Crimes & Mysteries

If you’re after a different perspective on Porto — one that uncovers its hidden stories, scandals, and dark past — the Crimes & Mysteries tour is worth considering. For just $45 per person, you’ll spend two hours wandering through the city’s lesser-known tales, guided by a storyteller whose enthusiasm and knowledge bring Porto’s shadowy history to life. Starting at Carlos Alberto Square and ending at São Bento station, this tour promises an engaging mixture of history, humor, and a touch of the macabre.

What we love most about this experience is the way it combines storytelling with visiting some of Porto’s most beautiful spots. The guide’s vivid tales make the history tangible, and the stops, like the Clérigos Church and the hidden Jewish quarter, add atmospherically to the stories. Plus, we appreciate that the tour only limits participants to 10 people, ensuring a more intimate, engaging experience.

A potential consideration is that this tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired or wheelchair-bound travelers, given the narrow, uneven streets and standing-only stops. If you’re comfortable with a bit of walking and exploration, and enjoy stories that blend fact with a dash of theatrical flair, this tour offers a memorable way to see Porto through a different lens.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy storytelling, dark history, and local legends. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, small-group outing that feels both fun and informative. Enthusiasts of history with a twist, or anyone curious about Porto’s lesser-known tales, will find this tour particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Unique storytelling experience led by a passionate guide with a flair for dark tales
• Visits iconic Porto sights like Clérigos Church, São Bento station, and hidden streets
• Authentic local legends including love stories, executions, and secrets of old Porto
• Small group size ensures personal attention and lively interaction
• Two hours of engaging entertainment blending history, humor, and mystery
• Accessible to most, though not suitable for those with mobility challenges

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Basics: What You Need to Know

This tour offers a 2-hour journey through Porto’s darker corners with a storyteller guide, available in English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Priced at $45 per person, it’s a relatively affordable way to add a unique twist to your Porto visit. The tour is run by CallingYou Tours and is limited to 10 participants, which makes for an intimate and lively experience.

You can reserve and pay later, giving you the flexibility to adjust your plans. Cancellations are fully refundable if you notify at least 24 hours in advance. The tour starts at different times depending on availability, so it’s best to check the schedule beforehand.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting at Carlos Alberto Square, the tour’s first surprise is how this seemingly welcoming spot hides surprising stories long forgotten or deliberately obscured over time. The guide’s storytelling skills shine here, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Next, you’ll visit the Clérigos Church, one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks. While its baroque architecture is awe-inspiring, the real attraction lies in the dark tales of Porto’s prison and public executions. Our guide shared that, historically, wealth influenced who was executed, not necessarily the crime committed. Tools of “piety,” bizarre devices used in executions, add a grimly fascinating layer to the story.

From there, the tour takes you through narrow, shadowy streets of Porto’s Jewish quarter, where the guide recounts scandalous love stories, lust, and death that have become part of the city’s clandestine lore. You might hear about a famous door, long erased from the records, tied to a notorious crime of greed — a story so secretive that the actual details have been lost to time, or perhaps deliberately hidden.

The tour’s climax is at São Bento station, where hidden in the beautiful azulejo tiles are small but telling stories of crimes and dark deeds that punctuate Porto’s history. The guide’s vivid descriptions make the station a living museum of secrets.

The Highlights: Why This Tour Works

One of the most captivating aspects of this tour is the storytelling approach. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge make history feel alive, transforming fact into drama. As one reviewer put it, “the guide transmits wisdom, good diction, and mysteries that leave you wanting more.” It’s clear the guide is passionate about Porto’s lesser-known stories, and that passion makes the experience stand out.

Another highlight is the mixture of beautiful sights and dark tales. Visiting landmarks like the Clérigos Church and São Bento station allows us to enjoy Porto’s architectural beauty while also contemplating its more sinister past. This pairing of beauty and darkness adds depth to your visit, making the stories more memorable.

Practical Considerations: What to Keep in Mind

The tour’s duration of two hours makes it manageable even for those with tight schedules, but be ready for some standing and walking along uneven streets. As the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments, travelers with physical difficulties might want to consider other options.

The tour’s small group setting is a major plus, fostering engaging conversations and personalized attention from the guide. However, because of the limited size, early booking is recommended during peak seasons.

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Value for Money and Overall Impressions

At $45, this tour offers excellent value for those interested in storytelling, dark history, and local legends. You’re not just getting a walk around the city; you’re getting a narrative experience that enhances your understanding of Porto’s complex past.

Most reviews highlight how unexpectedly captivating and entertaining the tour was. One traveler said, “I didn’t expect anything so spectacular,” emphasizing how this experience surpassed expectations. Another noted the knowledgeable guide and the good value for the price.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, storytelling lovers, and those intrigued by crime and secrets. It suits travelers who enjoy small-group tours, as the intimate setting fosters lively dialogue. If you’re looking for a fun, slightly spooky, educational way to explore Porto, this tour checks all those boxes.

If you’re craving a different side of Porto—one filled with mysteries, scandals, and dark legends—this tour offers a lively and compelling experience. The storytelling approach, combined with visits to iconic landmarks, makes it more engaging than a typical walking tour.

The small group size means you’ll get personal attention and a chance to ask questions, increasing the overall enjoyment. The price point is reasonable considering the depth of stories and the intimate experience.

However, if mobility is a concern, or if you prefer more traditional historical tours with detailed dates and facts, this might not be your best option. But for anyone interested in Porto’s shadowy past, with a storyteller guiding the way, this tour promises fascinating tales and a vivid glimpse into the city’s lesser-known history.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Because of the dark themes and storytelling style, it’s best suited for older children and teenagers who can handle some spooky stories and uneven streets.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about two hours, making it a manageable activity that won’t wear you out.

What languages are available?
Guides speak English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, so check availability for your preferred language when booking.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s more suitable for adults or older children interested in stories of crimes, secrets, and history. It’s not specifically designed for young kids.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking through narrow, sometimes uneven streets, so it’s not recommended for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the price?
A welcome drink is included, and you get a guided tour in a small group setting.

Is it worth the price?
Based on reviews and the small-group experience, many find it to be a very good value, especially for the stories and local insights.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Carlos Alberto Square, a central location easy to reach in Porto.

To sum it up, the Crimes & Mysteries tour offers a unique blend of entertainment and education that reveals Porto’s darker stories in a lively, memorable way. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers keen on uncovering local secrets while enjoying the city’s beautiful sights. If you love stories, history, and a touch of the spooky, this tour is a fantastic addition to your Porto itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: