For Porto FAQs, this is the right spot.

Tour Info

How long is the Food Tour? What is the pace?

Our Food Tours last from 3 to 3.5 hours and cover 2 miles/3 kilometers of food, history, architecture, and culture, which we walk at a moderate pace. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to sit down, at least, at three of the tasting locations for about a total of 40 minutes during the tour.

What's the minimum/maximum group size?

Our food tours are run with a minimum of one guest, and a maximum of 11. On one hand, we have the utmost respect for solo travelers, so we will never cancel a tour due to low attendance - every single visitor in our city is special and welcome. On the other hand, a maximum of 11 people per tour allows us to get to know our guests individually; it enables you to get to know each other; and it allows us to collaborate with partners whose establishments are small - and cosy, and beautiful, and genuine. We are entirely convinced that small is big.

Do we only walk around and sample food?

Absolutely not! Our Food Tours combine architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture, and culinary insight into a unique 3.5-hour experience. Imagine walking through Porto eating our local artisans' most delicious foods while learning the neighborhoods from real locals.

Does the price include all tastings?

All tastings listed on our tour pages are included in the price. Our great relationship with local entrepreneurs allows you to access their specialties at the best price.

What does the tour price not include?

Transportation to the tour’s starting point; activities and tastings not included in the tour itinerary; gratuity for the tour guide.

What if I dislike being in groups or don't appreciate very much the presence of a tour guide?

So you would like to see Porto through the lens of a local but prefer walking on your own without a tour guide and visiting local places at your own pace? Worry not! You'll love our self-guided tasting tour of Porto: the Food Passport (available in 7 languages).

Does the tour come in other languages?

Yes! Our face-to-face tour is in English, but we can do Portuguese or Spanish upon request.

We also have a self-guided tasting tour of Porto, the Food Passport, which is available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Japanese and Korean.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Please be sure and let us know if you (or anyone in your group) have a dietary restriction or allergy when you purchase your tickets. On the Downtown Food Tour we can accommodate vegetarians, gluten or dairy intolerances, but not vegans. On the Vintage Food Tour, we are unable to accomodate vegans, gluten, or dairy intolerants. The same applies to our Craft Beer & Food Tour.

What do we do in case of bad weather?

Tours are held rain or shine. That’s how much we love food! We ask you to check the weather beforehand and dress appropriately. And don’t worry, the tasting will occur indoors if needed as things don't taste as good soggy.

Are babies and young children welcomed on a tour?

Yes, babies and children are welcomed on our Food Tours. However, we ask you to use your judgment to determine if the tour is appropriate for them. Please take into consideration that the tour is 3.5 hours long during which time we are either walking or standing for the majority of it. We have designed most of the tour to go downhills, however, due to steep inclines, tiny cobblestone streets, and the inaccessibility of the tasting locations, the tour is not baby stroller accessible. We recommend using the carrier. Babies and small children who will not be joining the food tastings do not need a ticket.

Why is there a difference between an adult fare and a child fare?

Because we believe in the importance of family vacations and want to motivate parents to travel with teenage kids. Even though your child's ticket may cost a bit less, mini guests won't have smaller portions of food.

We are a larger group. Can we buy some child tickets to make it easier for us?

We're very sorry but no. Child tickets are for kids 13yo or younger, and we trust our guests to respect that.

Regardless of the age of the participant(s), the service provided must be fairly paid nonetheless. That includes locally sourced and high-quality food; your expert tour guide; our amazing partners; personal injuries insurance; and customer support. And this also applies in case you don't drink alcohol because, due to taxes, non-alcoholic beverages cost nearly as much.

We trust our guests to use their better judgment and understanding and only purchase child tickets when it's appropriate. If they decide otherwise, the participants will be treated as children.

I have mobility issues, can I still do the tour?

Our Food Tours cover 3 kilometers/1.9 miles and include several tasting locations. However, this is walked at a leisurely pace over the course of 3.5 hours. We try to strike a good balance between walking, sitting, eating, and enjoying.

