Porto is a city that practically screams for food lovers and shopping enthusiasts alike. Its bustling markets, boutique shops, and lively food scene make it an ideal place to explore through guided tours. What sets Porto apart is its authenticity—local markets like Mercado do Bolhão are still the heartbeat of daily life, offering fresh produce and traditional treats. We especially love the Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class / Showcooking for its engaging mix of market exploration, hands-on cooking, and local wine sipping. It’s perfect for those wanting to taste true Portuguese flavor while learning how the dishes are made.
While Porto may be famous for Port wine, its markets and food shops provide a different, equally captivating experience. Whether you’re interested in cooking classes, immersive market tours, or fun escape room adventures, the city offers a variety of options to suit different interests and budgets. Below is a carefully selected list of the best shopping and market tours in Porto, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class / Showcooking
This highly-rated, small-group experience combines a visit to a traditional Porto market with a hands-on cooking class. You start by meeting your guide at one of Porto’s authentic markets, such as Mercado do Bolhão, where you’ll meet vendors, see how locals shop, and select fresh, seasonal ingredients. The guide shares insights into Portuguese food and wine traditions, making this more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a culture. After gathering your ingredients, you’ll head to a cozy kitchen where you’ll help prepare a multi-course Portuguese meal.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on local flavors and the intimacy of small groups, which usually means more personal attention. The chef will guide you through traditional recipes, pairing your meal with local wines, and at the end, you’ll sit down to enjoy your own culinary creations. Reviewers praise Nuno’s energy and passion, noting that the experience offers a deep dive into Portuguese cuisine in just four hours. For those who love hands-on cooking and authentic market visits, this tour offers exceptional value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want to learn, cook, and eat like a local in a relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy Portuguese wines.
2. Shopping, Cooking and Eating Together at My Home in Porto
For around $86, this intimate experience offers a guided gastronomy workshop hosted in a local resident’s home. Starting with a visit to a nearby supermarket and small garden, you shop for ingredients while learning about Portuguese culinary traditions. Then, you’ll move to the host’s house—an environment that feels like cooking with a friend—where you’ll prepare a meal together, choosing from options like traditional stews, seafood, or regional specialties.
The host, Nuno, is praised for his welcoming manner and culinary expertise. You’ll enjoy delicious Portuguese wines throughout, with the chance to snack on appetizers like ham, cheese, and olives. Guests love this personal touch, noting that learning in a home setting makes the experience more authentic and memorable. The option to choose between lunch or dinner introduces some flexibility, fitting various schedules.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate cooking experience with a local host, enjoying good wine and engaging conversation.
3. Porto: Bolhão Market Food Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit
This guided food tour of Bolhão Market offers a taste of Porto’s most iconic market, combined with a rooftop bar visit for panoramic city views. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and includes tasting local cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, and a sweet pastel de nata, Portugal’s beloved custard tart. You’ll also enjoy sampling Ginja, a cherry liqueur, alongside your fellow foodies.
What makes this tour special is its focus on Porto’s culinary staples within the market setting. The guide shares insights into how vendors craft their products, making each tasting both delicious and educational. The rooftop bar provides a memorable backdrop for socializing and photos, making this a lively, engaging experience. Guests praise the friendly atmosphere and the variety of tastings, making it suitable for those who want a quick, flavorful introduction to Porto’s food scene.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a compact, fun food experience that combines market exploration with stunning city views.
4. Arrábida Shopping Center: Wizard School Hogwarts Escape Room
Looking for something different? At number 4, the Wizard School Hogwarts Escape Room offers a 60-minute adventure full of spells, wands, and teamwork. Located at Arrábida Shopping Center, this escape room is inspired by the beloved wizarding world—think Harry Potter—with puzzles and challenges designed to test your logic and collaboration.
This experience is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys a break from traditional tours. It’s a playful way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or shopping, with the added bonus of being in a major shopping center, so you can combine it with some retail therapy. While it’s straightforward and purely fun, it offers a nice change of pace and a chance to test your problem-solving skills.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a light-hearted, interactive activity that’s accessible and fun for all ages.
5. Porto: Arrábida Shopping Escape Room AXN Experience
For a different flavor of adventure, the AXN Escape Room offers a 60-minute challenge where you become part of a SWAT team trying to catch criminals after a major robbery. This experience is exclusive and taps into the thrill of teamwork, puzzle-solving, and a storyline that’s inspired by popular crime shows.
Situated at Arrábida Shopping, this activity caters to those who love action-packed, immersive experiences. It’s highly interactive, with a focus on quick thinking and collaboration. The price point is modest, making it a fun add-on or alternative to shopping or cultural tours. Reviews note the excitement and the sense of being part of a real-life mission.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure seekers or groups that thrive on problem-solving and role-playing in a fun, energetic environment.
6. Porto: Guided Gastronomic Tour of the Bolhão Market with Tastings
This tour offers an up-close look at the Bolhão Market, with a focus on tasting local specialties. Over three hours, you’ll sample vinho verde, artisanal cheeses, freshly grilled sardines, and artisanal chocolates. The guide helps you understand the significance of each item and how they fit into Porto’s culinary landscape.
What makes this tour appealing is its emphasis on market life and regional flavors. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive, immersive experience without the hands-on cooking. The tour ends with a sweet treat—pastel de nata—and a choice of drink to toast your culinary outing.
While slightly pricier at $112, it offers a rich tasting experience combined with cultural insights. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the chance to enjoy local vinho verde and artisanal products in a lively market environment.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food lovers who want to explore Porto’s market scene and sample a wide array of regional specialties.
How to Choose the Right Shopping & Market Tour in Porto
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and how much time you want to dedicate. For an in-depth, hands-on culinary experience, the Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed, intimate setting, the Shopping, cooking and eating at a local’s home offers a cozy, authentic vibe.
Those wanting a quick flavor fix should opt for the Bolhão Market Food Tour with Rooftop Bar, while families or groups looking for fun may enjoy the Hogwarts-inspired escape room. For a more active challenge, the SWAT escape room provides an adrenaline rush with minimal time commitment.
Remember to book early, especially in peak season, and check if your preferred experience offers flexible options for lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
Porto offers a fantastic range of shopping and market tours that cater to different tastes—whether you’re interested in cooking, tasting, or simply exploring local markets. If you’re looking for an immersive culinary experience with a personal touch, the Porto Local Market Visit & Cooking Class is a standout. For something lighthearted and fun, the escape rooms at Arrábida Shopping add a playful twist to your visit.
No matter which you choose, these tours provide a taste of Porto that’s both authentic and memorable. Planning ahead will ensure you get the best experience, so don’t hesitate to book your favorite early and enjoy an unforgettable exploration of this delicious city.