Porto isn’t just about historic bridges and port wine. This city offers a surprising variety of hands-on workshops and classes that bring you closer to local culture and skills. Whether you’re eager to master the art of Pastel de Nata or try your hand at tile painting, Porto’s creative scene welcomes visitors who want more than just sightseeing. We particularly love the Porto: Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop, where you can learn the secrets behind Portugal’s most famous pastry while sipping port wine—an excellent way to blend culinary skills with local flavor.
For those who want to take home a unique souvenir, the Porto Tile-Painting Workshop with Porto Wine offers a creative, relaxed environment. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and love the sea, the Small Group Surf Lesson with Transportation provides a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to surfing on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. The diversity of options makes Porto a fantastic destination for culturally rich, interactive experiences in a manageable city setting.
Below, you’ll find a list of the 15 best workshops and classes in Porto, each with details that help you decide which is best suited to your interests and schedule.
1. Porto: Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop
This popular workshop offers a delightful mix of culinary skill and local flavor, with a 4.9/5 rating based on 858 reviews. For around $40, you spend 1.5 hours learning how to craft the iconic Pastel de Nata—the custard tart that’s a staple of Portuguese baking. Led by a friendly instructor, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance while enjoying a drink of port wine, adding a relaxed vibe to the session. The class highlights insider tips on Porto’s best eateries, making it practical as well as delicious. Guests rave about the engaging guides, and the takeaway is fresh pastries you get to take home—perfect for sharing or savoring later. This workshop is ideal for foodies who want a hands-on experience and a taste of local culture.
Bottom Line: It’s a fun, accessible cooking class with great reviews, perfect for travelers wanting a tasty souvenir and an authentic Porto experience.
2. Porto: Tile-Painting Workshop with Porto Wine
Rated 4.9/5 from 580 reviews, this 2-hour workshop invites you to explore the art of Portuguese azulejo tiles. With no prior experience needed, you’ll paint your own tile while sipping local port. The instructor guides your creativity, sharing the history behind Porto’s iconic tiles, which adorn many buildings around town. It’s suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity. Guests mention how relaxing and fun it is, with one describing it as a “great way to learn about Porto’s culture while having some creative fun.” You leave with your own decorated tile as a memorable souvenir. The combination of art, history, and local drinks makes this a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, cultural activity that produces a beautiful keepsake, ideal for art lovers and families alike.
3. Porto: Small Group Surf Lesson with Transportation
At number 3, this 3.5-hour surf lesson scores 4.9/5 from 446 reviews. It includes pickup in Porto and a small-group environment, perfect for beginners or those wanting to improve their skills. Your instructor will take you to a scenic beach on Portugal’s coast, where waves are suitable for all levels. The class emphasizes safety, technique, and fun, with guests praising the patience and professionalism of instructors like Igor and Bernardo. Many mention how catching their first wave felt incredible and that the experience greatly enhanced their trip. The $51 price includes transportation, lessons, and plenty of practice time.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, beginner-friendly surf experience with short travel time from Porto, great for adventure travelers.
4. Porto: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class – Bainharia
This 1.5-hour class, rated 4.8/5 from 497 reviews, focuses on making pastel de nata from scratch. It’s perfect for those who want to get into the details of pastry making and learn the tricks behind creating flaky pastry and creamy custard. The instructor guides you through each step, sharing insights into the pastry’s history and Porto’s culinary scene. Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to recreate the treats at home. The class ends with tasting your own pastries paired with local wine, and a recipe to take home.
Bottom Line: A brief, hands-on class ideal for pastry enthusiasts who want to learn the authentic process in an engaging environment.
5. Pastel de Nata | Workshop from scratch
For about $47, this 2.5-hour experience dives into making Pastel de Nata from scratch, including pastry dough and custard. Led by Mariah or Clara, the small group gets personalized attention, making it a highly interactive experience. The instructor emphasizes the key techniques and shares stories about Portugal’s culinary traditions. Guests leave with freshly baked pastries and the skills to reproduce them at home, along with a regional wine to enhance the fun. Reviewers highlight how engaging and rewarding the class is, with some calling it a “highlight of the trip.”
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, hands-on workshop perfect for serious bakers and those wanting a detailed culinary lesson.
6. Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class / Showcooking
This 4-hour experience is rated perfect 5.0/5 by 190 reviews. It begins in Porto’s Mercado do Bolhão, where vendors sell seasonal, fresh ingredients. You shop for local products before heading to a cooking studio. Here, you learn to prepare a multi-course Portuguese meal from scratch, paired with regional wines. The small group format ensures personalized attention, and guests enjoy eating their creations in a convivial setting. Many mention how educational and tasty this experience is, with the added bonus of understanding local food culture.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want to explore Porto’s markets and learn traditional cooking techniques in a lively, social setting.
7. Pastel de Nata Workshop in Porto
Rated 5.0/5 from 127 reviews, this 1.5-hour workshop focuses solely on making pastel de nata. The friendly instructor, Berta, guides you through each step, sharing tips for perfect pastries. Guests love how personable and patient she is, and many leave with pastries they can replicate at home. It’s a smaller, more intimate experience that suits travelers looking for a quick, focused lesson on this Portuguese delicacy.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a short, interactive session to learn the art of pastel de nata baking.
