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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.

FC Porto: Museum & Stadium Tour

3. 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: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

4. 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.

Porto: Spiritus Multimedia Show Admission Ticket

5. Porto: Spiritus Multimedia Show Admission Ticket

Step into an immersive artistic experience with this ticket to Spiritus, an audiovisual experience which pairs light, music, and architecture the Clérigos Church in Porto. Admire how this religious location is transformed during this show which was created by OCUBO. Show your ticket at the door to the church and step into this 18th century Baroque building which boasts a 75-meter-tall bell tower. Take in the abstract look and intense soundtrack of the church's architecture as it is filled with visual poetry, light, and music. See how this multimedia, nighttime show expands on the poem “In the end, the best way to travel is to feel,” by Álvaro de Campos. Feel the beauty of life and reflect upon your place in this world.

Porto: World of Discoveries Entry Ticket

6. Porto: World of Discoveries Entry Ticket

Discover Portugal's history with a ticket to Porto’s World of Discoveries. Explore this interactive exhibition that recreates the journeys of the Portuguese navigators who crossed oceans to discover unknown parts of the world. Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias — this is the perfect opportunity for visitors to learn the stories of Portugal's famous and charismatic explorers. Uncover Portugal's fantastic odysseys while enjoying interactive multi-sensory exhibits. Take yourself on an adventure that changed the world, visiting the 20 permanent themed areas. Find out how Portugal's Age of Discoveries propelled humankind into the era of globalization by creating new maritime routes and promoting the circulation of people, animals, and plants all over the globe.

From Porto: Off-Road Buggy Adventure

7. 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 beautiful landscape where you can take some nice photos. 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.

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

8. 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.

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch

9. 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. 

Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

10. 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 and the majestic Dukes of Bragança Palace. 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.

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What people are saying about Porto

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 6,186 reviews

We had a fabulous day with our guy Ricardo! He is amazing. He is attentive and knowledgeable. He was able to answer all our questions and explain the history. He gave us enough time to explore. We never felt rushed. He called the restaurant ahead and arranged delicious vegetarian meal for my friend. And of course the non vegetarian meal was also delicious. He picked a nice restaurant. He was very flexible and accommodating. when he realized that I wanted to climb the 500 steps at Braga Bom Jesus, he dropped me off at the bottom of the hill instead of his normal stopping point mid way. He kept the entire trip entertaining. I love the experience and highly recommended!

Paolo Castro was a wonderful tour leader. He was welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive to the older tourists in our group who needed a hand climbing up and down stairs, he was a safe driver which I felt was very important, and he was patient with those who kept missing the meetup times. The tour was wonderful overall, the 3, course lunch and wine was delicious and the portions were very big. I would strongly recommend this particular tour for anyone who is considering it. Book without hesitation! :)

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.

What an amazing experience!!! Flavio was the BEST tour guide we could ever imagine, patient, informative and entertaining. He provided great stories on every places we visited. We fell in love with the medieval Óbidos, the ocean views of Nazaré and the charming Porto. Definitely a must-do trip! Worth your time and money!

Our tour guide, Melisa, made our visit very special and memorable. You'll never regret to have her or her colleague as your guide.