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Porto Half-Day Tour: History, Monuments, Wine Tasting
4.6
196 Ratings
Porto
Embark on a half-day journey in Porto. Unravel the city’s history, explore its major monuments, wander around enchanting gardens, and uncover scenic viewpoints with breathtaking vistas.
Embark on a half-day journey in Porto. Unravel the city’s history, explore its major monuments, wander around enchanting gardens, and uncover scenic viewpoints with breathtaking vistas.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Teatro Nacional São João - This historic building, erected in 1910, stands on the site of the Real Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1908. It features stylistic symbols representing pain, quality, hate, and love. The main façade reflects its renovation in the Louis XVI style, typical of early 20th-century France. Designed by Marques da…
- Teatro Nacional São João - This historic building, erected in 1910, stands on the site of the Real Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1908. It features stylistic symbols representing pain, quality, hate, and love. The main façade reflects its renovation in the Louis XVI style, typical of early 20th-century France. Designed by Marques da Silva, it is recognized as a building of public interest. Its primary goals are to create and present theatre shows of various genres and to promote greater public access to specialist, classic, and contemporary theatre works, covering both national and international drama repertoires. The building also connects the Carlos Alberto Theatre to the São Bento da Vitória monastery.
- Muralha Fernandina - This Romanesque wall, built in the 12th century, marked the administrative and urban boundaries of Porto after a long period of scattered population. Significant remnants of this structure have survived through the years.
- Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar - A World Cultural Heritage site, construction began in 1538 and was completed around 1670. Initially built to house the Augustinian Friars of the Monastery of Grijó, it later served as a base for the liberal army during the Civil War of 1832-1834. The war left it in disrepair until 1834, when the Royal Brotherhood of Lady of the Pilar and later the Group of Friends of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, in 1925, restored the entire building. The church, with its circular plan, features a dome surrounded by a balcony, and the cloister is also circular with 36 Ionic columns, the only example in Portugal. From its grand terrace, one can view the entire riverside area of Porto and Gaia up to the Arrábida Bridge, and the historic center, highlighting the Cathedral and D. Luís I bridge. In the opposite direction, one can see the Fontainhas area and the São João bridge.
- Ponte de Dom Luís I - Designed by engineer Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, it was inaugurated in 1886 and consists of two overlapping iron decks. The bridge is 395 meters long and 8 meters wide, with its arch still considered the world’s largest in forged iron. Today, the upper deck is used by the Metro of Porto, connecting Porto’s Cathedral area to the Garden of Morro and Avenida da República in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Igreja de São Francisco - The city’s most significant Gothic temple, construction began in the 14th century. It is one of the most important Baroque works, with its gilded interior from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its lavish gilded woodwork led Count Raczinsky to describe it as the ‘Church of Gold.’ He added, ‘The gilding of this church is so beautiful and rich that it surpasses everything I have seen in Portugal and the entire world.’ Noteworthy are the Tree of Jesse and the catacombs. It has been a National Monument since 1910 and a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO since 1996.
- Palácio da Bolsa - A National Monument, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is owned and headquartered by the Commercial Association of Porto. Designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima in a neoclassical style in 1842, it is located in the historical center and is one of the most visited monuments, with the famous Arabian Room as its main highlight. As a Cultural and Conference Centre, the Stock Exchange Palace offers unique conditions for hosting events and excellent initiatives. It is part of the Urban Wine Route and is accessible for people with reduced mobility through a side entrance.
- Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique - Established in 1885, this square is surrounded by Mercado Ferreira Borges and Palácio da Bolsa, located in the historical center. It features a small garden, under which an underground car park was built, and a Monument to the Infante D. Henrique, inaugurated on the 5th centenary of his death. Its construction began in 1894 and was completed in 1900, symbolizing the triumph of Portuguese navigation and faith.
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal - This beautiful botanical garden is one of Porto’s most cherished retreats, with lawns interwoven with sun-dappled paths and adorned with fountains, sculptures, giant magnolias, camellias, cypress, and olive trees. It is a mosaic of small gardens that gradually reveal themselves as you wander, along with stunning views of the city and Rio Douro.
