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Recommended Reviews - Mercado do Bolhão
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Mercado do Bolhao was founded in the 1800s, and today it is a market that has several dozen vendors that sell mostly foods (e.g., meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, pastas, baked goods, nuts, cheeses, chocolates, and wines), and some non-foods (e.g., clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, and plants). When my husband and I were on vacation, we asked our tour guide for a great place to get Ginjinha or ginja, a Portuguese liqueur made from ginja berries, alcohol, sugar, and other ingredients. We also wanted to try Port wine because we were in Porto. Our tour guide told us to try this market. We rate the ginja as 5 stars (so tasty that I must find it in the U.S.!) and the port wine as 4.5 stars. Of course, we also walked around much of the rest of this market. On vacation we did not need to buy any fresh ingredients for cooking, but we looked for snacks and other quick bites. We bought a Delicia do Porto dessert that I rate as 4 stars.
Overall: 2 stars The market itself was quite pleasant and a vibe, but the food unfortunately was not. I was also surprised to find that there weren't that many different food concepts but rather multiple of the same (pasta, fruit juices) when Porto as a city has so much culinary diversity to offer. (Fettuccine Bolognese: D) - A spinach fettuccine with bolognese sauce sounded really interesting, but unfortunately the pasta had no flavor at all. I enjoyed the bolognese sauce, but unfortunately the ratio of sauce to pasta was poor. (Pitaya Mango Juice: F) - This juice had no flavor at all it was quite sad. There was a mild mango note in an otherwise watery palette, with no taste of dragonfruit at all. Food: -1 Presentation: E Price: E Atmosphere: E Service: E Menu: E Insta/Yelp/Beli/TikTok: @amei_eats
Went by the market twice in Porto. Very clean and nicely organized. We got a glass of wine and toured the various areas. We stopped at the cheese shop and had a tray of three cheeses to sample. They gave us bread for the soft cheese to spread. All of the staff we talked to were very nice and helpful. Seemed a good value for the freshness of the items.
This was one of my favorite places to visit in Porto and was by far the most fun went it came to finding a good place to sample a lot of different local treats. The people operating the stands were all very friendly and there seemed to be everything under the sun offered - candies, pastries, seafood, wine and even this delightful little stall in the ground floor that had some incredibly delicious Turkish Delights. My one regret was not buying another bag to take back to my hotel to enjoy more of the amazing food. It's a fairly straightforward place where there is a very large downstairs area with mostly produce and foodstuffs and an upstairs area with a lot of arts and crafts and other similar types of items. The place is very clean and well organized. It was fairly crowded when I was there but never felt overwhelming. I'd say this place ranked in the top 5 for me in terms all the places I visited between Porto and Lisbon and in-between. Just a nice location to visit to enjoy some great snacks and food.
Mercado do Bolhao was easily one of my favorite spots in all of Porto! It's an immaculately clean and well-organized space with an easy-to-navigate layout that makes it easy to explore and interact with local vendors. It's the perfect place to sample regional delicacies and pick up gifts or souvenirs all in one go. A few highlights from our visits: * Sardines: skip the fancy boutique shops and come straight here to stock up on canned sardines! The prices are better, the selection is solid and many vendors also carry a variety of pates in tiny sample sizes -- perfect for tasting different flavors. We bought from a lovely girl who gave honest recommendations on the best brands and even threw in several complimentary pates for us to try... so sweet! * Olive oil: there is a large stand run by a young couple selling many of the region's top-rated olive oils. I was in search of a particular brand that I had seen at a Michelin restaurant in Lisbon, and was thrilled to find it here! the very friendly vendor guided us through the flavor profiles of about 10 different oils-- it felt like a comprehensive mini-tasting experience and was incredibly informative and fun. * Fresh fruit juice: my favorite stop of all! at one end of the market, you'll spot three brightly aesthetic stands selling fruit cups and the most delicious fresh-pressed juices-- with combos like kiwi pineapple, pitaya mango, papaya passion fruit and more, all at only €2 a cup! So many flavors to try I could've come here every day! A few other stands of note include the yummy pastries (great for a grab-and-go breakfast before sightseeing), Spanish cured meats (jamon iberico de pata negra that you can watch the vendors slicing off the leg) and beautifully presented seafood delicacies including oysters, sashimi and uni! There's also a very clean and convenient area with tables near the fruit stands where you can enjoy your market finds on the spot. Despite being a popular, must-visit destination, Mercado do Bolhao never felt overly touristy-- while it was lively and bustling, the crowds were very manageable, prices were reasonable and every vendor we interacted with was friendly and not pushy at all. Pro-tip: if you plan to stock up on sardines and olive oil, consider going later in the day so you don't have to carry everything around while sightseing-- unless you're staying nearby!
