Do you have a stopover in Porto? This journey is specifically designed for you. We will collect you from the cruise dock and then move on to the city’s historic heart. This is a knowledgeable and laid-back tour with quick stops at key sites and structures. Every second on terra firma will be a moment to relish!
Do you have a stopover in Porto? This journey is specifically designed for you. We will collect you from the cruise dock and then move on to the city’s historic heart. This is a knowledgeable and laid-back tour with quick stops at key sites and structures. Every second on terra firma will be a moment to relish!
- She Changes (The Anemone) - This sculpture is crafted to honor the maritime and industrial legacy of Porto and Matosinhos. The three supporting poles are painted to mimic the smokestacks and lighthouses found in the region. The net structure is a nod to the city’s fishing industry.
- Molhe e Farolim de Felgueiras - This is a ten-meter high…
- She Changes (The Anemone) - This sculpture is crafted to honor the maritime and industrial legacy of Porto and Matosinhos. The three supporting poles are painted to mimic the smokestacks and lighthouses found in the region. The net structure is a nod to the city’s fishing industry.
- Molhe e Farolim de Felgueiras - This is a ten-meter high hexagonal granite tower. It features a red balcony and lantern, along with a small annex building with white plastered walls.
- Chafariz do Passeio Alegre - Constructed in the late 19th century with the involvement of Emíle David in its landscaping. Surrounded by a Palm Grove, it boasts various valuable architectural elements: a granite fountain from the former S. Francisco Convent to the west, two Nasoni obelisks from Quinta da Prelada, and a small “romantic chalet” built in 1874, prior to the Garden’s completion. The garden’s main attraction is the miniature golf course, and philharmonic concerts are occasionally held at the bandstand. Additionally, the public bathroom, built in 1910, is adorned with Art Nouveau tiles and English finishes.
- Ponte da Arrabida - The Arrábida Bridge is a reinforced concrete arch bridge that accommodates six lanes of traffic over the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Engineered by Portuguese Engineer Edgar Cardoso, the bridge was completed and inaugurated on June 22, 1963. At the time, its main span of 270 meters (890 ft) was the largest of any concrete-arch bridge worldwide.
- Passeio das Virtudes - This lane offers a stunning view over the river, extending to the Douro River mouth bar. In the foreground, one can see the Fountain of Virtudes and the terraces descending to São Pedro de Miragaia. Along the river, the imposing former Customs House building is visible.
- Antiga Cadeia da Relacao - A granite building dating back to 1582, rebuilt in 1767 in a neo-classical style, designed by architect Eugénio dos Santos, initiated by João de Almada e Melo and funded by Companhia Geral da Agrigultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro. It features a geometric sequence of windows (103 in total). This polygonal-shaped building has four façades, two of which relate to its main functions: the main façade on Rua de São Bento da Vitória provides access to the Court sector, while the other façade, facing the Cordoaria Garden, was originally constructed for the direct passage of prisoners and now serves as the building’s main entrance. Notable figures such as Camilo Castelo Branco, one of Portugal’s most famous writers charged with adultery, and the infamous Zé do Telhado, charged with theft, were held here. Between 1999 and 2002, the building was restored under the direction of Eduardo Souto de Moura and Humberto Vieira, transforming it into the current Portuguese Centre for Photography, including an exhibition center.
- Jardim de Joao Chagas - Commonly known as Cordoaria Garden, this garden has been called João Chagas Garden since 1924. Its popular name stems from the rope makers who worked here for about 200 years. In the 19th century, the Municipality decided to convert the Praça da Cordoaria into a public area. The project, by German landscaper Emile David, was completed in 1865/1866. The garden features statues of Ramalho Ortigão and António Nobre, a set of sculptures by Juan Muñoz from 2001, and “O rapto de Ganímedes” (Kidnapping of Ganímedes). As part of Porto 2001, European Capital of Culture, the garden underwent remodeling.
- Torre dos Clerigos - This baroque masterpiece by Nicolau Nasoni was constructed in the first half of the 18th century. The Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s most iconic monuments. The panoramic view over the city and the Douro River from the top of the tower makes the 240-step climb worthwhile. Recent renovations have enhanced accessibility, creating a multi-sensory experience simulating the climb up the Torre dos Clérigos, available to all visitors. Within the Torre dos Clérigos, visitors can explore part of the Brotherhood’s holdings and the Christus Collection, offering a glimpse into a time when art and religion were intertwined.
