Porto · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Good self-guided tours fill up ahead of the date and the great ones go first. Below: the 6 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Pick up a quality bicycle, helmet, basket, map, and route advice in Porto. Cross Dom Luis I Bridge, cruise the Douro on a 50-minute rabelo boat ride, eat a regional snack in Afurada, cycle beside beaches and the estuary, then taste one red and one white port wine.
“Fantastisch om zoveel te zien en vrije keuze te hebben in de dagplanning. Zeker een aanrader!!”
Use the Explorial app to solve clues, answer questions, and complete photo challenges across central Porto. Start at Jardim da Cordoaria, visit Livraria Lello, Clérigos Tower, and São Bento Station, then finish where you began. The flexible route takes about two hours, with breaks allowed.
“Our group had an amazing time exploring the city using the app. We liked all the challenges and games, although walking through Porto was a bit of a hike going up and down the streets. Still very good experience.”
You’ll collect a comfortable bike, follow a map along Porto’s Douro waterfront, beaches, parks, and the Foz breakwater, then trade your bike for a board and wetsuit. An instructor leads the surf session, with a sandwich or salad, lemonade or beer included in option 2.
“Heerlijke activiteit om met een groep te gaan doen. Zelfstandig door Porto fietsen (centrum is wel wat hoogte verschil maar langs de kust is het prima te doen). Het surf gedeelte was top. Uitleg duidelijk en na 1,5 uur was bij de meeste de energie wel op. Het eetgedeelte bij soundmix was prima, leuk om op een plek te komen waar de locals zitten en niet de gemiddelde toerist. Eten en drinken was van prima kwalitiet.”
Start at Biclas & Triclas in central Porto, then ride beside the Douro to Foz, Matosinhos, and City Park. You’ll get a 90-minute surf lesson with board, wetsuit, instructor, and insurance. Option 1 adds lunch at Soundwich. Guides may include Viento or Bento.
“Thanks so much for a fantastic tour we really enjoyed it and for all your help with the bikes. We were lucky enough to do two tours with tour guide Viento who was so knowledgeable, helpful and great company during our visit. The tours are a great way to spend family time while getting to know the city on bikes not to mention the surf lesson and wonderful food. I highly recommend this tour and this lovely little bike shop”
Follow an English-language puzzle trail from São Bento Station to Porto’s Newspaper Vendor Statue. You’ll solve simple location-based questions at historic landmarks, play offline with your private group, pause when needed, and explore Porto at your own pace without a physical guide.
“This game is a fun way to explore a city. There were some stops I would never find on my own (maybe with a guide), so it´s a nice city tour. The game makes it fun (a little competition with my sister). And you learn a little history about the city.”
You’ll follow a love-story puzzle through Porto, starting at Fonte dos Leões and ending at Ponte da Arrábida. Use the Questo app to solve clues near historic buildings, Parque das Virtudes, the Tram Museum, and riverside sights. Go at your own pace, with no guide or group to follow.
“There was no experience. The concept looked really interesting and i was looking forward to it, but the delivery was awful. The code required was not on the voucher received, i have tried everything on there and the app wasn't helpful either. ThRead more”
Pick a bank, a valley or a kitchen.
