• Private Tour
• Family Friendly
• Carbon Neutral

Porto's medieval essence is still present on the city's streets. Let me take you on a historical journey to the past where you'll discover Porto in a different way. Admire the buildings, uncover its secrets and get all the insights from a historian.

Destination

Porto, Portugal

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Cuisine

Portuguese

Available languages

English, Português

Included

• Private guide
• Coffe at a local house inside medieval ruins

Excluded

• Transportation
• - Entrance Tickets

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with André.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Rua de Saraiva de Carvalho 130 - Porto to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Meeting Point

   Rua de Saraiva de Carvalho 130

4. Stop 1

   Discover the XIV century defense wall

5. Stop 2

   Visit a Cathedral from the XIII century

6. Stop 3

   Hear more about the Fortified Tower House

7. Stop 4

   Stroll through medieval streets

8. Stop 5

   Pay a visit to the house where Henry 'The Navigator' was born

9. Stop 6

   Explore Ribeira secret streets and its medieval houses

10. Stop 7

    Stop at St. Francis Church

11. End of Tour

    Enjoy a coffee at a local coffee shop and get more local recommendations

12. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Cara

16 April 2024

Andre is an historian who loves Porto and Portugal. He did an excellent job sharing his enthusiasm, and explaining the historic walls and hidden passageways around us. It was fascinating!An enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide!

Asli🇳🇱 Netherlands

18 February 2024

Andre was a very nice host. First he is really knowledgable about the history of Portugal and Porto. He tailored the tour according to our needs (children). We learned spots from him which we would not discover ourselves.Discovering Porto

Rebecca🇺🇸 United States

12 November 2023

My mother and I had a terrific medieval tour with Andre. He is extremely knowledgeable and took us to medieval streets that we would have missed otherwise. We finished at Sao Bento train station with a discussion of the tiles. Very enjoyable Wonderful tour

Sabine

14 August 2023

We got a lot of interesting information about the history of Porto. Andre was extremly knowledgeable, very friendly and enthusiastic, loving his city. Can only recommend! Great insights

Darrell

10 August 2023

We did the walking tour of Medieval Porto with André and really enjoyed the experience, he showed us so many interesting streets and buildings we never would have been able to find on our own. We also learned so much about the history of Porto and this region and its important place in Portuguese history. Very highly recommended!Unique tour of Medieval Porto

Anja🇩🇪 Germany

19 March 2023

We booked the medieval history tour of Porto, hoping to learn more about the city's past and present. André was friendly and professional and he has a nice route worked out through the city. We particularly enjoyed strolling through small alleys and quiet squares and seeing parts of the city and details in the architecture that we would have missed otherwise. André is very passionate about architecture and Porto but I have to say that it didn't "click" with us. lt felt like the tour was designed for a different audience (people with less knowledge about European history and more interest in Dan Brown) and I didn't get the feeling that it was welcome to ask questions and really start a conversation instead of saying "this is amazing" regularly. Again, I think, it just didn't click, but I have experienced great history tours with knowledgeable guides in other cities, and this tour was a disappointment. Relaxed tour but not for the history buff

Muzzil Qayyum🇭🇰 Hong Kong

28 January 2023

My wife and I cannot express how much we enjoyed our Porto experience thanks to André. He showed us the hidden gems of medieval Porto but more importantly, him being a historian and archeologist helped to enrich the entire explanation because everything in Porto has a context from the bricks to the floors. I'd rather not spoil the review but safe to say, dont visit Porto without engaging André.You get an honest take on Portugal

Jessica🇺🇸 United States

10 October 2022

While on vacation in Porto with my 19 year old son, I surprised him with a gift of having an historical tour with Andre. My son is studying history at university now and he was in awe of Andre with all of his knowledge. Plus he’s very fun too! I would 100% recommend him. We will definitely ask Andre to give us another tour when we return next summer. Thank you Andre! You are Amazing!Andre is Incredible!

Janette🇺🇸 United States

1 September 2022

André was a delight! He is passionate about history and loves the city of Porto. Hidden surprises in plain sight but you wouldn’t notice if he hadn’t pointed them out. My husband is a real history buff tour and couldn’t thank me enough for booking this tour. Thanks André!Great Early History tour!!

Lance🇺🇸 United States

29 April 2022

Very much enjoyed the tour with André. We covered history, architecture, current culture and learned way more than we would have by just researching. Highly recommend a tour with André upon your arrival. Great tour with knowledgeable guide

saoirse🇵🇹 Portugal

21 April 2022

André was extremely knowledgable and enthusiastic about the history of Porto. He could rattle off dates and background, no matter what question we asked. He knows his stuff and is a great guide. Highly recommend!Very knowledgable guide!

