Porto turns into a puzzle board in 2 hours. Closed at 7 Chaves (Escape IN City) puts you in a team mission to find seven encrypted keys so a hacker can’t steal the bitcoins. I like that it’s built like a light city-walk with tasks, riddles, and photo/video moments, plus it works in Portuguese, English, Spanish, or French. One catch: it’s not set up for everyone time-wise or language-wise, and the game is more indicated for age 15+ than for younger kids.

I also like the pacing option. You can do it by foot or by bike, and the “icons on the map” are close enough that you keep moving instead of getting stuck in transit loops. The included stop at Jeronymo is a smart reset for when you need a breather, a laugh, or a quick regroup.

You’ll want to plan around one practical detail: the timer starts only when you log in. So if you arrive at the meeting point late, charge anxiety kicks in fast. Also, since you’re solving on a smartphone, bring a charged phone and be ready for a game that can feel tougher than a standard scavenger hunt.

Key takeaways before you go

• Seven encrypted keys story: You’re not just hunting objects, you’re solving a mini heist plot.
• Phone saves photos and videos: Your “evidence” ends up in your gallery for easy group teasing later.
• Teams keep it fun: Family and friends works well because puzzles are meant to be discussed.
• Walk or bike: You can choose the pace and route style that fits your group.
• Hints and built-in rescue: If you’re stuck after a few tries, you’re guided forward instead of endlessly stalled.

Closed at 7 Chaves: A city escape with a hacker storyline

This isn’t a silent, room-only escape. It’s a city game that treats Porto like the board, and you like the cryptologist. The premise is simple: find the 7 encrypted keys, run away, and stop the hacker from stealing the bitcoins. The storyline gives the riddles a reason to exist, instead of feeling like random trivia stamps.

The format is team-based. You play in a group, solve tasks and riddles, and follow a course of clues that show up as icons on your map. You’ll move between areas around those icons until the next task opens. If you like “figure it out with your people” energy, this is right in that lane.

The best part is that the clues are tied to real street visuals and city details. You’re looking at doors, keys, coins, wine-glass shapes, and other icons that guide you to nearby locations. It turns ordinary Porto wandering into purposeful walking, the kind that makes you notice small things you’d normally ignore.

Meeting point at the city hall: start when you log in

You meet in front of the city hall. That’s where you’ll set everything in motion. Here’s the thing I’d underline: time starts when you log in to the game. So when you arrive, don’t treat login like a formality.

Before your start, download the LOQUIZ app and get ready to enter the login credentials emailed to you. Those credentials arrive by email after purchase, and you’re advised to book in advance so you don’t get stuck waiting for the email.

Once you open LOQUIZ, you pick a language (Portuguese, English, Spanish, or French), create your team name, and enter your player count. Then you read the intro text and the game begins.

Practical note: because the timer starts at login, build in a short buffer. If you’re gathering the group, taking photos, or trying to find parking, your 2-hour window is quietly running in the background.

How the map clues work: icons, nearby areas, and tasks that open

The game uses a map view with icons. You’ll see symbols that correspond to tasks—things like doors, keys, wine glasses, coins, and other icon-style hints. Your job is to walk (or bike) to the area near the icon. Once you’re within the relevant surrounding spot, the task can open.

This design does two good things for you:

1) it keeps you actively moving through the center area, and

2) it gives structure so you’re not guessing where to go next.

It’s also why choosing foot vs bike matters. Walking is simple and relaxed, but if your group likes momentum, biking can help you cover ground without turning the game into a slow grind. Either way, aim to keep your group together. When people split, it takes longer to confirm the right answer and decide which hint to use.

One more reality check: some clues can depend on street visuals like markings or graffiti-like elements. If something looks different from what the game expects, don’t panic. Use hints early, because the game is designed to keep you from getting trapped.

The Jeronymo reset: why this included stop helps

One thing I appreciate is that the game includes a break point: a stop at Jeronymo to reset your energy. The game is only 2 hours, but that’s exactly why a planned recharge matters. You’ll be switching between walking and puzzle work, and even well-designed riddles feel like work after a while.

So think of Jeronymo as your mid-game regroup. Use it to take stock: how are you doing on keys, what clues are still unclear, and do you need to change strategy? This is also a natural moment for your team to compare notes and align on what you think the logic is.

I wouldn’t expect it to be a “café tour” based on the info alone, but the included reset is still valuable. In a city-game format, small downtime keeps the team vibe positive and stops the last stretch from turning into frustration.

Puzzles, hints, and getting unstuck without losing the vibe

The structure of the riddles is team-friendly. You’ll work on tasks and answers, and you’ll have access to hints if you’re struggling. The key detail: hints can be used without losing points, which makes them feel like a smart tool rather than a punishment.

There’s also a safety net if you keep missing. If you can’t answer correctly on the third attempt, the game will provide the correct answer and let you move toward the next icon. That’s a big deal for a city course where you can’t pause the world while everyone gets unstuck.

