Guimaraes is a city that pulses with history, charm, and lively streets, making it a perfect place to explore through guided tours and experiences. Its UNESCO-listed medieval center offers layers of stories, hidden corners, and iconic landmarks that beg to be uncovered. Whether you’re interested in private walks, in-depth city tours, or tasting Portugal’s renowned wines, Guimaraes has something special for every traveler. We particularly like the Guimarães: Private Flexible Walking Tour [], which lets you explore at your own pace with immersive storytelling and just a small fee.
For those craving a more comprehensive experience, the Guimarães Experience [] combines highlights like the castle, ducal palace, and local food tastings into a 3.5-hour adventure. If a full-day trip appeals, the From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Day Tour with Lunch [] offers a chance to see both cities’ key sights, enjoy traditional cuisine, and visit sanctuaries, all in just under 10 hours. With options ranging from private bespoke tours to small-group explorations, you’ll find something that suits your interests, schedule, and budget.
1. Guimarães: Private Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center
Rating: 4.6/5 (37 reviews) | Price: $9 per person | Duration: 3 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This private walking tour offers a perfect way to discover Guimaraes at your own pace using the Walkbox app. It’s ideal for travelers who want flexibility and a personal touch while exploring the UNESCO-listed medieval center. The tour covers major sights like the Guimarães Castle and Dukes’ Palace, along with charming squares such as Toural Square and Oliveira Square, plus stunning religious sites like the Collegiate Church. The scenic Footpath on the Walls of Guimarães adds a lovely walk with views of the city walls.
What makes this tour stand out is its private, self-guided format—allowing you to linger where you want and skip what doesn’t interest you. The immersive storytelling enhances your understanding of the city’s heritage without feeling rushed. At just $9 per person for three hours, it’s an excellent budget-friendly way to get introduced to Guimaraes’ highlights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers who appreciate flexibility, history, and a personal touch without breaking the bank.
2. Guimarães Experience
Rating: 4.8/5 (14 reviews) | Duration: 3.5 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This immersive city tour takes you through Guimarães’ most significant sites, blending history, culture, and local flavors. It includes guided visits to the Guimarães Castle, the Ducal Palace, and walking explorations of the medieval city center and city walls. A highlight is the chance to sample local delicacies and drinks, making the experience both cultural and delicious.
The itinerary is thoughtfully arranged, starting at two different locations, then delving into the city’s rich past with guided tours and walks. The tour ends with wine and food tastings, giving you a taste of authentic northern Portuguese flavors. Guests praise the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, with many noting it’s a perfect mix of sightseeing and sampling.
This experience is especially suited for travelers who want an in-depth, personally guided look at Guimaraes, with the added delight of tasting local produce. It’s well worth the slightly higher price for a half-day that combines history and gastronomy.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers eager for a guided, intimate look at Guimarães’ landmarks and culinary traditions.
3. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Day Tour with Lunch
Rating: 4.8/5 (14 reviews) | Duration: 9 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This full-day adventure from Porto takes you to two of Portugal’s most iconic cities, Guimarães and Braga. The tour includes a guided visit to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the Guimarães Castle, plus a picturesque stop at the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. The highlight is a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant, paired with regional green wine.
The itinerary balances sightseeing with scenic drives and cultural stops, including visits to sanctuaries with stunning views. Guests love the professional guide and the well-organized schedule, which allows you to see the most important sites without feeling hurried. The tour offers a great introduction to Portugal’s north, combining history, religious sites, and local cuisine.
If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive experience that covers key attractions, this tour is a great choice. The inclusion of a traditional lunch and visits to sanctuaries makes it both informative and flavorful.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want an all-in-one day trip, including cultural highlights and local food in a comfortable setting.
4. Braga and Guimarães – The Heritage Tour
Rating: 5/5 (3 reviews) | Duration: 8 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This heritage-focused tour uses panoramic bus rides and guided walks to showcase the best of Braga and Guimarães. Led by certified guides, it offers a different perspective on these historic cities, with special attention to the Vinho Verde region and enchanted cottages that look like they’re straight out of fairy tales.
The tour includes visits to the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, the Braga Cathedral, and the Guimarães Castle, with tailored insights into local traditions and architecture. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a structured, narrated experience with scenic viewpoints and cultural depth. The small sample of reviews shows high satisfaction, especially with the guides’ expertise.
This tour suits those who want a broad overview of the region’s culture, landscapes, and history, all in a comfortably paced full-day journey.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided overview of the area’s cultural and scenic highlights.
5. Private Guimarães & Braga Experience: From Porto All-Included
Rating: 5/5 (2 reviews) | Duration: 10 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This private, all-inclusive tour offers a luxury experience visiting Guimarães and Braga. It features visits to Guimarães Castle, the Ducal Palace, and the Braga Cathedral, with optional tastings at Coimbras Chapel. The itinerary includes a traditional local lunch, plus a tasting of local delicacies at a bar with spirits, wine, and coffee.
What makes this stand out is the fully customizable itinerary with a dedicated guide and private driver, providing flexibility and comfort. Guests appreciate the deep dive into Portugal’s history and culture with personalized attention, and the price reflects its premium, tailored experience.
It’s best suited for travelers who want a private, relaxed, and comprehensive day, with the option to customize stops and tastings. The reviews highlight the smooth logistics and enriching experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, tailored tour with a focus on cultural depth and comfort.
6. Vinho Verde – Wine Tasting with Transportation
Rating: 5/5 (1 review) | Duration: 3 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This wine tasting tour offers an authentic experience visiting a winery in the Vinho Verde region, with a focus on the wine-making process from grape to glass. It includes elegant transportation to the vineyard, a guided tasting session, and insights into the region’s gastronomy and wines.
The tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts wanting a private, intimate experience with a focus on tradition and authenticity. The small-group setting and detailed tasting make it a real treat for wine lovers. It’s especially good if you’re interested in learning about Portugal’s green wines and their production.
Guests who enjoyed this tour appreciated its exclusivity and the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Portugal’s wine heritage. It’s simple but highly focused—great for a half-day escape into the world of Vinho Verde.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine aficionados seeking a personal, educational tasting experience in a scenic vineyard.
7. Douro Valley: Private Tours with 1 Wine Tasting
Rating: 5/5 | Duration: 9 hours | Location: Lisbon District, Portugal
While based in Lisbon, this private tour into Portugal’s famous Douro Valley is a luxurious way to explore the region’s vineyards, with a dedicated guide and driver. It features visits to two wineries with tastings, a scenic boat trip, and a relaxed lunch amid stunning landscapes.
What sets this apart is its focus on refinement and privacy, with tailored itineraries that highlight the best of the Douro’s wine culture. Guests say it’s a “wonderful day,” with a guide who provides excellent explanations and personal attention. The premium Tesla option (see below) emphasizes comfort and sustainability.
Ideal for travelers who want a private, high-end experience and are willing to spend a bit more for exclusivity and comfort.
Bottom Line: A top pick for discerning travelers eager to enjoy Portugal’s wine and scenery with personalized service.
8. From Braga: Guimarães & Braga Full Day Tour
Rating: N/A | Price: $282 | Duration: 8 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This full-day tour from Braga covers both Guimarães and Braga, including highlights like Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary with a cable car ride. It’s a straightforward, well-organized way to see the top sights in each city, making it a good choice for those with limited time.
Guests are impressed with the efficiency and the key sites included, especially the cable car to Penha in Braga, which offers panoramic views. It’s suitable for travelers who want a guided day trip without fuss.
Bottom Line: A reliable, easy way to see both cities on a single day, ideal for travelers with a tight schedule.
9. Guimarães: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
Rating: 4.6/5 | Duration: 3 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This guided walking tour takes you through Guimarães’ historic streets, covering key landmarks and lesser-known spots. It includes visits to the castle, church, and the Largo da Oliveira, with a chance to taste local pastries. The route also features the Old Walls and the Old Watch Tower.
What makes this tour special is its focus on hidden gems and local stories, giving a fuller picture of the city’s authentic character. It’s a good fit for travelers who want to go beyond the main sights and discover Guimarães’ character through a local guide.
Guests appreciate the lively storytelling and the opportunity to taste regional snacks at the end, making it a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for explorers who want a deeper, more nuanced walk through Guimarães’ historic streets.
10. Tesla Premium Private Tours – Porto to Douro Valley
Rating: 5/5 | Duration: 8 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This luxury private tour uses Tesla Model X cars for a sustainable, comfortable ride through the Douro Valley. It includes visits to two wineries with tastings, plus an incredible boat trip on the river. The guiding is personalized, and the focus on environmentally friendly transportation makes this a standout.
Guests love the modern, eco-conscious approach, and the chance to enjoy Portugal’s vineyard landscapes in style. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a high-end experience with a focus on comfort and sustainability.
This tour is worth considering if you want to combine luxury, eco-friendliness, and a comprehensive wine adventure.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers who want a private, premium experience in the Douro.
11. Porto: Braga and Guimarães Small-Group Day Trip with Lunch
Rating: N/A | Price: $340 | Duration: 8 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This small-group day trip from Porto offers a personal way to see both Guimarães and Braga with a guide. It includes stops at the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a traditional Portuguese lunch, and visits to the Guimarães Castle.
The smaller group size means more interaction and tailored insights from the guide. It’s great for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience, with plenty of time to ask questions and explore at a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a personalized, guided day trip with enough time for cultural and culinary highlights.
12. Braga & Guimarães: Tour by Private Car
Rating: N/A | Price: $234 | Duration: 7 hours | Location: Norte Region, Portugal
This private car tour offers a flexible and comfortable way to visit Braga and Guimarães. It’s customizable, letting you focus on your interests, whether that’s religious sites, medieval architecture, or local food spots. The private guide and car mean you can set your own pace and itinerary.
It’s well suited for travelers who prefer a tailored experience, avoiding large groups and rigid schedules. The flexibility makes it easy to include favorite sites or skip certain stops if needed.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a personalized, flexible day exploring Portugal’s northern cities with privacy and comfort.
How to Choose Your Guimaraes Tour
When selecting a tour in Guimarães, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you love history and want to explore independently, the Guimarães: Private Flexible Walking Tour offers great value. For a guided deep dive, the Guimarães Experience combines sightseeing with tastings. If you prefer a comprehensive day trip, the From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Day Tour is perfect.
Budget travelers will find the Vinho Verde wine tasting appealing, while those seeking luxury should consider the Tesla private tours. For a more relaxed, customizable experience, the Private Guimarães & Braga Experience will suit those who want personal attention.
Timing is also key. Full-day trips are best during clear weather, while private tours can be scheduled flexibly. Booking early ensures you get your preferred date, especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Guimarães offers a range of tours tailored to different interests—from self-guided explorations to private luxury adventures. For a quick taste, the private walks are budget-friendly and flexible. For culture, guided experiences with tastings are rewarding. And for those craving comfort and exclusivity, private full-day tours or eco-friendly premium options provide excellence.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a luxury seeker, you’ll find a tour that helps you uncover the city’s many layers. To make the most of your trip, plan ahead and book early—especially if you want to secure a spot on popular tours or during busy seasons. Guimarães awaits with its centuries of stories and warm charm—enjoy exploring it at your own pace!