Porto Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal by JetSettingFools.co

Porto Walking Tour: DIY Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal

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Porto, Portugal is a stunningly beautiful city…and the absolute best way to experience it is on foot! We’ve created an easy-to-follow, self-guided Porto Walking Tour that includes all the top Porto sights. In addition to our step-by-step directions, we include a helpful Porto map at the end of this article.

 

Free Walking Tour Porto: A Self-Guided Porto Walk

Our Self-Guided Porto Free Walking Tour is perfect for visitors who prefer to discover at their own pace. For each Porto attraction, we include information about the sight, our insider tips and a link to Google Maps.

 

About Our Free Tour of Porto, Portugal

We cover some ground in our Porto Walking Tour! There are 25 sights highlighted in our City Sightseeing Porto Tour – and an additional 20+ attractions that are noted along the route. Visitors can enter these top Porto sights (some require a ticket) – or simply enjoy the walk and the atmosphere.

Our walking tour of Porto is 8.5km (a little over 5 miles) in length. How long your Porto City Tour will take depends on your walking pace, interest level and how many sights you decide to enter. The Porto walking route itself – without visiting any churches or climbing the Porto bell tour – could take as little as 3 hours. However, travelers who want to step inside Porto markets and stop to see the cathedral interior could easily spend an entire day on our Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal.

Visitors who would rather tour Porto at a leisurely pace can also divide our route into 2 or 3 different Walking Tours in Porto. Below, we note the best place to break the tour into multiple days of Porto sightseeing.

For more tips on how to plan your trip to Porto, be sure to also read our detailed guide: Porto Itinerary!

 

Guided Porto Tours

While we think our Porto Self-Guided Walking Tour is the best way to explore the city, there are numerous Porto Tours for visitors to consider – including Porto Wine Tours, the Hop On Hop Off Porto Bus and Porto Boat Tours. We highlight some of the highly rated tours in Porto, Portugal at the end of the article.


 

Walking Tour of Porto: What You Will Need

Best Sights, Porto Walking Tour: A DIY Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal

Before you set off on your walking tour in Porto, make sure you have some of these travel essentials!

 

Walking Shoes for Porto

Not only is Porto a hilly city, but many of the streets are cobblestone and some sidewalks have uneven pavement. For our DIY Free Porto Walking Tour, make sure you wear comfortable city walking shoes. I like to wear lightweight shoes by Columbia – and Kris wears Merrell shoes for urban sightseeing.

 

Travel Camera for Porto Photography

Don’t forget your camera for your Porto sightseeing tour! The city is filled with incredible architecture and quaint lanes – and you will want to capture it all! Rather than relying on your phone camera, we recommend upgrading to an actual camera that takes quality photos. We carry a Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens that takes excellent photos and is a fantastic DSLR budget camera option for travel.

 

Porto Weather Gear & Day Pack

Being so close to the sea, the weather can change quickly. While walking around Porto, we recommend bringing a travel umbrella or packable raincoat. In the summertime, a travel hat can provide protection from the sun – and it’s always a good idea to apply some sunscreen! As you explore Porto, you will also want to carry a great day bag to organize all your essential travel items.

 

WiFi in Porto

Our DIY Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal is highlighted with information, tips and maps. In order to access our information while touring Porto, it is necessary to have a WiFi connection.

While some mobile cell phone plans can be adjusted for data usage in other countries, it can be extremely expensive. Instead, we use a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi Hotspot – which is not only ideal for free walking tours, but for traveling abroad in general.

Perfect for frequent travelers, families or friends traveling together, the hotspot can support 10 devices at one time – and travelers can use a SIM card or purchase eSIM data directly online. We would have literally been lost in Porto without it!

 

An Actual Map of Porto

Call us old-fashioned, but even with a WiFi connection, we think it is a good idea to carry a Porto map – like this one! – when touring the city. In fact, we think it is best to purchase a map in advance of your trip so that you can study the city layout. You might even want to highlight our Porto Walking Tour route on the map so that you can easily follow along. 

