Porto: Traditional Food & Wine Tour with Tastings

Summary

Porto food tour with wine tastings codfish stories city walks

You’ll taste your way through Porto’s traditional dishes—think codfish fritters and creamy custard tarts—while hearing stories from a local guide who knows every shortcut and secret spot. Expect laughter over shared plates, plenty of wine, and those small moments that make you feel part of the city for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is Ana waving us over outside this bakery near São Bento — she had that easy way of making you feel like you’d known her for ages. “Try this,” she said, handing me a pastel de nata still warm from the oven. The top was caramelized just right and the smell made my stomach growl (I’d skipped breakfast on purpose). We stood there on the sidewalk, powdered sugar dusting our fingers, while Ana told us how her grandmother used to make these at home in Vila Nova de Gaia. Someone in our group tried to say “obrigado” and it came out all wrong — we laughed so hard the baker peeked out to see what was going on.

We wandered through Porto’s old streets, stopping every so often for another bite or sip — salted codfish fritters at a tiny tavern where the walls were covered in azulejos, then a glass of vinho verde that tasted almost fizzy on my tongue. Our guide explained why everyone here seems obsessed with bacalhau (cod), even though it doesn’t swim anywhere near Portugal. I didn’t expect to get so into the history behind each dish; turns out there are hundreds of ways to cook codfish and every family has their own opinion about which is best. At one point, someone asked if we’d ever get full — Ana just grinned and said, “Trust me.”

I kept noticing little things: the clatter of cups behind the counter, old men playing cards by the window, that salty smell near the river when we crossed toward another tasting spot. There was this moment when we all went quiet tasting a slow-cooked pork sandwich — not because anyone told us to be silent but because it was honestly that good. I still think about that bite sometimes when I’m hungry late at night back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Traditional Portuguese Food and City Tour

• Meet and start Portuguese Food Tour
• Walk through Porto city streets
• Visit several traditional restaurants
• Taste multiple traditional Portuguese dishes
• Learn about Portuguese cuisine history
• Enjoy stories about city and food

Top questions

How long is the Porto food & wine tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Are drinks included during the food tour?

Yes, drinks from a set menu are included with your tastings.

Is this Porto food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Will I need to eat before joining?

No—come hungry! The tour replaces two main meals.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central location in Porto.

Are vegetarian options available?

This isn’t specified; contact the provider for dietary needs.

Can infants join the food & wine tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram.

What foods will I try on this Porto food tour?

You’ll sample traditional Portuguese dishes such as codfish fritters and pastries.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all traditional Portuguese food tastings at several local restaurants, drinks from a pre-set menu (including regional wines), plus stories and insights from your knowledgeable guide along each stop through Porto’s historic center.