Beyond the Barrel: From Decadent to Down-home in the Heart of Porto

Porto , Portugal

Beyond the Barrel: From Decadent to Down-home in the Heart of Porto

Active

(240 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Porto is a picture-perfect city, its beauty easily captured in a single frame — monumental churches dressed in blue tiles line a steep street opening up onto a view over the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river, where the city’s famed Port wine lodges and their iconic billboards dot the hill. Dig deeper into the backstreets and we find the complexities of city life and the culinary diversity that comes with it. On this full-day food tour, with at least ten tasting stops, we’ll start with the city’s favorite pastry, the éclair, and strong coffee before visiting a 3rd generation chocolate-maker. We’ll stop into a tavern for a quick petisco of smoked meat and whatever’s fresh and then visit a traditional cheese shop for a tasting. We’ll sample one of Porto’s famed sandwiches at a lunch counter crowded with locals and head to a neighborhood restaurant to taste the freshest fish and finish with a tasting Port wine and gooey cakes created in a Portuguese convent.

Available options

Beyond the Barrel: From Decadent to Down-home in the Heart of Porto

What's included

Alcoholic Beverages

Lunch

Snacks

Breakfast

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

A monumental square with the sights of Igreja do Carmo and Igreja das Carmelitas, where we are surrounded by the iconic and historical elements of Porto life that we discuss during the walk, including the Clérigos tower, a genuine baroque masterpiece. From there we will enjoy a delicious pastry with coffee.

A magnificent viewpoint to enjoy the city and it’s geography, where we can taste a traditional savory pastry.

Stop 3

We’ll pop into the station for a quick lesson on migration history, before some fresh fruit. Then nearby we will stop into a taverna with an avid local following for a sip of vinho verde and a taste of charcuterie and a salt cod speciality.

Stop 4 Pass by

Nearby we will enjoy one the best sandwiches of the city, a Porto speciality, with the friendliest staff you can find.

Stop 5

Cheese, wine and small plates in a square full of delicious food.

Here we will take in the amazing views as we reflect on the amazing food we had during the tour

Nearby we will enjoy dessert in a very special bakery.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

232 reviews

5★

216

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The meeting point is at Praceta da Palestina, at the red vintage phone booth just across from Pastelaria Imperio located at Rua Fernandes Tomás, 775.

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