We'll dig into the history of Porto, the city that gave Portugal its name. From the Celtic settlements and the Roman shore of Portus Cale, to the rise of the Iberian Kingdoms, Porto has always been a symbol of strength and independence. The Age of Discoveries saw the city thrive as a maritime hub, while the Baroque brought opulence to its churches and marked the growth of Porto's wine exportation. A symbol of resistance during the Liberal Wars of the 1800s, Porto earned the title of Invicta (never conquered), which it still uses as an emblem of its identity.

We’ll begin in a quiet square just behind the Town Hall in the heart of downtown Porto. From the setting of a 19th-century church facade, our guide will introduce themselves and get acquainted with the group to discover our historical interests from this calm setting. 

From here, we will have the opportunity to explore the most iconic buildings and neighbourhoods of Porto, including the central promenade of Avenida dos Aliados, the commercial areas of Galerias de Paris and Santa Catarina, the 1400s Jewish quarter, and the ancient neighbourhoods of Sé (hilltop) and Ribeira (riverfront). Alongside our expert guide, we will visit some of these landmarks: the bustling 19th-century Bolhão Fresh Market; the white-and-blue tiled São Bento Train Station; the iconic Baroque Clérigos Church and Tower; the famous Lello Bookshop, beloved by Harry Potter fans; and the castle-like Cathedral. We may also have the chance to enter one of several historical cafés, such as the stunning 1920s Majestic Café or the charming Imperial Café, featuring impressive stained glass and chandeliers. At the end of your tour, you can choose to cross the 1800s Luis Bridge, and have a panoramic view of Porto from the other side of the river.

We’ll leave better acquainted with Porto and with a deeper understanding of the city’s development. Our guide will ensure we are well-equipped with recommendations for how best to explore the city further.

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Can we visit the Porto Cathedral interiorly? Yes, if you want to visit the Cathedral interiorly, you can do so by purchasing tickets on your own at the entrance directly.

Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible? We do cover quite a bit of ground on this tour. Although we have designed it to move generally downhill, Porto is known for being hilly, and many of the streets in the old town are cobbled. Some of the shops we visit are small and many will have a step up to access them. Please contact us with any mobility questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.