Art and Architecture: A Porto Walking Tour with Context

Downtown Porto, or Baixa do Porto, is filled with quaint cobbled lanes, interesting architecture, and small bars and eateries serving classic Portuguese fare. On this walking tour with Context Travel expert and cultural guide, Ana Caldas, you’ll see Porto’s transformation through the centuries and hear about the people who left their mark on the city.

The tour starts in front of Porto Cathedral, which was built before Portugal was even founded. You’ll wander through La Ribera district and along Aliados Avenue, a bustling area where the city’s main events are held, known as Porto’s little “Champs-Élysées”. As you walk, you’ll find out how financial instability delayed the construction of Porto City Hall for decades. You’ll also learn about the different styles of architecture that are dotted throughout the downtown area.

You’ll visit Hospes Infante Sagres, the hotel that was inspired by France’s Art Deco Movement, and brought to life by wealthy businessman Delfim Ferreira. Before the tour wraps up in front of the symbol of the city, Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower), you’ll visit the romantic gardens, Jardim da Cordoaria or Jardim João Chagas, and find out how well-known Portuguese criminals like Alves Reis were imprisoned in what’s now the Portuguese Centre of Photography.

On this tour of Porto’s historical center, you’ll:

• Discover how Porto Cathedral’s dual purpose as both church and fortress is reflected in its design
• Take in São Bento Station’s 20,000 hand-painted tiles, a visual narrative of Portugal’s history
• Admire the elegance and charm of Livraria Lello, the bookstore that’s famous for having a staircase very similar to the magical staircase in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter
• Hear about Porto’s civil war between brothers Pedro and Miguel from Portugal’s royal family
• Find out about Almeida Garret, a Porto-born politician, playwright and orator who was a great promoter of Portuguese theater and one of the great writers in Portugal’s Romantic Movement
• Learn about the oldest international alliance between two countries, Portugal and England, which was signed in 1386 and is still in force today
• See Rivoli Theatre and hear about the key role that Maria Borges, a wealthy local, has played in the theatre’s lifetime
• Get the chance to indulge in Porto’s famous sandwich Francesinha, the Portuguese version of the French croque monsieur

By the end of this 90-minute tour, you’ll have a greater appreciation for aspects of Porto’s personality, from its proud history to its architectural heritage.