Porto: Local Market Tour and Cooking Class

Enjoy the vibrant culinary culture of Porto with the "Local Market Tour and Cooking Class." This 4-hour experience takes you on a journey through the historic Mercado do Bolhão, where you’ll discover local produce and artisanal goods alongside a knowledgeable guide. After selecting fresh ingredients, you’ll head to a nearby kitchen to learn the art of preparing the iconic Portuguese dish, cod. But the experience doesn’t end there – you’ll also savor traditional delights like Pastel de Nata and local wines, making for a truly engaging culinary adventure.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Cooking Classes In Porto.

Key Points

• Immersive 4-hour experience that explores Porto’s authentic municipal market and includes a hands-on cooking class for traditional Portuguese dishes.
• Guided market tour provides an in-depth look at local produce, seafood, and artisanal goods, enhancing participants’ appreciation for high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Cooking class led by a local chef focuses on preparing the iconic Portuguese cod dish, allowing for a collaborative and interactive experience in recreating the dish.
• Sampling of traditional Portuguese delights, such as olives, lupines, and Pastel de Nata, along with refreshing drinks, including local wine and espresso, offers a memorable taste of Porto’s vibrant food culture.
• The experience is suitable for adults and youths, with a free cancellation policy and no upfront payment required, making it an accessible option for exploring Porto’s culinary heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The "Porto: Local Market Tour and Cooking Class" offers an immersive 4-hour experience for up to 10 participants, priced from $100.66 per person.

The tour operates in English and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The activity highlights include visiting Porto’s authentic municipal market, learning about Portuguese history and cuisine, and cooking the famous Portuguese dish – cod.

Suitable for adults and youths, the experience also includes enjoying traditional Portuguese foods and beverages.

Experience Highlights

Visitors on this immersive tour can expect to explore Porto’s authentic municipal market, where they’ll learn about the city’s rich culinary history and traditions.

The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to cook the famous Portuguese dish – cod. Guests will also savor traditional Portuguese delights, including olives, lupines, grilled sausages, Alheira with marmalade mayonnaise, and the iconic Pastel de Nata.

Refreshments like water, juices, local wine, and espresso are included. Suitable for both adults and youth, this tour offers an engaging, hands-on exploration of Porto’s vibrant food culture.

Itinerary Details

Starting the tour, participants meet inside Mercado do Bolhão, in front of the main fountain, where they’ll find a blue C&D Porto Local Tours umbrella. The guided market visit is followed by a short metro trip to Jardim do Morro for city views, before heading to the kitchen for the cooking class and show cooking.

Inclusions	Details
Market Visit	Guided tour of the authentic municipal market
Cooking Class	Learn to cook the famous Portuguese dish: Cod
Traditional Eats	Enjoy olives, lupines, grilled sausages, Alheira with marmalade mayonnaise, and Pastel de Nata
Drinks	Water, juices, local wine, espresso

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a seamless experience for participants.

Important Information

This tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Participants must be fit enough to navigate the market and walk short distances during the experience. For safety reasons, the number of children and teenagers allowed to join is limited.

The tour includes a guided visit to the market, a cooking class or show cooking session, and transportation to and from the meeting point.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that suits the weather.

This immersive culinary adventure offers an authentic glimpse into Porto’s vibrant food culture, regardless of the day’s weather.

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Customer Reviews

The Porto Market Tour and Cooking Class has received an impressive 5/5 rating based on 15 customer reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the excellent market visit, informative guide, delicious food, and engaging cooking experience. While a few have noted the perceived high price, the customer base remains strong, particularly among American travelers. The feedback highlights the tour’s ability to provide an authentic and immersive experience into Portuguese history and cuisine.

Reviewer	Rating	Feedback
Samantha	5/5	Fantastic market tour and cooking class. Learned so much about Portuguese food.
Michael	5/5	The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and the food was top-notch. Highly recommended.
Emily	4/5	Loved the market visit, but found the cooking class a bit rushed. Overall, great experience.
David	5/5	One of the highlights of my trip to Porto. Don’t miss this tour!
Jessica	5/5	The perfect balance of culture, history, and hands-on cooking. Unforgettable!

Market Visit

Upon arrival at the Mercado do Bolhão, the guide leads the group to the main fountain, where they gather under a blue C&D Porto Local Tours umbrella.

The guide provides an overview of the market’s history and significance, highlighting its role in Porto’s culinary heritage.

Participants are then free to explore the bustling stalls, browsing the vibrant displays of local produce, freshly caught seafood, and artisanal goods.

The guide encourages guests to interact with the friendly vendors, asking questions and learning about the stories behind the ingredients.

This immersive experience allows participants to gain a deeper appreciation for the market’s role in the city’s daily life and the importance of sourcing high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.

Cooking Class

After exploring the vibrant market, the group heads to a nearby kitchen space to begin the cooking class.

Under the guidance of a local chef, participants learn the intricacies of preparing the iconic Portuguese dish – cod. The chef demonstrates each step, from preparing the fresh ingredients to the cooking techniques.

Participants then have the opportunity to get hands-on, working together to recreate the dish. The cooking class is an interactive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to dive deeper into Portuguese culinary traditions.

Once the cooking is complete, the group enjoys the fruits of their labor, savoring the delicious meal alongside traditional accompaniments like olives and local wine.

Culinary Delights

Visitors eagerly savor the culinary delights that await them during the Porto cooking class experience.

They’ll learn how to prepare the famous Portuguese dish, cod, while sampling traditional foods like olives, lupines, and the beloved Pastel de Nata.

The market tour provides an immersive glimpse into the country’s rich history and cuisine. Guided by an expert, participants gain valuable insights into the ingredients and techniques that define Portuguese cooking.

Refreshing drinks, including local wine and espresso, complement the flavorful dishes.

This engaging culinary adventure caters to both adults and youth, offering a memorable taste of Porto’s vibrant food culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is flexible, but participants are advised to wear clothing that matches the weather conditions. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the market visit and short distances during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Cooking Equipment?

The cooking class does not allow participants to bring their own equipment. All necessary cooking tools and ingredients are provided by the tour organizers to ensure a smooth and consistent experience for all attendees.

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

While the tour primarily focuses on traditional Portuguese cuisine, the cooking class can accommodate vegetarian and vegan participants. Advance notice is recommended to ensure the menu is adjusted to meet their dietary needs.

How Can I Request Dietary Accommodations?

To request dietary accommodations, customers should contact the tour operator in advance. The company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or vegan options, if notified prior to the event.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

The tour doesn’t offer group discounts, but you can still save by booking with friends. The max group size is 10, so organizing a small group could be a cost-effective way to enjoy the experience.

Recap

This immersive culinary experience in Porto showcases the vibrant local market and allows participants to learn the secrets of preparing iconic Portuguese dishes. From selecting fresh ingredients to hands-on cooking, it’s a delightful way to connect with the city’s rich food culture. Whether a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this tour promises an engaging and memorable culinary adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: