This 2.5-hour tour along the Douro River and through its surrounding neighborhoods easily boasts some of the most beautiful sites in Europe. However, these riverbanks aren't just picturesque - they tell some of Portugal's most fascinating stories. From the launch of the first expeditions into the Atlantic, to the home of the first Portuguese Navy, the water has always been key to Porto and Portugal. Ironically, the locals also call Porto the "undefeated city", and while it has fought back kings, bishops and emperors, it has actually been conquered multiple times!
The Ribeira Walking Tour starts in front of the statue of Bishop António Ferreira Gomes, opposite the Clérigos Tower, and it usually ends on the Gaia side of the Dom Luis I Bridge. Explore some of the most beautiful neighbourhoods along the Douro River as we take you on a tour around the Porto riverbank, a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Portuguese explorers and the creation of the Navy
With an unforgiving, infertile soil and a growing economic crisis, the Portuguese got creative and looked to the sea for a solution. Porto's banks saw the launch of the first expeditions into the Atlantic, which led to the colonization of countries like Brazil. No wonder Porto was also home to the first Portuguese Navy.
Protecting Porto, the undefeated city
Even with their sights set on lands far away, the people of Porto didn’t take their eyes off what they had at home. As you visit the Palace São João Novo, home to Porto's elite, you hear how Porto earned its name as the ‘unbeaten city’, fighting back any king, bishop or emperor (to name just a few) who tried to invade its shores.
Gaia and the Port Wine cellars
The Porto of today is famous for its scenic riverbanks and its delicious Port wine – both of which are products of the resourcefulness, bravery and strength of this city. As you stare out from the famous Virtudes lookout point and look down from the iconic Dom Luís I bridge, you'll see Gaia, boasting the cellars where Port wine is stored and aged. Learn how the area evolved from explorers to Port winemakers, to become one of Portugal's most-visited sites.
Free Tour concept
The tips-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.
Your Ribeira Walking Tour starts at the statue of Bishop António Ferreira Gomes, opposite the Clérigos Tower
Discover the Palace of São João Novo, home to Porto's elite
Look across the best views of Porto from the Virtudes lookout point
Visit the Gothic Church of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site
See the oldest house in Porto, and discover the Ribeira neighbourhood
Take in the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge
TOUR SCHEDULES
Today
This tour doesn‘t run today
PHOTOS
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Local English-speaking guide
What’s not included
Gratuities for guide (optional)
Additional Information
The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2.5 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group
Due to the old streets and uneven terrain, accessing parts of Porto by wheelchair can sometimes be challenging. We unfortunately do not advise guests in wheelchairs to join this tour due to the narrow stairways and steep hills. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused
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What is a Free Tour?
The Free Tour is the best introduction to Porto! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 3 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.
The Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!
We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Porto's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.
Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?
Expert local guides
Theme specific tours
Location specific tours
The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time
Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Porto's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private t ...
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Customise Your Private Tour!
Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.
Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Porto's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private t ...
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Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.
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