That said, please allow us to offer an overall warning for the city. Porto is a medieval city with cobblestone streets and can be hilly in places. At Taste Porto we do our best to accommodate all of our guests. Due to steep inclines, ancient, cobblestone streets, and the inaccessibility of the tasting locations, the tour is not wheelchair or baby-stroller accessible.

One thing to note is that our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour is a bit different. The first 2 hours of this tour are spent inside Bolhão Market, where seating can be limited. After that, you'll have places to sit. Although the walking part isn't too long and we go at a relaxed pace, keep in mind that the tour covers about 3 km (1.9 miles) in Porto's steep and narrow streets.

Do you accept walk-ins?

No, we can't accommodate walk-ins. This is because of the agreement we have with our local partners and the insurance company.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, tickets must be purchased in advance of the tour. Our Food Tours tend to sell out and we do not take walk-ups nor do we accept cash. Please click on ‘Book Now’ on the right-hand sidebar of this webpage to purchase your tickets. Please notice that we do not have a waiting list. However, if a date you prefer is sold out, please email us at [email protected] and we will try to find a solution.

Will I have access to an online show cooking class if I purchase a Food Tour?

Yes. Once you book one of our daily Food Tours, you'll receive an email with the class link.

Can you craft exclusive itineraries tailored to my individual interests, schedule and budget?

Yes. Our Custom Tours are built around particular topics you would like to see addressed. Our team of travel designers has the know-how you need and can put together a special itinerary tailored to your interests, needs, budget, and time constraints.

What is included in Taste Porto Gift Cards?
  • A beautiful custom message greeting card;

  • The best Food Tour in Porto, according to the Guardian: a 3-hour experience that your friend will never forget.

This is our way of delivering your hugs so your loved ones know you're thinking of them. Give the tastiest gift to someone special!

Preparation

Porto or Oporto?

Great question! Porto is the Portuguese word for Porto, but the city is also known as Oporto.

Oporto: as visitors call it;

Porto: like locals call it.

How did this happen?

When the Portuguese refer to the city of Porto, they precede it with the male article “O” which means "The".

The Porto = O Porto

Long Story Short

Since the XVIII century, there has been a strong investment and settlement of British companies in Porto with the goal of trade. When traders (and non-Portuguese speakers in general) referred to Porto, they would imitate phonetically as they heard it: "O Porto" (assuming the actual name of the city was "Oporto").

And this is how the word "Oporto" got into the dictionary.

Is Porto nicer than Lisbon?

Porto is a city you must visit at least once in your life. Of course, we are biased and that’s why we keep publishing articles on our Facebook page and Instagram account of others saying the same. Porto is no longer Lisbon’s ugly sister but instead became the most authentic one. That’s right, we’ve said it: Porto is the most authentic city to visit!

I am planning to fly to Portugal. What exactly do I need to do right now?
  • Please confirm your eligibility to enter or transit to Portugal with the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate and/or airline (and don't forget to review the airline’s policy on refunds before purchasing tickets).
Do I need to wear a face mask in Portugal?

According to the DGS (Portuguese CDC), masks are no longer mandatory, except in healthcare facilities and care homes

What are the best months to visit Porto?

We are frequently asked what is the best time of the year to visit Porto. It’s easy: from January to December… But you know us, we are madly and deeply passionate about this city! Then again, this question got us thinking about which time of the year would be the best to visit Porto from a visitor’s point of view.

We have to say that late spring/early summer is an amazing time to visit Porto. The weather is perfect with mild temperatures (between 22ºC to 30ºC), the public gardens look like paintings with all the colors of a rainbow and you can also enjoy the sandy beaches of Porto. The cherry on top of the cake for this time of the year is called Saint John – the city’s patron saint and biggest party. We celebrate Saint John on the night of the 23rd to 24th of June, in a citywide event. We call it “the longest night of the year” (which is pretty self-explanatory of what this party is all about, right?).