 

Portugal Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may protect against flight cancellations or lost luggage, as well as when travelers get ill or injured abroad. Find out more about rates and coverage at World Nomads.


 

Porto Walking Tour

Visitors can choose to complete our self-guided Porto walk without making any stops or they can opt to enter attractions along the way. That said, it is important to check attractions’ opening hours before you set out to ensure that you can visit the sights of interest during your walk. Alright, lace up your shoes, because it’s time to start your DIY Free Porto Walking Tour!

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Porto travel blog post so that you can access it on your trip to Portugal.

 

#1 Liberdade Square and Statue of Dom Pedro IV

Liberdade Square and Statue of Dom Pedro IV, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Start your city tour of Porto in Praca da Liberdade – or Liberty Square. Designed in the 18th century, the square long served as the central hub of political, economical and social life in Porto. Ringed by opulent architecture that dates to the early 1900s, the south end of the square is marked by a large equestrian statue dedicated to King Peter IV.

Called ‘The Liberator’ and ‘The Soldier King’, King Peter IV is credited for freeing Brazil from colonization and fighting for a constitutional monarchy in Portugal. He so loved the people of Porto that he left them the gift of his heart, which today is housed in the Lapa Church.

Stroll north from the King Pedro IV Statue along Avenida do Aliados – and perhaps pop into the Imperial McDonald’s, which is often touted as the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurant in the world.

Directions: Walk to the City Hall building on the north end of the square.

 

#2 Porto Sign and Camara Municipal

City Hall, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Featuring a 70-meter-tall tower and carillon clock, the Camara Municipal – or City Hall Porto – is a must-see city landmark on Porto city tours. Construction of the building began in 1920, but it wasn’t completed and finally occupied until 1957. Visitors can go inside to see the lavishly decorated lobby and get an elevated view of Praca da Liberdade.

Sitting in front of the City Hall building is a large, blue Porto sign. Visitors often climb on the sign to get their photo taken – but we think the best view is from the fountain across the street from the sign, where you can see both the sign and City Hall.

Directions: Walk around City Hall to the north side. There you will find a pleasant square and the Trindade Church.

 

#3 Igreja da Santissima Trindade

Igreja da Santissima Trindade, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Continue your Porto City Walking Tour at the church behind City Hall. Built in the 19th century, the Igreja da Santissima Trindade – or Holy Trinity Church – features a neoclassical façade and rising bell tower. The interior of the church, which is free to visit, is decorated with marble and gilded woodwork.

Directions: From the church, walk east on Rua de Fernandes Tomas to the Bolhao Market. Along the route, you will pass by A Favorita do Bolhao (#783 Rua de Fernandes Tomas), a traditional grocery store – stocked with tinned sardines and typical Porto eats – which has been open for more than 80 years. Step inside and take a look, then continue to the produce market.

 

#4 Mercado do Bolhao

MAP. Established in 1914 and recently renovated, the Mercado do Bolhao – or Bolhao Market – is a bustling produce market where all the best tours in Porto make a stop. Visitors can get a glimpse of everyday life in the lanes and stalls of the market – or even get a bite to eat from vendors who sell local prepared delicacies. 

Directions: After walking through the market, exit on the north side (the same place you should have entered) and walk east to the Capela de Santa Catarina.

 

#5 Capela das Almas (or Capela de Santa Catarina)

Capela das Almas Church, Porto, Portugal

MAP. One of the most beautiful churches in Porto, Capela das Almas, also known as Capela de Santa Catarina – or Chapel of Souls and Chapel of Saint Catherine – dates to the early 18th century.

In 1929, the church (like so many others in Porto) was completely covered in the city’s characteristic blue and white painted tiles, called azulejos. Although small, visitors should step inside the church to see the interior as well (it’s one of the best free things to do in Porto!).

Directions: From the church, walk south on Rua de Santa Catarina, a famous pedestrian-only Porto shopping street.

