Cod, rabelo boats, Port wine and alleys tumbling down to the river: Ribeira told by a local. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: People from Porto are nicknamed "tripeiros": in 1415 they gave all their meat to Henry the Navigator's fleet and were left eating tripe.
Highlights
- Walk down from the Cathedral to the Douro through Porto's oldest lanes
- Find out why Porto locals are called "tripeiros"
- Cod, the British and Port wine: history you can taste
- Miragaia, the sailors' quarter
- A postcard finale by the D. Luís I Bridge
Full description
Porto was born facing the river, and this tour takes you down from the top of the Cathedral to the banks of the Douro along the city's oldest lanes. Your local guide will tell you how a city ruled by bishops became a trading power, what the Grilos Church hides behind its 1730 azulejos, and why Porto can't stop talking about cod: trade treaties with England, Portuguese princesses in Denmark, and the famous Gomes de Sá recipe. You'll wander through Miragaia, the quarter of sailors and shipyards where ships set off for India and Brazil, gaze across the Douro to learn about the world's oldest demarcated wine region, and arrive at Infante Square, home to the Stock Exchange Palace and São Francisco Church. You'll also find out why Porto locals are called "tripeiros." We finish by the D. Luís I Bridge, with tales of floods, daring rescues, and the legendary Duke of Ribeira. 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 30 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Museu do Vitral
Guided visit · 5 min
Meeting point, next to the Cathedral
On foot (1 min)
2Porto Cathedral (Sé)
Guided visit · 15 min
The historic heart and the city of bishops
On foot (2 min)
3House of the 24
Guided visit · 10 min
Medieval guilds and the origin of "Pena Ventosa"
On foot (3 min)
4Grilos Church
Guided visit · 10 min
The Jesuit legacy and the story behind its name
On foot (3 min)
5Sant'Ana Gate
Guided visit · 10 min
Medieval walls and Jewish heritage
On foot (5 min)
6São João Novo Square
Guided visit · 10 min
The British, cod and the Gomes de Sá recipe
On foot (5 min)
7São Pedro de Miragaia Church
Guided visit · 10 min
The sailors' and shipbuilders' quarter
On foot (5 min)
8Douro riverbank
Photo stop · 10 min
Rabelo boats and Port wine
On foot (8 min)
9Infante Square
Guided visit · 15 min
São Francisco, the Stock Exchange Palace and Henry the Navigator
On foot (3 min)
10Cais da Ribeira
Guided visit · 10 min
Porto's most photogenic quarter
On foot (3 min)
11D. Luís I Bridge
Guided visit · 10 min
Finale with Dona Antónia and the Duke of Ribeira
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 30 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
English
What's included
Local guide in English
Walking tour of about 2.5 hours through Ribeira
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 (hills and stairs)
- 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" letters
- 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, 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 and stairs. 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].
