In my neighborhood
When you arrive in Porto, you feel it immediately: there’s the well-known and famous historic center, and then there are the local and ancient neighborhoods that tell a wonderful story of a strong tradition harmoniously blending with new and modern cultures. Together, they create the magic of Porto.
The Marrakesh neighborhood is located outside the tourist area, and it’s where all this happens. The century-old café that hasn’t changed stands next to a boutique shop offering cheese and wine—a refreshing and new experience. The traditional bifana sandwich with its familiar taste is complemented by a crazy bakery showcasing sophisticated pastries!
The neighborhood is characterized by classic architecture combined with modern buildings, all infused with a unique local atmosphere. It is home to Porto’s wonderful people and brimming with its distinctive culture and art.
I invite you to join me on a personal tour exploring the old and the new in Porto’s most fascinating neighborhood—the very place where my love story with this city began.
Let’s discover Porto through local eyes! This tour blends traditional and modern culinary delights, breathtaking views, art, and architecture. It also includes a visit to a hidden house with rare treasures and many other spots that remain out of sight.
Summary of the Porto Tour:
• Start the Day with Pastries: Begin at Porto’s finest bakery, grab some delicious pastries, and head to the central square. Here, we’ll take in the dynamic scenery and hear fascinating stories about the neighborhood and this iconic square.
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• Dive into the Neighborhood: Walk down Porto’s longest street, a crucial area in the city’s development.
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• Coffee Workshop with Alcinda: Meet the incredible Alcinda, who will guide us through a captivating coffee workshop. Learn about the history of her old shop, the challenges small traditional stores face against big money, and enjoy coffee made using a nearly extinct traditional method.
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• Visit a Hidden House: Continue to a secret house for an insightful tour about its transformation and cultural significance. Marvel at its artistic wealth, open a bottle of wine, and learn about the surrounding mercearia (Portuguese grocery culture).
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• Wine Culture with Paulo: Meet Paulo, who will share his knowledge of Portugal’s ancient and modern wine industry and its wine regions.
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• Neighborhood Tasca for Lunch: Satisfy your hunger with a meal at a local tasca (traditional eatery) and mingle with the locals.
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• Boutique Cheese Shop: Head back to the square and visit a boutique cheese shop to sample amazing cheeses.
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• Climb a Secret Bell Tower: Finish the tour by climbing over 200 steps to the highest viewpoint in Porto, where breathtaking views extend all the way to the ocean.
Tour Details:
• Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours of strolling.
• Focus: Exploring the untouristed Paranhos neighborhood.
• Difficulty: Easy and moderate walking route.
• Stops: Entry into 7 unique locations within the neighborhood.
• Includes:
• Wine tasting.
• Coffee workshop.
• Entry to a secret museum.
• Climb to a secret bell tower.
• Group Size: Intimate tour, up to 8 participants.
Pricing:
• 7–8 participants: €50 per person
• 5–6 participants: €60 per person
• 4 participants: €65 per person
• 3 participants: €75 per person
• 2 participants: €85 per person