 

#6 Rua de Santa Catarina (Shopping Street Porto)

Rua de Santa Catarina Shopping Street

MAP. A 1500-meter-long shopping street, Rua de Santa Catarina is lined with name-brand stores, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes. The street is one of the top places to go in Porto – not only for shopping, but simply for strolling. 

As you stroll south along the shopping promenade, stop into Fabrica da Nata for a traditional egg custard tart (best fresh from the oven!). At the first intersection (at R. Formosa), detour to the right and step back in time at the traditional A Perola do Bolhao shop where they sell sweet treats, cured meats, wine and deli items.

Directions: Continue walking south on Rua de Santa Catarina to Majestic Cafe (which will be on your left).

 

#7 Majestic Café

Classic Coffee, Majestic Cafe, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Porto’s most glamorous cafe, Majestic Café was first opened in 1921 under the name Café Elite. The stylish cafe attracted Porto’s most renowned citizens – from politicians to poets. In the 1980s, the building was declared a Cultural Heritage Site, even though it was in a state of disrepair after being left abandoned.

Since its full renovation, the Majestic Café has been restored to its former glory. Tuxedoed waiters greet patrons at the door and the coffee is ridiculously expensive for Porto, but the lavish interior is a sight to behold. It’s a perfect place to take a quick break during your Porto Walking Tour Self-Guided Route. 

Directions: From the café, continue walking south to the next street, Rua de Passos Manuel, and turn left. Walk east past the art deco Coliseu Porto Ageas theater to Praca dos Poveiros square. Pass through the square to the quaint city park on the southeast corner.

 

#8 Jardim Marques de Oliveira Porto

Card Games, Jardim Marques de Oliveira, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Porto’s oldest park, Jardim Marques de Oliveira, opened in 1834. The small park features an old gazebo, fountains, statues, benches and bright flowers. An ideal place to rest weary feet, the park is also the meeting place for older gentlemen who come to play cards.

Several of our favorite restaurants are located in the area around the park – like Casa Guedes, Venham Mais 5 and Cafe Santiago. If you are hungry for lunch, we recommend feasting at one of these iconic spots. Find all our top tips for what to eat in Porto on our blog post, Porto Food: What and Where To Eat in Porto.

Directions: From the park, retrace your steps across Praca dos Poveiros and walk west on Rua de Santo Ildefonso (which is a pedestrian walkway just one lane south of Rua de Passos Manuel, the street you arrived on). Walk west to Praca da Batalha and the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso.

 

#9 Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and Praca da Batalha

Amazing Church, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The Baroque Igreja de Santo Ildefonso – or Church of Saint Ildefonso – was built in the early 1700s. It took 30 years to complete – and was opened in 1739. In 1932, the church’s facade was covered in 11,000 of the traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles. The tiles were painted by Portuguese artist, Jorge Colaco, who is responsible for painting many of the azulejo tiles that you will notice while on Porto walks.

The church interior (although not nearly as impressive as the exterior) is free to visit. There is a small museum on-site that requires a ticket to enter.

Praca da Batalha – or Batalha Square – extends around the corner. The square is bordered by the Batalha Palace (which dates to the 18th century), the Royal Theatre of Sao Joao Opera House (built in 1908 on the former site of a theater dating to 1794) and the Cinema Batalha (an art deco theater built in 1947). A statue of King Pedro V, which was dedicated in 1866, stands in the center of the square.

Directions: From the Ildefonso Church, walk west on Rua de 31 de Janeiro, a downhill sloping road that offers views across the city to the Clerigos Tower. At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto Praca de Almeida Garrett and enter the Sao Bento Train Station.

 

#10 Sao Bento Train Station Porto

Interior, Sao Bento Train Station, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The always-buzzing Sao Bento Railway Station was constructed in the early 1900s – and is a highlight in every Porto sightseeing guide.

