Porto 101: Explore Porto's Food Scene with our Special Tour

The Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour is the longest-running food tour in Porto and how we started as a company - it's our baby. It highlights the classics, the timeless dishes and the essential ingredients that make Porto's cuisine what it is - bringing back the real flavors that grandma and grandpa knew and loved.

This 3.5-hour journey takes you from the gastronomic heart of Porto (Bolhão Market) straight into the vibrant heart of the city (Downtown Area), offering a deep dive into these two landmarks that have always been what makes Porto tick.

Discover 8 unique tasting locations, where you'll enjoy a hand-selected tasting menu: 12 food tastings (striking a perfect balance between sweet and savory) and 4 beverage tastings.

Expect to taste the lesser-known flavors of the north of Portugal and to meet the real Porto, the one that we experience every day and that most travelers rarely see (or taste). Don't expect the usual famous dishes like “Francesinha” or “Pastéis de Nata.” We're all about introducing travelers to foods and wines they won't easily find on their own, like the amazing “pataniscas” (so fluffy you could nap on them) and a variety of wines beyond the famous Port wine.

Speaking of wine, this tour pays homage to the culture of small-scale producers and gives a delicious overview of 4 different Portuguese wine regions.

At each tasting spot, you will also learn about the families and the history behind the restaurants, cafes and specialty food shops that you visit. In between tasting locations, you will hear about the history, architecture, and culture of the area while strolling through the city's charming streets.

In addition to the gastronomic journey, we also make a brief stop to show you the location of the old Jewish Quarter and address that community's contribution to the rise of Porto as a commercial hotspot. For a deeper dive into Jewish Heritage, consider booking our Private Jewish Heritage Walking Tour.

Worried about dietary restrictions?

We know that Traditional Portuguese gastronomy can be a little difficult to navigate when it comes to the so-called special dietary requirements. With that in mind, we've designed our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour in a way that allows us to accommodate most requirements so that a larger amount of travelers can participate and enjoy. We've worked diligently with our partners on this mission to bring Portuguese gastronomy into the XXI century, and we continue to search together for alternatives that are enticing, adequate, delicious, and still reflective of the local traditions.

Secure your spot today, because tickets tend to vanish faster than a plate of freshly baked pastries.

Downtown Porto & Bolhão Market Food Tour ticket price

• Adult ticket: 89€

• Children under 13 years old: 45€

13 Reasons Why People Love this Food Tour in Porto

• 3.5 hours guided walking tour in Downtown Porto

• Small group tour for an intimate experience

• A visit to 8 unique family-run tasting locations

• A hand-selected tasting menu: 12 food tastings (a perfect balance of sweet and savory) and 4 beverage tastings

• Great insight into Porto's gastronomical and urban landscape while discovering the lesser-known Portuguese wine regions

• A wine tasting chosen by a wine expert

• A visit to the bustling Bolhão Food Market

• A passionate and experienced, English-speaking, local guide, WSET-certified and trained in the art of storytelling

• Our tour guides are all certified by Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) . That's the seal of approval for expertise and quality that you can count on throughout your entire journey with us

• A complimentary Porto Tour Guide e-book highlighting the best places to eat, drink and visit in Porto

• Personalized tips and recommendations for the remainder of your stay in Porto

• Unique access to an online show cooking class featuring the Portuguese national dish

• A charitable donation to a local NGO that helps the homeless people in Porto

FAQs about our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour in Porto

• When does this tour run? Our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour runs daily from Monday to Saturday at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Additional slots may be added depending on guide availability. Check the calendar and secure your spot before it’s gone

• How do I book? You can book our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour directly from this webpage by using the calendar feature to check availability and proceed with your purchase

• What’s included in the price? All tastings listed below are included in the price (no hidden costs). The price also includes tour insurance and a charitable donation to a local NGO

