Porto is a city that invites you to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Beyond its stunning Ribeira waterfront and historic architecture, Porto offers a surprisingly rich array of workshops and classes that let you dive into local traditions. Whether you want to learn how to make the iconic Pastel de Nata or paint traditional Portuguese tiles, these experiences promise authentic, hands-on fun. We especially love the Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop for its friendly atmosphere and insider tips, and the Tile-Painting Workshop with Porto Wine in Bainharia for combining art with local drinks.
Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or just curious about Portuguese culture, Porto’s workshops give you a rewarding way to connect more deeply with the city. Plus, they often include take-home souvenirs, making them perfect for memorable gifts or personal keepsakes.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find a diverse list of 15 best workshops and classes in Porto. From pastry-making and culinary classes to tile painting and surf lessons, there’s something tailored for every interest and skill level. The prices vary from around $21 to $165, with group sizes typically small for a more personalized experience. Many sessions are rated very highly, often above 4.8 out of 5, emphasizing their quality and fun. Now, let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Porto: Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop
At number 1, this popular 1.5-hour pastry workshop in Porto earns a stellar 4.9/5 from nearly 900 reviews. For just $40, you’ll learn how to craft Portugal’s most beloved treat in a friendly, informal setting. The instructor guides you through each step of making pastel de nata with homemade puff pastry, and you get to sample your creations along with a glass of Port wine—an authentic pairing. Past participants mention how much fun they had, with some saying, “We definitely will treat our friends with homemade pastel de nata.”
This experience is ideal for foodies and casual cooks alike, offering insider tips on Porto’s best food spots. The small-group setting guarantees personal attention, and you get to take some pastries home, perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying later.
Bottom line: A fun, authentic, and delicious way to bring Portuguese flavor into your trip.
2. Porto: Tile-Painting Workshop with Porto Wine – Bainharia
Number 2 on our list is a 2-hour tile-painting workshop rated 4.9/5, especially suited for creative souls eager to explore Portugal’s famous azulejos. For around $50, you’ll learn about the history of Portuguese tiles and create your own decorated tile, all while sipping on a glass of port wine. Fernanda, the host, is praised for her helpfulness and engaging style, making the activity relaxing and fun for all ages.
This class stands out because it blends art and culture seamlessly. Guests mention how relaxing and enjoyable it was, with one saying, “It’s a great way to spend some time learning about Porto’s culture whilst also having some creative fun.” You keep your finished tile as a souvenir, a unique reminder of your Porto visit.
Bottom line: A perfect way to combine cultural education with a creative activity, ideal for families and art lovers.
3. Workshops Pasteis de Nata in Porto, Portugal
Number 3 features a hands-on pastry workshop focused on making Pastel de Nata. At 4.9/5 from over 500 reviews, this experience emphasizes interaction and fun. For $40, Berta, the instructor, guides you through creating this iconic treat using homemade puff pastry and custard. Reviewers describe her as “fantastic,” and many mention how delicious their pastries turned out, eager to try making them at home.
What makes this workshop stand out is its friendly atmosphere and the insider recommendations for Porto dining, making it more than just a cooking class. Participants leave with the skills to reproduce the pastry back home, plus an authentic taste of Portugal.
Bottom line: A delightful, engaging class well-suited for pastry lovers and first-time bakers.
4. Porto: Small Group Surf Lesson with Transportation
For those craving some sun and sea, number 4 offers a 3.5-hour surf lesson rated 4.9/5. The tour includes pickup from Porto and takes you to a scenic coastal spot. The lesson is tailored for all levels, with help provided for absolute beginners. Guests rave about instructor Igor, who’s praised for his patience and sense of humor, making tackling waves less intimidating.
This activity is perfect for adventure seekers wanting to experience Portugal’s renowned surf in a relaxed, small-group setting. Many say they learned to catch waves and had fun doing it, with one noting, “We had an amazing time, and by the end, we were all catching waves!” The cost is $51 per person, offering excellent value considering the transport and instruction.
Bottom line: A great choice for active travelers who want to try surfing with expert guidance.
5. Porto: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class – Bainharia
Number 5 is a 1.5-hour cooking class focused on creating Pastel de Nata from scratch. For $40, you’ll learn key techniques like making pastry and custard, plus enjoy local wine during the process. Instructors share tips on Porto’s vibrant food scene, and you’ll leave with a recipe to recreate the pastries at home.
Guests highlight the engaging instructor and the delicious results, often mentioning how much fun they had. It’s especially good for those who want a deeper understanding of Portuguese cuisine and culture. The class is well-rated, with many reviewers calling it “a fun, easy, and very tasty experience.”
Bottom line: An interactive, informative class perfect for home cooks and pastry enthusiasts.
6. Pastel de Nata | Workshop from scratch
Number 6 offers a more comprehensive 2.5-hour workshop where you make pastel de nata entirely from scratch. For $46.51, Master baker Mariah guides you through each step, including making the dough, filling, and baking. The experience includes regional wine and engaging conversation about Portuguese culture.
Participants rave about the instructor’s friendliness and how delicious their pastries turn out, with the added bonus of taking home recipes and new skills. The intimate group setting ensures personalized attention. It’s ideal for serious foodies and those wanting a detailed baking experience.
Bottom line: A hands-on, thorough workshop for pastry lovers eager to master the art of nata.
7. Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class / Showcooking
Number 7 combines market shopping and cooking in a 4-hour session rated 5/5. Starting at Porto’s vibrant Mercado do Bolhão, you’ll learn about local ingredients, then prepare a multi-course Portuguese meal with your guide. The experience includes sampling local wines and sharing a meal afterwards.
Guests describe it as “the most fun cooking class in Europe,” emphasizing the lively atmosphere and the chance to learn about local food traditions firsthand. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy active, immersive experiences and want a full taste of Porto’s culinary scene. The price is higher at around $116, but it includes several dishes and wine.
