Because the best way to see a city is to feel like you belong in it.
We aren’t here to show you the sights. We’re here to introduce you to the soul of Porto—one maker, one story, and one mindful step at a time.
Jade's story
From the road to the neighborhood.
After years of working as a tour guide across every corner of Europe, my heart kept returning to one place: Porto. There was something about the comfort of the food, the depth of the wine, and the way the people here wear their hearts on their sleeves that felt like an immediate "welcome home." In 2019, I stopped travelling and started building a life here.
But as a guide, I’d seen too much of the "take, take, take" side of tourism—the kind that moves through a city without ever really touching it. I noticed a gap in Porto’s scene: no one was introducing visitors to the real people, the artisans, or the vibrant creative district just a few streets away from the crowds.
The Mindful Step was born in 2019 to change that. We wanted to create a type of tourism that gives back—one that champions the "Local Heroes" and invites you into the hidden gems that are still, somehow, off the tourist radar. We remain the only tour operating inside Porto's creative district, keeping the experience intimate, intentional, and truly local.
The Collaborators
It takes a creative village.
I might have started this journey, but it’s the collective energy of this team that brings The Mindful Step to life across every corner of the business.
JADE NAVEGA
Founder
Entrepreneurship is in my blood—I spent my childhood watching my mum build an interior design business from the ground up. Today, I use that same eye for soul and craftsmanship to curate The Mindful Step. If I’m not scouting new ateliers, I’m likely in the Art District picking up ceramics for my new home. My favorite part of the job? Seeing a guest discover a piece that is truly “a tua cara”—Porto’s way of saying it’s a perfect match for who you are.
MELANIE (Our Trusty Guide)
Tour Guide
A natural storyteller and professional writer, Melanie is an expat who—like me—chose Porto as her home. A retired café owner and true foodie, she knows the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. On her walks, you’re likely to find yourself tasting local honey or sipping natural wine while hearing the real stories of the neighborhood.
ANA SEIXAS
Illustrator of The Mindful Map
The bold, colourful, and quirky illustrator behind our map’s soul. Her work brings our "characters" to life with a unique Porto edge. Be sure to visit her store in Boavista to pick up a proper local souvenir.
MEDB MCCARTHY
Brand & Website Designer
The design powerhouse who turned our vision into a beautiful, tactile reality. Medb is our creative confidante, meticulously shaping the look and feel of our maps, brand and website. Check out her work for your own creative projects.
NICOLE
Social Media and Marketing Mentor
Our social media and marketing mentor. Nicole is the magic behind our strategy and has supported the business for years. For a genuine lens on expat life in Porto, check out her page @nicoleinportugal.
Our values
How we do things around here
Creativity: We celebrate the wild and wonderful. If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it. Every tour and map is packed with curiosity and fresh thinking.
Community: No awkward small talk here. We’re dedicated to building genuine connections, turning strangers into an adopted family so you feel right at home.
Care: We’re fierce advocates for our local partners. We champion ethical consumption and small-scale shopping because we care about this city succeeding.
Connections: Everything we do is rooted in making people feel seen. Whether it’s a maker we love or a guest exploring for the first time, we lead with warmth and curiosity.
Craftsmanship: We celebrate the process and the pride behind handmade things. No mass-produced energy here—just quality, intention, and honest craft.
The Mindful Newsletter
Want to join the neighbourhood circle?
Sign up for our weekly "What’s On" guide and stories from the creative side of the city. We’ll send you our latest digital map to say thank you.