Porto: Self-guided scavenger hunt walking tour with app

Summary

Wander Porto’s streets, solve clues, and see the city your way

You’ll wander through Porto’s winding streets solving playful clues and discovering sights like São Bento Station and Livraria Lello at your own rhythm. With only your phone as guide, you’ll notice small details most travelers miss — plus there’s always time for coffee or pastries along the way. It’s an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left those cobblestones behind.

What’s the experience like?

“Is this really the right street?” I asked, squinting at my phone while the bells from Clérigos Tower chimed somewhere behind us. We’d just started our Porto scavenger hunt — honestly, I thought it would be a breeze, but that first riddle had me second-guessing my sense of direction (and maybe my Portuguese). The air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts from a cart nearby, and there was this old man watching us from his doorstep, grinning like he knew exactly where we were stuck.

The app nudged us toward São Bento Station next, so we wandered down cobbled lanes past blue-tiled walls that looked even brighter in the late morning light. I kept stopping to look up — there’s something about Porto’s colors that makes you want to linger. At each stop, we had to actually pay attention: signs, little carvings on doorways, even a mural half-hidden by laundry. My friend tried to snap a creative photo for one of the challenges; she made me pose pretending to read an invisible book outside Livraria Lello. Not sure if we got any points for style but we laughed so hard people stared.

What surprised me most was how much I noticed when I wasn’t rushing — like the way café chairs scrape on stone or how locals greet each other with these quick nods and half-smiles. There’s no guide hurrying you along; you set your own pace, which meant we could stop for a pastel de nata whenever temptation struck (so… twice). The scavenger hunt took us maybe two hours because we kept getting sidetracked by little shops and street musicians near the riverfront. It didn’t feel like a typical day trip in Porto — more like being let in on a secret game everyone else is too busy to play.

I still think about that last clue at sunset, when the city turned gold and quiet for just a minute. We never did figure out if our answers were perfect — but it didn’t matter much by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Porto Scavenger Hunt and Sights

• Interactive scavenger hunt walking tour
• Find sights using app hints
• Solve questions about sights
• Complete creative photo tasks
• Visit Lello Bookshop, Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station

Top questions

How long does the Porto scavenger hunt walking tour take?

The tour usually lasts 1–2 hours but you can go at your own pace.

Do I need a guide for this scavenger hunt in Porto?

No guide is needed; it’s fully self-guided using an app on your smartphone.

What do I need to bring for the self-guided tour?

You’ll need a smartphone with the Explorial app installed and internet access.

Is this scavenger hunt suitable for families or groups?

Yes, it works well for individuals, couples, families or friends exploring together.

Are there any physical requirements for this walking tour?

The walk is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

Can I take breaks during the scavenger hunt?

Yes, you can pause anytime and continue later since it’s not limited in time.

Which Porto attractions are included in the scavenger hunt?

You’ll visit places like Livraria Lello, Clérigos Tower and São Bento Station among others.

What’s included

Your experience includes access to the Explorial app with all riddles and clues needed for the self-guided walking tour around Porto’s highlights — just download it after booking and start whenever you’re ready.