This classic building was constructed in 1910 on top of the ruins of the Real Theatre which burned down in 1908. With stylistic emblems representing pain, quality, hate and love. The main façade is inspired by its renovation in the style of Luís XVI, which is typical of the early years of the 20th Century, namely in France. Designed by Marques da Silva, it is considered a building of public interest. His main objectives were the creation and presentation of theatre shows, of various genres, and the encouragement of better public availability of specialist, classic and contemporary theatre works, spanning through the national and international drama repertoire. As well as the National Theatre São João, head-office, the building connects the Carlos Alberto Theatre to the São Bento da Vitória monastery.
A Muralha Fernandina do Porto é um dos segredos mais bem guardados da cidade, representando uma importante herança da arquitetura militar. Construída entre 1368 e 1437, esta muralha histórica foi erguida com fundos provenientes da Sisa do Vinho e estende-se por cerca de 3000 passos, com uma altura média de 30 pés.
Construction dating from the twelfth/thirteenth century, in Romanesque style, that has been enlarged and renewed over the years up to its final setting, in the twentieth century, resulting in an idealized reconstitution of the medieval cathedral.
Following the national policy imposed by the Estado Novo, the buildings surrounding the Cathedral, the Casa do Cabido and the Bishop's Palace, were demolished in 1940. A paved terrace was built instead, where a stone monument representing local government (pelourinho) was placed. The monument, which was constructed 1945, was reproduction of a drawing dating back to 1797
It was probably built in the 13th century, although it might be founded on an older construction. In 1737 it was remodelled; the changes were designed by Nicolau Nasoni, according to some authors. The main façade is open by a full arch flanked by pilasters and topped by a decorated fronton. The central window has a stone balustrade and the fronton - that exceeds the entablature - reveals the coat of arms of Bishop D. Rafael de Mendonça. The lateral façades present equally framed windows with magnificent frontons.
Located in the centre of the city and built in the early 20th century, it has a glass and cast iron roof designed by the architect Marques da Silva. The lobby is covered with twenty thousand narrative tiles by the painter Jorge Colaço.
The square has its origins in the beginning of the 18th century. It was in 1718 that a project for the urbanisation of the area begun, which resulted in the creation of new streets and an ample square, known as Praça Nova (New Square). The square was initially limited by the medieval walls of the city and by urban palaces, all of which are now lost.
During centuries it was called Praça dos Ferradores (Square of Blacksmiths), who had their workshops there.In the 18th century, the Palace of Viscondes de Balsemão was built in the east side of the Square. Rented out at a later time, it served as a guesthouse and hosted the king Charles Alber from Sardinia that came exiled to Porto. In his honour the Square bears its current name. In the garden's centre, a monument by Henrique Moreira remembers the Portuguese who died during the Great War 1914-18.
The Fountain of the Lions (Portuguese: Fonte dos Leões), is a 19th-century fountain built by French company Compagnie Générale des Eaux pour l'Etranger. Cast by the Val d’Osne foundry in France, it is a copy, in most part, of the fountain in the Town Hall Square of Leicester, England
Seventeenth century church whose classical façade dates from the 1850s. The project has been attributed to the architect/painter Nicolau Nasoni. The altarpiece, of Porto rococo style, was considered to be a stylistically revolutionary piece. Building designated national monument.
Church built in the second half of the eighteenth century. Due to its architecture and interior carvings, it is considered to be one of the most remarkable buildings of Porto rococo. In 1912, its lateral façade was covered with tiles. The drawings on those tiles were designed by Silvestre Silvestri. They are figurative compositions alluding to the cult of Nossa Senhora (Our Lady). Building designated national monument.
Better known as Cordoaria Garden, this garden has been called João Chagas Garden since 1924. The name by which it is best known is due to the activity of the rope makers who stayed here - in the new rope maker's - for about 200 years. In the nineteenth century, the Municipality decided to transform the Praça da Cordoaria into a public area. The project, by the German landscaper Emile David, was built in 1865/1866. In the garden there are statues of Ramalho Ortigão and António Nobre and a set of sculptures by Juan Muñoz from 2001, as well as "O rapto de Ganímedes" (Kidnapping of Ganímedes). In the scope of Porto 2001, European Capital of Culture, this garden underwent remodelling.
The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church in the city of Porto, in Portugal. Its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city and is one of its most characteristic symbols.
Dating back the late sixteenth century, it was declared a National Monument in 1977, and is one of the most important religious buildings in the city. Between 1985 and 1990, the IPPAR submitted the Monastery for restoration, allowing its occupation by the Benedictine monks, the Porto National Orchestra and the Porto District Archives. In the scope of Porto 2001 - European Capital of Culture, the Noble Cloister was covered by an acoustic shell. In 2007, the State attributed to TNSJ (Teatro Nacional de S. João) a significant part of the building - east wing and part of south wing and the Noble Cloister where theatrical performances, concerts and special events from its programme are held, while still welcoming other initiatives of a different nature.
