PORTO PAINTING AND TILE WORKSHOPS
Azulejo is on half the walls in this city and painting one takes about two hours. The 10 workshops below differ on tile size, whether the firing is done for you and how long you wait to take it home.
At Domus Arte in Porto, an English-speaking instructor such as Fernanda or Beatriz guides you through Portuguese tile painting. Choose a traditional design or create your own, enjoy port and biscuits, then return for your finished tile after two hours.
“Everything was lovely. The guide, Beatrice, was very patient and gave us all the advice we needed. I would definitely recommend!”
At Boiler Studio, Daniella, Emmanuel, Diogo, and their team guide you through Portuguese tile history, design choices, and painting techniques. You’ll enjoy a cocktail, use provided stencils or your own image, and take home a hand-painted tile.
“We had such a lovely afternoon sipping cocktails and painting tiles. The hosts were really friendly and we enjoyed learning about the history of the tiles before the session started. We were guided through the process of painting the tile and help was always available if needed. Would highly recommend! Xx”
At Boiler Studio in central Porto, Daniela guides you through Portuguese tile history, color and design choices, then helps you paint a tile of your own. Enjoy a gin-port cocktail or juice, and collect your finished keepsake about an hour later.
“Great fun for all ages, the hosts were incredibly friendly and helpful. Good to be able to leave with the finished glazed tiles.”
Spend two relaxed hours at Lago Artes, Hugo do Lago’s small studio near Porto’s Sé Cathedral. He supplies the watercolor materials, guides you through a Portuguese scene step by step, and helps you leave with a finished painting. Classes are in English and limited to six people.
“Wonderful time painting. I loved how patient Hugo was. He explained everything and didn’t rush us. At the end you come away with a very nice memento of Porto. Highly recommend. 5 stars.”
At a small Porto atelier near Campanhã Station, a local artist introduces you to Portuguese tile culture, then guides you through painting two tiles with traditional motifs. Tea, biscuits, materials, firing, and protective packaging are included. Collect your finished tiles the next day.
“Painting tiles at the artist’s workshop was an amazing experience. They gave us all the instructions, necessary materials and also showed us different types of tiles and sculptures being used in Portugal for decorations and on heritage buildings!!! We got 2 tiles each which will be put into kiln and we’d get them back a day after. So you’re carrying back the souvenir that you made yourself. It was fun, creative and we learnt something new so a win win for us!!! Definitely felt like re living childhood again!! Would definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Walk Porto’s historic center with Susana, Nuno, or another English- or Portuguese-speaking guide. You’ll examine church façades, tile panels, factories, patterns, and street art before finishing near São Bento station. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and costs $53.
“I really enjoyed the tour. Nuno was very knowledgeable and the information he shared about the tiles, different manufacturers and street art really made the rest of my visit so enriching, I was looking at tiles throughout the rest of my trip trying to identify the manufacturer, whether they were a replica and the time period they were created. I could not recommend this tour more.”
Spend about two hours at Azulejos Cafe in Porto learning the basics of Portuguese azulejo painting with an English-speaking guide. You will hear about tile traditions, try your own design, and leave with a finished piece. Classes run Fridays and Saturdays for up to 16 people.
“Pleasant and friendly moment - fun activity that can be practiced with family. Our host was charmingAuto-translated”
At Domus Arte 2 in Porto, Rita guides you through a two-hour acrylic workshop on a 21x30 cm canvas. Learn color theory, layering, blending, and brush control, then copy a suggested design or create your own. The small group format suits solo painters, friends, and celebrations.
“Amazing experience! Even though I'm not the biggest painter myself, I very much enjoyed the workshop. Rita showed us how to paint and she was super nice and patient with us, helping us to get the best out of our pictures. I particularly valued the flexibility and that she proposed pictures in line with our theme (wedding), making the experience truly great. Now we have a very nice souvenir from our bachelorette trip to Porto that my friend greatly values.”
Create your own Porto-inspired acrylic painting in a two-hour English-language workshop at Antero Quental. You’ll study color theory, brushwork, layering, and light before making a 21x30 cm artwork. Materials, drinks, personal guidance, and your final painting are included.
“Such a beautiful experience and a privilege to meet such a talented and exciting, young artist. I’d highly recommend this acrylics painting workshop to anyone wanting to add a unique angle to their trip to Porto.”
Spend 2.5 hours at Boiler Studio near S. Bento with visual artist Emanuel Ribeiro. In a group of no more than five, you will learn brushwork, color mixing, paint quantities, easel use, and surface preparation while creating your own acrylic or oil painting.
“We came as a family (mom, grandma, and three kids – 17, 15, and 10) to Porto looking for a local experience, and we found a wonderful oil painting master class. We had no prior experience with painting, and we met a very talented and charming local artist — Emanuel Riberiro a great conversationalist who loves to talk about art and life. He guided us step by step on how to use the paints, mix colors, and create a painting with depth. The kids didn’t get up from their chairs for three hours! It truly inspired me to keep painting. Thank you so, so much — it exceeded my expectations!”
Pick a bank, a valley or a kitchen.
