expedia
Skip to main content

Porto Private Walking Tour the Story Behind its Tiles

By Porto with an architect
Free cancellation available
Price is €56 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

For centuries, glazed tiles have been woven into the fabric of Portuguese culture, and Porto is no exception. From monumental façades to humble homes, tiles are an essential part of the city’s landscape, where art, history, and everyday life converge.
In this 2.5-hour private walking tour, we’ll do more than just admire the beauty and versatility of tiles — we’ll use them as a key to unlock the fascinating storey of Porto. Each stop will reveal a chapter of the city’s history, architecture and lifestyle. We'll visit iconic landmarks, explore a tile depository with thousands of designs and uncover how tiles played a role in Porto’s commerce and art.
The final stretch will be about discovering stories behind the famous tiled panels at São Bento station and the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, with its breathtaking baroque tiles.
The experience, led by an architect and design researcher specialising in built heritage, includes a snack and a ticket for the Cathedral.

Activity location

  • Capela das Almas
    • Rua de Santa Catarina 428, Esquina com a Rua Fernandes Tomás, a 30 metros do Bolhão-Porto
    • 4000-444, Porto, Portugal

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Chapel of Souls
    • 428 Rua de Santa Catarina
    • 4000-212, Porto, Porto, Portugal

Check availability

Porto Private Walking Tour the Story Behind its Tiles
  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 14:30
Price details
€56.13 x 1 Adult€56.13
Total
Price is €56.13
Until Wed, 1 Apr

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    a sweet snack - a traditional local pastry - will be offered during the tour
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Group size: min 2, max 6 guests. This is a private tour, just for you and your group!
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Guide In-person
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Tickets for the Porto Cathedral are included

Know before you book

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a small-group private tour: min 2, max 6 guests
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Capela das Almas

  • 15m
A perfect place for an introduction and to learn about the famous Santa Catarina Street and its landmarks.

Mercado do Bolhao

  • 15m
A vibrant place to feel the spirit of the city and to learn how tiles have been used for advertising purposes.

A Perola do Bolhao

  • 10m
We will look into the details of one of the most beautiful façades of Porto and learn not only about its tiles but also about the tea-drinking habit!

Praca de Carlos Alberto

  • 15m
We will visit a branch of Porto City Museum that keeps wide variety of tiles from different epochs. We will delve deeper into the history of tiles in Portugal, and explore thousands of designs and patterns that can be seen in the streets of Porto.

Sao Bento Railway Station

  • 15m
This is one of the most stylish arrival points in Europe and beyond! We will learn all about the long history of the building and explore the diversity of motives on its tiled panels.

Largo do Moinho de Vento

  • 10m
A remarkable 21st-century hand-painted tile panel is on our way too!

Igreja do Carmo

  • 10m
  • Admission ticket not included
Here we will admire the beauty of the tiles and learn about the curious history of this Porto's baroque landmark! (we won't be visiting the interior on this tour)

Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)

  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
Last but not least: we will wrap up our visit in the oldest monument of Porto, and a never-ending work of art and architecture. We'll focus on the remarkable Baroque tiles and a unique atmosphere inside the Cathedral.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Capela das Almas
    • Rua de Santa Catarina 428, Esquina com a Rua Fernandes Tomás, a 30 metros do Bolhão-Porto
    • 4000-444, Porto, Portugal

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Chapel of Souls
    • 428 Rua de Santa Catarina
    • 4000-212, Porto, Porto, Portugal

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Porto your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Porto

With so many things to do in Porto, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Porto. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Porto to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.