Free tour of downtown Porto. Discover the city while enjoying the parks, architecture, and culture
Living in Porto, Portugal, since 2022, I speak English, French, Spanish and now in my second year of Portuguese language studies. Originally from California, where I attended University of California, Los Angeles and received my bachelor’s degree in art history. My interests include traveling, beaches, museums, theatre, dance, languages and fine dining. My art history background provides a unique perspective to speak about art, architecture, culture and of course history. I'm passionate about ceramics and especially the large scale ceramic murals know as azulejos (blue tile) murals. I'm always learning more about this great city. Did you know the great city of Porto takes its name from an ancient roman village known as Portus Cale? This is present day Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Come explore with me! Happy to provide suggestions for dining or other activities after the tour.
Pickup
Stop 1: Bairro da Bôuca Our journey starts at Bairro da Bôuca, a striking example of modern architecture by Álvaro Siza Vieira. This urban housing project embodies Porto’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modern design. Look for me at the complex. I’m tall with a grey beard and have a blue/white polka dot umbrella.
Description
- Discover Porto: A 3-Hour Walking Tour of Culture and History
Duration: 3 Hours
Style: Walking Tour
Focus: History, Culture, Azulejos, Gardens, and Landmarks
Route: Bairro da Bôuca → Cedofeita → Cordoaria Garden → Virtudes→ Igreja do Carmo → Porto University → Livraria Lello → São Bento Station → Sé Cathedral → Ribeira → Virtudes
2. Let me take you on a tour of historic downtown Porto. Walk through the old city previously known as Porto Cale by the Romans. Stroll with me and let's enjoy the beautiful historic sites: Carmo Church, University of Porto, Cordoaria Garden, Virtudes Gardens, Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello, Se Cathedral, as well as the magnificent São Bento train station with it's stunning examples of azulejos (blue tiles). Learn about murals and their history. Afterwards, we wander to the Liberty Place and then down to the very special riverside (ribeira) where are tour ends. I'm very passionate about history and my adopted city and I would love to share it with you. Happy to give recommendations to bars, restaurants and additional sites upon request.