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Foz do Douro Culture & history

Our most recommended Foz do Douro Culture & history

From Lisbon: Day Trip to Porto, Óbidos, and Nazaré

1. From Lisbon: Day Trip to Porto, Óbidos, and Nazaré

Discover three amazing Portuguese cities: Porto, Nazaré, and Óbidos with a bus sightseeing tour from Lisbon. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Portugal and feel inspired by the architecture, history, and culture of these beautiful cities. Get comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle as you start your journey toward the town of Óbidos, where we will start with a guided tour accompanied by a local guide. Completely surrounded by ancient walls and preserving all its medieval charm, Óbidos is one of the most famous and visited places in Portugal, and a must-see in the surroundings of Lisbon. The narrow cobbled streets that can be seen in Óbidos will immediately transport you to a medieval atmosphere. These streets are home to perfectly preserved old houses, historic buildings, and important monuments. Dominating the historic center in the highest part of the village, visit the Castle of Óbidos, which is declared one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. Start at the village main gate, and discover the amazing narrow streets outside of the beaten track. Visit the secret Jewish neighborhood and its white-painted houses with some great spots to take pictures. Walk along Rua Dereita, the most famous street, full of stores and traditional restaurants, and get to the castle of Óbidos. It was built in the 12th-century, although it has Roman constructions in its beginnings. It can be said that it is one of the best preserved and largest fortresses of the country, being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. From there, you will clearly see the great wall of Óbidos, another of the town’s great symbols. Continue the trip heading to possibly the most famous fishing town in Portugal, Nazaré, where you will visit the Forte de Sao Miguel. This site has become world-famous for the giant wave that hits its coast every winter and attracts lots of surfers from all over the world. Then, walk through O Sitio, where the famous streets present a collection of religious buildings and are a hugely popular site for pilgrims from all around the globe. Hike your way up to the summit, where you'll find medieval fortifications, 17th-century churches, and modern shrines. Wander the courtyards and plazas surrounded by ornate structures, basilicas, and statues. Next, head to Oporto, the last stop of the day. First you will have 1h to have a typical Portuguese lunch on your own to regain energy, and then, the visit will start. A vibrant 1.5-hour walking tour, where you will admire the stunning Old Town on the picturesque Douro River, complete with six bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Igreja Carmen, Estação São Bento, Igreja São Francisco and Ponte Don Luis. At the end of your tour, you will return to the center of Lisbon and your guide will recommend things to do during the rest of your stay.

Porto: Guided Historical Center Tuk Tuk Tour

2. Porto: Guided Historical Center Tuk Tuk Tour

Take a unique exploration of Porto, in which you will be taken to discover a different and charming side of the city. See the Douro River from several fantastic viewpoints in Porto and Gaia, as you get to know the city in a relaxed style. Ride through various places in your charming tuk-tuk, as you hear of stories that this city has to tell in every corner that makes Porto and its people unique. Enjoy the ride with a glass full of Port - a fortified wine that originates from this area. Porto has in the past been nominated 3 times and elected 3 times as the best European destination. The experience offers a unique way to get to know Porto as nobody else will. Discover every nook and cranny, and marvel at the brilliance and splendor of a city that is full of character and passion. Opt to take the tour in the daytime, in the evening, or at sunset, by selecting the relevant option when you book. For the sunset tour, experience the city in a beautiful light - the perfect moment for a glass of Porto with the most astonishing views over the old town. Pick the night option and enjoy a tour of Porto in the evening with fewer people around and less traffic. Alternatively, if you are a cruise ship passenger, choose the 'shore excursion' option to begin the tour at the main gate of Leixões Port. Start the tour by the sea and get to know the historical center of the city, passing first by the Douro river bank.

