Porto Private Walking Tour the Story Behind its Tiles

Porto , Portugal

Porto Private Walking Tour the Story Behind its Tiles

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About this experience

For centuries, glazed tiles have been woven into the fabric of Portuguese culture, and Porto is no exception. From monumental façades to humble homes, tiles are an essential part of the city’s landscape, where art, history, and everyday life converge.
In this 2.5-hour private walking tour, we’ll do more than just admire the beauty and versatility of tiles — we’ll use them as a key to unlock the fascinating story of Porto. Each stop will reveal a chapter of the city’s history, architecture and lifestyle. We'll visit iconic landmarks, explore a tile depository with thousands of designs and uncover how tiles played a role in Porto’s commerce and art.
The final stretch will be about discovering stories behind the famous tiled panels at São Bento station and the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, with its breathtaking baroque tiles.
The experience, led by an architect and design researcher specializing in built heritage, includes a snack and a ticket for the Cathedral.

Available options

Porto Private Walking Tour the Story Behind its Tiles

What's included

a sweet snack - a traditional local pastry - will be offered during the tour

Group size: min 2, max 6 guests. This is a private tour, just for you and your group!

Guide In-person

Tickets for the Porto Cathedral are included

Detailed itinerary

A perfect place for an introduction and to learn about the famous Santa Catarina Street and its landmarks.

A vibrant place to feel the spirit of the city and to learn how tiles have been used for advertising purposes.

We will look into the details of one of the most beautiful façades of Porto and learn not only about its tiles but also about the tea-drinking habit!

We will visit a branch of Porto City Museum that keeps wide variety of tiles from different epochs. We will delve deeper into the history of tiles in Portugal, and explore thousands of designs and patterns that can be seen in the streets of Porto.

Stop 5

This is one of the most stylish arrival points in Europe and beyond! We will learn all about the long history of the building and explore the diversity of motives on its tiled panels.

Stop 6

A remarkable 21st-century hand-painted tile panel is on our way too!

Stop 7

Here we will admire the beauty of the tiles and learn about the curious history of this Porto's baroque landmark! (we won't be visiting the interior on this tour)

Stop 8

Last but not least: we will wrap up our visit in the oldest monument of Porto, and a never-ending work of art and architecture. We'll focus on the remarkable Baroque tiles and a unique atmosphere inside the Cathedral.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a small-group private tour: min 2, max 6 guests

Meeting point

Our meeting point is in front of the Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas). Address: Rua da Santa Catarina 428. It's the chapel covered in thousands of blue and white glazed tiles.

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