- Mercado Ferreira Borges - Built in 1885 by order of the City Council to replace the old Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market), it operated as a market for a short time and has since been used for various purposes. It is an important example of iron architecture in Porto, later renovated to become an entertainment venue, now home to the Hard Club.
- Alfândega Porto Congress Centre - A neoclassical building constructed in the 19th century, designed by engineer Jean F. G. Colson. It features two facades, one facing the Douro River and one facing the city. Notable are the structural solutions that used iron in conjunction with other materials—stone, brick, or wood—depending on the functionality of the different spaces. In 1987, it was decided to house the future Museum of Transport and Communications in the building belonging to the Association with the same name. Restoration and adaptation works were carried out according to the project by architect Eduardo Souto Moura. The Association for the Transport and Communications Museum (Associação para o Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações-A.M.T.C) also manages a Congress Centre, spread across various areas in the Building of Alfândega Nova do Porto.
- Igreja dos Carmelitas - A 17th-century church with a classical façade dating from the 1850s. The project is attributed to architect/painter Nicolau Nasoni. The altarpiece, in Porto rococo style, was considered a stylistically revolutionary piece. The building is designated a national monument.
- Jardim de João Chagas - Better known as Cordoaria Garden, this garden has been called João Chagas Garden since 1924. Its popular name comes from the rope makers who worked here for about 200 years. In the 19th century, the Municipality decided to transform the Praça da Cordoaria into a public area. The project, by German landscaper Emile David, was built in 1865/1866. The garden features statues of Ramalho Ortigão and António Nobre, a set of sculptures by Juan Muñoz from 2001, and “O rapto de Ganímedes” (Kidnapping of Ganímedes). As part of Porto 2001, European Capital of Culture, this garden underwent remodeling.
- Torre dos Clérigos - The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church in Porto, Portugal. Its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, is visible from various points in the city and is one of its most iconic symbols.
- Igreja do Carmo - A church built in the second half of the 18th century. Due to its architecture and interior carvings, it is considered one of the most remarkable buildings of Porto rococo. In 1912, its lateral façade was covered with tiles. The drawings on these tiles were designed by Silvestre Silvestri, featuring figurative compositions alluding to the cult of Nossa Senhora (Our Lady). The building is designated a national monument.
- Fonte dos Leões - The Fountain of the Lions (Portuguese: Fonte dos Leões) is a 19th-century fountain built by the French company Compagnie Générale des Eaux pour l’Etranger. Cast by the Val d’Osne foundry in France, it is largely a replica of the fountain in the Town Hall Square of Leicester, England.
- Antiga Cadeia da Relação - A granite building dating from 1582, rebuilt in 1767 in neo-classical style, designed by architect Eugénio dos Santos, initiated by João de Almada e Melo and financed by Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro. It features a geometric sequence of windows (103 in total). This polygonal-shaped building has four façades, two of which relate to its main functions: the main façade on Rua de São Bento da Vitória provides access to the Court sector. The other façade, opening to the Cordoaria Garden, was originally constructed for the direct passage of prisoners and is now the building’s main entrance. Camilo Castelo Branco, one of Portugal’s most famous writers, charged with adultery, and the famous Zé do Telhado, charged with theft, were held here. Between 1999 and 2002, the building was restored under the direction of Eduardo Souto de Moura and Humberto Vieira to become the current Portuguese Centre for Photography, including an exhibition center.
- Livraria Lello - The building housing the library was inaugurated in 1906. Its beautiful Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details is noteworthy. Inside, the library is decorated with painted plaster imitating wood and features a magnificent staircase linking it to the upper floor—one of the first reinforced concrete works in Porto. Also notable is the large stained-glass skylight, bearing the library’s monogram and motto: ‘Decus in Labore.’ In 2008, the English newspaper The Guardian ranked this library as the world’s third most beautiful, as did Lonely Planet in its guide “Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011,” describing it as an ‘Art Nouveau gem,’ particularly highlighting its ‘neo-Gothic shelves’ and the ‘lolloping red staircase.’

