Things to Do in Aveiro
TOURS IN PORTUGUESE, SPANISH AND ENGLISH !!
Living in the City Center since 2010, and working in the Moliceiros typical boats since 2017, now I would like to show you the City routes and roots in a walking tour in the avenues and alleys, in the past and in the present.
Itinerary:
We will meet almost downtown, at the end of Av. Lourenço Peixinho, where it meets Central Canal, and after a small introduction of me, Portugal and Aveiro, we'll start the tour walking in the higher part of city, where it was the old wall, and we´ll visit the south part of the city, where used to live those more connected with farming and animals, and were most of the official buildings.
After one of the best views over Central Canal, under Atlas Building, we'll go up, walking in the city center that was inside the Wall, with stops at Praça Marquês do Pombal and Praça da República, where we can see the Court, Teatro Aveirense, Carmelita's Church, Misericórdia's Church, Atlas Building, and more. We will go until the edge of the old wall, to see where the city has grown, and following the old wall will stop close to the Cathedral and St. Joana Museum (an old monastery).
Going down again what was the old wall, we’ll visit not only the oldest cemitery in Aveiro, but also in Portugal, that is from 1860, and crossing through Fórum Aveiro, the shopping center in the city center, we´ll reach Cojo Canal, with the ribbon brige´s. Walking alongside the Canal until Mercado Manuel Firmino, where we have the BUGA´s(bikes for free use) we´ll see the old industrial area in the of the canal, that now is one of the most exclusive residencial area in the city.
Returning to Avenida Lourenço Peixinho, we´ll go down until the original meeting point, visiting then the old downtown, the part connected with the canals of Ria de Aveiro, and where the fisherman, the people working in the salt fields, and the traders use to live. We´ll go until S.Roque Canal, the “border” between land and water, where we can see 2 of the most iconics bridge´s of the city, Carcavelos and Botirões bridges´, and in the heart of the neighboorhood will finish at the old Fish Market and S.Goncalinho´s Chappel, hoping that you have discovered some of the routes and roots of the city.
🌟 Discover Aveiro with Paulinho – Free Tour of the City Center 🌟
We don't do tours, we share our passion for Aveiro
Join me on an unforgettable walk through the heart of Aveiro and let yourself be guided by someone who knows every corner of this magical city! I am a local guide, born and raised in Aveiro, and I will show you secrets that only someone from here can know, mixing history, curiosities, and fun anecdotes that will capture your attention from the very first moment.
During this tour of the historic center and the old town, you will be able to:
Stroll along the canals of Aveiro and admire the famous Moliceiros, the colorful traditional boats with decorated prows that tell stories of the city.
Explore the Art Nouveau buildings, with unique facades and details that many visitors do not notice.
Discover ancient streets and secret passages, crossing charming bridges like the Carcavelos Bridge and the Love Bridge, perfect for memorable photos.
Visit historical places such as the Church of Mercy, with its impressive blue and white tiles, and the Monument to José Estêvão, a hero of freedom and the history of Aveiro.
Stroll through the Fish Market, feel the local life, and get to know the typical fishermen's neighborhood, full of tradition and charm.
Discover hidden corners and secret viewpoints that will make you fall in love with Aveiro in an unexpected way.
In the end, you will have a complete experience, with tips on the best places to eat, photograph, and enjoy the city like a true Aveirense, avoiding the typical tourist traps.
💡 This tour is for everyone who wants to feel the true soul of Aveiro, learn curiosities, hear fun and fascinating stories, and live unique moments while exploring every street, every canal, and every square of this charming city.
Ready to have an amazing time? Let's embark on my "Aveiro All-in-One City Center Tour" to explore the unique, romantic, salty and sweet Aveiro city. Some call it the Venice of Portugal, the capital of Art Nouveau in Portugal, or probably the most romantic place in Portugal. Well, there is some truth yo it but there is much more than that.
What makes this tour unique is that it's a blend of history, art, devotion, passion, deceit, tragedy, salt, and sweet. After living my life here and spending several years deeply studying Aveiro and what makes it special, I want to share with you what I've found and what you can't easily see out there.
Our tour takes place in downtown/old town area where we will see the main places but we will also go a bit beyond that to uncover the non-obvious, thus this is just not a touristic tour. It's something that I hope you can learn more from.
During our tour we will:
- Learn about the story of Aveiro, from the most remote times until today
- Find out what makes Aveiro people so special
- Discover Art Nouveau, how it flourished in Aveiro, and see some of its beautiful buildings
- See some impressive tiles
- See the typical and unique "moliceiro" and "mercantel" boats and discover their impressive details
- Remember forgotten heroes of the past and how they serve as all for inspiration for the future
- Find more about Princess Johanna and the São Gonçalinho worship and the popular tradition that brings thousands to Aveiro
- Learn about the tasty "ovos moles" dessert and why *everyone* loves them
- Learn more about some impressive stories
- Play some "games" / answer some challenges
- Find great places for amazing photos!