Porto: Serralves Foundation Entry Ticket

3. Porto: Serralves Foundation Entry Ticket

Explore the Serralves Foundation’s landscape and architectural heritage including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Serralves Villa the Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira (Cinema House), and the 18-hectare Serralves Park which is complemented by the pioneering Treetop Walk. Visit the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, which was designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, a Pritzker Prize winner. The Museum of Contemporary Art presents exhibitions by leading Portuguese and foreign artists, concerts, dance shows, and performances, among other activities. Be dazzled by the Serralves Villa (temporarily closed until March 10 and on March 14 and 15), a unique example of Art Deco architecture with leading European furniture designers such as Émile Jacques Ruhlmann, René Lalique, and Edgar Brandt contributing to the interior of Serralves Villa. Experience the Manoel de Oliveira House of Cinema, designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, which shows off the work of Portugal's most-famed director with exhibitions, film series, and conferences. Enjoy the 18-hectare Serralves Park, designed by Jacques Gréber, which is a unique example of Portugal's landscape heritage. It consists of a wide range of spaces: formal gardens, woods, a traditional farm, and the Treetop Walk. Try something different with the Treetop Walk designed by the architects Álvaro Siza Vieira and Carlos Castanheira, an elevated walkway in the treetops, which enables impressive observation and study of the biodiversity of Serralves Park.

From Lisbon: Porto Highlights Day Trip

4. From Lisbon: Porto Highlights Day Trip

You will start your tour in the Ribera del Duero area. A charming start in the most beautiful natural area of the city. You will be able to admire the beautiful bridges that cross the river and also discover the charm of its people. In this way, you will find yourself breathing the authentic essence of the city. In fact, this area of the town is a World Heritage Site, with the Largo do Terreiro as the highlight. There you will find the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Ó, which dates back to the 17th century, having been deeply remodeled in the 19th century. Just in front, you will see the famous Fuente Taurina, which is a kind of entrance to the restaurant area. A multitude of restaurants await you to taste the rich gastronomy of the city with incredible views of the Duero. Going up from the Ribeira, you will reach the most famous bridge of Porto: the bridge of Don Luis I. After crossing the Don Luis I bridge, you will arrive at the area of the Church and the Clérigos Tower. These are the greatest exponents of baroque art in the city. In addition, the almost 80 meters high tower also allows it to be a monument seen from any point. You should know that the Clérigos Tower is the largest religious construction in Portugal. It dates back to the 18th century, and its marble and granite facade will leave you speechless. Its origins date back to the Brotherhood of the Poor Clerics, who made the Church of the Clerics their home after financing the construction of the tower. By the way, we must not forget that the temple keeps inside treasures of incalculable value, protected by a rococo style facade that you will love. Following the ascent through the streets of the city you will reach its highest part, where the Cathedral of Oporto, also known as Sé do Porto, is located. A majestic temple built throughout the twelfth century whose facade leaves a sensational mix of styles. Thus, you can see samples of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. You will learn about the history of the temple and the main elements kept inside. In addition, you will also pass by the San Bento railroad station. One of the most striking of Portugal, decorated with tiles that leave in sight sensational images of the country's history. It is another must-see in Porto. Before ending the guided tour, you will cross to the other side of the river to contemplate the historical part of the city, where the Vinho do Porto Caves are located. As you know, Porto is a land of worship to good wine, so you will not miss a single detail of this delicious product. After the guided tour, you will have free time to continue exploring the city at your own pace and recharge your batteries in one of its famous restaurants. In this sense, you will have no problem finding the greatest temples to the city's food, as our guides will give you the best recommendations.

Porto: Private Charming Sailboat Tour on the Douro River

5. Porto: Private Charming Sailboat Tour on the Douro River

Embark on a private sailboat tour along the riverside of Porto and Gaia. Pass some of the most appreciated attractions in the cities of Porto and Gaia, such as the Dom Luis Bridge, Crystal Palace Gardens, Porto Cathedral, and Clérigos Tower. Starting at the Douro Marina, meet your certified crew and savor a sparkling or Porto wine as a welcome drink before sailing calmly between the Dom Luis Bridge and the mouth of the Douro River. Simply sit back, relax, and listen to music while admiring the sights from the water.

Porto: Private Half-Day as a Local Experience

6. Porto: Private Half-Day as a Local Experience

Your experience begins as your driver picks you up in a modern and comfortable vehicle with a capacity for 4 people. From there, start your tour of up to 5 hours through the Boavista area with a stop in Foz to enjoy beautiful views of the sea and river. Whilst there, choose to spend your first break out on a terrace. Set your own pace with a visit to the Ribeira area, where you can visit a beautiful port wine cellar. Following that, your tour continues to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar where you can enjoy magnificent views over the historic area of the city. Later, pass by the beautiful Avenida dos Aliados, crossing the famous Torre dos Clérigos area on the way. Throughout the day you are free to take breaks wherever you want, but your guides propose a mandatory break in the beautiful Gardens of the Crystal Palace. Following your amazing half-day out, your driver will take you back to your hotel.