Philipp🇦🇹 Austria

9 April 2022

It was a pleasure to listen to André 💪 He knows many details about … everything 😅 Every question answered and this tour is well thought off so it is like reading an interessting story about Porto I had todo the tour while it was pouring rain - was no problem for him 😅 Awesome Historian

phq7bxqgtt🇵🇹 Portugal

28 February 2022

In this engaging tour, we learned a lot about Porto and enjoyed an amazing tour through the beautiful streets of Porto thanks to the expertise of AndréInsightful and fun experience!

Michal🇮🇱 Israel

21 November 2021

Andre is very knowledgeable about Porto - from its very interesting history to present time cafe and restaurants. Andre shares his vast knowledge in a very interesting and light way that made the tour very enjoyable and enlightening, pointing to us surprising and beautiful details - architectural and other,which were sure to be missed were it not for him. Andre adapted the tour to our needs and wishes - stopping with us to sit down and rest or drink coffee, changing the rout since we already visited some places he planned to take us, really letting us have the full benefits of a private tour. Our next time in Porto we are sure to schedule another private tour with Andre and we strongly recommend you to book his services for an amazing tour.Greatest tour with Andre

Lynne🇺🇸 United States

1 November 2021

Andre was passionate and knowledgeable about this topic and provided all kinds of interesting information about this period in of time in Porto. We spoke about architecture as well and I found him to be engaging and courteous.Interesting Medieval tidbits

Reid🇵🇹 Portugal

23 October 2021

We recently went on a walking tour with André, focusing on the medieval history of Porto. It was a great way to learn about the city and to discover all kinds of hidden secrets that we pass by everyday. While there was a lot of information, it was never dry or boring, as André kept the information relevant and interesting.A great walking tour of medieval Porto.

Pat🇺🇸 United States

17 September 2021

Andre’s knowledge and love of Porto truly shined through on our amazing tour of Porto. To walk the streets of this beautiful city with someone so knowledgeable was an eye opening and enriching experience we will always remember. There were four of us in our group of friends and Andre kept a pace that was perfect. We very much felt like a dear friend was revealing a magical city for us to enjoy and hold fond memories of. I would truly recommend Andre 100% for a fantastic day.Amazing!

James🇭🇰 Hong Kong

16 September 2021

Andre gave me a fascinating tour of Porto's medieval neighborhoods. Very informative and passionate about both the history and architecture. Really worth taking the tour as I don't these these spots are on the typical tourist maps!Exploring Porto's Medieval Secrets

Obaid🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

8 January 2020

Quite informative and knowledgeable

Alastair🇺🇸 United States

6 January 2020

Andre is clearly very knowledgeable about the history of his city. The tour included beautiful view points throughout and little details that could easily be overlooked by an untrained or inexperienced guide. Andre was also very flexible and considerate of when certain of my family members needed a break from walking. Thank you!Andre knows the secrets!

Erin🇬🇧 United Kingdom

26 October 2019

I had a really interesting tour with André. He is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about his subject and was able to adapt the tour to the weather conditions to make sure I got the most out of it. He pointed out hundreds of little details in the landscape and architecture that I would never have spotted/known about on my own. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to know more about the hidden history all around Porto. Very knowledgeable guide

Hilary🇨🇦 Canada

28 September 2019

Andre is very informative and interesting. He has a real passion for the history of Porto.Enjoyable despite the weather

Robert🇺🇸 United States

23 September 2019

Great walking tour. Andre was informative, friendly and even customized our route for our interests. We had a great time and learned a lot about Porto. Highly reccomended.Fantastic Experience

Kevin🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 August 2019

Andre is the perfect guide. Andre has the intelligence, humour and passion to keep you enthralled for the full three hours. He helps you see past the obvious tourist sites and get under the skin of the city. By focussing on the small historical details, he allows you to see the big picture of the development of this beautiful city. His love for Porto shines through, and with his deep understanding of history he has helped us have a much better appreciation of this wonderful and vibrant city. The best guided tour I’ve ever been on - highly recommended.Best way to see Porto

Stephen🇺🇸 United States

11 July 2019

Porto is an AMAZING city full of incredible beauty and a rich history. Our wonderful guide, Andre' has a phenomenal knowledge of all things Porto and Portugal. Our 3 hour walking tour with him was filled with little known secret places you most likely will not find on your own. That, along with some great historical context made our time with him well worth it. I recommend booking Andre' on your first day in Porto. He will not only take you places and tell you the history of those places, but he will give you some great tips of other places you will not want to miss before you leave. Thank you Andre'! Obrigado! Exactly what we'd hoped for.

