The historic centre of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for its beautifully preserved streets, colourful houses and picturesque old harbour. Some of the most emblematic places in this city are the Dom Luis I Bridge, Sao Bento Train Station, Clerigos Church, Palacio da Bolsa, San Francisco Church, the Cathedral, Arrabida Bridge and Bolhao Market. For culture lovers, there is the Casa da Musica Theatre, the Crystal Palace Gardens and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. And don't miss Lello Bookshop, so magical that it appeared in the Harry Potter saga as the Flourish and Blotts bookshop!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Tea and coffee
✖ Admission fee to Porto's Livraria Lello (opcional): 8€
✖ Admission fee to Torre dos Clerigos (opcional): 8€
✖ Porto Cathedral (€3 - Entry Fee to Cloister and Treasury)
✖ Gratuities
✖ Admis. fee CityHall (optional AND under request 24h before): 2€ adults; free children under 12 y.o..
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
The Lions Fountain Square - less than 1 min from the "Harry Potter" Bookstore
Itinerary
1
Fonte dos Leoes
Our meeting point - look for the guide with the Touché Tours badge.
This square is named after a famous mathematician, but it is the lions of its fountain that have made it famous. Legend has it this fountain was a source of inspiration for JK Rowling, the author of Harry Potter.
Duration: 10 minutes
2
Igreja dos Carmelitas
They stand side by side, separated by a narrow house. The Carmo and Carmelitas churches seem to be one, but they have very different stories.
Between these two churches lies the narrowest building in the city, which gives access to the bell tower. However, to get there, it is necessary to climb three floors and go over the dome of the Carmelite church.
Duration: 15 minutes
3
Livraria Lello
Ah, Porto's Livraria Lello - the most beautiful bookshop in the world! The bookstore is one of Porto's most popular sights, and for good reason, with its sweeping staircases, endless bookshelves and stunning Art Nouveau decor.
Legend has it that Livraria Lello was the inspiration for some of the famous Hogwarts scenes in Harry Potter. The story began when JK Rowling was an English teacher living in Porto and would visit the bookshop at weekends. It's easy to see how this story could be true.
Admission fee (opcional): 8€
Duration: 10 minutes
4
Torre dos Clerigos
The most iconic landmark of the city.
This 18th century complex was commissioned by the Brotherhood of the Clérigos in the old town, on the “hill of the hanged men”, where the executed prisoners were buried.
Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos in Portuguese) is the tallest clock tower in Portugal. It stands 249 ft (76 meters) tall and climbing its 200 steps will give you a privileged view over the city and the river.
Duration: 10 minutes
5
Miradouro da Vitoria
Most of the old town’s gems can be seen at this "hidden" lookout from a different angle. From Ponte Luis I, to the classic orange roofs and the city’s cathedral Sé, you can frame them all in one picture. Funnily, you can spot other famous miradouros/lookouts from here as well, like those at Serra do Pilar in Vila Nova de Gaia and at Sé do Porto.
Duration: 10 minutes
6
Porto City Hall
Porto City Hall.
At the top of Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies) stands this striking building, which recalls the architecture of the great municipal palaces of northern Europe.
Designed by the architect António Correia da Silva, the construction began in 1920 and was not completed until 1955.
In the centre is a 70-metre clock tower, whose bells ring out as a symbol of the importance the city's citizens attach to civic life.
The statue in front, by the sculptor Barata Feio, is a 1954 study of the poet Almeida Garrett (1799-1854).
Admission fee (optional AND submission of the request, by phone or in person at the Citizens' Office 24h before): 2€ for adults; free for children under 12 y.o.
Duration: 10 minutes
7
Mercado do Bolhao
The city's most traditional market was built on top of a water bubble (hence its name). Dating back to 1850, it's a fine example of neoclassical architecture, but it's inside where Porto's soul is most present. The fresh produce, the friendliness of the sellers and the freshness of the traditional Portuguese products are well worth a visit.
Duration: 20 minutes
8
Rua de Santa Catarina
Shopping and fun!
It is the ideal street for shopping. With hundreds of shops and constant animation, it has many places not to be missed!
9
Sao Bento Railway Station
One of the most beautiful train stations in the world!
Many of the train stations in Portugal are not just places of departure and arrival of passengers, they are spaces that have become true icons of art and that reflect, on their walls, a little of the history and traditions of Portugal. São Bento Station is one such example.
And I'll be glad to offer you here a "nata" the most popular portuguese pastry!
Duration: 15 minutes
10
Catedral do Porto
Porto’s Cathedral, the 12th century "Sé", is an historic landmark in the old centre, where the city was born. In fact, Morro da Sé is the oldest district in Porto. Its characteristic neighborhood and its residents are the most genuine part of the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
11
Luis I Bridge
The double-decker Luis I bridge is an icon of the city of Porto. It spans the River Douro linking the Port wine houses of Vila Nova de Gaia with the bustling downtown Ribeira district of Porto. Both decks were initially intended to carry road traffic but these days the top carries the Porto Metro trains as it is also a pedestrian walkway. It is worth making the crossing on the upper level, with its 60 metres (190 ft) above the waters of the Douro.
12
Miradouro Serra Do Pilar
This tour ends at the most impressive lookout of Porto/Gaia.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the Monastery is in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite side of the Douro River. The Monastery perches on a high outcrop above the Luis I Bridge and the center of the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