From Leixões: Private Porto Historic Center Tuk Tuk Tour

7. From Leixões: Private Porto Historic Center Tuk Tuk Tour

Discover the historic center of Porto and the surrounding area on a private tuk tuk tour from Matosinhos. Walk through Cordoaria's Garden, see the tallest granitic tower in the city, and admire the architecture of churches. Celebrate your trip with a glass of Porto wine by the Douro River. Starting your trip in Matosinhos at Leixões Port, a fishing area with golden sand beaches where you can regularly find local surfers. Spot the largest urban park in the country, Parque da Cidade before continuing along the coast to Foz. Ride along the right side of the Douro riverbank, passing under the Arrábida Bridge towards the center of Porto. Once at the city center, stop at the Cordoaria’s Garden, one of the green spaces in town, located behind Porto University. In the proximity of the garden, see the Portuguese Center of Photography, the Justice Palace, and the Santo António Hospital, then head to the Torre dos Clérigos, built in the 18th century. Climb 225 steps to take in a 360-degree perspective of the city center and surroundings. Next, make a brief stop at Livraria Lello. Built in 1906, it's a mandatory stopping point for anyone visiting Porto. Cross the Praça dos Leões, see the beautiful Carmo and Carmelitas Churches, then continue along the narrow alleys of the oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, Miragaia and Vitória. Head to the city center and pass by the most emblematic square in Porto, Praça da Liberdade, flanked by Avenida dos Aliados. Visit the most commercial area of Porto, the Bolhão area, and discover a traditional market with local products and shops of all types and for all tastes. Arrive at the busiest street in town, Rua de Santa Catarina, where you’ll find the most luxurious café in Porto, Café Majestic. Stop at the Sé do Porto Cathedral, a 12th-century building with a mix of architectural styles, dating back to the city's origins. At Sé do Porto Cathedral, see some of the historic Sé neighborhood that surrounds the cathedral. This area is the oldest in the city and remains faithful to Porto's traditions and customs. Next, visit São Bento Train Station, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Here you can appreciate the approximately 20,000 hand-painted tiles that line the interior and illustrate part of the history of Portugal. Passing by Praça do Infante, which houses the Palácio da Bolsa, the São Francisco Church, and the old Ferreira Borges Market, land in Ribeira, the last neighborhood of the 4 oldest in Porto that you’ll visit. Cross the Dom Luis I Bridge to make a brief stop at the Serra do Pilar Monastery. Round off your adventure by enjoying a glass of Port wine as you contemplate the Douro River and the City of Porto on the other bank. Experience one of the most beautiful views in Portugal before returning back to Matosinhos to end the tour.

Porto Private Walking Tour with Fast Track to Lello

8. Porto Private Walking Tour with Fast Track to Lello

Get to know the history of Porto with a guided visit to S. Bento train station decorated with magnificent tiles from the region. Discover Av. dos Aliados and the city council with the statue of D. Pedro IV. Head to the Baroque Clérigos Church and relax for a while in the garden of the olive trees. Discover Lello and how it inspired J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter with a fast entrance, avoiding the big lines. At Cordoaria garden enjoy the sculptures and the beautiful trees. Have a coffee at Piolho, a traditional café known by the university students. Take a walk at Rua das Flores where you can see street art and local artisans and head to Ribeira, where you can enjoy the views of the port wine cellars and walk in the narrow and twisting streets.

Frequently asked questions about Foz do Douro

What top attractions are a must-see in Foz do Douro?

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What people are saying about Foz do Douro

Highly recommend this tour.You will see three diferent spots in one day - old village of Obidos, ocean and waves in Nazare and colorful Porto.Guide Flavio is great guide!He has excelent knowlegde about the history of these places, he was so supportive in providing recommendations and in answering all questions, even helping us with photos!

Peu à voir

It was a great way to visit the city including hidden gems and great tips. Leandro was great!

I can highly recommend this nice tour with the sweet Tuk Tuk and funny local guide!!

It was such a good experience from the art to the garden, I recommend visiting 100%

We had an excellent day and very informative our guide was great fun. Recommended