Lyn🇦🇺 Australia

28 June 2019

The history of medieval Portugal is not something that can be covered in a 3 hour walking session, but Andre wanders along the ancient alleys of old Porto showing, explaining; moving as easily from building to building as from era to era. Eventually, a composite picture of the life and work of Porto and Portugal begins to emerge. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who wishes to learn more about the layers of history that have shaped, not just Porto and Portugal, but Western Europe and the world. Drawing together the threads

Lorie🇨🇦 Canada

19 May 2019

My husband and I completed a private tour with Andre, focusing on the Medieval evidence and history that is waiting to be rediscovered in Porto, Portugal. Andre's significant knowledge of this history as a university professor enabled us to view this city in a depth that other tours could not. We explored hidden areas that most tourists would not know to find, nor tour guides would know to include. Andre was personable and professional and we thoroughly enjoyed this very interesting tour! John & Lorie Shimmell Ancaster, Ontario, CanadaA Medieval Tour in Porto Portugal with And

Lyn🇬🇧 United Kingdom

2 May 2019

We had an amazing adventure with Andre. It was exactly what we wanted. It is so much better to understand the history of a City with somebody who is really passionate and knows his subject. A fascinating walk through the medieval streets and every corner brought a new story. My wife and I would highly recommend.Discover Porto with a passionate historian

Anna🇩🇪 Germany

3 April 2019

André was a very cool guide, he showed us some secret spots of portos history and gave us a lot information about the cities past. He was friendly and chilled the whole tour and very passionated about the topic. Highly recommended! Very passionated and friendly guide

Edwin🇬🇧 United Kingdom

27 March 2019

Andre has a very thorough knowledge of medieval Porto and brought the city of that period of time to life.We walked slowly around one area of Porto, discovering the way such buildings and artifacts including the city walls,carvings and tiles could show detail and information of medieval life. The highlight of the tour was going through the tiny maze of streets which had a surprise around every corner, and seeing the tunnels near the river. We enjoyed the knowledge that Andre displayed.Discover Medieval Porto

Frances🇬🇧 United Kingdom

27 March 2019

Andre was a perfect guide informative, knowledgable and easy to listen to. I have been to Porto previously and marvelled at the beautiful tiles inside the Sao Bento station and he, at my request, explained in detail the stories, personalities, and history behind it. Then he left the best until the last when we explored the narrow ancient streets inhabited by the everyday people. The time flew by in his company. Thank you, Andre and “Withlocals “ for a wonderful Porto experience. The time flew by.

Brent🇺🇸 United States

15 February 2019

We booked a walking tour of Porto that was about 3 hours and we were able to cover some of the most interesting spots in the city center with a particular focus on the history, azulejos and the beautiful non-tourist streets highlighting the uniqueness of the city. Since we were here in the off season we were lucky enough to also book a full day tour of the Douro River Valley. Handling transportation, booking tastings and the river cruise made this an incredible adventure we'll never forget. We had such an enjoyable day and loved having Andre provide such a wealth of interesting information throughout. We would highly recommend to anyone to book a tour. Thanks so much for being open to tailoring the tours to our tastes as I can tell this is a goal for all your tours. Excellent and wonderful!1 planned tour, 1 last minute decision, 2

Sirkka

7 February 2019

Andre has excellent knowledge in history and archeology and naturally Porto. It was a pleasant experience to walk in the old part of Porto and learn the history of Porto, Portugal and its connection to the European history. Expert on Portos history

Kaj Peter🇫🇮 Finland

5 February 2019

Andre’ guided is through the history of Porto with a broad and expert knowledge. He gave is a detailed insight of the medieval city as walked the narrow streets in the oldest parts. Many Thanks Andre’ for your tour, which I can warmly recommend.He knew everything

Tom🇳🇱 Netherlands

17 November 2018

We've had a great tour through a great city. Been to places were you would never go by yourself, and learned allot about the city. Great tour

Lisa 🇦🇺 Australia

12 November 2018

We absolutely loved our tour with Andre, his passion for Porto, for history and archaeology : his in-depth knowledge was extraordinary. A highly recommended tour - in fact its a must do when it Porto - to get behind "the usual" tourist scenes. 10 out of 10 is just not enough, Andre's tour is just brilliant!!!!!!!!!!Absolutely brilliant - a must do in Porto

Elviena🇳🇿 New Zealand

22 October 2018

Andre is a knowledgeable and passionate local historian. He led us through the history of Porto by introducing us to the various building phases of the city. Starting at the defensive walls in the 12th century and ending in the 19th century. We could not have discovered the narrow streets where houses built hundreds of years ago are still occupied and seen the different construction methods and understood the history of the city without him. Andre was very generous with his time and we learnt a lot from him on our late afternoon tour. Make sure that you understand exactly where to meet him as we had trouble finding the spot. Luckily he looked out for us. Fascinating Insight into the development o

