Portugal’s Hidden Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Porto
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Porto’s picturesque streets are home to grand medieval buildings, revolutionary history, and cute cafés filled with culinary delights. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the stories of kings who dressed their dead wives as queens, princes who launched the Age of Discovery, and ordinary citizens who shaped Portugal’s destiny.
Starting in front of the impressive Porto City Hall, you’ll wander through cobbled streets where Roman settlers once traded, medieval merchants crafted sword scabbards, and Portuguese rebels proclaimed the first republic. You’ll hear the history hidden beneath its famous blue tiles and granite facades.
As you make your way to Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto’s neighbouring city where the tour ends, you’ll head up steps to spectacular viewpoints.
By the end of this tour, you’ll have an experience of Porto not just as a tourist destination, but as a living chronicle of Portuguese creativity.
This walking tour covers about two miles with some uphill sections.
Available options
Portugal’s Hidden Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Porto
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Porto’s picturesque streets are home to grand medieval buildings, revolutionary history, and cute cafés filled with culinary delights. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear the stories of kings who dressed their dead wives as queens, princes who launched the Age of Discovery, and ordinary citizens who shaped Portugal’s destiny.
2
Starting in front of the impressive Porto City Hall, you’ll wander through cobbled streets where Roman settlers once traded, medieval merchants crafted sword scabbards, and Portuguese rebels proclaimed the first republic.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
trolling through the city’s atmospheric streets, from the grand Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies) to the ancient Jewish quarter’s narrow alleyways, you’ll hear the history hidden beneath its famous blue tiles and granite facades.
4
From Miradouro da Vitória and Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas over the Douro River.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Marvel at São Bento Station’s 20,000 hand-painted tiles depicting Portugal’s most pivotal historical moments, from medieval battles to royal weddings
6
Stop 6
Pass by
You’ll cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a former partner of Gustave Eiffel, while learning about the tragic bridge collapse that claimed thousands of lives during Napoleon’s invasion.
7
From Miradouro da Vitória and Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas over the Douro River.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Stand outside Livraria Lello, often called the world’s most beautiful bookshop, and learn why literary pilgrims queue for hours to enter
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Climb Torre dos Clérigos, once Portugal’s tallest building and a navigation beacon for ships, while hearing ghost stories of lovelorn monks
10
Stop 10
Pass by
Explore Igreja do Carmo’s spectacular tiled facade featuring 40,000 ceramic pieces
11
Stop 11
Pass by
Pass by Porto’s tiny Puppet Museum, which preserves centuries-old Portuguese marionette traditions
12
As you make your way to Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto’s neighbouring city where the tour ends, you’ll head up steps to spectacular viewpoints.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This self-guided audio tour starts in front of Porto City Hall. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Porto
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.
Top Attractions
Ribeira District
The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
Cultural
1 hour
€6 (includes a book voucher)
Clérigos Tower
The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.
Architecture
1 hour
€5
Dom Luís I Bridge
This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.
Architecture
30 minutes
Free
Port Wine Cellars
Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.
Cultural
2-3 hours
€10-€30
Must-Try Local Dishes
Francesinha
A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat and dairy
Bacalhau à Brás
A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish and eggs
Tripas à Moda do Porto
A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Pastéis de Nata
Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.
Dessert
Contains dairy and eggs
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Serra do Pilar
Kayaking on the Douro River
Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo
Enjoying a port wine tasting
Visiting the Livraria Lello
Exploring the Ribeira district
Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo
Boat tours on the Douro River
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.
18°C to 28°C
64°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Western European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
- • Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
- • Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas
Getting there
By air
- Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center
By train
Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento
By bus
Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Ribeira
Bolhão
Foz do Douro
Miguel Bombarda
Day trips
Braga
50 km (31 miles) • Full day
Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.
Guimarães
40 km (25 miles) • Full day
Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.
Douro Valley
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.
Festivals
São João Festival • June 23-24
Festa de São João • June 24
Porto Wine Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
- Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
- Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
- Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
- Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River
$10
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
