Porto: Tile Painting Workshop & Cocktails Downtown

Summary

Paint tiles with locals in Porto’s heart while sipping cocktails

You’ll paint your own Portuguese tile in downtown Porto with guidance from a local host, learn about azulejo history, and enjoy cocktails like Port & Tonic as you create. Take home your handmade tile as a personal souvenir—and maybe some new friends or stories too.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed walking into Boiler Studio was the smell — kind of chalky, like rain on warm pavement mixed with something sweet from the bar. There were a few of us, all strangers at first, sitting around this long table covered in brushes and these blank, heavy tiles. Joana, our host (she called herself “just another tile nerd”), handed out aprons and poured us each a Porto Tónico — honestly, I’d never tasted white port before, but it’s crisp and a little herbal. The city outside felt noisy compared to this pocket of calm.

I thought painting a tile would be easy. It wasn’t — my lines kept wobbling and the blue glaze stained my fingers. Joana told us about how Portuguese azulejos started with Moorish patterns and how Porto has its own favorite blues; she pointed out that most people don’t notice the tiny mistakes on old buildings until someone shows them. I tried copying one of her examples but ended up making something totally crooked. She laughed and said “that’s how you know it’s yours.” Someone else tried to say “azulejo” right and we all cracked up — I still can’t pronounce it.

There was this moment when we were waiting for our tiles to dry (about an hour — enough time for another drink if you want). Sunlight came through the window and made all the paint jars glow. We swapped stories about where we were from, what brought us to Porto, nothing too deep but somehow it felt honest. I kept touching my finished tile just to feel the texture set under my thumb. I didn’t expect to care so much about a piece of clay with some blue swirls on it, but taking it home felt like holding onto a bit of that afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tile painting and cocktail workshop

• Arrive at Boiler Studio
• Learn history of Portuguese tiles
• Discover tile colors and influences
• Paint your own tile
• Enjoy cocktails during workshop
• Take painted tile home

Top questions

How long does the tile painting workshop in Porto last?

The workshop lasts around two hours, plus about an hour for your tile to dry after painting.

Do I need any experience for this Porto tile painting activity?

No experience is needed; the workshop is designed for beginners or anyone curious.

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Boiler Studio is wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included during the workshop?

Yes, you’ll enjoy at least one cocktail—like Port & Tonic—during the activity.

Can children join the tile painting class?

Infants and small children are welcome; they can ride in prams or sit on an adult's lap.

Will I get to take my painted tile home?

Yes, you can take your painted tile home after letting it dry for about an hour post-workshop.

Is public transportation available near Boiler Studio?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby in downtown Porto.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all painting materials at Boiler Studio in downtown Porto, at least one Port & Tonic cocktail (or champagne if you prefer), guidance from a local host who shares stories behind Portuguese tiles, and your own hand-painted tile to take home once it's dry—no experience needed.