8. Portuguese Cooking Class in Porto with Portuguese Wine
This 3-hour class, rated 5.0/5 from 100 reviews, offers a full culinary journey through Portugal’s flavors. You prepare a four-course meal—from appetizers to dessert—using seasonal, local ingredients. The instructor, Vitor or Jorge, guides you through each dish, sharing stories about regional specialties. The class ends with a tasting of your own creations paired with regional wines, making it both educational and delicious. Guests praise the relaxed atmosphere and the detailed techniques learned.
Bottom Line: An immersive experience suited for serious food lovers eager to learn traditional Portuguese recipes.
9. Port Wine class with 5 Port tasting and pairings
Rated 4.9/5 based on 99 reviews, this 1.5-hour tasting session costs just $21 and is perfect for wine newcomers and connoisseurs alike. You sample five different types of Port wine—from white to LBV—while learning about their production and pairing. The small groups (max ten) ensure an intimate, informative experience. Reviewers mention how much they learned about the nuances of Port, with one describing it as “more than just a tasting, an education.”
Bottom Line: Great value for a detailed introduction to Port wines, ideal for those who want to expand their palate.
10. Porto Tile Painting Workshop in artist studio
This 2-hour art workshop receives a perfect 5.0/5 from 69 reviews. Held in a contemporary artist studio, it invites you to create your own Portuguese-style tile using traditional techniques. No experience is necessary, and the instructor provides plenty of guidance. Guests enjoy seeing the creative process firsthand and often share how fun and inspiring it is. The finished tiles make excellent souvenirs or gifts, and many appreciate the chance to explore Porto’s artistic side.
Bottom Line: An engaging, creative activity suited for art lovers and those wanting to make a lasting memento of Porto.
11. Downtown Porto Tile-Painting Workshop with Porto Wine
This private, 2-hour workshop is rated 5.0/5 from 59 reviews. Held in a cozy studio in Porto’s center, it includes all materials, tea or coffee, bottled water, and plenty of Porto wine. You choose from traditional templates and learn about the history of Portuguese tiles while creating your own piece. Guests love the personalized attention and the beautiful, authentic environment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a private, culturally immersive craft experience with a tasty twist.
12. Pastel de Nata and cocktails workshop in Porto
Rated 5.0/5 from 56 reviews, this 1.5-hour workshop combines making pastel de nata with enjoying cocktails, music, and good conversation. It’s a lively, fun experience, suitable for groups and families. Participants love how approachable the instructor is and how they leave with new skills and delicious pastries. It’s a perfect activity if you want to combine culinary fun with social time.
Bottom Line: An energetic, casual workshop ideal for those wanting to socialize and learn in a lively atmosphere.
13. Porto: Surf Lesson with Transportation at Ocean Origin
Rated 5.0/5 from 55 reviews, this 3-hour surf lesson includes transportation to a beautiful beach. Beginners and intermediates alike praise the professional instructors and the small-group setting. Many mention how they caught their first wave and how the day was a highlight of their trip. The flexible, scenic setting makes this a top choice for surf novices eager to experience the Atlantic.
Bottom Line: A scenic, beginner-friendly surf lesson with transport, perfect for active travelers seeking a memorable coastal experience.
14. Surf Lessons in Porto with transfer at Porto Surf School
This 3.5-hour session, rated 5.0/5, offers half-day surfing with all gear included. Ideal for all skill levels, it features round-trip transfer from the city and personalized coaching. Reviewers highlight the friendly instructors and the chance to learn or improve your surfing skills on Portugal’s best beach.
Bottom Line: Excellent value for a comprehensive surf lesson with hassle-free transportation, suited for anyone wanting a half-day adventure.
15. Surf Lesson | Surf Lessons
Finally, the 1.5-hour surf lesson from Onda Pura at Praia de Matosinhos is perfect for first-timers. With a 5-star rating and a modest price of about $34, it emphasizes fun and safety. The experienced team provides all necessary gear and ensures everyone gets to experience surfing, often leaving students with a big smile and a new hobby.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, friendly introduction to surfing in Portugal’s top beach for beginners.
How to choose the right workshop or class in Porto
Picking the perfect activity depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you’re passionate about baking, the Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop offers a delicious hands-on experience. Want a creative souvenir? The Tile-Painting Workshops are perfect for art lovers, especially if you enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere. For adventure seekers, the surfing classes—like the Small Group Surf Lesson—combine outdoor fun with stunning scenery.
Consider your schedule: workshops range from quick 1-hour sessions to full-day experiences. Budget-wise, many are affordable, with prices starting around $21 for wine tastings and going up to $165 for multi-course cooking classes. Booking early is advised during peak seasons, especially for popular activities like surfing and small-group classes.
Final thoughts
From learning to make Pastel de Nata to creating traditional tiles or catching your first wave, Porto offers a variety of workshops perfect for different travelers. Foodies will love the pastry and cooking classes; art lovers should try the tile painting; and adventure enthusiasts will find joy in surfing. The key is to match your interests and schedule—whether you prefer a quick fun session or an immersive multi-hour experience.
We recommend booking well in advance during the busy summer months. Consider your fitness level, interests, and how much time you want to spend in each activity. Porto’s workshops and classes are a fantastic way to turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable, hands-on adventure.
