larger? For large groups, we require a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. There is some uphill walking to the castle. Monument visits are exterior only; admission fees are not included. Drinks, food and transportation are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, weather or events in the city. Free cancellation up to the tour start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].