A king who left his heart in the city, the bookshop linked to Harry Potter and 20,000 azulejo tiles: the best of Porto in one walk, told by a local. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: King Pedro IV's heart really is kept in Porto, in Lapa Church: he bequeathed it to the city that stood by him in the civil war.
Highlights
- All of Porto's must-sees in a single walk
- Livraria Lello and its Harry Potter connection
- The azulejo tiles of São Bento Station
- Views of the Douro from the Vitória Viewpoint
- A finale at the Cathedral, at the heart of UNESCO-listed Porto
Full description
Porto makes sense when you walk it with someone who lives it. We start on Porto's grand central avenue, the Aliados, with a story you won't forget: the king who quite literally left his heart to the city. From there, we head to Livraria Lello, the neo-Gothic gem so many people link to Harry Potter, and to the Carmo and Carmelitas churches, separated by Porto's narrowest house. You'll crane your neck at the Clérigos Tower, gaze over the Douro from the Vitória Viewpoint while discovering the city's Jewish heritage and the origins of Port wine, stroll down lively Flores Street, packed with artisans and cafés, and be left speechless by the 20,000 tiles of São Bento Station. We finish at the Cathedral, a fortress-like Romanesque church at the heart of Porto's UNESCO World Heritage site. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it saves your spot in the group, but it doesn't go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-want: at the end, you give your guide whatever you feel they've earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here your smile sets the price, not a rate card.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Avenida dos Aliados & City Hall
Guided visit · 15 min
Meeting point: the king who left his heart in Porto
On foot (8 min)
2Livraria Lello
Guided visit · 10 min
The bookshop linked to the Harry Potter universe (seen from outside)
On foot (2 min)
3University of Porto
Pass by · 10 min
Academic traditions and black capes
On foot (2 min)
4Carmo & Carmelitas Churches
Guided visit · 10 min
Separated by Porto's narrowest house
On foot (3 min)
5Clérigos Tower
Guided visit · 10 min
Nicolau Nasoni's Baroque masterpiece
On foot (5 min)
6Vitória Viewpoint
Photo stop · 15 min
Views over the Douro, Jewish heritage and the origins of Port wine
On foot (5 min)
7Rua das Flores
Pass by · 10 min
The liveliest street in the old town
On foot (5 min)
8São Bento Station
Guided visit · 15 min
20,000 tiles telling the story of Portugal
On foot (5 min)
9Porto Cathedral (Sé)
Guided visit · 15 min
Finale at the heart of UNESCO-listed Porto
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
English
What's included
Local guide in English
Walking tour of almost 3 hours through the historic centre
Stories, curiosities and insider tips from a local
Not included
The pay-what-you-want contribution to the guide, at the end (average €15–20 per person)
Entrance fees (monuments seen from outside)
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 (it's hilly)
- Water
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if booked separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow "Free Tour" lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, tip what you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-want free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end, each person gives the guide what they feel is fair, in cash only, in euros (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately. More of you? For larger groups, we ask for a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. There are hills. Monuments are visited from the outside: entrance fees not included. Drinks, food and transport not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, the weather or events in the city. Free cancellation up to the 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 start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
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].
