A king who left his heart to the city, a bookshop linked to Harry Potter and 20,000 azulejo tiles: discover the best of Porto on a walk led by a local. Book for €1.50 and decide what it’s worth at the end.
Fun fact: King Pedro IV’s heart is indeed kept in Porto, at the Church of Lapa: he bequeathed it to the city that supported him during the civil war.
Highlights
- All the Porto highlights in one walk
- Livraria Lello and its connection to Harry Potter
- The azulejo tiles at São Bento Station
- Views of the Douro from Vitória Viewpoint
- Finish at the Cathedral, in the heart of UNESCO-listed Porto
Full description
You get to know Porto by walking with someone who lives here. We’ll set off along the grand Avenida dos Aliados with a story you won’t forget: that of the king who literally left his heart to the city. From there, we’ll head to Livraria Lello, the neo-Gothic gem 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 Vitória Viewpoint while discovering the city’s Jewish heritage and the origins of Port wine, stroll along lively Rua das Flores, lined with artisans and cafés, and be left speechless by the 20,000 azulejo tiles at São Bento Station. We’ll finish at the Cathedral, a Romanesque fortress church in the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic centre. 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 what you think they deserve. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here the price is set by your smile, not a price list.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Avenida dos Aliados e Municipio
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 world of Harry Potter (outside visit)
On foot (2 min)
3Università di Porto
Pass by · 10 min
Academic traditions and black capes
On foot (2 min)
4Chiese do Carmo e Carmelitas
Guided visit · 10 min
Separated by Porto’s narrowest house
On foot (3 min)
5Torre dei Clérigos
Guided visit · 10 min
Nicolau Nasoni’s Baroque masterpiece
On foot (5 min)
6Belvedere della Vitória
Photo stop · 15 min
Views of the Douro, Jewish heritage and the origins of Port wine
On foot (5 min)
7Via delle Flores
Pass by · 10 min
The liveliest street in the historic centre
On foot (5 min)
8Stazione di São Bento
Guided visit · 15 min
20,000 azulejo tiles that tell the story of Portugal
On foot (5 min)
9Cattedrale di Porto (Sé)
Guided visit · 15 min
Finish in 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
Italian
What's included
Local Italian-speaking guide
Nearly 3-hour walking tour of the historic centre
Stories, fun facts and tips from a true Porto local
Not included
Pay-what-you-wish tip for the guide at the end of the tour (average €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 uphill sections)
- 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, leave whatever tip you feel 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 so someone else can take your place.
Company's general termsShowHide
Free tour with a pay-what-you-wish tip: the €1.50 paid at booking is a booking fee and does not include the guide’s fee. At the end of the tour, each person gives the guide whatever they feel is fair, in cash and euros only (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Are you a larger group? For larger groups, we require advance payment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. There are uphill sections. Monuments are viewed from the outside; 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 so someone else can take your place.
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].
