Porto: Half-Day City Walk & Port Cellar Tasting Tour

Summary

Wander Porto’s tiled streets, climb Clérigos Tower, taste Port in Gaia cellars

You’ll wander Porto’s old streets with a local guide who knows every quirky detail, pause under São Bento’s famous tiles, and ride over to Gaia for a proper port wine tasting inside an old cellar. Expect laughter, surprises (even at McDonald’s), and moments you’ll want to remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a bit restless that morning in Porto — something about the city makes you want to just get out and walk. We met our guide near Avenida dos Aliados, and right away she started weaving stories about the buildings around us. There was this funny moment when we stopped at that McDonald’s (yes, really), and she insisted we peek inside because it’s apparently “the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.” I mean, stained glass and chandeliers? Didn’t expect that.

The walk up to Clérigos Tower was a little steep but worth it. The bells rang as we passed, echoing through narrow streets where laundry flapped from balconies. Our guide pointed out the Portuguese Centre of Photography — honestly I wouldn’t have noticed it on my own — and then led us into São Bento Station. The tiles there are wild: blue-and-white scenes everywhere, locals rushing by barely glancing at them while I stood there gawking like a tourist (which, fair). She told us how each panel tells a slice of Porto’s history; I tried to remember some details but mostly just took in the cool air and tile dust smell.

We didn’t go inside Sé Cathedral but paused outside for that big city view — roofs stacked like red dominoes all the way down to the river. Then we hopped on a bus (thankfully, my legs needed it) across to Vila Nova de Gaia for the port wine cellar part of the tour. Inside was dark and cool; barrels lined up like soldiers. The guy leading the tasting had this dry sense of humor — he said something about “drinking history” and poured us three types of port. The tawny one tasted almost like caramel if you let it sit on your tongue long enough. I still think about that first sip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Porto historic tour and wine tasting

• Hand over ticket to official
• Visit São Bento Railway Station
• Pass by Elite café on Santa Catarina street
• See Clérigos Church and Tower
• Walk through Porto historic center
• Board bus at Batalha Square to Vila Nova de Gaia
• Visit Port wine cellar
• Learn about Port wine production
• Taste two types of Port wine
• Return to Porto city center

Top questions

How long does the Porto historical tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, depending on local traffic and schedules.

Is pickup included for this Porto half-day tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the designated starting point.

Does this tour include entry to Clérigos Tower or Sé Cathedral?

No entry; you visit Clérigos Tower from outside and pause at Sé Cathedral for views but do not go inside.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Yes, a guided port wine cellar visit with tastings of three varieties is included.

Is this Porto city tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What languages is the tour available in?

The main language is usually English or Spanish; sometimes both may be used during the tour.

How big are the groups on this day trip?

The maximum group size is 27 people per tour.

Where does the tour finish?

The experience ends back in Porto’s city center after returning from Gaia.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through Porto’s historic center with stops at landmarks like São Bento Station and Clérigos Tower (external visits), bus transfer to Vila Nova de Gaia for a traditional port wine cellar visit with tastings of three wines, plus access to an extra free walking tour voucher valid any day after your experience.