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Porto CathedralCulture & history

Our most recommended Porto Cathedral Culture & history

Porto: Guided Historical Center Tuk Tuk Tour

1. 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: 3-Hour Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

2. Porto: 3-Hour Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

Experience a walking tour through the streets of the historical center of Porto, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the city through its neighborhoods, buildings, and streets on a 3-hour guided trip. Enjoy old palaces, charming churches, and lively neighborhoods. See the famous iron bridge, engineered by Teófilo Seyrig, the Port wine cellars, and the characteristic Rabelo boats lined up along the quay which preserve the memory of old times when they used to transport the wine casks. Your guide will explain how, in the 12th century, the city grew around the construction of the cathedral, and has survived several Moorish and Castilian invasions as well as the French military invasions in the 19th century. Along the way, stroll along Aliados Avenue to the place that served as a backdrop to the first proclamation of the Republic of Portugal.

Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise & Wine Cellar

3. 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.

Porto: Historical Center Walking Tour

4. Porto: Historical Center Walking Tour

Explore the historical center of Porto on a guided walking tour. Visit the Sé neighborhood, wander down narrow alleys, and see the area's highlights. Opt to end your tour with a picnic in the scenic Virtudes Gardens. Meet your local guide and discover the neighborhood of Sé. Get lost in the small alleys and narrow streets of the medieval part of the city. After that, make your way to the most beautiful train station in the country. On the way, discover where the city's nightlife takes place. Next, marvel at some beautiful art nouveau buildings until you reach the famous Lello Bookshop. Discover one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal rated among the top bookstores in the world. After that, pass by Clérigos Tower. This church can be seen from various points of the city and is one of its most characteristic symbols. Finally, get an astonishing panoramic view of the downtown, the river, and Vila Nova de Gaia. At the end of the tour, hang out with your group and enjoy a little surprise. If you choose to have a picnic in the beautiful Virtudes Gardens, you'll also enjoy a picnic box with bread, cheese, hams, fruit, 1 bottle of wine, Portuguese pastries, and a traditional Portuguese picnic blanket.

Porto: Private Tuk-Tuk Tour with Short Walks and Wine

5. Porto: Private Tuk-Tuk Tour with Short Walks and Wine

Discover the city of Porto and all its charm with this half-day guided tour traveling around the city in a private tuk-tuk. Get your bearings and see a range of historical and cultural landmarks around Porto, such as the Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, and Stock Exchange Palace. Travel across the river on the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge for views back to Porto from Vila Nova de Gaia. Your experience will commence in front of the Vimara Peres Statue, next to the Porto Cathedral. From here, you'll travel to discover two of the main historical neighborhoods, Sé and Vitória. Whilst here, you will take in its multitude of iconic monuments, such as Lion's Square, Clérigos Church and Tower, Lello Bookshop, Stock Exchange Palace, Ferreira Borges Market, Old Customhouse, Luis I Bridge, Arrábida Bridge, St. Francis Church, Serra do Pilar Monastery, Aliados Avenue, Fishing village, and the S. Bento Train Station. Your last stop of the tour will be at the Serra do Pilar viewpoint where you can enjoy an amazing glass of Porto Wine with a postcard view.

Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

6. Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

The tour starts with a visit to the birthplace of the Portuguese nation – the city of Guimarães. This was the first city of Portugal chosen by the first king, Afonso Henriques. Known as the cradle of Portugal, Guimarães has preserved a medieval atmosphere at its core and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop takes place in the northern part of the city with a visit to the imposing 10th century castle. Afterward the historical Santa Maria Road leads you to the charming square in the heart of the old town, Largo da Oliveira. After a relaxing lunch break in Guimarães that will certainly allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the cuisine of the north of Portugal, it will be time to continue towards Braga, the oldest religious capital of Portugal. Known to the Romans as Bracara Augusta, for centuries Braga has been and archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Your first stop is Sé, the 12th century cathedral built by Henri de Bourgogne and Dona Teresa. Then you will head to Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site. The 581 steps that the pilgrims climb up to the top of Bom Jesus are one of the most glorious stairways in Portugal. After a visit to these landmarks of faith in the country you head back to Porto.