A stately 3-story granite building, the true gem of the Sao Bento Train Station is the grand entrance hall. The interior of São Bento is decorated with 20,000 azulejo tiles – a project that took 11 years to complete (by artist Jorge Colaco, of course). The colorful upper tiles feature the different modes of transport that have been used in Portugal, while the blue and white tiles depict epic scenes in Portuguese history. 

Directions: Exit the station and turn right. Walk north across the street to the Church of St. Anthony.

 

#11 Igreja de Santo Antonio dos Congregados

Igreja de Santo Antonio dos Congregados at night, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The Igreja de Santo Antonio do Congregadas – or the Church of St. Anthony – has a history that stretches to the late 17th century. Dedicated to St. Anthony (the patron saint of Lisbon), the exterior tiles portray the story of the saint’s life. The church is free to visit – and many of Porto’s faithful residents are often found inside praying. 

Directions: From the church, walk west (passing Praca da Liberdade and the Dom Pedro IV Statue) and start the climb toward the Clerigos Bell Tower. If you walk on the south side of the street, you can pop into O Mundo Fantastico das Sardinhas Poruguesas – a fun tinned sardine store. Further up the street, just before the church, is Confeitaria dos Clerigos, which is a bakery offering traditional Portuguese fare and snacks to go. Continue walking to the church – and find the entrance on the north side.

 

#12 Igreja dos Clerigos and Porto Bell Tower

Igreja dos Clerigos and Bell Tower and Tram passing, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The Igreja dos Clerigos – or Church of the Clergymen – was built in the mid-1700s in the Baroque style (one of the first of its kind in Portugal). The iconic tower stands at 75.6-meters-tall – and has long been a symbol of the city.

Climbing the 240 steps to the top of the bell tower (which requires a ticket – buy it now!) is one of the top things to do in Porto. The church interior – as well as a small on-site museum – can be visited for free. It is well worth taking a break when walking Porto to see these sights. 

Directions: From the church walk north across the Praca de Lisboa (either through the shops or on the grassy park on top of them) to the Livraria Lello Bookstore.

 

#13 Livraria Lello (Porto Bookstore)

Livraria Lello Bookstore, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The Livraria Lello – or Lello Bookstore – was opened in 1906 and ranks as one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. When it first opened, the incredibly ornate bookshop was an instant hit with intellectuals and quickly became a part of the cultural life in Porto.

The Lello Bookstore is said to be inspiration for some of the scenes in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series (there are rumors that she even wrote the book in the shop). Due to the increased popularity of the store, visiting is no longer one of the free things to do in Porto, Portugal; tickets are now required to enter and should be booked in advance.

Directions: From the Lello bookshop, walk northwest on Rua das Carmelitas toward the 19th century Fonte dos Leoes (Lions Fountain) that fronts the stoic University of Porto building. Continue walking northwest across the square and tram tracks to the famous tiled ‘double’ churches.

 

#14 Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas

2 Churches In 1, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas – the Carmo Church and Carmelitas Church – are both a stunning and peculiar sight in Porto. The two extravagant churches stand side-by-side, separated only by a narrow house.

Carmelitas Church, which is on the left, was built in the 17th century as part of a convent; it features a bell tower and intricately decorated interior. The Carmelitas Church is free to visit.

The Carmo Church, on the right, was built in the 18th century for Carmelite monks. Designed in the Baroque style, the exterior has dynamic embellishments on the front and extensive azulejos tiles on the east-facing outer wall. The interior of the Carmo Church is lavishly decorated with gilded woodwork. To visit the Carmo Church, visitors need to purchase a ticket – which also allows entry into the ‘Hidden House,’ the crypt and other rooms within the church complex.

Theories abound as to why the two churches were built next to each other but separated by a slender home; some say it was to keep the monks and nuns from becoming too friendly, while other tales say a law prohibited two churches from being built with a common wall. In any event, the cramped house was used as a residence until the 1980s.

Directions: Walk north along the east side of Carmo Church to the small Praca de Carlos Alberto square.