Highly recommend stopping by Mercado do Bolhao during your trip to Porto! I could've walked around here for hours. There's so many stalls with everything from jamon, seafood, cheese, wine, tinned fish, fruit smoothies, and even gluten free options. This is a great place to pass the time and get a feel for the local flavor or grab lunch and pick up some souvenirs. Some of the prices at a few stalls were a bit steep (most notably the cheese stall) and the seafood we ordered wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was still a fun outing.
Easily one of my favorite places in Porto to try a lot of different tapas. Fresh everything for fair prices can be found here. It gets very crowded during the weekends so I would avoid those days and bring cash because smoothies are as cheap as 2.50. Service is quick and the selection includes everything from fresh fruits, to chocolates, a wide array of seafood, cheese, gelato, tea, coffee and more. Plus don't miss the Artisans and Restaurants located on the upper floors.
I really enjoyed Mercado do Bolhão in Porto, Portugal. I highly recommend it to get a taste of local life and a chance to interact with locals. It has fresh produce, and really unique and authentic options for Portuguese food. I tried a delicious mocha and was able to get some sardine souvenirs , and fresh produce to go. It's right outside of the metro station and you can easily go in and out, making it a great quick stop during your day. Highly recommend this if you are exploring Porto!
Incredible place, literally one of my favorite pit stops in Portugal! Everything is so organized, clean floors you can literally walk barefoot here. The stands are so clean and well put together. A lot going in for everyone to enjoy. Tons of pastries, wine, charcuterie meat, plants, seafood (super fresh), what is there not to love?
Great diverse market that is outdoor but has areas with covering in case it rains. Many different types of vendors that sell food (from appetizers to drinks -alcoholic and smoothies- to dessert to household ingredients like spices and oils), clothing, souvenirs, bags, accessories, jewelry, and so much more. Everyone is very nice at the market. Also very affordable prices here. During the afternoon and evening, there are several stand that sell port wine and other alcoholic drinks. There's also group tours that take place here, which looked like fun. At the very back of the market, there are some stairs, where many people sit and eat or just relax and people watch. At the top of the stairs, there's a piano that overlook the entire market. I heard someone playing it, and it added a lovely sound while walking around the market. Towards the middle of the market on the left side, there are bathrooms and a couple of water fountains. The bathroom are pretty clean and well maintained, and there was no line when I went. Around the market, there are lots of other shops and restaurants Overall, a great place to visit that is tourist friendly, but also has many locals. Great food, drinks, and shopping in general
MUST VISIT THIS PLACE!!! My review is a couple of months overdue, but if you visit Portugal, it would be a terrible shame if you didn't allot time to check this little market out. We "accidentally" stumbled upon this place trying to find our way back to our hotel. Its near the shopping area with the two famous egg tart stores~ So its essentially an open air market inside a building filled with food stalls. Lots of food for you to fill your belly from fresh fruits to juices, meats, and seafood and even souvenirs!!! I was mesmerized by all the food and all the colors of everything. Definitely a very photogenic place. Decided to go back the following day just to explore. The place is very well kept and clean. Theres small trashcans around and even a restroom area. Pricing isn't bad. Maybe a tad inflated because it is a touristy area but not unaffordable...I think. Highly suggest if you are visiting the area.