From Lisbon: Porto Highlights Day Trip

7. 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: Sunset Walking Tour with Port Wine and Views

8. Porto: Sunset Walking Tour with Port Wine and Views

On this guided sunset walking tour of Porto, discover the best downtown highlights and be dazzled by hidden viewpoints throughout the city. Relax and enjoy the evening while savoring the flavors of Port wine at two terraces. Meet your guide, then stroll towards the west side of the city, not missing main highlights like São Bento Train Station Hall, Aliados Avenue, and Rua dos Clérigos. This area is sure to amaze thanks to ancient monuments appearing on every corner. As you explore, learn a secret about Carmo and Carmelitas Church, then take a close look at the Tower of Clérigos, one of the most emblematic monuments and one of the highest points of Porto. Continuing on, head to one of the rooftops in the area to taste the world-famous Port wine. If you have never tried it, you'll be surrendered by its delicate flavor. Afterward, be guided back downtown to visit the Porto Cathedral, the cradle of the city. Crossing the Bridge Luis I, arrive at Jardim do Morro to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from a terrace and taste another special drink: a Port wine cocktail. The tour ends later in the evening at Jardim do Morro. From here you can continue enjoying the city nightlife at your leisure.

Porto: 3-Hour Walking City Tour & Lello Bookstore Visit

9. Porto: 3-Hour Walking City Tour & Lello Bookstore Visit

Join a tour with a private and tailored experience in the ancient city of Porto. Visit São Bento Train Station, the Cathedral, the medieval neighborhood, the most important point views, Clérigos Tower, and the historical Lello Bookstore. In 3 hours, listen to your guide as they explain the historical intricacies of Porto and its origins. Allow them to guide you through the city, walled in from the 12th to the 18th century, and elucidate upon the many stories from Roman rule to contemporary times. Finish off your tour with a visit to the third most beautiful bookstore in the world, the historical Lello Bookstore. Don't hesitate to ask your guide for local tips on restaurants, gardens, public transportation, maps, and more.

Wine, Tapas and Wine Cellar Tour

10. Wine, Tapas and Wine Cellar Tour

We start at the door of the Porto Cathedral a route in which we also will see the spectacular Porto tile panels with different stops to enjoy the local gastronomy. We will do the tour with a couple of guides, avaliable in English and in Spanish languages. We will always walk in the shade. Tour includes: *First: Starter (Bolinho de bacalhau) *Second: Appetizer (Portuguese wine and cheeses tasting), *Third: Wine+tapa (in a legendary Oporto tavern) *Fourth: Coffee or Pastel de nata (in an emblematic pastry shop). *Fifth: Visit the winery Cálem with a tasting of Port wine and nuts. The best wine tour in the city!

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What people are saying about Porto Cathedral

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 873 reviews

Wonderful tour! Our guide Joao was phenomenal. We walked through the main attractions at Porto (note: you don’t go inside the sites since this is only a 3hr tour). The pace was really nice, and the storytelling of our guide was spot-on. We decided to end the tour with the picnic option and walked to the Jardim das Virtudes (highly recommend if it’s not raining). Plus, after the tour they give you an extensive list of sites, restaurants and foods to check out during your visit.

This boat experience was absolutely amazing. Ricardo is an incredible guide showing us some of the most beautiful scenes of Porto. We were offered wine and snacks which was a bonus. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone.

Rodrigo was amazing. Best tour and great kind. Speaks English perfectly and made sure we enjoyed the tour. He’s a real asset to the tour company. We have done many tours in Porto and his was the best.

very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. A good length of time to see the sites and was a fun experience.

Knowledgeable, wonderful history, lovely guide. Made the visit the best! Well planned agenda and tour.