 

#15 Praca de Carlos Alberto

Beautiful tile sidewalk at Praca de Carlos Alberto, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Named after an exiled king who lived in a palace on the square in the 1800s, Praca de Carlos Alberto – or Carlos Alberto Square – is small, but beautiful. The black and white tiled pavement (which is so characteristic of Portugal) draws the eye to the solemn World War I monument (Monumento aos Mortos da Grande Guerra) that stands on the north end. On Saturdays, the Porto Belo Street Market takes place on the square.

Directions: Retrace your steps south past the Carmo Church and continue walking south on Praca de Parade Leitao (on the west side of the University of Porto building). Enter the shaded Jardim da Cordoaria park and make your way to the southeast corner. Cross the street to the south to the massive Centro Portugues de Fotografia Muesum building and walk south on the narrow street, Rua de Sao Bento da Vitoria, on the east side the building. Pass the Sao Bento do Vitoria Monastery and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Vitoria (take a peek inside if it is open) to the gated and elevated park, Miradouro da Vitoria.

 

#16 Miradouro da Vitoria Porto

View from Miradouro da Vitoria, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Offering one of the best views of Porto, the Miradouro da Vitoria viewpoint is a small gated park (that sits next to an abandoned building). The panoramic view encompasses the Se Cathedral, Ponte Luis I Bridge, the Douro River, Vila Nova de Gaia and tiled rooftops of the Ribeira district.

Directions: Exit through the gate and turn right. At Rua da Vitoria, turn right again, then left onto the stairs, Escadas da Vitoria, that lead down to Rua de Belomonte. Cross the street cattycorner to the southeast and walk south on Rua de Ferreira Borges to the red iron Ferreira Borges Market building.

 

#17 Mercado Ferreira Borges

The Red Market Hall, Mercado Ferreira Borges, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Dating to 1885, the Ferreira Borges Market – which is named for a famous local politician – is a historic Porto landmark…yet it was never used as a marketplace, as originally intended. Instead, it served various purposes – such as a military warehouse and local soup kitchen.

The city nearly tore it down in the 1970s to build a parking lot, but the building was saved for its unique iron design. In 2010, the space was renovated to host a night club, but during the day a small craft market in held inside – and visitors are free to go in and check it out.

Directions: Exit the market building and walk south into the Jardim do Infante D. Henrique park. At the center of the park is a statue dedicated to Prince Henry the Navigator. On the west side of the park and the Palacio da Bolsa.

 

#18 Palacio da Bolsa

The Stoke Exchange Building, Palacio da Bolsa, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa – or Stock Exchange Palace – took nearly 70 years to complete, from 1842 until 1910.  Still the headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a museum (tickets required), conference center and restaurant.

Directions: Walk to the south side of the Palacio da Bolsa and take the stairs up to the Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco.

 

#19 Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco

Monument Church of Saint Francis, Porto, Portugal

MAP. A stunning Gothic structure, the Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco – or the Monument Church of Saint Francis – was built between 1383 and 1425. While the exterior has remained relatively the same through the years, the interior was renovated in the 18th century with a grandiose Baroque flair.

It is estimated that 650 pounds of gold decorate the church’s interior. In 1832 during the Siege of Porto, a fire destroyed the attached cloisters (which is now where the Palacio da Bolsa stands), but thankfully the church was left undamaged. A ticket is required to enter the church.

Directions: Retrace your steps to the southeast corner of the church (by the steps you took to walk up to the church). Use the crosswalk to cross the street to the south (toward the towering, blue tiled Church of St. Nicholas). Turn left and walk past the shops to Rua da Alfandega. Turn right, walk south toward the river – but take your first left onto the narrow Rua da Fonte Taurina and walk along the narrow curving street to Praca da Ribeira. 