This market reminds me of time out market - but better! It was not crazy busy like time out market where you can actually walk around easily and decide what you want to eat. Time Out was too overwhelming for us. Think of this market as a cross between a farmers market with fruits, vegetables, flowers and cheese on one hand and then stalls with fresh fish, shrimp, oysters, pasta etc Kids tried the veal tartare and loved it! They also tried tuna tartare and thought that was ok. We also got the fresh tagliatelle with pesto which was fun watching it being made.
I enjoy checking out different markets in new couriers and this one didn't disappoint. From fresh fruits to wine, charcuterie and fresh pasta, this place is one I'd definitely stop by again. I ordered a €3 green wine from one of the drink carts and then €6.50 cheese and bread mini platter for an afternoon snack. Crowded but fast turnover since it's not really a linger and chat sort of spot. read more
3 months ago
Looking for a unique experience in Porto? Then this is a place to check out. Many local produce, artists, food vendors gather here to sell at this market. Here you can sample local delicacies, bring back home A souvenir, or just take in local vibes. read more
6 months ago
A fun Mercado with a variety of eats and goods to explore! The first floor is more of the market while the 2nd floor has restaurants and artisans booths lined in the halls. Well organized and clean. Some seating near the front and stand tables. The first floor is organized by categories like fruit, cheese, bread/pastries, meat, and seafood. A lot of vendors are selling the same things so it's difficult to know which one to go to but you could also not go wrong with any. We got a cold meat plate, uni/sashimi, and some fruit! A fun way to explore what Porto has to offer! read more
8 months ago
Mercado do Bolhao was founded in the 1800s, and today it is a market that has several dozen vendors that sell mostly foods (e.g., meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, pastas, baked goods, nuts, cheeses, chocolates, and wines), and some non-foods (e.g., clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, and plants). When my husband and I were on vacation, we asked our tour guide for a great place to get Ginjinha or ginja, a Portuguese liqueur made from ginja berries, alcohol, sugar, and other ingredients. We also wanted to try Port wine because we were in Porto. Our tour guide told us to try this market. We rate the ginja as 5 stars (so tasty that I must find it in the U.S.!) and the port wine as 4.5 stars. Of course, we also walked around much of the rest of this market. On vacation we did not need to buy any fresh ingredients for cooking, but we looked for snacks and other quick bites. We bought a Delicia do Porto dessert that I rate as 4 stars. read more
Overall: 2 stars The market itself was quite pleasant and a vibe, but the food unfortunately was not. I was also surprised to find that there weren't that many different food concepts but rather multiple of the same (pasta, fruit juices) when Porto as a city has so much culinary diversity to offer. (Fettuccine Bolognese: D) - A spinach fettuccine with bolognese sauce sounded really interesting, but unfortunately the pasta had no flavor at all. I enjoyed the bolognese sauce, but unfortunately the ratio of sauce to pasta was poor. (Pitaya Mango Juice: F) - This juice had no flavor at all it was quite sad. There was a mild mango note in an otherwise watery palette, with no taste of dragonfruit at all. Food: -1 Presentation: E Price: E Atmosphere: E Service: E Menu: E Insta/Yelp/Beli/TikTok: @amei_eats read more
Went by the market twice in Porto. Very clean and nicely organized. We got a glass of wine and toured the various areas. We stopped at the cheese shop and had a tray of three cheeses to sample. They gave us bread for the soft cheese to spread. All of the staff we talked to were very nice and helpful. Seemed a good value for the freshness of the items. read more
This was one of my favorite places to visit in Porto and was by far the most fun went it came to finding a good place to sample a lot of different local treats. The people operating the stands were all very friendly and there seemed to be everything under the sun offered - candies, pastries, seafood, wine and even this delightful little stall in the ground floor that had some incredibly delicious Turkish Delights. My one regret was not buying another bag to take back to my hotel to enjoy more of the amazing food. It's a fairly straightforward place where there is a very large downstairs area with mostly produce and foodstuffs and an upstairs area with a lot of arts and crafts and other similar types of items. The place is very clean and well organized. It was fairly crowded when I was there but never felt overwhelming. I'd say this place ranked in the top 5 for me in terms all the places I visited between Porto and Lisbon and in-between. Just a nice location to visit to enjoy some great snacks and food. read more