• Do you accommodate dietary restrictions? Yes! Please let us know when booking so we can provide suitable alternatives. Dietary restrictions not communicated in advance cannot be accommodated on the day of the tour

• What dietary restrictions can you accommodate? We can accommodate: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, No Pork, No Beef, Gluten or Dairy intolerants, No Nuts, Coriander or Cilantro intolerants, Shellfish Allergies, No Fish, No Alcohol (Please note: overlapping restrictions may limit available options)

• What if I choose the non-alcoholic option? The non-alcoholic alternatives include tea, nectars, juices, and sodas. While these may not carry the same cultural significance as the alcoholic beverages, we’re proud to highlight local Portuguese brands

• Why is there a difference between adult and child fares? We believe in family travel and want to encourage parents to bring their teens along. Children’s tickets are slightly discounted, but rest assured: mini guests get full portions of food

• Can I bring my baby or toddler? Yes! Babies and toddlers are welcome. They won’t take part in the tastings, but please inform us of their attendance for logistics and insurance purposes

• Is this tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels? Absolutely

• What if it rains? No worries, our experiences run rain or shine

• Are restrooms available during the tour? Yes, you’ll have restroom breaks along the way

• How far will we walk? The total distance is about 3 km / 1.9 miles

• I have mobility issues. Can I still do the tour? The walking portion isn’t long, and we move at a relaxed pace. Please note that the first two hours are spent inside Bolhão Market, where seating can be limited, but after that, there are places to sit.

• What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes and, of course, an appetite!

• Where does the tour start? The meeting point is just a 1-minute walk from Bolhão metro station. The exact location will be provided with your tickets

• Is pickup included? No, pickup is not included

• What language is the tour in? All our tours are run in English but we can provide Portuguese or Spanish-speaking guides upon request, for closed groups. Just ask us at [email protected]

• Can I just show up, or do I need to book in advance? Tickets must be purchased in advance; we don’t accept walk-ins

• When is the latest I can book? Tickets must be purchased by 6:00 pm WEST the night before

• Will I receive confirmation after booking? Yes! You’ll receive confirmation immediately, along with our complimentary Porto Tour Guide to help you make the most of your stay

• Does this tour include Port wine tastings? No, this tour skips the port wine. On purpose. But if savoring vintage and port is your thing, we’ve got just the experience for you: the Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour

Interested in a more exclusive Food Tour in Porto?

If you'd like to upgrade to a Premium Drink Package, we invite you to request a Private Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour. Please contact us for more details at [email protected]

Peace of mind policy

Let's imagine that you are unable to make the tour. Can you have a refund? The answer is yes.

• Cancellation requests submitted until 72h before the tour start will be fully refunded (minus the processing fees);

• Cancellation requests submitted between 72h and 24h before the tour start will be refunded in 80% of the total purchase value (minus the processing fees);

• Cancellation requests submitted 24h or less before the tour start are not eligible for any refund.

Refunds can only be processed back to the original credit or debit card used in the purchase. Processing fees: 1.5% + 0.25€ for European Union cards and 3.25% + 0.25€ for non-European Union cards.

As part of our "Peace Of Mind Policy", the first two cases listed above are eligible to be converted into Gift Cards. These are issued with the same purchase value, free of processing fees penalty, and two-year validity. They can be used and topped up for any Taste Porto product. They can be redeemed by the customer or regifted.

We've worked hard on making this a 5-star Food Tour. Secure your spot today and let's see if you agree with us!

Taste Porto: Our Promise to You

At Taste Porto, we don’t settle for the postcard version of the city. Sure, Francesinha is delicious, and Pastel de Nata is amazing, but Porto is more than its greatest hits. Our tour guides invite you to go deeper - because our mission is that, by the end of your journey, Porto won’t feel like a place you’ve visited; it’ll feel like a place you’ve come home to. Tens of thousands have experienced it. Anthony Bourdain approved. Rick Steves agrees. Now it’s your turn. Come taste the real Porto with us!