Porto Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems with a Local

Porto , Portugal

Porto Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems with a Local

Active

(50 reviews)

2h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This experience invites you to explore Porto as a guest of the city, not just a visitor. Whether you want to uncover its architectural gems, taste its best traditional pastries, or explore creative alleyways off the beaten path, your local host will design a route that reflects your interests and pace.

Within 24 hours of booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire to share your preferences and travel style. Based on your responses, we’ll match you with a like-minded host who will contact you directly to plan your itinerary. Your meeting point and stops can be adjusted along the way for a flexible and meaningful experience.

Available options

3 hrs Porto

Duration: 3 hours

6 hrs Porto

Duration: 6 hours

4 hrs Porto

Duration: 4 hours

2 hrs Porto

Duration: 2 hours

8 hrs Porto

Duration: 8 hours

What's included

Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations.

Flexible durations and start times—choose your preferred time when booking

Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the experience to your preferences

Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

See Porto through the eyes of someone who lives and loves it—uncovering the city’s layered history, vibrant neighborhoods, and everyday charm. This isn’t a scripted tour—it’s an experience shaped entirely around you. Before your walk begins, your host will reach out with a short questionnaire to craft an itinerary based on your interests. Whether you’re into food, architecture, art, or just wandering with a local, here are a few stops you might explore:

Wander through Porto’s iconic market filled with colorful produce, handmade goods, and local snacks—an authentic taste of daily life in the city.

Stop 3 Pass by

Step inside one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations, where intricate azulejo tile murals depict Portugal’s past in vivid detail.

Stop 4 Pass by

Miragaia Neighborhood
Explore this historic fishing quarter nestled along the Douro River, with its narrow lanes, colorful houses, and a slower, more local rhythm.

Stop 5 Pass by

Stroll the riverside promenade in Porto’s oldest district, soaking in postcard-worthy views, traditional taverns, and layers of history.

What's not included

Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions

Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

32 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.

This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.

Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.

Meeting point

Meet your host in front of Porto City Hall. After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to suit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.

Important notes

Once the experience has been booked, the experience team will be in touch within 24 hours with a questionnaire. Your answers to this will help the experience team to plan and personalise your walking experience. Please respond to this questionnaire as soon as you can so that we have sufficient time to choose the right Host for you.

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River