Mercado do Bolhao was easily one of my favorite spots in all of Porto! It's an immaculately clean and well-organized space with an easy-to-navigate layout that makes it easy to explore and interact with local vendors. It's the perfect place to sample regional delicacies and pick up gifts or souvenirs all in one go. A few highlights from our visits: * Sardines: skip the fancy boutique shops and come straight here to stock up on canned sardines! The prices are better, the selection is solid and many vendors also carry a variety of pates in tiny sample sizes -- perfect for tasting different flavors. We bought from a lovely girl who gave honest recommendations on the best brands and even threw in several complimentary pates for us to try... so sweet! * Olive oil: there is a large stand run by a young couple selling many of the region's top-rated olive oils. I was in search of a particular brand that I had seen at a Michelin restaurant in Lisbon, and was thrilled to find it here! the very friendly vendor guided us through the flavor profiles of about 10 different oils-- it felt like a comprehensive mini-tasting experience and was incredibly informative and fun. * Fresh fruit juice: my favorite stop of all! at one end of the market, you'll spot three brightly aesthetic stands selling fruit cups and the most delicious fresh-pressed juices-- with combos like kiwi pineapple, pitaya mango, papaya passion fruit and more, all at only €2 a cup! So many flavors to try I could've come here every day! A few other stands of note include the yummy pastries (great for a grab-and-go breakfast before sightseeing), Spanish cured meats (jamon iberico de pata negra that you can watch the vendors slicing off the leg) and beautifully presented seafood delicacies including oysters, sashimi and uni! There's also a very clean and convenient area with tables near the fruit stands where you can enjoy your market finds on the spot. Despite being a popular, must-visit destination, Mercado do Bolhao never felt overly touristy-- while it was lively and bustling, the crowds were very manageable, prices were reasonable and every vendor we interacted with was friendly and not pushy at all. Pro-tip: if you plan to stock up on sardines and olive oil, consider going later in the day so you don't have to carry everything around while sightseing-- unless you're staying nearby! read more
Highly recommend stopping by Mercado do Bolhao during your trip to Porto! I could've walked around here for hours. There's so many stalls with everything from jamon, seafood, cheese, wine, tinned fish, fruit smoothies, and even gluten free options. This is a great place to pass the time and get a feel for the local flavor or grab lunch and pick up some souvenirs. Some of the prices at a few stalls were a bit steep (most notably the cheese stall) and the seafood we ordered wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was still a fun outing. read more
7 months ago
Easily one of my favorite places in Porto to try a lot of different tapas. Fresh everything for fair prices can be found here. It gets very crowded during the weekends so I would avoid those days and bring cash because smoothies are as cheap as 2.50. Service is quick and the selection includes everything from fresh fruits, to chocolates, a wide array of seafood, cheese, gelato, tea, coffee and more. Plus don't miss the Artisans and Restaurants located on the upper floors. read more
1 year ago
I really enjoyed Mercado do Bolhão in Porto, Portugal. I highly recommend it to get a taste of local life and a chance to interact with locals. It has fresh produce, and really unique and authentic options for Portuguese food. I tried a delicious mocha and was able to get some sardine souvenirs , and fresh produce to go. It's right outside of the metro station and you can easily go in and out, making it a great quick stop during your day. Highly recommend this if you are exploring Porto! read more
Incredible place, literally one of my favorite pit stops in Portugal! Everything is so organized, clean floors you can literally walk barefoot here. The stands are so clean and well put together. A lot going in for everyone to enjoy. Tons of pastries, wine, charcuterie meat, plants, seafood (super fresh), what is there not to love? read more
1 year ago
Great diverse market that is outdoor but has areas with covering in case it rains. Many different types of vendors that sell food (from appetizers to drinks -alcoholic and smoothies- to dessert to household ingredients like spices and oils), clothing, souvenirs, bags, accessories, jewelry, and so much more. Everyone is very nice at the market. Also very affordable prices here. During the afternoon and evening, there are several stand that sell port wine and other alcoholic drinks. There's also group tours that take place here, which looked like fun. At the very back of the market, there are some stairs, where many people sit and eat or just relax and people watch. At the top of the stairs, there's a piano that overlook the entire market. I heard someone playing it, and it added a lovely sound while walking around the market. Towards the middle of the market on the left side, there are bathrooms and a couple of water fountains. The bathroom are pretty clean and well maintained, and there was no line when I went. Around the market, there are lots of other shops and restaurants Overall, a great place to visit that is tourist friendly, but also has many locals. Great food, drinks, and shopping in general read more