What's Included
- Local guide
- Wine tasting
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Local guide
- Wine tasting
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group/family will participate
- Each Tuk Tuk as capacity for 2, 3, or 4 adults of average height, (up to 75kg each). For larger groups, we’ll use multiple vehicles, but we will always travel in a group, making the same stops at same time.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group/family will participate
- Each Tuk Tuk as capacity for 2, 3, or 4 adults of average height, (up to 75kg each). For larger groups, we’ll use multiple vehicles, but we will always travel in a group, making the same stops at same time.
Location
R. de Augusto Rosa 180
Rua de Augusto Rosa
In front of Café Batalha.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(196 Ratings)
5 stars
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Carolinen164
Mar 29, 2025
Great tour for seeing many parts of Porto in a few hours - Anna drove the tuktuk with style and chutzpah. She knows Porto inside out and gave us lots of info on the main sites and also some less well known ones. Took us down river to the beach area on a beautiful sunny spring day which we really loved. We had a great time on the tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbie_w
Mar 26, 2025
Great trip- recommend highly - We were met by the beautiful and knowledgeable Anna, who drove us in a very clean and secure tuk tuk, she tailored the tour to our requirements and was very knowledgeable about Portugal and Portuguese life, being a local herself. She gave us time to walk around the market and churches and take plenty of photographs. We visited a lovely park and she gave us a complimentary drink of port to take with us! The market Balhao he’s very clean and definitely worth a visit but go hungry as there are lots and lots of food opportunities as well as port opportunities to try. Maybe miss breakfast and go there first.
Review provided by Viator
Mike_s
Mar 25, 2025
Save your legs for short walks through the markets; take the Tuk Tuk for the tour! - What a great time we had with Anna on our tour around Porto! She took us to all of the sites that you have to see, gave us time to walk through the those that needed touring and conversed on every question we asked. Her English is very good and her knowledge of Porto and Portugal filled our heads with good information. My only complaint would be the squealing brakes when going downhill — and there are a lot of hills in Porto.
I recommend this tour for a great overview of the city and a fun time — save your legs for short walks through the markets; take the Tuk Tuk for the tour!
Review provided by Viator
Staceyn531
Mar 12, 2025
Outstanding way to see gems of Porto - Amazing time and really full of great sights and knowledge. The guide was a pro and so accommodating! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cathy_p
Feb 25, 2025
Amazing Tour! - Gabriella was a fantastic guide! I showed her a list of the sites that we particularly wanted to see and she was fabulous in showing them to us and explaining the history of them and the city. Such fun!
Review provided by Viator
Karen_b
Dec 11, 2024
A great overview of Porto - A great way to get the layout of Porto on your first day, then you can decide where and what you want to return to for a more in depth investigation. Ask your driver for the history of Porto because it is a fascinating city that has never been conquered- even Napoleon could not take the city.
Review provided by Viator
Donna_r
Nov 29, 2024
Porto in November - Our guide was fun and very knowledgeable of Porto and Gaia which made the tour informative and interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_k
Nov 17, 2024
Good overview of Porto - Despite Viator not passing on change of pick up location, we were able to communicate and our guide Gabby waited for us while we made our way to new location. Gabby was an excellent guide and a wealth of information, also willing to help with restaurant suggestions and purchasing a needed electronic.
Review provided by Viator
Keri_v
Jan 9, 2025
I highly recommend taking... - I highly recommend taking a Tuk Tour to explore the city as it's an efficient way to see all areas. However, I was disappointed with our guide, Fabio, and would not recommend him. Fabio was not engaging and did not provide the historical insights we were hoping for about the buildings and landmarks. It's also important to note that Tuk Tuks are not allowed in Porto's historical city center. While they can drive around the area, they cannot enter it. They can, however, park the Tuk Tuk and walk with you to some of the sites. You should ensure that your driver is willing to do this before booking the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Sasha_b
Mar 16, 2025
We started off OK... - We started off OK although we did find it hard to hear the guide in the back of the tuk tuk. After an hour the tuk tuk broke down, we waited 30mins for a new one to arrive but then decided to leave - we had another tour in the afternoon so were on a schedule - having waited 30mins we left. It was an our first time in Porto and were disappointed. The guide tried to help but really the tuk tuk should have been checked before we left as she was clearly struggling from when we left.
Review provided by Viator
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