A National Monument, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is the property and headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto. It was designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima in a neoclassical style in 1842. Situated in the historical centre, it is one of the most visited monuments with the famous Arabian Room being its major highlight. A Cultural and Conference Centre, the Stock Exchange Palace is a venue with unique conditions for hosting events and excellent initiatives. Included in the Urban Wine Route. Accessible for people with reduced mobility through a side entrance.
Made by Célestin Anatole Calmels (sculpture) and Joaquim da Costa Lima (architecture), this statue was unveiled in October 1866. The monument is made up of a base on which the two-sided pedestal stands. One of the surfaces show the donation of D. Pedro's heart to Porto's representatives, and the other represents the arrival in Mindelo. The statue that stands on the pedestal, which was cast in Belgium, represents D. Pedro offering the constitutional charter to the city.
The building where the library is now located was inaugurated in 1906. Special mention goes to its beautiful Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details. On the inside, the library is decorated in painted plaster imitating wood and presents a magnificent staircase linking it to the upper floor - one of the first reinforced concrete works in Porto. Also worthy of attention is the huge stained-glass skylight, bearing the library's monogram and motto: 'Decus in Labore'. In 2008, the English newspaper The Guardian considered this library the world's third most beautiful, as did the Lonely Planet in its guide "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011", describing it as an 'Art Nouveau gem', and particularly mentioning its 'neo-Gothic shelves' and the 'lolloping red staircase'.
This market was built in 1885, by order of the City Council, in order to replace the old Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market). It operated as a market for a very short period of time, having been used for various purposes. It represtents an important example of iron architecture in Porto, which was later renovated to become an entertainment venue, where Hard Club is now located.
Existing since 1885, this square is surrounded by Mercado Ferreira Borges and Palácio da Bolsa, located in the historical center. Here, there is a small garden, under which an underground car park was built and a Monument to the Infante D. Henrique, inaugurated on the occasion of the 5th centenary of his death. Its construction started in 1894, was completed in 1900, and represents the triumph of Portuguese navigation and faith.
The city's most important Gothic temple, whose construction began in the fourteenth century. It is one of the most important works of the Baroque, by its gilded interior from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It was the exuberance of its gild carved wood work that led Count Raczinsky to describe it as the 'Church of Gold'. And, overwhelmed, he adds: 'The gild of this church is so beautiful and rich that goes far beyond everything I have seen in Portugal and in the whole world'. It is worth of notice the Tree of Jesse, as well as the catacombs. It is a National Monument since 1910 and World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 1996.
A neoclassical building, built in the 19th century, according to a project carried out by the engineer Jean F. G. Colson. It has two facades, one facing the Douro river and one facing the city. Note the structural solutions that resorted to the use of iron in conjunction with other materials - stone, brick or wood - depending on the functionality of the different spaces. In 1987, it was decided to house the future Museum of Transport and Communications, in the building belonging to the Association with the same name. For this, restoration and adaptation works were carried out, according to the project by the architect Eduardo Souto Moura. The Association for the Transport and Communications Museum (Associação para o Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações-A.M.T.C) also manages a Congress Centre, spread across various areas in the Building of Alfândega Nova do Porto.
World Cultural Heritage, it started being built in 1538, and was concluded only around 1670. At first it was created in order to accommodate the Augustinian Friars of the Monastery of Grijó. Later, during the Civil War of 1832-1834, the liberal army settled in the monastery. As a result of the war and of the constant attacks it suffered, it was in a terrible state of disrepair and neglect, until in 1834 with the creation of the Royal Brotherhood of Lady of the Pilar, and later the Group of Friends of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, in 1925, the whole building was recovered. The church, of circular plan, has the dome surrounded by a balcony; the cloister is also circular, with 36 Ionic columns, the only example in Portugal. From its grand terrace one can see the whole riverside area of Porto and Gaia until the Arrábida Bridge, and the historic center, with emphasis on the Cathedral and D. Luís I bridge. In the opposite direction one can see that the zone of Fontainhas and the São João bridge.
Planned by the engineer Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, it was inaugurated in 1886 and it is composed by two overlapping iron decks. The bridge has 395 metres long and 8 metres wide, and its arch is still considered to be the world's biggest one in forged iron. Nowadays the upper deck is used by the Metro of Porto, connecting the area of Porto's Cathedral to the Garden of Morro and to the Avenida da República in Vila Nova de Gaia.
