The Bolhão Market smells and tastes of Porto, in its products and people. Whether you're a tourist or a local, know that stopping by here is a journey through part of Porto's identity, and discovering or revisiting a genuine space where history and modernity merge in a diverse display of local and national products.

«The Bolhão Market smells and tastes of Porto, in its products and its people.»

The iconic Bolhão Market is part of downtown Porto and its monumental, neoclassical style is characteristic. Even from within the market, its grandeur won't go unnoticed, and you'll want to look up often and admire the intricate details of its construction. Its origins date back to 1839, when the Porto City Hall decided to build a square on a plot of land with a large marshland, crossed by a stream that formed a bubble of water, hence the name Bolhão. In 1914, the current building was constructed, designed by architect Correia e Silva. It has undergone several changes throughout its history, reopening to the public in 2022 after more than four years of renovation.

With four main entrances and vendors spread across two floors, Bolhão Market is a prime location for fresh produce, especially food. Here you'll find fishmongers, butchers, produce, and flower shops, as well as crafts and snack bars, in a space with over 70 vendors. Located in one of the city's most dynamic areas, Bolhão also boasts 38 shops lining the building's exterior, including fine grocers such as "Casa Chineza" and "A Pérola do Bolhão."

It's no surprise that tourists from all over the world mingle here, also discovering Portugal through taste. Good wine is present at many stalls, but the invitations are so numerous that we'll list just a few: the "Conserveira do Bolhão" has cod and typical cans of Portuguese sardines; the "Casa das Ostras" is a place of excellence and refinement to taste quality seafood; the "Queijaria do Bolhão" has cheeses from around the world, and the regional sweets from "Doçaria Portuguesa" will stay with you forever. But, if you can, don't miss a stall: the national products are excellent, and there are organic wines to taste, snacks with cheese boards, cured meats, unique olive oils, chocolates, and many other products to discover, some of them gourmet.

On the first floor, besides being able to admire the market from a different perspective and sit on the Bolhão swing for photos, you can find several restaurants, with options ranging from cod to suckling pig, including vegetarian options. And if you hear the piano playing while passing through Bolhão, know that a visitor has probably sat down to share a tune with you.

Enjoying a surprise event can also be part of a trip to Bolhão. Every month, there are several activities at the venue, from culinary workshops to exhibitions, showcookings, concerts, and even performances by academic tunas.

Over a hundred years old, Bolhão is a true gem of Porto. Here, the memories and stories of a great market, the heartbeat of the city, are preserved. Go alone, with friends, with the family, by chance or with a plan. We promise that Bolhão is a place to go, feel, savor, and return.

Text: Carla Martins

Photos: Ana Nogueira