Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class / Showcooking

Porto , Portugal

Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class / Showcooking

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(206 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Through this experience you will be able to visit a traditional market in the city of Porto where you will have an introduction to the customs and traditions of the local inhabitants.

After visiting the Market, time to head to our space located at Rua do Pilar 80, Vila Nova de Gaia, to prepare a typical Portuguese meal, where cod cannot be missing. Participation in the making is optional, however encouraged.

As the Portuguese love it, after the meal is ready it's time to sit down at the table and enjoy the food, local wine and most importantly, the company.

Available options

Cooking Experience AM

What's included

Local wine

Lunch will be dishes prepared during the tour. Alheira croquettes, cod dish, and pastel de nata.

Mercado do Bolhão visit / Local Market visit

Portuguese cuisine workshop

Coffee and/or Tea

What's not included

Changes to the pre-established menu

Gratuities

Pick up and drop off from accommodation or any other meeting point other than the established one

Other means of transport than those announced.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

65 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

141 reviews

5★

137

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Children and teenagers will have limited participation. For safety reasons, the guide will not allow children to participate in certain stages, even if their guardians claim that they are capable of doing so.

Minors will not be accepted without being accompanied by an adult.

Animals, including service animals, are not allowed

This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants to be hosted

Not recommended for vegetarians and those who are lactose intolerant.

Meeting point

Inside the Mercado do Bolhão, in front of the main fountain, the guide will be present 10 minutes beforehand, identified with a C&D Porto Local Tours umbrella. Participants who are not present at the scheduled time will miss the Market tour.

Important notes

Mercado do Bolhão
R. Formosa 322, 4000-248 Porto, Portugal
Inside the Mercado do Bolhão, in front of the main fountain, the guide will be present 10 minutes beforehand, identified with a CD Porto Local Tours umbrella. Participants who are not present at the scheduled time will miss the tour with no possibility of rescheduling or refund.
We will end the tour at Rua do Pilar 80, Vila Nova de Gaia, not at the starting point. From May 1st we hope to move to our new premises 10 minutes walk from Bolhão Market. From that moment on we will walk between the two places.

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River