The bridge was inaugurated in 30 March 2003 following a project by the engineer Adão da Fonseca. It was built to replace the upper deck lane of the D. Luís I Bridge, used now by the metro line D . With a 371 metres long and 20 metres wide deck, it is a Maillart-type arch bridge, built at a high altitude level, presenting a span-rise ratio of 11,2, with a 280 m arch span - a world record, it is considered by the world experts to be one of the most elegant of its type. It connects the Fontaínhas area to the Parish of Oliveira do Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
We loved our guide Ana and had such an enjoyable tuk tuk tour traversing the tiny, circuitous and hilly lanes of Porto. Ana was incredibly knowledgeable and a total delight to be with. This private tour gave us a wonderful opportunity to ask all our obscure questions about Portugal and the Porto area from someone very proficient in English. So much fun!
We had a wonderful tour of Porto and Giai, Anna, showed us many interesting places. Her knowledge of the city and its history made the tour very enjoyable.
Great tour led by a local guide. Small group, relaxed, informative and taking in fantastic views of Porto.
Great tour - saw some great sights. The driver/tour guide we had was seemed very unfriendly and intolerant of us!! Value for money was good but wasn’t impressed by guide !
The tour and tour guide were great. We even got to cross the river and get to a good vantage point for pictures that we didn’t expect. However the cover for the vehicle was old and tired compared to other vehicles, obscuring some views.
at 8:44 pm a notice was sent that our private Tuk Tuk ride was canceled for the next morning at 9 am. We didn’t see it until 11 pm We tried to rearrange our day, the next tour and lunch was at one I texted the driver that we could possibly make an 11 o’clock but as it turns out, we couldn’t do it and an hour before the ride I texted him that we had to cancel And I got a snarky letter back that we were going to be with 2 other people and they were waiting. Pretty much not private and my cancellation was directly about his angry text I have a copy of our text correspondence
My husband and I took this tour on our first day in Porto. I have issues with mobility, so hills are hard for me to scale. This tour, let me see the city through the eyes of someone who grew up there, is learned in its history, and truly loves their hometown. I am extremely thankful to have seen so many sites in one day, let alone two hours. I would recommend this tour to anyone who has an interest in history, local perspectives, and beautiful views.
The tuk tuk was in desperate need of some new shocks. Super uncomfortable. The guide was just a driver really. Very sad compared to what we had experienced in Lisbon. :(
It was fun and adventurous with some fast roller coaster experiences. We learned a lot about Porto and saw some breathtaking views.
Anna was a great driver- very informative and so fun to listen to. Her personality fits her job - helpful, funny and interesting! It was our first day and first experience in Porto. We appreciated the ride around to give us perspective of where things were and get ideas of where to go and places to eat. Thank you again for your local hospitality.
Victor was an excellent guide, balancing interesting information about all that we passed with time for us to go and explore a bit on our own at each stop. We felt very safe in the vehicle and the communication beforehand was excellent so we knew when and where to meet, due to an unexpected delay. Victor was kind and very knowledgeable about the city and you could tell he truly cares for sharing the stories and history of the area.
Great experience, knowledgeable guide with a friendly disposition. Got to see the city without having to hike up and down all the hills. Wonderful way to get an overview of everything.
Unfortunately the driver were driving to fast and the tuk tuk wasn’t comfortable at all. We would have wished for more tourist information. More information about the sights.
Our guide Fabio was great-very knowledgeable on history and Porto and Portugal in general-highly recommend
Definitely the best way to get acquainted with the city, especially on a hot sunny day where a walking tour would have been too much! Goçalo, our guide and driver, kept us out of traffic and Gabe is just the right amount of info to get familiar with the main attraction and the history of Porto
Excellent tuk-tuk tour with Fabio who was extremely knowledgeable about the city and it's history. He provided excellent information and ensured that we got the most out of the tour that we could
Enjoyed this experience! Ana did a great job showing me around and recommending some great places for me to explore.
Our Tuk Tuk driver/guide, Goncalo, was super knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour!
Our driver had a lot of knowledge but we had to pry it out of him rather than openly offering it. We enjoyed seeing the city this way but the lack of enthusiasm made us feel we were just another tour to tick off his list for the day.
The tour was well worth taking! Our guide was very informative about the area and history. She also gave us recommendations for places to eat.
Our driver viktor was excellent! He ensured we saw as much as possible in the two hours explaining the history of the town along the way. Perfect way to get a snapshot of the city!
It was a good tour but not the very best we have been on. But we did enjoy it and would do it again. It gave a pretty good over view of the city
Great way to get around the city Visited many areas from the old to the new including vantage points to see over the city
Great fun and an excellent way to see more than you possibly would on foot. Guid was very knowledgeable and helpful. Would recommend
Victor was a great driver. He was punctual (early), friendly, funny and very knowledgeable. He accommodated us around issues we had with our flight from Manchester- kept great communication throughout. We had a brilliant tour seeing all the historical sights. Victor gave us the background and history of the city. This gave us a real starting point for the rest of our stay. Victor allowed us time to explore and take photos - it was great. I would definitely recommend taking a tuk tuk with Victor.
