Tour guides Portugal > Porto

5 ideas for guided tours in Porto

• Porto Cathedral – Sé do Porto

  

  The city’s most important church stands at the top of the Batalha district. Porto Cathedral, commonly called La Sé, dates back to the 12th century. Having undergone many repairs and renovations over the centuries, it doesn’t belong to a single architectural style.

  Instead, it’s a blend — Baroque in its façade and sculpted portal, Romanesque and Gothic in its cloister and in the many azulejos from the 18th century. From the cloister, you can access the treasure room, the « Casa do Cabildo », where religious relics and goldwork are displayed. Climb the staircase to reach the terrace and, next to it, the chapter house with its painted ceilings.

  In front of the cathedral stands a pillory where criminals were once hanged. The vast forecourt serves as a lookout point, offering sweeping views over the Douro and its quays.

• Ribeira

  

  The Ribeira district, as its name suggests, sits right along the riverbanks. Long gone are its days of decay — today it is one of Porto’s most celebrated areas, even earning a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. A favorite spot for visitors, everyone loves getting lost in its maze of cobbled streets.

  Everywhere you’ll see richly decorated houses painted in bright colors, with laundry hanging from the balconies. The reflections along the quays shimmer beautifully — take them in from the top of the Dom Luís I metal bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. In the evening, you can relax in one of the many lively bars or traditional restaurants.

  We recommend hiring a local guide in Porto to explore this neighborhood, as many of the city’s most important landmarks are just steps away from Ribeira.

• Bolhão Market

  

  To truly soak up the soul of Porto, head to the Avenida dos Aliados area and visit Mercado do Bolhão. Since its inauguration in 1914, merchants from across the region have gathered here to sell all kinds of goods — fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, olives, and more.

  You’ll enjoy wandering through this neoclassical building with its authentic atmosphere. The market has two floors, and we recommend tasting local specialties at the friendly stalls: classic cod fritters, seasoned sardines, or a steaming bowl of caldo verde.

• Porto-São Bento Train Station

  

  Porto-São Bento railway station, built on the site of a former convent of the same name, is without a doubt the most beautiful in the country and a destination in its own right.

  Construction was completed in 1896, but the station was officially inaugurated only two decades later. The architect treated the project like a work of art, taking his time and refining every detail — so much so that he forgot to include ticket counters in the original design.

  While the imposing façade framed by two towers is impressive, it’s the interior that truly dazzles. The main hall is adorned with no fewer than 20,000 blue-and-white azulejos depicting the history of Portugal. Created shortly after the station’s opening in 1903, they are the work of painter Jorge Colaço. The building, designed over three levels, is crowned by a vast glass canopy that floods the platforms with light.

• Livraria Lello

  

  You’ll find the famous Lello & Irmao Bookstore, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, inside a neo-Gothic style building dating back to 1906 — a true journey back in time.

  At the center of the shop, slowly climb the lacquered wooden spiral staircase. On either side, towering wooden shelves hold tens of thousands of books that stretch to the ceiling. Look up and a large stained-glass skylight bathes the room in natural light.

  It feels like stepping into a magical world. It’s no wonder this setting inspired certain scenes in the Harry Potter films. There’s a price to pay, though: crowds flock here from all over the globe — nearly a million people a year. Admission now costs €5, but the fee is credited toward the purchase of a book.