Mamie🇺🇸 United States

21 October 2018

Andre provided a knowledgeable walking tour of the older parts of Porto, helping me understand the history and showing me details of the architecture and construction that I would have missed otherwise. He didn't let a chilly rain slow us down, either! I highly recommend Andre to help you understand the history and of Porto. It was a great orientation tour that enhance the rest of my stay in beautiful Port.Best Way to Explore Porto

Demóstenes🇵🇹 Portugal

29 September 2018

André was absolutely fantastic. His great storytelling abilities and his passion about Porto made the tour extremely especial and memorable. We highly recommend him.Superb tour

Nova🇺🇸 United States

24 September 2018

Andre was great! Gave us history and a fabulous tour of the city. Detail oriented!

Alannah

21 September 2018

Andre gave us a great overview of not only Medieval Porto but also the history of Portugal in general. He has an obvious passion for history and an easy manner in conveying this. I particularly enjoyed walking through the narrow backstreets of old Porto while Andre recounted their historical significance. Would definitely give him a high recommendation as a host. AlannahPorto on foot

Aleksandrs🇬🇧 United Kingdom

28 April 2018

A truly unique experience, I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see some of well hidden gems of Porto!Thanks for a great tour

Helga🇨🇦 Canada

3 April 2018

Andre has a passion for Porto and his country of Portugal. His tour takes you through the nooks and crannies of the city while he shares with you the history of Porto. Thank you Andre for sharing your city with us. Passion for Porto & Portugal

eric 🇺🇸 United States

16 December 2017

Andre was a true find. With the flair of a very experienced cultural guide, he shared a very authentic and engaging side of many hidden secrets of Porto's rich history. I couldnt recommend Andre more highly for those seeking an engaging and very experienced guide!Top guide in Porto

Niels🇳🇱 Netherlands

26 November 2017

André told us all about Porto’s history and more. Very flexible easygoing guy with a lot of knowledge about the history of Porto and surrounding area. Great tour!Great tour, tons of info

John🇺🇸 United States

4 November 2017

Medieval Porto with a Passionate Historian

JOHN🇬🇧 United Kingdom

20 October 2017

Andre/Porto

Thomas🇺🇸 United States

19 October 2017

We availed ourselves of Andre's help on our first full day in Porto-- we are into history, photography, Catholic background (which kinda helps since this is one of the most well-churched countries we have visited and about 110% Catholic-- at least the upbringing of most people) and wanted more than the standard 3 or 4 hour walk. Our goal was to ensure we could easily get around on our own on "Day 2 and beyond". Andre's background is history which certainly comes in handy as you are walking through a city with structures from 14th century onward. Wear good walking shoes-- hills and steps and uneven cobblestones.... There "is" a relatively well-worn path that one should do to get to know the city so the key is to get do some homework so you have some idea of what you are seeing or what you'd like to see to help him help you! Andre navigated us through the story in tile in the marvelous train station-- from the time of the Romans (yes, they were there) onward. Andre helped us navigate through some wonderful narrow streets that really help you understand what it might be like to live there and how people "do" live there! We had a nice lunch at a locals place in the "happening square"-- LSD (you can ask him-- Largo means square in Portuguese). He helped point out a few good photo opps along the way. What was good is that he took us to a few places (the exterior) that we wanted to explore in detail on our own the following day-- doing a tour of the Bolsa Palace and the Church of St. Francis. By the end of the 8 hours-- we felt extremely comfortable getting around. This is a walking city--- driving is not for the faint of heart. We drove to the hotel (not easy with the one-way narrow streets and I was using google maps to co-pilot my expert driver-partner) and gave the car to the hotel to park and we picked it up 3 days later. As you can imagine-- you will get as much out of your time with Andre as your interests dictate. He's a good guy. Enjoyable & thorough 8 hour walk in Porto!

Douglas🇮🇪 Ireland

11 October 2017

We spent an interesting and enjoyable day with Andre discovering the wonders of Porto scenically and having this expert engage us in great depth about the amazing history of the city and Portugal itself. It was riveting as he took us from Medieval times through the major events that characterize modern Porto architecturally. Additionally Andre is a keen photographer and thus allowed us the opportunity to take the normal tourist pictures but also see parts and views most tourists are unaware of it. I doubt anyone could know more or be more thorough than Andre and the 7 hours we spent with him went fast! If you are in anyway interested in what actually makes a modern city developing and forming from early times it, then every place should have an Andre to explain in great detail bringing history to life.Going back in time with Andre!

Lenka🇨🇿 Czech Republic

11 October 2017

Thank you for your care and time, my clients were happy. Satisfied