Great tour! A great way to see the city if you’re there for only a short period of time. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable.
A great way to see the sights and learn about Porto. Ana, our guide and Driver was very informative and interesting. We really enjoyed being with her and enjoying the history insights of Porto
Anna was extremely friendly, very polite and courteous, and was well knowledgeable about the city of Porto.
A good way to start the trip for a quick update to see the city. Then you can always come back to what you like.
We loved our experience exploring Porto via Tuk Tuk. We saw more than we could on foot, especially given how hilly Porto is. Our guide took us to the most beautiful viewpoints for a great sunset and we ended the tour with a glass of port. Our guide knew everything was to know about the various areas. And she made some wonderful dining recommendations, which we were so grateful for. A great way to get our bearings while exploring a new place. Highly recommend!
⭐☆☆☆☆ (1/5) Avoid this company if you’re looking for a genuine guided tour of Porto. Our tour was 80–90% silent. The guide provided almost no history, culture, or local insights unless we kept asking questions, and even then the information was very basic. It felt like being driven from one viewpoint to another rather than experiencing a guided city tour. The driving was also rough and uncomfortable, making the experience even less enjoyable. Most disappointing of all, we sent a detailed and respectful email to the company afterwards and were completely ignored. No response, no acknowledgement, and no effort to resolve the issue. There are far better tour operators in Porto. I wouldn’t recommend booking this one.
An amazing way to get to know Porto. Victor was the perfect guide and gave us a fabulous introduction to the city.
We had a lovely tour with Chica as our guide. This was our first expreience with a Tuk Tuk, and it won't be our last. We usually use the Hop On Hop Off bus, but not anymore! Chica stopped at several points of interest so we could get pictures and ask all the questions we wanted. You don't get that with the H-O-H-O bus. If you get off that bus you are now on your own for at least half an hour before the next bus comes by. Having the luxury of stopping and starting as many times as we wanted was something special.
This was the BEST way to start our trip and see the city. We absolutely loved it and learned so many unique details. Our guide was absolutely fabulous and left us with a great dinner recommendation. We would do it again in a heart beat! He knew all the places to go and the spaces that would be closed due to the upcoming festival.
Fabio was a great guide and we left feeling so happy we booked this tour. As a local who was born and raised in Porto, he had a lot of wisdom to share during our ride. I highly recommend it, especially when you first arrive as it is a great intro to the city.
Great tour! We got to see the city from places we would not have been able to walk to. Thank you so much! I highly recommend
A fantastic and entertaining way to see Porto and its landmarks, guided and driven by the lovely and knowledgeable, Ana. Very educational and enjoyable. A particular highlight is not having to walk up the steep hills to see the sights!
Booked this tour last minute and it was a great way to see a lot of Porto in a short time. Our guide Fabio took us to see all the hidden gems and provide solid recommendations for the rest of our trip.
Good information given, wonderful considerate guide who was so proud of the city; A delightful experince.
Ana was truly amazing and we had such fun seeing beautiful Porto. This is a must to get a real feel for this city.
Very knowledgeable guide was local answered all questions took us to beautiful places we wldnt of otherwise seen
He never showed up at the meeting point. He did not respond to our messages or calls. We waited for half an hour but no one showed up.
This is the best way to see Porto, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to spend in this beautiful city. You cover a lot of ground, explore areas you wouldn’t normally get to as easily on foot, and get the best scenic views Porto has to offer. Added bonus… you learn so much about the history of Porto.
Victor was awesome ! A Porto native, his pride in his city was infectious and gave us incredible in depth knowledge of the city
Anna was very friendly and a pleasure to have as a guide. Nice general tour of the highlights and beauty of Porto. Highly recommend this for anyone.
You get to see back streets and hidden gems, like the romantic gardens and learn interesting facts about the history of Porto. Some amazing vistas and sights.
It was very tricky to locate the driver - Took us 15 mins to find Victor. The tour was ok and gave us a high level appreciation of the history and interesting locations of Porto. Our guide Victor warmed up after 20 mins or so but it did feel we were just another tourist. We lost a bit of the info due to language barrier but overall it was ok.
Great way to get to know the city. Recommend to do it at the beginning of your time in Porto Tuk tuk very comfortable especially if it is raining. Fabio was our guide. Very knowledgeable. Grew up in Porto. Knew how to navigate the city
Concalos was a good guide for us. In addition to giving us information on the many places we stopped at over the 2 hrs, he also answered the many questions we had about Portugal in general. He also took us to places with magnificent views we wouldn’t have found or been able to access on our own. At the end he told us about Casa Guedes- a local hot spot for eating traditional food. It was great. Many thanks!
Great ride! Tigo was a great guide and very knowledgeable. He shared about history and culture and was patient. The ride was safe and enjoyable. This tour took us to many places and areas we would never have known about. Overall great experience and would hugely recommend.
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