The Best Places to See on a Walking Tour in Porto, Portugal

porto walking tour

You can also take a free walking tour of the city. Many tours combine a city tour with a wine & tapas excursion. Another great option is a pub crawl. You can learn about the history of the city and see the best spots in Porto while on a free tour.

Igreja de Sao Francisco

If you are visiting Porto for the first time, you should start your tour with the iconic Igreja de Sao Francisco, a blue tile church in the city’s center. Its blue and white tiles depict scenes from the Bible. The cathedral is also close by.

The Church of Sao Francisco dates back to the 13th century and was originally a small church or convent. In later years, the church was extensively renovated. Its interior contains over 650 pounds of gold. Fortunately, the building was not destroyed in the 1832 Porto Siege. The Gothic-style church also bears elements of Baroque architecture.

Igreja dos Clerigos

The Igreja dos Clerigo’s tall bell tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of Porto, Portugal. It was first built in the early 1500s and has undergone several renovations over the years. The current facade is Baroque in style and is one of the city’s top attractions.

The tower is the tallest building in northern Portugal, and it has 225 steps leading to the top. From the top, visitors can see the best views of Porto. The equestrian statue of King Pedro is also located in the square. In addition to being a symbol of Porto, the Clerigos is one of the city’s most famous monuments.

Jardim Marques de Oliveira

If you’re visiting Porto on a budget, you might be wondering how to get around the city. The good news is that there are plenty of walking tours that can help you get around the city without breaking the bank. The city’s most iconic parks include Jardim Marques de Oliveiria and Parque das Aguas. You can also get off-the-beaten-path by taking a bike tour through Ribeira, where you’ll find the narrow streets and amazing architecture. For a taste of local cuisine, try the delicious Douro Valley sandwich with fried egg, beer sauce, and chips.

One of the city’s oldest parks is the Jardim Marques de Oliveiro. Opened in 1834, this picturesque park has fountains, statues, benches, and flower beds. It also has a small bandstand. The gardens are filled with vibrant flowers, making them an ideal place to unwind. Visitors are invited to play card games and sit on a bench at one of the tables, while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Palacio do Cristal

The tower of the Brotherhood of the Clerigos in Porto is worth visiting. This 75-meter tower is a National Monument, and the top floor is home to a museum about the cultural history of Porto in the eighteenth century. You can purchase a ticket for the museum online. Next, you can visit the Antonio Soares dos Reis Museum, which showcases Portuguese art and sculpture. This museum is open daily from 9:30AM to 5:30PM.

The Romantic Museum is a must-see while you’re in Porto. While you’re there, you can also stroll through the gardens, which are open eight hours per day from November to March. You can also visit the Porto Cathedral, which is located on the Porto Cathedral Square. You should also check out the Ponte Luis, Porto’s most iconic landmark.

Praca de Carlos Alberto

Take a stroll through the city’s old quarter. You’ll pass by the iconic King Pedro IV Statue and the Imperial McDonald’s, often considered to be the most beautiful in the world. You’ll also see the City Hall building, whose 70-meter-tall tower and carillon clock are a must-see. Construction of this building began in 1920 but was not completed until 1957. Its lavishly-decorated lobby provides an elevated view of Praca da Liberdade.

You can also explore Porto’s charming market square, Praca de Carlos Alberto. Named after an exiled king, this beautiful square is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The square features a grand church and a flea market on Saturdays. Just behind the square, Miguel Bombarda street offers chic shopping and a cosmopolitan vibe.