10 months ago
MUST VISIT THIS PLACE!!! My review is a couple of months overdue, but if you visit Portugal, it would be a terrible shame if you didn't allot time to check this little market out. We "accidentally" stumbled upon this place trying to find our way back to our hotel. Its near the shopping area with the two famous egg tart stores~ So its essentially an open air market inside a building filled with food stalls. Lots of food for you to fill your belly from fresh fruits to juices, meats, and seafood and even souvenirs!!! I was mesmerized by all the food and all the colors of everything. Definitely a very photogenic place. Decided to go back the following day just to explore. The place is very well kept and clean. Theres small trashcans around and even a restroom area. Pricing isn't bad. Maybe a tad inflated because it is a touristy area but not unaffordable...I think. Highly suggest if you are visiting the area. read more
This market reminds me of time out market - but better! It was not crazy busy like time out market where you can actually walk around easily and decide what you want to eat. Time Out was too overwhelming for us. Think of this market as a cross between a farmers market with fruits, vegetables, flowers and cheese on one hand and then stalls with fresh fish, shrimp, oysters, pasta etc Kids tried the veal tartare and loved it! They also tried tuna tartare and thought that was ok. We also got the fresh tagliatelle with pesto which was fun watching it being made. read more
This was a lovely one stop shop that had fruits, veggies, pastries, and so much more. It was also very spacious and you can find just about anything there. There are several floors, where the first floor is a market and the third floor has about 4-5 restaurants. They had different vendors that offered a variety of things for a great value. The price of items ranged. The service was good! Everyone was friendly. read more
3 years ago
The charming Bolhão Market is a real jewel of Porto and a great food destination! With more than 79 stalls and more than 10 restaurants this market offers fruits de mer, fresh fruits, gambas, an incredible selection of fresh mushrooms including morrel that you can never in the USA. Situated in an old municipally iconic building, one that has preserved the memories of two centuries and occupies an entire block in the centre of downtown Porto. The selection of food is simply remarkable. It is also very clean and not overcrowded. The service is very friendly as the locals want you to really enjoy your food experiences! read more
Market was very clean and on the smaller size compared to other countries open market(Will say that most things are pretty much the same things that people sell in the market). This market consists of fresh fruit juices, fruits and produce for purchases. Food on the outside skirts of the market and wine/beers for purchases. Service was friendly and kind. The value was pretty good overall, some were over priced but you have to pick and choose wisely. Overall experience was good and I love experiencing other country's "farmers market". Must check out it out if you are in the area. read more
You must walk the market in the morning and stop and appreciate the freshness and the splendor that is Porto. All the sea has to offer. Fresh, caught that morning and brought to the market in all their shining color and glory. Tapas, sea urchins and the freshest shrimp I've ever seen. The place smells really clean like everything is as it should be. read more
We first walked around the Mercado and was so overwhelmed with all type of food options, from fresh fruits, tons of veggies, seafood, meats, canned sardines oh my! This market is so rich with flavors! There are several seafood stands where they already have fresh seafood to eat. The sea urchins are opened right in front of your eyes and there is a wide variety of oysters, shrimps and barnacles! However I don't quite recommend barnacles. They were interesting. If you are interested in trying something different, you can give this a try. We also got a fresh juice for 2€. The value here is very reasonable. The sea urchin was 9€ for two. And barnacles was 5€ All of the food stands are owned by the original vendors. Overall definitely recommend for a local experience. read more
This market is one of the best I've been to. It is such a great place to walk around and has a little of everything. You can grab different types of food to eat there or it's a great place to pick up fresh meat, seafood, cheeses, olive oil, sauces, fruits & vegetables, fresh flowers..I can go on and on - whatever you want I'm sure you'd find it. When I went, I had a fresh fruit cup and then made my way over and got some of the freshest sashimi I think I've ever had along with some mussels and shrimp. Everything was very reasonably priced. I tried to go back a second time during my visit but they were closed as it was a holiday. I guess I'll just have to take another vacation to Porto so I can go to this market again! read more
