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Porto Half-Day Tour: History, Monuments, Wine Tasting
4.6
186 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
(186 Ratings)
5 stars
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Robert_w
Nov 9, 2024
Perfekt guided Tuk Tuk Tour - Excellent guide Gabby, she was perfect. Very kind, informativ and helpful. We loved our private Tour with her and the Tuk Tuk.
Review provided by Viator
Brian_a
Nov 8, 2024
Great tour - Anna was awesome!!! My husband and I had a great time with the tour. She was knowledgeable, accommodating, and answered questions and gave us recommendations. Very nice tour.
Review provided by Viator
Anne_h
Oct 17, 2024
Romantic Tuktuk for two - Gabby was a great hostess for the tuk tuk tour. She adapted to the new laws and we saw many of the highlights of the city. She knew so much history, made it very interesting and had a back ground in architecture and design so she added so much to the stories. Definitely recommend this tour. She was able to answer our questions and made a great recommendation for lunch.
Review provided by Viator
Anne_b
Oct 6, 2024
Excellent tour - Tour guide was excellent. Good photo opportunities. We saw a lot more than we first thought. Gave us lots of local information. Would highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Stacy_j
Oct 4, 2024
I’m - There was a recent change made by Porto and allowing Tuk Tuks in certain areas of the city. Anna created a great alternate itinerary. She was amazing and so friendly. Thank you Anna!
Review provided by Viator
Hayley_b
Oct 3, 2024
Highlight of Porto - Sergio was a fantastic guide!
Although there were some road restrictions and were unable to be taken around Centro Histórico due to government restrictions. We had a new route sent to us beforehand and glad we continued with the tour as it was brilliant. We even were picked up from our hotel and dropped off where we requested. I wanted to see an extra sight and Sergio was very accommodating. My partner has some mobility issues and this was a perfect way to see the city. A highlight of the trip!
Review provided by Viator
Gregg_h
Sep 27, 2024
great guide, great tour - It was a great way to see the city, super great guide, showed us everything we asked for. highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Ian_h
Sep 27, 2024
Very much worth it - Anna was a great tour guide. Very accommodating. Included a little port tasting and trip to all of the interesting places.
Review provided by Viator
Lfthorn
Oct 12, 2024
Had to cancel, but they refunded. - We were unable to participate in our tour due to a medical emergency on a flight arriving in Porto. Our plane had to turn around. We hope the woman is ok. Luckily after explaining to the booking agency, who reached out to Porto Tuk Tuk, they refunded our money.
I was frustrated though, as I reached out to them several times and did not receive a reply back, by phone and email. Viator was able to reach them after I counted Viator, but it took a while. That is my only complaint.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judith_j
Oct 28, 2024
Good Guide, uncomfortable ride! - Gonzalo, our guide was wonderful! Very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. If you have ANY issues with your back or neck, you may have second thoughts about this excursion. There is no suspension in the tuktuk on very hard seats in a city filled with cobblestones and potholes. After one and a half hours of a four hour tour, we had to stop due to physical discomfort. And that’s without any of us having any significant back issues… It was just too uncomfortable!
Review provided by Viator
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