Highlights of Aveiro: A Walking Tour of Portugal’s Art Nouveau Capital

Often nicknamed the ”Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a distinctive coastal destination that captivates visitors. On this walking tour, you’ll find out how its salt ponds, elaborately painted Moliceiro boats, secret-recipe sweets, and world-famous porcelain give the city its unique flavour!

This tour starts at the famous steps near Hotel Meliá Ria, known as Escadaria ”I love Aveiro”. You’ll wander through streets lined with ceramic-decorated buildings and lively squares like Praça do Marquês de Pombal and Praça da Repúblic. As you walk, you’ll hear about Aveiro’s evolution from a salt-producing town to the creative university city it is today.

I’ll point out the different architectural styles and show you the city’s vibrant street art scene while you explore main streets like Avenida Doutor Lourenço Peixinho and Rua João Mendonça. I’ll also share secrets about Aveiro’s lagoon (Ria de Aveiro) and Ecomuseu Marinha da Troncalhada, the ecomuseum where you can learn about the production of white gold: Salt!

The tour concludes at the serene Infante Dom Pedro City Park where you can relax by the duck lake and maybe even enjoy a picnic. Along the way, you’ll be able to:

• Cross Ponte dos Laços de Amizade (Laces of Friendship Bridge), adorned with thousands of colourful ribbons
• Discover the tradition of changing the Moliceiro boats’ decorative panels to reflect current events and social commentary
• Sample the city’s famous Ovos Moles de Aveiro, traditional sweets created by nuns using leftover egg yolks, and other specialities like Tripas (similar to French crêpes) and Bolacha Americana at local establishments
• Visit Museu de Arte Nova (the Museum of Art Nouveau) and see intricate stonework with flower and animal motifs
• See Estátua Metal ”O Salineiro”, a statue that represents the men and women who worked in Aveiro’s once-thriving salt production industry
• Explore Capela de São Gonçalinho, the chapel where locals celebrate their patron saint by throwing cavacas (sweet bread rolls) from the roof during January festivities
• Admire the main cathedral, Sé Catedral de Aveiro, and learn about Princess Joana, the city’s patron saint
• Visit Portugal’s biggest and oldest porcelain factory, Loja Vista Alegre Aveiro

If you appreciate architecture and art, this is a lovely city to get to know well.

Join this easy – and flat – two-hour walk and discover why locals proudly say ”I Love Aveiro” as you discover the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unique charm.