- Livraria Lello - The building housing the library was inaugurated in 1906. Its stunning Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details is noteworthy. Inside, the library is adorned with painted plaster imitating wood and features a magnificent staircase connecting it to the upper floor—one of Porto’s first reinforced concrete works. The large stained-glass skylight, bearing the library’s monogram and motto: ‘Decus in Labore,’ is also remarkable. In 2008, The Guardian ranked this library as the world’s third most beautiful, as did Lonely Planet in its “Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011” guide, describing it as an ‘Art Nouveau gem,’ highlighting its ‘neo-Gothic shelves’ and the ‘lolloping red staircase.’
- Fonte dos Leoes - The Fountain of the Lions (Portuguese: Fonte dos Leões) is a 19th-century fountain constructed by the French company Compagnie Générale des Eaux pour l’Etranger. Cast by the Val d’Osne foundry in France, it is largely a replica of the fountain in Leicester’s Town Hall Square, England.
- Igreja do Carmo - This church, built in the latter half of the 18th century, is renowned for its architecture and interior carvings, making it one of Porto’s most remarkable rococo buildings. In 1912, its lateral façade was adorned with tiles designed by Silvestre Silvestri, depicting scenes related to the cult of Nossa Senhora (Our Lady). The building is designated a national monument.
- Igreja dos Carmelitas - A 17th-century church with a classical façade dating from the 1850s. The project is attributed to architect/painter Nicolau Nasoni. The altarpiece, in Porto rococo style, was considered a stylistically revolutionary piece. The building is designated a national monument.
- Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique - Established in 1885, this square is surrounded by Mercado Ferreira Borges and Palácio da Bolsa, located in the historical center. It features a small garden with an underground car park and a Monument to Infante D. Henrique, inaugurated on the 5th centenary of his death. Construction began in 1894 and was completed in 1900, symbolizing the triumph of Portuguese navigation and faith.
- Palacio da Bolsa - A National Monument, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is owned and headquartered by the Commercial Association of Porto. Designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima in a neoclassical style in 1842, it is situated in the historical center and is one of the most visited monuments, with the famous Arabian Room being its major highlight. As a Cultural and Conference Centre, the Stock Exchange Palace offers unique conditions for hosting events and excellent initiatives. It is part of the Urban Wine Route and is accessible for people with reduced mobility through a side entrance.
- Mercado Ferreira Borges - Built in 1885 by order of the City Council to replace the old Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market), this market operated for a short period before being repurposed for various uses. It is an important example of iron architecture in Porto, later renovated to become an entertainment venue, now home to the Hard Club.
- Igreja de Sao Francisco - The city’s most significant Gothic temple, construction began in the 14th century. It is one of the most important Baroque works, with its gilded interior from the 17th and 18th centuries. The church’s opulent gilded woodwork led Count Raczinsky to describe it as the ‘Church of Gold,’ stating, ‘The gild of this church is so beautiful and rich that it surpasses everything I have seen in Portugal and the world.’ Notable features include the Tree of Jesse and the catacombs. It has been a National Monument since 1910 and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1996.
- Ponte de Dom Luis I - Designed by engineer Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, it was inaugurated in 1886 and consists of two overlapping iron decks. The bridge is 395 meters long and 8 meters wide, with an arch still considered the world’s largest in forged iron. Today, the upper deck is used by the Porto Metro, connecting Porto’s Cathedral area to the Garden of Morro and Avenida da República in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Ribeira Square - Mentioned as early as 1389 as having medieval origins, this square is believed to be one of the city’s oldest. A bustling commercial center with tents serving as shops and a fish market, it caught the attention of João de Almada e Melo, who sought to completely remodel the square in the 18th century. The Public Works Board, influenced by John Whitehead, carried out the renovations, funded by wine revenue. Of the original plans, only the north side, with its monumental Praça da Ribeira fountain, and the west side were completed. The south wall was demolished in 1821, and the medieval buildings along the east side remain today. Archaeological work in the 1980s uncovered a 17th-century fountain, reconstructed in its original location and crowned with a sculpture by José Rodrigues known as the ‘Cube of the Ribeira.’ On June 24, 2000, a statue of St. John the Baptist by João Cutileiro was unveiled in a niche in the Praça da Ribeira fountain. A must-see, with vibrant nightlife. Part of the Urban Wine Route. Unfortunately, this area is closed to vehicles.
- Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar - A World Cultural Heritage site, construction began in 1538 and concluded around 1670. Initially created to house the Augustinian Friars of the Monastery of Grijó, it later served as a base for the liberal army during the Civil War of 1832-1834. The war and constant attacks left it in disrepair until 1834, when the Royal Brotherhood of Lady of the Pilar and later the Group of Friends of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar in 1925 restored the entire building. The church, with a circular plan, features a dome surrounded by a balcony, and the cloister is also circular with 36 Ionic columns, the only example in Portugal. From its grand terrace, one can view the entire riverside area of Porto and Gaia, including the Arrábida Bridge and the historic center, highlighting the Cathedral and D. Luís I bridge. In the opposite direction, the Fontainhas area and the São João bridge are visible.
- Ponte Infante Dom Henrique - Inaugurated on March 30, 2003, following a project by engineer Adão da Fonseca, this bridge was built to replace the upper deck lane of the D. Luís I Bridge, now used by metro line D. With a 371-meter long and 20-meter wide deck, it is a Maillart-type arch bridge built at a high altitude, presenting a span-rise ratio of 11.2, with a 280-meter arch span—a world record. It is considered one of the most elegant of its type by global experts. It connects the Fontaínhas area to the Parish of Oliveira do Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Praca da Batalha - The southwest corner of the square once housed the Porta do Cimo de Vila on the Fernando Wall. In the 18th century, the area underwent significant transformations, and the wall was demolished. On the eastern side of the square, an emblazoned palace built at the end of the 18th century was commissioned by José Anastácio da Silva da Fonseca, a knight of the Royal House. During the Siege of Porto, the Miguelist owners abandoned the palace, allowing the liberal government to establish various public institutions there. In 1842, it was returned to its former owners. It served as the Post, Telegraph, and Telephone Main Office for much of the 20th century. Since 1866, the square has been dominated by the monument to D. Pedro V. The São João National Theatre and Cine-Teatro Batalha are also located in the square.
- Teatro Nacional Sao Joao - This classic building was constructed in 1910 atop the ruins of the Real Theatre, which burned down in 1908. It features stylistic emblems representing pain, quality, hate, and love. The main façade is inspired by its renovation in the style of Luís XVI, typical of the early 20th century, particularly in France. Designed by Marques da Silva, it is considered a building of public interest. Its main objectives are the creation and presentation of theatre shows of various genres and the promotion of better public access to specialist, classic, and contemporary theatre works, spanning the national and international drama repertoire. In addition to the National Theatre São João, the building connects the Carlos Alberto Theatre to the São Bento da Vitória monastery.
- Capela das Almas - This chapel was built at the beginning of the 18th century. From the same period is the image of Nossa Senhora das Almas (Our Lady of the Souls) inside. In 1929, the entire exterior was covered with tiles depicting scenes from the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine. These tile panels were restored in 1982.
- Mercado do Bolhao - The Bolhão Market is the city’s most famous market and was classified as a place of public interest in 2006. Dating back to 1850, it features a unique two-floor structure characterized by its monumental neoclassical architecture. Externally, the market is divided into numerous shops facing the four surrounding roads: Fernandes Tomás to the North, Alexandre Braga to the East, Formosa to the South, and Sá da Bandeira to the West. Primarily focused on fresh products, its vendors are divided into specialized sections, including fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers, and florists. Currently closed for refurbishment works.

- Local guide
- Alcoholic beverages
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Local guide
- Alcoholic beverages
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Gratuities
- Monuments Entrance
- Gratuities
- Monuments Entrance
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Guide will pick up at pier outdoor gate.
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Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
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- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Guide will pick up at pier outdoor gate.
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group/family will participate
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.