Bottom line: An immersive, hands-on culinary adventure suitable for foodies and social travelers.
8. Pastel de Nata Workshop in Porto
Number 8 features a 1.5-hour workshop rated 5/5. Participants learn how to make pasteis de nata with step-by-step instructions from a friendly instructor, Berta. The session involves making pastries and enjoying Port wine in a cozy setting, with the chance to take home some baked goods.
Reviewers appreciate the playful atmosphere and how much fun they had, often mentioning how easy it was to follow Berta’s guidance. It’s an excellent option for those who want a quick yet authentic taste of Portuguese pastry-making.
Bottom line: A short, sweet class that’s perfect for a quick cultural and culinary fix.
9. Portuguese Cooking Class in Porto with Portuguese Wine
Number 9 offers a 3-hour comprehensive Portuguese cooking class. You’ll prepare a four-course meal, guided by friendly instructors, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and local flavors. After cooking, everyone sits down to enjoy the meal paired with regional wines.
Many reviewers highlight the “fun night” and the delicious food, mentioning instructors Vitor and Jorge’s engaging style. It’s suited for travelers who want a complete culinary experience with a touch of Portuguese hospitality. The $166 price reflects the full meal and class, making it a good value for food lovers.
Bottom line: A full, immersive cooking experience best for serious foodies.
10. Port Wine class with 5 Port tasting and pairings
Number 10 is a 1.5-hour Port wine tasting experience rated 4.9/5. For only $21, you’ll explore different Port wine styles, including white, tawny, ruby, and LBV, while learning about their production. Hosted in the central part of Porto, it’s very convenient and intimate, with groups limited to 10.
Participants say it’s “very interactive” and that they learned more about Port wines than in a day’s worth of vineyard visits. The host’s enthusiasm makes this a memorable, educational experience for wine lovers.
Bottom line: An accessible, engaging introduction to Port wines in the heart of Porto.
11. Porto Tile Painting Workshop in artist studio
Number 11 focuses on tile glazing in a dedicated art gallery. For $46, you create your own Portuguese-style tile with no experience needed. The class lasts about 2 hours, and you get to see the work of contemporary artists while you work. Many describe it as “one of my favorite things on this trip,” praising the instructor’s guidance and the chance to draw anything you like.
Perfect for art lovers and those looking for a creative souvenir, this class offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s famed azulejos.
Bottom line: A fun, artistic activity ideal for those who want a personalized keepsake.
12. Downtown Porto Tile-Painting Workshop with Porto Wine – Bainharia
Number 12 offers a private, 2-hour tile-painting experience in downtown Porto. The class includes all materials, Porto wine, and beverages, with options for morning or afternoon. Fernanda’s relaxed teaching style makes it accessible even for beginners. Reviewers praise the “clear instructions” and the happy feeling of completing their own tiles.
This workshop suits travelers who want a more intimate, personalized experience. It’s also a nice souvenir-making activity in the city center.
Bottom line: Private, cultural, and creative—perfect for groups or couples wanting a relaxed artistic outing.
13. Pastel de Nata and cocktails workshop in Porto
Number 13 combines pastry making and cocktail tasting in a lively 1.5-hour session. Rated 5/5, this experience includes learning to make pastel de nata while enjoying Portuguese cocktails. Patricia, the host, is praised for her helpfulness and engaging style. Participants leave with pastries, recipes, and new skills, plus the ability to impress friends back home.
This workshop is ideal for those who want a fun, social experience that combines food and drink. It’s family-friendly and suitable for groups of 10 or more if booked privately.
Bottom line: A lively, sociable activity blending culinary skills with a lively atmosphere.
14. Porto: Surf Lesson with Transportation at Ocean Origin
Number 14 offers a 3-hour surf lesson at scenic beaches, with transportation included. Rated 5/5, it’s suitable for all experience levels, with instructors helping you catch your first wave. The tour includes pickup from Porto and a relaxed environment perfect for active travelers. Reviews mention how many learned to surf and enjoyed the beautiful coastal scenery.
This is a fantastic choice for adventure seekers and water sports lovers who want to try surfing without hassle. The small-group setup ensures plenty of personal instruction.
Bottom line: An accessible, scenic surf experience for beginners and intermediates alike.
15. Surf Lessons in Porto with transfer at Porto Surf School
Topping off our list is a half-day surf lesson rated 5/5. For $65, you’ll enjoy 3.5 hours of surfing instruction, with all gear and transportation included. The small group size—limited to 15—means personalized attention. Many reviewers mention how they caught their first waves and appreciated the professionalism of instructors like Bruno and Sergio.
Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free introduction to surfing, this activity combines travel logistics with skill-building in a beautiful setting.
Bottom line: An excellent, value-packed choice for surfing newcomers and intermediate surfers.
How to Choose Your Workshop or Class in Porto
When selecting from these options, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you want a quick, authentic pastry experience, Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop or the Workshop from scratch are excellent choices. For art lovers, the Tile Painting Workshops or the private Downtown Porto Tile Workshop provide creative souvenirs. Adventure travelers should look at the surf lessons or half-day lessons.
Booking early is always wise, especially in high season, as these popular experiences tend to fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
From culinary workshops that let you master Portugal’s iconic pastries to artistic tile painting and surfing lessons, Porto offers a diverse range of engaging, authentic experiences. If you’re a foodie, the pastry and cooking classes are perfect. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the tile activities, and adventure seekers can’t miss the surf lessons.
Consider your interests, budget, and available time, then pick a workshop that best suits your travel style. These experiences not only teach you new skills but also create lasting memories and unique souvenirs. Book early, and get ready to learn about Porto’s lively, creative spirit.