Do I need to speak Portuguese to visit Porto? Is English spoken in Porto?

If you have been here already, you know Portugal is a country where you’ll easily find people speaking English. If you haven’t, believe us when we say that it is. Everyone, from the young to the elder, speaks at least some English and will be happy to talk to you. Come to think of it some elders might not, but there will always be someone else nearby. Don't worry!

What airport do you fly into for Porto?

Porto Airport, also known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, is the second-largest airport in Portugal.

In Portugal, there are 5 major airports located in the main cities of Portugal. They are: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and the two others situated outside the mainland: Funchal in Madeira and Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

How far is Porto airport from the city centre?

The airport is located around 11km from the city centre of Porto, and the journey by car should take around 20 minutes in normal traffic. You can easily get to the city centre by metro. It will take you no more than 30 minutes. Line E (Purple) runs every 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the time and day of the week. The metro journey from the airport to the city centre passes through four fare zones and a Z4 ticket is required. This metro ticket can be purchased from a ticket machine.

Does Porto have uber?

Yes. But, in our opinion, of all the different ways of getting around Porto, the city's metro is the fastest, most affordable and most reliable way. Trains are great for taking day trips from Porto, such as Braga, Douro, Guimarães or Aveiro. Getting around Porto on foot is a great option as well - pick a street and follow your instinct!

Why Porto is the city to visit this year?

If you want authenticity, Porto is the place to go. No tie or coat is required. We look forward to showing you a side of Porto that most travelers never get to see.

Is Porto a good holiday destination?

Are you an art lover? A total foodie? A nature enthusiast? A wine lover? A beer lover? Whatever you are looking for on your next trip, you will surely find it here in Porto.

Is Portugal safe for tourists?

Yes. Portugal was considered the safest country in the EU and the third safest country in the world. Come and see it with your own eyes!

What kind of food do Portuguese people eat?

We’ll be honest with you: Portuguese do food pretty well. There’s the famous Francesinha, of course. But there’s also Porto-style tripe, white bean stew; there’s “prego” (rump steak with ham and a fried egg), “chanfana” (slow-cooked goat with wine and spices), “moelas”, “patanisca”, “bacalhau”… and the list goes on forever. Porto’s food can be easily considered comfort food.

Are there any Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Porto?

Yes. Over the last few years, Porto has become increasingly open to different lifestyles. Popping up all over are record stores, vintage markets and shops, surf schools, and, increasingly, more vegetarian places. While it is true that most restaurants in the city are not vegetarian (or vegan), in fact, a lot of regular restaurants and cafes now offer vegetarian options.

What is the national dish in Portugal?

Whenever we want to show what Portuguese cuisine means in only one dish (a task which is both difficult and stifling) we think of … “Cozido à Portuguesa” (literally translated: “Boilt a la Portuguese”). Do not be fooled by its simple name though, this is considered by many to be the national dish (we cannot say 100% of Portuguese agree with this, but then again, try getting two Portuguese to decide what is the best sweet made in Portugal and you could be in for hours of discussion). We invite you to book a Food Tour today toget exclusive access to an online show cooking class where you'll learn how to make Cozido à Portuguesa. Always with the guidance of our food-obsessed tour guide.

What is a Food and Wine Tour anyway?

Let’s be honest, when we choose a travel destination, there’s one thing that immediately goes to the top of our list: taste the local food! While it’s true that we simply want to indulge our palate with new flavors, we also know that a food experience usually adds something more: you taste the food of locals, you get to interact with them, you learn something about the place and the food, and sometimes, you even make new friends. Overall, it’s an enriching experience, which is why we travel in the first place.

Food tours are just for foodies?

We refuse the idea that food tours are just for foodies. In our opinion, food tours are a vehicle for a city’s culture. Nothing captures the essence of a culture like the tastes, smells, food, and wines of the local cuisine. What locals eat, when, where and how much is a window into their every day and, therefore, into the country’s way of life. During our food tours, you’ll often meet and be welcomed by local families in their small, authentic restaurants, cafes, and bars and immediately swept into the taste of life in Porto. Therefore, Taste Porto Food Tours will please any curious traveler that wishes to dive deep into a new culture. Book your place today!

