It would take at least two full days and a pair of reliable walking shoes to see the most important parts of Porto. This is a coastal city in Portugal’s northwestern region, and it is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. It is also one of the most colorful. Porto is known for its port, river and stately bridges, ornate Baroque church, and hillside buildings with tiled facades. Some Airbnb experiences offer opportunities to get to know the Ribeira district and cobblestone streets more intimately. Others offer cultural immersion with locals who are still in love with their beloved city. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit caves along the Duoro River where the port is made. Spend a few days in the Iberian peninsula (or choose an extended vacation) and book one of these top Airbnb experiences in Porto, Portugal.
1. Paint your own watercolor postcard
Even if you don’t really dabble in the visual arts, you can produce a unique souvenir of Porto within two hours. Imagine bringing home a souvenir made by your own hand! Hugo de Lago is an eclectic artist who is now back in his native Porto and offering art classes to travelers. This Airbnb experience is held at an open-air terrace. Everyone must adhere to safety protocols as they create their own watercolor interpretation of Porto landscapes, or perhaps whimsical imagery from their imagination. Hugo is a patient teacher who’ll help you translate your ideas to a visual feast.
Book Tours : ♥️Create Watercolour with Hugo do Lago
2. Behold Porto's unique charm at night
Fado music was born in the waterfronts of Portugal in the 1820s. They are songs of longing, struggle, and passion. Fado, as a performance genre, was included in the UNESCO’s list of World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. There is no better place to hear Fado for the first time than in Porto, after a tour of the city’s best viewpoints and a tasting of port wine. Bernardo, your Airbnb experience host, has traveled the world and is now a proud ambassador of his little corner of Portugal. His obvious passion for everything Portuguese will add flavor to your three-course dinner. A Fado concert is a fitting conclusion to an enchanting night.
Book Tours : Porto by Night & Fado Dinner
3. Go for a drive to special locations in the north
What can you do to fill up seven hours? We recommend booking an Airbnb experience with Rui Pedro. It includes a tour of a traditional fishing village, a surprise adventure in the hills, and a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine. The drive north takes you to the forested coast near Portugal’s border with Spain. You can search online about the stops on Rui Pedro’s itinerary: Nova de Cerveira, Pinchos cascatas, Viana do Casteolo, Angeiras. Or, you can sit back, listen to your host’s commentary, and discover the wonders of these new places when you arrive.
Book Tours : Nortcoast and Waterfalls in a off road jipe
4. Take surfing lessons from certified coaches
You can go surfing in Porto even if you didn’t bring a wetsuit. Pedro is a surfing coach and a former international surfing competitor who’ll gladly guide you in every step. You can book this Airbnb experience if you’re already a pretty decent surfer who wants to learn new tricks. They provide all the gear (wetsuit and surfboard). Lessons are conducted along a one-kilometer (0.62 mi) beach that’s perfect for beginner- and intermediate-level surfers. Pedro’s feedback and instruction will help you stand on the board with confidence. Anyone can sign up for surfing lessons on the main beach of Porto - Praia International, and spend two hours with certified coaches of Flower Power Surf School.
Book Tours : Experiência de Surf no Porto
Porto Tour Guide
Rui Alves
I offer tours and guide services in Portugal, from North to South, with professionalism and love representing the best hidden gems of our country.
Tours by Rui
5. Create a ceramic figurine from scratch
Porto is the kind of city that sparks a renewal of creative energy. In-house ceramists at Nü Creative Co-working, offer a unique Airbnb experience. Instead of buying a figurine from a souvenir shop, Manuela and her colleagues will teach you how to design your own, glaze it and bake it! The studio also offers kokedama (plotting of live plants in a moss ball) and illustration workshops. There’s plenty of space for everyone, and you’ll be served refreshments during the workshop.
Book Tours : Discover the Art of Ceramics
6. Bike around Porto
Tiago, Henrique, and Marta offer a fun, interactive, and engaging Airbnb experience on two wheels. The city’s best gardens, cottages, parks, and urban palaces are along the route. You will take a ride through suburban areas, and then along Duoro River, Porto’s lifeline, and by the sea. You can tick off “ride a bicycle along Porto’s longest avenue” after this three-hour tour offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Listen carefully to the guides when they discuss city traffic and road safety. They also give out historical and cultural tidbits about their beloved city.
Book Tours : Bike Porto's Secrets and Viewpoints
7. Admire the city's street art
From the river, the city of Porto looks vibrant and promising. But you can’t say you already know Porto unless you walk its narrow streets. This city was established in 1123 and the past is still very palpable. Yet, the streets betray the modern beat of the city. Porto has its share of art pieces and some of the best ones are displayed in places unknown to mainstream tourism. You can book a different kind of Airbnb experience with João, Afonso and Carlota. They know where to find exceptional street art. Sit down with them afterward and talk about the thriving local art scene over an espresso.
Book Tours : On the Trail of Street Art
8. Learn how to paint tiles
Beautiful glazed ceramic tiles have been associated with Portugal since the 16th to the 17th centuries. The “azulejos” (small polished stone) evolved from works of geometric patters with neutral tones (blues and whites), to more ornate styles. You’ll find many examples of azulejos in Porto. Don’t be content with just looking at them. Make your own Portuguese tile art with a ceramics craftsman and Airbnb experience host in his studio. Francisco’s studio in Bolhão is called Frágil Studio. Book a session, show up, and two hours later, you’ll have a personalized souvenir of your own making.
Book Tours : ⊞Paint Tiles and have a Tea♨
9. Sample wines at the heart of Duoro Valley
Why don’t you let two seasoned Duoro Valley guides set your itinerary for the day? These Porto natives - your guides - grew up around wine barrels and tasted good wines at a young age (not too young, we hope). Pedro, the Wine nerd will talk about facts and figures. Nuno might be away on his search for (more) wine when you sign up for an inimitable Airbnb wine-tasting experience. You’ll leave the city center for this tour. Expect to see a lot of the majestic river valley on your way to two family vineyards.
Book Tours : The New Douro Boutique Wineries
10. Pose for stunning Instagram snapshots
Instagram’s @mr.goldehour is a Porto native who loves tiramisu and photography. His name is Ruben, a self-confessed connoisseur of sunrises and sunsets. You can let him figure out the angle and composition. Just take in the sights and sounds as you tour the city during his guided Airbnb photo session. For an hour and a half, Ruben will take you to popular and secret spots, and will take photos of you in the process. He’s very good at it. You can sit down and have beer or coffee with him afterward. What you get from this serendipitous encounter are 20 professionally edited Instagrammable portraits of yourself (40 for couples & groups), and memories of Porto that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Book Tours : Photoshoot Tour in Magical Porto
Experience Porto in a different way
Por ruelas e calçadas da Ribeira até à Foz (Through alleys and sidewalks from Ribeira to Foz), so goes the song Porto Sentido, popularized in the 1980s by Rui Veloso. You can experience Porto in more personal and intimate ways. The choice is yours!
History
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