While in Porto we were able to shop at the historic Mercado de Bolhao indoor market. It's a huge indoor market that sells everything from produce to candy, honey, freshly made cheese plates and seafood among other things. I could spend hours there shopping. We bought some delicious fresh figs to snack on and honey to take home to family. The vendors are so friendly and helpful and some of the prices are competitive. Just make sure to shop around the different vendors to get the best deals. If you're ever in Porto this market is a must visit. read more
Mercado do Bolhao is like a farmer's market in the States. This particular one is amazing with so many stalls (flowers, fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, foods, households, etc.) to browse and make purchases. I love the fact that it is spacious, organized, and clean. The sellers are friendly and not as pushy. You also get great value from many of the products offered. read more
Wow!! I wish we had farmers markets like this in Arizona! Everything from cheese to wine, fresh fruits and veggies, ham, pastries, just name it!! Had bites here and a glass of white port for lunch!! Definitely check this out! read more
I was excited to visit this market but honestly, I was a little disappointed from the offerings. Most of the stalls sell the same things - olive oil, produce, cheese, salted cod, and a few stands selling 'fresh' seafood. I guess I thought there would be more eats around but the eats that were available looked like they had been sitting out all day. My advice? Come to talk a loop around to just check it out but if you want a snack/food, head across the street to Confeitaria de Bolhao. read more
Mercado do Bolhão is probably one of my favorite city markets I've ever visited! Maybe it's because I have a new-found love for Portugal, but this market was large and fun to walk through. Some vendors even offered samples! Not as much as the typical American farmer's market, but pretty generous in regards to European standards. You are also allowed to walk around with wine as long as you return your glass to the vendor lol. I picked up some cheese samples, but when it came to the chocolate truffles/ Brigadeiros, I did not hesitate to shell out the big cents to try one of them. I got a miniature white and chocolate condensed milk Brigadeiro, essentially a melt-in-your-mouth truffle. I wish it had not been too pricey, or it had come in a pack of three or so, because it tasted incredible. Too bad there wasn't a medium size! read more
Came here to compared the 2 popular Mercados. I enjoyed this one more due to the seafood stations available and the wine stations were cheaper. Great stop if you love seafood. Some other food stations that had meat dishes were closed by the time we arrived later in the evening. There were other vendors selling snacks and other items but I didn't pay too much attention to them. read more
Very clean and big outdoor market. It is covered so no worries if it's raining. Lots of options to choose from at the various vendors including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, cheese, flowers, and quite a few bakeries. There are public restrooms available. There's an area with tables and chairs if you'd like to enjoy your food purchases. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
The First 4-5 seafood stalls to Left of the main entrance should be avoided at all costs. They charged us full price for lobster and prawns & gave us FAKE stuff. The merchant would not exchange for another seafood item (when unconsumed in original package) and got aggressive at us. These thugs really put a damper to our overall culinary experience at the market. read more
This market has everything you need to make a meal. Fresh produce, cheese, breads, sweets, meat and fish counters, teas, flowers and fresh made pastas. Very clean and not over crowded. Clearly some of the produce is not from Portugal but it is all displayed beautifully and looks delicious! We went twice and on the second trip bought local citrus fruit and little meat and fish pies-like empanadas to bring home for our dinner. If I was a local I'm sure I would visit this market for many meal items! Definitely worth a visit when in Porto!! read more
2 years ago
My wife and I enjoyed visiting this Farmer's Market very much! It actually is more than that, along with lots of food to eat right there, or buy and bring home. We did snack on different foods there, as well as bought some cherries to bring back to the hotel to snack on later. On another level, there were restaurants, and we ate a Shrimp dinner next day. It is close to center of town, and well worth visiting. read more
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