 

#20 Ribeira District and Cais da Ribeira Porto

View of Ribeira District and Cais da Ribeira Porto

MAP. One of the oldest districts in Porto and a UNESCO site, the riverside Ribeira District is a tangle of medieval streets and ancient structures. Once a bustling port, the old warehouses are now restaurants, but the upper, terraced residences still serve their original purpose. While many have been converted to tourist accommodations, some are still occupied by locals (as evidenced by their hanging laundry).

At the heart of the district is the Praca da Ribeira. Long serving as a center of commerce and community, the Ribeira Square opens to the Douro River (the city walls were torn down in the 1800s). At the north end is a fountain – and above it is a Portuguese coat of arms that dates to the late 1700s and a statue of St. John the Baptist.

The Cais da Riveira – or the Waterfront – is a wide, pedestrian zone lined with cafes and restaurants. Across the Douro River, visitors can see the Vila Nova de Gaia district (which we visit later in our Porto Walking Tour).

Many of the popular Rabelo boat tours – like the 6 Bridge Tour – depart from the docks on the riverside. (If time permits, give your feet a rest and hop on a Douro River Tour now!)

Directions: Walk along the Waterfront to the east and pass under the upper level of the bridge. Either take the Funicular dos Guindais up to Batalha station (ticket required) or walk up the stairs (find the staircase just past the funicular station) to the south end of Batalha Square. Walk west along the south side of Rua de Saraiva de Carvalho to the small park and find the nearly hidden Igreja de Santa Clara on the south side through the gate.

 

#21 Igreja de Santa Clara Porto

MAP. Built in the early 1400s, the Igreja de Santa Clara – or St. Clara Church – has a modest exterior, but a dazzling interior. Originally constructed as part of a convent, the church was modified throughout the years and now features an exquisite glittering gold interior.

Directions: From the church, retrace your steps through the park to Rua de Saraiva de Carvalho. Continue walking west to the Se do Porto Cathedral.  

 

#22 Se do Porto Cathedral

Blue skies over the Se do Porto Cathedral, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The Se do Porto – or the Porto Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady – marks the historical center of Porto. It took more than 600 years – from the 1100s to the 1700s – to complete the church, in which time many adjustments and alterations were made to the original plans resulting in a mix of architectural styles. In the mid-1700s, famous Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, added a Baroque flair to the cathedral. 

The dominating hilltop church features two towers, an ornate interior and a cloister. There is a fee to visit the church interior, but the ticket allows visitors to climb to the top of the tower for great views of Porto.

Fronting the church is a large square which offers sweeping views over the river and Vila Nova de Gaia. At the center of the square is a decorated pillar, which once served as a place for hangings.

Directions: Retrace your steps around the north side of the Cathedral. Take a closer look at the azulejos tiles that decorate the north side of the church…and then take in the city views from the lookout point on the opposite side of the street. At the equestrian statue of Vimara Peres, veer to the right, taking the upper walkway (called Rua de Dom Hugo) around to the back of the church where there is a free archaeological museum that features unearthed remains from the 4th century BC. After a quick visit to the museum, retrace your steps to the lower road, and walk to the intersection. Turn right (south) onto the pedestrian-only street and walk onto the upper level of the bridge.

 

#23 Ponte Luis I Bridge Porto

Blue SKy above Ponte Luis I Bridge, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel in the late 1800s, the double-decker iron Ponte Luis I Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in the city. Connecting the city of Porto to Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, the bridge was an engineering feat of its time. Originally, both levels of the bridge were designed for motor traffic, but since the early 2000s, the upper level accommodates only trams and pedestrians, while the lower level is only used by cars (and people, too – although the sidewalks are quite narrow!).

Pedestrians can get a peek at another famous Porto bridge, Dona Maria Pia, which is also made of iron, that straddles the Douro just upstream. The twin bridges are named after Portugal King Luis I and his wife, Maria Pia of Savoy.

Directions: Cross the bridge from Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia – take in the views of the river from both sides of the bridge – just watch for trams! Once across the bridge, continue walking south on Avenida da Republica. At the first intersection, make a sharp left U-turn onto the ramp that leads up to the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar.

