Crimes & Mysteries

A 2-hour tour through Porto’s shadowy stories and secret tales offers a chilling yet engaging journey into the city’s darker side. For $45 per person, this small-group experience led by a passionate storyteller promises a mix of mystery, history, and a dose of humor. Starting in Carlos Alberto Square and ending at São Bento Station, the tour covers a range of historic locations, each with its own haunting or scandalous story.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its interactive and theatrical style. The guide claims to be the heir to Porto’s poison recipes and stories of its only serial killer, adding a playful yet eerie tone. The two-hour duration makes it a perfect choice for an evening activity, and the small group size ensures plenty of personal attention. While it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues, the tour offers a lively, insider perspective on Porto’s hidden criminal tales and mysterious legends.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $45 per person for 2 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• Guided by a storyteller: An engaging, knowledgeable guide who shares dark stories with humor and flair.
• Stops include: Carlos Alberto Square, Clérigos Church, a city prison, a scenic miradouro, the Jewish quarter, and São Bento Station.
• Themes: Dark tales of executions based on wealth, scandalous love stories, haunted locations, and hidden crimes.
• Group size: Limited to 10 participants for an intimate viewing experience.
• Language options: Tours available in English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
• Not suitable for: Those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.
• Cancellation policy: Free cancellation if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Porto’s Dark Past Uncovered Starting in Carlos Alberto Square

The tour begins at Carlos Alberto Square, where the guide introduces Porto’s lesser-known stories. Despite the square’s welcoming appearance, it hides numerous surprising narratives that have been forgotten over time. Here, the storytelling kicks off with a lively tone, setting the scene for the dark stories ahead. The guide’s narrative style is noted for transmitting a sense of wisdom and mystery, making each stop feel like uncovering a secret.

The square acts as a gateway into Porto’s shadowy history, preparing guests for a journey into its most clandestine tales. The relaxed pace allows participants to absorb the stories easily and get a sense of the city’s layered past.

Visiting Clérigos Church and the City Prison

Next, the tour leads to the Clérigos Church, a stunning landmark that also serves as a backdrop for more sinister stories. Passing nearby, the group visits the city prison, where tales of crime and punishment come alive. The guide describes dark stories related to executions that were not based on the crime itself but on the wealth of the accused.

The scenes of executions involving “incredible piety tools” invented over centuries add a chilling detail. The guide explains how these methods reflected Porto’s dark justice system, making it clear that the city’s history involves more than just art and architecture. The stop at a miradouro offers sweeping views but also reveals stories of dark deeds and secret deals carried out in Porto’s shadows.

Exploring the Narrow Streets of Porto’s Jewish Quarter

A walk through the discreet Jewish quarter reveals stories of scandalous love, lust, and death. The narrow, dark streets set a fitting mood for tales of infamous crimes and forbidden romances. The tour includes searching for a famous door, linked to a story of greed and murder so scandalous that its details have been erased from the city’s common memory—yet, the guide hints the story may still be remembered by some.

The storytelling here benefits from the guide’s lively, engaging manner, making history feel immediate and personal. The stop is especially vivid because of the contrast between the quiet streets and the intense stories shared.

The Haunted Hotel and Its Ghostly Atmosphere

A visit to a nearby haunted hotel adds an extra layer of mystery. The hotel’s lingering smells of smoke and stories of ghostly apparitions evoke a sense of Porto’s supernatural legends. This stop provides a slightly eerie break from the dark tales of crime, blending history with ghost stories rooted in local legends.

Though brief, the hotel stop emphasizes the supernatural side of Porto’s mysteries, leaving a memorable impression of the city’s haunted reputation.

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The End at São Bento Station’s Secret Crimes

The tour concludes at São Bento Station, where the hidden stories in its beautiful decoration tell of various historical crimes. The station’s intricate tile work secretly narrates tales of murder, greed, and betrayal that shaped Porto’s history.

This final stop leaves participants with a sense of Porto’s layered past, visible even in its most iconic landmarks. The guide’s storytelling enhances the appreciation of Porto’s artistic and dark history, wrapping up the tour with a visually stunning and intellectually engaging experience.

Logistics and Group Experience

This tour departs from Carlos Alberto Square, with a small group of up to 10 participants, fostering an intimate environment. Tours are available in English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, catering to a diverse range of travelers. The live guide is described as friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience lively and informative.

Guests receive a welcome drink at the start, adding a touch of hospitality to the two-hour journey. Flexibility is a key feature, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now, paying later.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Porto

What sets this Crimes & Mysteries tour apart is its theatrical storytelling style and focus on dark stories that few other tours cover. The guide’s engaging manner and the tour’s focus on Porto’s shadowy history make it a memorable experience for lovers of mystery, history, and crime stories.

While it’s not designed for those with mobility issues, the tour’s small-group approach guarantees a personal experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy the storytelling.

Final Thoughts on the Porto Crime & Mystery Tour

This $45 experience offers a fun, spooky, and insightful look into Porto’s hidden tales. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a different perspective on the city—one that reveals its dark secrets and scandalous past. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide makes each story feel vivid and authentic, and the stops at historic sites add real atmosphere.

While the focus on crime and mystery may not suit everyone, those interested in Porto’s hidden stories or theatrical storytelling will find this tour both entertaining and enlightening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour’s dark themes and stories make it more suitable for adults or older teenagers.

What languages are available?
Tours are offered in English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts 2 hours, starting at various times depending on availability.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Carlos Alberto Square in Porto.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.

What is included in the price?
Participants receive a welcome drink at the start of the tour.

Is the tour family-friendly?
The dark and spooky themes suggest it’s better suited for adults.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.

What makes this tour unique?
Its focus on Porto’s dark history, ghost stories, and hidden crimes, combined with interactive storytelling, makes it stand out from typical city tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby