A king who left his heart in the city, the bookshop that inspired Harry Potter and 20,000 azulejo tiles: discover the best of Porto in one morning with a local. Book for €1.50 and decide what it’s worth at the end.
Fun fact: King Pedro IV’s heart is actually kept in Porto, at the Church of Lapa: he bequeathed it to the city that supported him in the civil war.
Highlights
- Porto’s must-sees in one walk
- Livraria Lello and its connection to Harry Potter
- The azulejo tiles at São Bento Station
- Views of the Douro from Miradouro da Vitória
- End at the Cathedral, in the heart of UNESCO-listed Porto
Full description
Porto is best understood on foot, listening to someone who knows the city. We start on the majestic Avenida dos Aliados with a story you won’t forget: that of the king who literally left his heart in the city. From there, we head to Livraria Lello, the Neo-Gothic gem so many people associate with Harry Potter, and the churches of Carmo and Carmelitas, separated by Porto’s narrowest house. You’ll look up at Clérigos Tower, take in views of the Douro from Miradouro da Vitória while discovering the city’s Jewish heritage and the origins of Port wine, stroll along lively Rua das Flores, and be left speechless by the 20,000 azulejo tiles at São Bento Station. We finish at the Cathedral, a Romanesque fortress in the heart of the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it reserves 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 tip €15–€20 per person, but here the price is set by your smile, not a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Avenida dos Aliados y Ayuntamiento
Guided visit · 15 min
Meeting point: the king who left his heart in Porto
On foot (8 min)
2Librería Lello
Guided visit · 10 min
The bookshop that inspired the world of Harry Potter (outside visit)
On foot (2 min)
3Universidad de Oporto
Pass by · 10 min
Academic traditions and black capes
On foot (2 min)
4Iglesias do Carmo y Carmelitas
Guided visit · 10 min
Separated by Porto’s narrowest house
On foot (3 min)
5Torre de los Clérigos
Guided visit · 10 min
Nicolau Nasoni’s Baroque masterpiece
On foot (5 min)
6Miradouro da Vitória
Photo stop · 15 min
Views over the Douro, Jewish heritage and Port wine
On foot (5 min)
7Rua das Flores
Pass by · 10 min
The liveliest street in the historic centre
On foot (5 min)
8Estación de São Bento
Guided visit · 15 min
20,000 azulejo tiles that tell the story of Portugal
On foot (5 min)
9Catedral de Oporto (Sé)
Guided visit · 15 min
End in the heart of the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 40 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
Spanish
What's included
Local Spanish-speaking guide
Almost 3-hour walking tour of the historic centre
Stories, fun facts and recommendations from a local
Not included
Pay-what-you-wish contribution to the guide at the end of the tour (the average is €15–€20 per person)
Monument admission (outside visits only)
Food, drinks and transport
Meeting point
Porto, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with reduced mobility
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes (there are hills)
- 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 the 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 until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your place for another traveller.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-wish free tour: 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 cannot accept groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately. Are you a larger group? For larger groups, we require a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. There are hills. Monument visits are outdoors only; admission is not included. Drinks, food and transport are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, weather or events in the city. Free cancellation until 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 until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your place for another traveller.
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].