 

#24 Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

View from Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, Porto, Portugal

MAP. The round, white Serra do Pilar church – part of a former 16th century monastery – can clearly be seen from afar. While most of the monastery is now used by the military, part of it is open as a museum (ticket required). However, it’s the Porto city views from the square that fronts the church that make it worth trekking up the hill.

Directions: Take the ramp back down to street level and cross the Jardim do Morro park (which also has nice views and plenty of places to sit and relax). On the far side of the park, find the staircase that leads down to Calcada da Serra Street. Turn right and start the downhill trek to the Vila Nova de Gaia Riverside – follow the road to the left when it turns sharply under the bridge. Alternatively, take a ride on the Teleferico Gaia Cable Car (ticket required).

 

#25 Vila Nova de Gaia

Street Art, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal

MAP. Vila Nova de Gaia – or just Gaia – is a separate municipality from Porto, yet it is a must-see for Porto visitors. Gaia is famous for being home to numerous Port Wine Cellars and the views of Porto from the waterfront are spectacular.

Port wine is a Portuguese fortified wine made exclusively in the Douro Valley. The vineyards are located upstream and we took a day tour to the region which we detail in our Complete Itinerary for Porto.

Sandeman Wine, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal

The wine was traditionally transferred by rabelos boats to be processed and stored in the Gaia warehouses along the river and in the sprawling neighborhood to the south. When the Port wine was ready, it was loaded onto bigger boats and shipped all around the world.

A wide pedestrian walkway in Gaia parallels the river – and port wine tasting rooms, restaurants and cafes line the path. Visitors can join cellar tours (book in advance!), sip port on an elevated terrace or get an inexpensive tasting along with petiscos – small plates for sharing – at cafes.

At the west end of the waterfront is the Natas D’ouro bakery (one of our favorite Pastel de Nata bakeries!) and the Mercado Beira Rio, which features an array of local cuisine from top city restaurants.

Interested visitors can continue touring the area on a Gaia cellar walk (use these directions) and seek out some of the interesting street art in the area. Another way to end your day of sightseeing is with a combined early evening port wine tasting and Fado show at the Calem cellars (but you need to book your seat in advance!)

That ends our Self-Guided Free Porto Walking Tour! Below is our Porto Map of Sights, as well as tips for other interesting tours in Porto.


 

Shorter Porto Walking Tours

View from Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal

Our Porto walk can easily fill an entire day of exploration in the city. Visitors who would rather break our tour into multiple Porto, Portugal walking tours, however, can easily do so. 

 

2 Porto, Portugal Self-Guided Tours

To split our Self-Guided Porto Free Tour into two tours, we recommend seeing sights 1-20 on Day 1, then exploring sights 21-25 on Day 2.

 

3 Self-Guided Walking Tours: Porto, Portugal

For even shorter days, our Walking Tour of Porto can be divided into three separate tours. For the first tour, see sights 1-10 from our Free Tour Porto on an easy tour around the city. On the next tour, explore sights 11-20 for more historic Porto attractions. Finally, for the third Porto free walking tour, discover iconic sights and Gaia with sights 21-25.

Subscribe Packing Checklist by JetSettingFools.com


 

Porto, Portugal Map

Use this link to Google Maps to find an online, interactive version of all the stops on our Free Porto Walking Tour. Visitors can also pick up a free Porto tourist map at the Tourist Information Office. However, we do recommend buying a map in advance of your trip to Porto so that you can plot out your route and get a better idea of they layout. 

Porto Walking Tour Map by JetSettingFools.com

 

Porto Walking Tour Map and Directions

In our Porto Walking Tour Self Guided route, we include written directions, as well as a map link to each sight  – and the above Porto Map of Attractions – to help travelers find their way through the city to the top sights. 

Visitors can also use these Google Map links for our Porto Walking Tour route, which give online step-by-step directions from one sight to the next.


