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Porto Culture & history

Our most recommended Porto Culture & history

Porto: Palácio da Bolsa Guided Tour

1. Porto: Palácio da Bolsa Guided Tour

Explore the historic Palácio da Bolsa in Porto with an entry ticket and guided tour. Discover master architectural work completed over 3 generations and pass through the elegant rooms in a palace that's over 180-years-old. The Associação Comercial do Porto started the construction of the Palácio da Bolsa, its headquarters, and property in 1842. Over three generations, many masters and craftsmen worked to build this architectural jewel of the 19th century in neoclassical style. Great names in architecture, painting, sculpture, and decorative arts contributed to the construction of the building, which is now classified as a National Monument and one of the main attractions of Porto e Norte, receiving more than 450,000 visitors annually. During this guided tour with a certified guide from Palacio da Bolsa, you will visit the authentic and impressive rooms of a building that is now over 180 years old. Learn about how the building has received governors from almost every country in the world and is the location of most of the official state receptions held in the north of Portugal.

Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket

2. Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket

Experience one of Porto’s most iconic attractions at your own pace with an entrance ticket to the Torre dos Clérigos. Adjoining the baroque Igreja dos Clérigos, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points in the city and is one of its most emblematic symbols. Built for the Clérigos Brotherhood by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect and painter responsible for a large body of work in the north of Portugal during the 18th century, construction of the church began in 1732 and was finished around 1750. The monumental divided stairway in front of the church was completed in the 1750s. The main façade is heavily decorated with baroque motifs. Climb the monumental Bell Tower of the church for panoramic views across the entire city, and an up-close view of its most symbolic attraction. Then, go to the exhibition space in the Clerigos Building to admire the Irmandade dos Clérigos Collection and Christus Collection, where you can see pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, including furniture, paintings and vestments.

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

3. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

Embark on a full-day guided tour of Guimarães and Braga from Porto. Pass through the scenic Minho region and explore the historical centers of these two cities. Optionally, you can also enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant. Minho is known for having some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Portugal, as well as being one of the richest regions in history. Explore the area and visit the cities of Guimarães and Braga on a full-day trip from Porto. Guimarães is the birthplace of Portugal and of the first Portuguese king. See the medieval castle of Guimarães and spend some time in the historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets and monuments of Guimarães are so well-preserved that it is easy to imagine the past. Go on to spend the afternoon in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the cathedral and the historical center. See an important sanctuary, Bom Jesus do Monte, before making your way back to Porto.

FC Porto: Museum & Stadium Tour

4. FC Porto: Museum & Stadium Tour

Make your way to Porto's Dragão Stadium (Estádio do Dragão) and explore the home of the Portuguese Primeira Liga football team, FC Porto. Get an entrance ticket to the museum and stadium when you exchange your voucher on arrival and benefit from audio guides available to rent in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, German and Italian. FC Porto Museum: Open 7 days a week, the FC Porto Museum is located in Dragão Stadium in eastern Porto and was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award in 2016. It was also distinguished with the Innovation and Creativity Award by the Portuguese Association of Museology (APOM) in 2015 and takes a 120-year journey through the history of the club and the city. Marvel at an impressive collection of trophies and other artifacts through the museum's advanced technology and interactive displays. Learn about titles collected in the UEFA Champions League. See a hologram of Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, president of the club since 1982 and take a look at the "Valquíria Dragão" by the artist Joana Vasconcelos. Dragão Stadium: Book your stadium tour at reception on arrival and then venture out onto the hallowed ground. Built in 2003 to a design by the architect Manuel Salgado, the Dragão Stadium is 5-star rated by UEFA and can seat up to 52,000 people at maximum capacity. Easily accessible from the city center and Porto International Airport, the modern, multi-functional stadium has been lauded with awards for its architecture and ecological management. Learn more with an audio guide (available to rent in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian) and follow in the footsteps of some of the stadium's legendary fixtures.