When should I book a Taste Porto Food Tour?

We recommend booking your food tours on one of the first days of your trip. You’ll get great tips from the guide and you will most certainly want to return to some of the locations on the tour to taste the food again and to take some sweet memories back home.

What is the best area to stay in Porto?

Your accommodation in Porto is more than just a place to lay your head down, instead, it is whatever you want it to be: a place to make friends and share stories, a spot to feel that you are in a home away from home, a romantic getaway for two… no matter what, we’ve got you covered! Book a Food Tour today and get an exclusive Free Guide where we point out the best places to stay, eat, drink or visit in Porto.

Does it snow in Porto?

Snowfall in Porto? No, not really. However, if you head to Serra da Estrela in Continental Portugal, you'll find the country's highest peak, reaching an impressive 1,993 meters. It's a popular destination for people from Portugal and other places who want to experience the magic of snowy landscapes.

Where is the Douro Valley located?

Just an hour and a half away from Porto, you can find the Douro Valley, one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. Visiting Porto gives you the opportunity to experience the Douro valley. If you want to enjoy a day in the wine region where Port wine and other table wines originate from, we recommend Douro Exclusive for the most authentic experience.

How far is Porto from the National Park?

The only Portuguese National Park (Peneda-Gerês) is just a couple of hours away from Porto. Here you can enjoy amazing landscapes and natural waterfalls. Call Carla and Sérgio from O’Porto Adventure Tours and ask them to take you to their favorite hidden spots on this tour.

Are 5 days in Porto too long?

You can spend a week in Porto and still have plenty left on your to-do list.

What other cities to explore nearby Porto?

If you have the benefit of time, we recommend that you explore some great nearby destinations, such as Aveiro, Braga, Guimarães and Coimbra.

What is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto?

You can either fly, drive or take the train.

Is there a travel app for exploring Porto like a local?

Yes. We launched a brand new app for iOS and Android: the Taste Porto APP. It is an easy way for first-time visitors to explore Porto and make the most of their time in town. The Taste Porto APP is free to download and install and includes free (and amazing) content created by passionate locals. On your device, go to the Google Play Store or the Apple APP Store and search for “Taste Porto”. Don't forget to share your user experience with us!

We heard that Porto is often ranked as one of the best places to retire abroad. Is this true?

Yes. We are proud to confirm it.

I tried to get some canned sardines from our supermarkets but they’re just not the same. Any ideas if there are any portuguese food markets in my city?

Portugal is known on a worldwide scale for its wonderful gastronomy. We know a few Portuguese food markets around the world. Send us an e-mail ([email protected]) and we'll share the list with you.

Policies

I am unable to make my tour, can I have a refund?

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.

Are bathrooms available during the tour?

Yes, bathrooms are available during the Food Tour at selected food-tasting locations.

Can pets join our tours?

We've been trying our best to make sure that we can bring your furry friend on a tour with us, but unfortunately, it is not possible.

During our food tours, we collaborate with local partners who, in accordance with Portuguese legislation, have specific pet policies in place. Typically, pets are not permitted, with the exception of law-recognized guide dogs.

While we admit that most of our local partners do have an outdoor terrace, the weather is a bit unstable in Porto and it could start raining on the day of the tour and that would not be a good experience either for you or your 4-legged friend.

If you would still like to join and let your furry friend rest at home, it is our pleasure to welcome you to one of our Porto Food Tours.

We truly appreciate your comprehension of these guidelines as we strive to ensure an exceptional tour experience for you.

Do you have an offer for corporate or private events?

We absolutely do! We can accommodate a variety of special requests (family reunions, birthday parties, out-of-town guests, corporate and more) with our Private Tours. Just bear in mind we have limitations in terms of group size. Contact us ([email protected]) to talk more about this possibility.

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