Here’s how I’d play it with your group:

• First pass: try to solve together quickly.
• Second pass: if the logic isn’t landing, use a hint before everyone burns energy.
• Third attempt: accept the provided answer and focus on the next icon, not the mistake.

This approach keeps the game fun and prevents the dreaded spiral of one stubborn question slowing everyone down.

Also, keep an eye on the clock. If your group is slower or you like to talk through every clue, 2 hours can feel short. That’s not the game being unfair; it’s just the reality of covering a walking route and solving multiple tasks.

Language choices: great for most groups, not for Dutch speakers

The game supports Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. That’s excellent if your group can operate in one of those languages. It also means the riddle instructions and tasks will be in your selected language in the LOQUIZ app.

But if you were hoping for Dutch, plan differently. This game doesn’t list Dutch among its supported languages, and that can make the experience harder than it needs to be, especially if your team depends on a very specific wording.

My advice: before you start, confirm your group can comfortably follow the tasks in your chosen language. The puzzles aren’t just “find the picture,” they ask you to interpret and respond. Clear language access is part of the enjoyment.

Photos and videos saved to your phone: the best kind of souvenir

The game includes a playful side effect: photos and videos are saved on your phone’s gallery. That means your goofy moments, team reactions, and “we found it” photos don’t vanish after you finish the game.

For city games, this is a practical upgrade. Instead of only getting the memory of solving, you get actual media you can share right away. It also gives you something to do as a group during natural pauses, like waiting for others to catch up to the next icon area.

Because it’s stored on your own device, the phone becomes a central piece of the whole experience. That’s why bringing a charged smartphone isn’t optional.

Also, if you’re low on battery, you’ll feel it sooner than later. You’ll be reading, scanning, walking, and recording. Charge up before you leave the hotel and keep a power strategy in mind.

Who this fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a team city game, so it fits best when you want active sightseeing with puzzles. It works for family and friends, and the age guidance suggests over 15 years old is the best match. That doesn’t mean younger groups can’t try, but if you want the smoothest experience, aim for teens and adults.

It also fits well when you enjoy:

• walking as part of the activity (not just between attractions)
• solving riddles together
• using phone-guided clues
• taking a few funny photos while you’re at it

On the other hand, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or visually impaired people. The format depends on you physically reaching surrounding areas of icons and reading tasks on your phone.

If your group includes someone who can’t do much walking, you might want to skip this one and choose a different Porto activity.

Price and value: $47 per group can be a steal if you fill it

The price is listed as $47 per group up to 5, for a duration of 2 hours. On paper, that’s not “cheap” for one person, but it can become a very good deal when you split it.

• If you have 5 people: you’re effectively at about $9.40 each.
• If you have 3 people: about $15.70 each.

The key is that the experience is designed for teams. More people means more brains on the clues, better discussion, and more fun during the silly photo/video moments.

So this is strongest value when you actually have a full group. If you’re two people, it can still be worth it if you like cooperative puzzle challenges, but it’s the kind of activity where you feel the per-person cost more.

Also, this is not a museum tour with assigned guides. It’s self-paced guided gameplay, so the value depends on whether you’ll enjoy the game mechanic. If you love riddles and city wandering, it’s worth it.

My practical tips so you finish the keys (with good energy)

If you want your 2 hours to feel more fun than stressful, do these three things:

1) Arrive early and log in smoothly. Since time starts at login, don’t treat it casually.

2) Pick a language the whole team can handle. Confusion on instructions kills momentum.

3) Use hints without pride. Hints don’t cost points, and getting stuck hurts the pace.

And one more tip that comes from the nature of city games: if a clue relies on street visuals, expect that real life changes. Tags get painted over, surfaces look different. When something doesn’t match, don’t freeze. Hit the hint flow and keep moving.

Should you book Escape IN City in Porto?

I’d book Escape IN City – Closed at 7 Chaves if you want a lively, team-based way to see Porto beyond the usual photo stops. The storyline makes the puzzles feel purposeful, and the game structure keeps you moving from icon to icon. The photos and videos saved to your phone add real payoff after you finish.

Skip it if you’re expecting a calm, fully guided sightseeing tour, or if your group needs Dutch specifically. Also skip if physical accessibility is an issue, since the route depends on you reaching nearby areas and reading tasks on your phone.

If you can make a group of up to 5, speak one of the supported languages, and you’re okay with a time-boxed puzzle challenge, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Escape IN City?

You meet in front of the city hall.

How long does the game last?

The duration is listed as 2 hours.

What does it cost?

It’s priced at $47 per group up to 5 players.

Which languages are available?

The app supports Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

How do I start the game?

After booking, you receive login credentials by email. You download the LOQUIZ app, select your language, create a team name, enter the number of players, then log in to begin.

Do I need a smartphone?

Yes. You need a charged smartphone, and photos and videos are saved on your phone’s gallery.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it’s also not suitable for visually impaired people.

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