From Porto: Off-Road Buggy Adventure

5. From Porto: Off-Road Buggy Adventure

Ride a buggy around the mountains of Porto for a unique and exciting way to discover the territory. Visit Castromil's gold mines, the Castro Mozinho Roman Ruins, and the charming village of Quintandona. The first stop is a visit to Castromil's gold mines. The next stop will be in the Roman ruins of Castro Mozinho, where you can absorb and understand a little more of the history of Portugal. To top it off, nothing like a visit to the ever-surrounding Quintandona Preserved Village, a place where all buildings are in shale. And enjoy views of Serras do Porto Natural Park along the way.

Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

6. Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

Discover 2 charming southern Europe on a full-day sightseeing tour from Porto. Cross the border into Spain to explore the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and stop to see Valença do Minho on the way back to Porto.  Board a comfortable van or bus and embark on a journey to one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world, Santiago. See the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail and visit a magnificent 11th-centuty cathedral. Admire the architecture that was originally built in a Romanesque style, today the cathedral is an amalgam of harmonious influences. Have the opportunity to attend mass and enjoy free time to go for a stroll in the UNESCO World Heritage city center. Begin the drive back to Porto, stopping at Valença do Minho, a historical village in the north of Portugal, located right on the border between Portugal and Spain. Valença was important during the middle ages and it was part of "Caminhos de Santiago".  See how the city is dominated by a fortress of two towers and a double wall before returning to your meeting point in Porto. 

Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise & Wine Cellar

7. Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise & Wine Cellar

Explore the picturesque and historic city of Porto on the Magic Train Tour. The train departs every 60 minutes from the Sé Catedral (Cathedral of Oporto) and travels around the city center with an audio guide available in Portuguese, Spanish, French, English, and Italian. The train takes you directly to the oldest wine cellar in Portugal — Real Companhia Velha. A guide will take you on an unforgettable tour inside the wine cellar which includes a short 15-minute film, a 30-minute visit to the old parts of the cellars, and a tasting of 2 quality port wines. After the wine tour, the train will pick you up and continue the tour around the city. See the most important monuments such as St. Johns Theater, the Famous Batalha Square with the Santa Catarina Street, Aliados Avenue, Clerigos Tower, Carmelitas Church, and more.  Once the train tour is over, go down to Ribera to join a 1-hour boat cruise along the Douro River. Relish this extraordinary way of viewing the city from a different perspective.

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch

8. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch

Travel in an air-conditioned van from Porto to the cities of Braga and Guimarães on this guided tour. Savor an authentic Portuguese lunch. Get exclusive access to part of Braga Cathedral and stay hydrated on your trip with the included bottled water.  Starts with pickup your hotel or accommodation and relax with your group on the drive in a climate controlled van. Arriving in Braga, we will start by visiting the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and contemplating its magnificent staircase to the top of the church. After a top view of the city, visit the oldest cathedral in the country where you will have exclusive access to the chapel's and high choir. Sit down to a delicious, traditional Portuguese lunch at a restaurant where you can taste the famed "Vinho Verde" that is produced in the region. During the afternoon visit Guimarães. Have time for a calm walk on foot through the medieval city before entering in the Guimarães Castle where the kingdom of Portugal was born.  Continue to the Palace of the Dukes to be dazzled by the luxuries of royalty from other times. A whole history of Portugal will be told by your local guides along the way. Return to your accommodation in Porto at the end of your tour. 

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

9. 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

10. 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.

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Frequently asked questions about Porto

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Porto?

The best day trips and excursions from Porto are:

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Other Sightseeing Options in Porto

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What people are saying about Porto

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 6,186 reviews

Amazing experience! A fantastic memory of our trip to Porto. It was very well organised, with a good safety and information briefing at the start of the trip.

Very good service. Thanks to Susana and Manuel. Very useful all the information and very attentive

Really beautiful tour, very informative all day, places we went were beautiful Thanks a lot :)

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