 

More Tours in Porto, Portugal

Take a river cruise on the Douro River, Porto, Portugal

While we think our walk outlines the best Porto free tour, there are many other tours that provide a excellent introduction.

 

Douro River Cruise Tours Porto

There are numerous Porto river trips – but a 6 Bridges Cruise is the most popular way to see the sights by boat. On the affordable 50-minute Porto boat tour, visitors board a traditional Rabello boat for a tour on the Douro River. Book it now!

 

Porto Wine Tour

Wine is part of the culture in Porto – and it’s not only about port wine! Join an afternoon tour for a guided introduction to Porto wine. On the guided tours participants will get to taste 3 wines and learn about the history of wine making in the region. Get the details!

Pro Tip: Visitors can also take a Porto Cellar Tour that details the process of making port on a guided tour of the cellars – with a port tasting at the end of the tour! Learn more here!

 

Porto Food Tour

We love the food in Portugal! Fellow travelers can use our guide, Porto Food: What And Where To Eat in Porto to create their own food tour. Guests who would rather a guide lead the way can join the highly-rated group Food Tour Porto, Portugal. Reserve your spot!

Pro Tip: We created a guide for the Best Porto Craft Beer Bars, too! 

 

Guided Walking Tour Porto

We understand that some would rather a tour guide show them the sights – and there are many top-rated Guided Walking Tours in Porto. On a 3-hour guided Porto sightseeing tour, you learn about the history of the city and get insider tips, too. Find out more!

 

Porto Private Tour

Travelers who want a guided, private tour of Porto can also hire a local guide. On this popular half day Porto tour, guests get a personalized introduction just for them. Book it here!

 

Guided Free Tour Oporto

Visitors looking for a Guided Oporto Free Tour should check out the Porto Sandeman Tour. Just keep in mind that a Guided Free Walking Tour Porto, Portugal is not, in fact, free. The guides of the Porto Walking Tour Free Walk expect – and hopefully deserve – to be tipped. Guests who do not want to pay a guide should simply use our outlined Self-Guided Walking Tour Porto.

 

Porto Bus Tour: Hop On Hop Off

If all the walking and hills are just a bit too much, take the Hop On Hop Off Bus in Porto instead! The Porto Sightseeing Bus has two routes that make stops at major attractions and includes commentary in 8 different languages. Visitors can still use our outlined Porto Self Guided Walking Tour for sight information in conjunction with using the bus. Book it now!

 

Combo Ticket: Experience top Porto attractions with a combo ticket that includes the Hop On Hop Off Bus, a River Boat Ride and a Port Cellar Tour! Get the Details!

 

Porto Tram Tour

An alternate way to see the city – still in the style of a DIY tour – is on a Porto Tram City Tour. Although not really an official Porto tour, visitors can ride the historic trams to many of the sights. Use this Self Guided Walking Tour Porto and our Porto Vacation Plan for information as you go. Find more info about using the trams to tour Porto on the transportation website.

 

Porto Bike Tour

While we think we have given you the best walking tour Porto, bike tours in Porto are a fabulous way to sightsee! Rather than walking in Porto, follow a guide on two wheels on a 3 hour guided tour across town. Get the details!


 

More Portugal Travel Tips

We’ve got you started with the best free walking tour in Porto – but there is a lot more involved in planning a trip to Porto! We share our top tips for what to do and see – plus advice on where to stay and how to get there – in our Detailed Itinerary for Porto.

More travel tips for Portugal can be found in our free travel guides. 

 

Stay Organized with a Travel Planner

As you research and make reservations for your Porto, Portugal trip, you need to stay on top of the details! With a travel planner – like our Printable Travel Planner – you can keep track of all your trip plans so that nothing falls through the cracks!

Travel Planner Printables by JetSettingFools.com

 

Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!

 

We Want To Know: Is there anything you would add to our Porto Walking Tour Self Guided outline? Let us know in the comments! 

 

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Porto Walking Tour A DIY Walking Tour of Porto, Portugal by JetSettingFools.com