At the end I will provide tailored recommendations for you, depending on your available time and goals, so you can explore, learn, and experience more by yourself!
So, get ready to walk and don't miss the opportunity to know more beyond the obvious, in a fun, relaxed way!
Aveiro is one of the best places in Portugal to admire Art Nouveau architecture, also known as Modernisme in Catalonia, Jugendstil in Germany, Liberty in Italy, or Secession in Vienna and Prague. This unique style, with its flowing floral and plant motifs, graceful ironwork, and colorful tiles, transforms the city into an open-air museum waiting to be explored.
On this walking tour we’llexplore the most iconique buildings of Art Nouveau.
But Aveiro’s story doesn’t end with beautiful façades. As we walk through the city, we’ll trace the path of the old city walls. Did you know Aveiro was once a walled city from the 15th to the 19th century? Sadly, nothing remains of the walls today — but we’ll follow their original line, stopping at key places where they once stood. To bring the past to life, I’ll share vintage photographs, helping you see how Aveiro has transformed over the centuries.
We will meet up at a designated hour in the centrally located Joaquim de Melo Freitas town square, where our adventure begins.
We will stroll alongside Aveiro's idyllic canals where you will see the famous, traditional 'moliceiro' boats. These small colorful boats were once used for the transport of salt and seaweed. We will pass old warehouses and striking Art Nouveau façades, and cross pretty footbridges such as the Carcavelos Bridge.
We will also pass some of the city's most famous buildings. We will observe the elegant white and blue tile façade of the Misericordia (Mercy) Church and, close by, you will also see Aveiro City Hall and its municipal theatre.
We will also encounter the city's 15th-century Cathedral side-by-side with the Museum of Saint Joana, a princess that lived in the 15th-century aswell.
Itinerary:
- Aveiro's idyllic canals
- 'moliceiro' boats.
- Old warehouses
- Striking Art Nouveau façades
- Carcavelos Bridge
- Misericordia (Mercy) Church
- Aveiro City Hall
- Municipal theatre
- The Cathedral
- The Museum of Saint Joana
All the information I can provide, I will be glad to help you out: tips on where to eat, to have fun, to relax and to enjoy our beautiful city!
This kind of tours works exclusively for the tips I can receive from the attendees. At the end of the tour, it is up to you to decide how much the tour is worth.
Aveiro is essentially known for its colorful and traditional moliceiro boats. But there is much more to discover in this city where romanticism predominates. Lets start our route inside the old town - we used to have a wall surrounding this area and we will learn all about it. When possible, an amazing surprise awaits inside the old Carmelites convent. Be ready to be blown away. The churches in Aveiro present fantastic tile panels, which I will happilly show you, as long as they are open to the public.
Crossing the main canal to what used to be outside of the wall's limits, we will also learn about the most important architectural trend in the city: Art Nouveau. In the center of Aveiro we will find beautiful buildings and learn more about this style. Continuing our tour, we will see the famous moliceiro and mercantel boats and I will tell you all about their origin and for what task they were created for, initially.
Another highlight of Aveiro is its salt. This production dates back to the beginning of the 10th century and currently it is making its comeback, mainly due to tourism. We will not miss the old fishermen's quarter and its small colorful houses, passing by immense houses decorated by the beautiful and typical Portuguese tile.
Other considerations:
- the tour duration is approximately 2h, but in busier months it might take a bit longer;
- i will always reach out to you before the tour starts, via WhatsApp or private message on Guruwalk. Please make sure you have an internet connection so that you get important info;
- hat, water and sunscreen are highly advised, specially in summer months;
- there will be a stop mid-tour to go to a public restroom, when necessary;
- pets are (more than) welcome 🐶;
- families with baby strollers are more than welcome too;
- please ensure that you book the correct tour, as my tours are conducted exclusively in one language.
Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions and i will get back to you as soon as possible.
On this exciting two-hour tour I will take you through the most emblematic streets, squares and canals and we will review the history of the city, as well as its legends and traditions. Come with me to visit many of Aveiro's attractions, such as the Church of Misericordia, the Museum of Santa Joana, the Sé Cathedral and the Beira Mar neighborhood.
Discover with me one of the most beautiful cities in Europe!
Fall in love with Aveiro and discover it through the eyes of the inhabitants of Aveiro. In addition to the wonderful estuary with its moliceiros, you will also walk through some of the most emblematic places in the city without forgetting some anecdotes and curiosities that only Aveirenses know and that, thanks to this tour, you will have the opportunity to discover.
will you accompany me?
* The tour schedule may be modified according to the availability of the guides and weather conditions.
Enjoying a tour on the sightseeing train of Aveiro and a moliceiro boat ride is the best way to discover the Portuguese Venice on land and sea. Let's go!
