Porto in 1 Day for Couples - Private 2‑hour guided market tour with a certified sommelière (wine pairings included)
In Collaboration with Sommelière Catarina Meneses. Updated on February 6, 2026.
A relaxed, romantic half-day built around Catarina’s private 2-hour Mercado do Bolhão tour (wine pairings + tastings). Start with a short meet-up in central Porto, savour the market with a certified sommelière, then enjoy a leisurely coffee, riverside stroll, panoramic gardens and a rooftop wine moment at The Yeatman — perfect for couples who want local flavour with romantic views.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Sommelière Catarina Meneses, inspired by the tour Porto Traditional Market: Portuguese Lunch & Wine Private Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private 2‑hour guided market tour with a certified sommelière (wine pairings included)
- Tastings of smoked meats, fresh shellfish, grilled sardines, empadas and seasonal fruit
- Romantic riverside stroll in the Ribeira and panoramic views at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
- Rooftop wine/cocktail moment at The Yeatman with Douro views (special moment)
Itinerary
Day 1
A couples-friendly day built around the private market tour — includes meeting point, the guided Mercado do Bolhão experience, relaxed coffee, scenic strolls and a rooftop wine moment at sunset.
Meet your host — quick check-in
Brief meet-up so Catarina can introduce the plan and confirm dietary notes. Meet on Rua de Fernandes Tomás so the group can walk together to the market.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight jacket: spring mornings in Porto can be breezy — layers keep you comfortable while standing and talking.
- If you have dietary requests flagged at booking, remind Catarina here so she can tailor samples for you.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the walk to the market is short but streets are cobbled near the market.
Porto Traditional Market — Private 2‑hour guided tasting & wine pairing
Guided tour of Mercado do Bolhão with Catarina, a certified sommelière. Taste smoked meats, fresh shellfish, grilled sardines, empadas and seasonal fruit — each paired with Portuguese wine (non‑alcoholic options available). Catarina explains the history and local stories behind each stall and dish.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask Catarina to show you lesser‑known stall favourites — locals often have a ‘must-try’ that changes by season.
- Sip slowly between tastings to savour the wine pairings; Catarina is happy to explain why a vinho verde or Douro red works with each bite — very romantic to learn together.
- Mercado do Bolhão has tight aisles; hold hands and move slowly to enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Leisurely coffee & pastel — Café Progresso
Relax after the market with a classic Portuguese coffee and a shared pastel or bolo at Café Progresso — Porto's oldest independent café, ideal for lingering conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Order one coffee and share a pastel de nata or a regional pastry to keep the post-tasting mood light — sharing is intimate and lets you taste more.
- Choose a window table if available — great people‑watching and cosy atmosphere for couples.
- Café Progresso can get busy; if you want a quieter seat, ask for a table towards the back or on the side terrace.
Riverside stroll — Cais da Ribeira
A romantic walk through the UNESCO‑listed Ribeira district: colourful facades, riverside cafés and slow-paced streets — perfect for photos and hand-in-hand wandering.
Tips from local experts:
- Head down towards the river and pause on a bench near the Douro — late spring light is flattering for photos.
- If you’d like a private photo together, ask Catarina to take a quick portrait with the colorful buildings behind you.
- Watch for ferryboats and local fishermen selling modest snacks — polite browsing keeps things relaxed and authentic.
Scenic transfer (short walk) to Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Gentle uphill walk to Palácio de Cristal gardens — a leafy, quiet space with sweeping views over the city and river, ideal for a romantic pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the quieter stairs/paths up through the gardens to avoid the main tourist routes and find secluded benches.
- Bring a small picnic (a leftover pastry or fruit from the market) to enjoy on a bench overlooking the Douro.
- There are paved paths and ramps in large parts of the gardens — good for comfortable strolling as a couple.
Palácio de Cristal Gardens — panoramic romantic walk
Wander the terraced gardens and find a viewpoint for a quiet moment together — one of Porto's best low‑key viewpoints without the crowds.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for viewpoints facing the Douro — late afternoon light in May is soft and golden for couple portraits.
- Sit awhile near the pigeon aviary or the small lakes for a calm break; this spot is intimate compared to busier viewpoints.
- If you prefer a pro‑photo, ask Catarina whether she can recommend a local photographer (advance booking needed).
Shopping stroll — Rua de Santa Catarina
Stroll the lively Rua de Santa Catarina for artisan shops and local food boutiques — a good place to pick up a small culinary souvenir (tinned sardines, local preserves, or a bottle of vinho verde).
Tips from local experts:
- Look for small specialty shops rather than the large chains — they sell nicer gift‑wraps and can advise on wine selections.
- Ask shopkeepers for pairing tips — they often suggest a local cheese or preserve that complements the wine you tasted.
- Carry purchases in a small daypack so you can keep hands free for strolling and photos.
Rest & pre-evening refresh — Café Guarany
Sit down for a rest, freshen up with a light drink and bask in the café's Belle Époque atmosphere before the evening portion of the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a shared tábua (small board) if you’re still peckish — it’s a lovely pre-dinner nibble for two.
- The café has classic interiors — choose a corner table for a cosy ambiance.
- Use the café restroom to freshen up before the rooftop transfer; many cafés in Porto have small but tidy facilities.
Transfer toward Vila Nova de Gaia — cross Dom Luís I Bridge
Short transfer across the famous Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia — the journey itself is scenic and sets up a memorable rooftop wine moment across the river.
Tips from local experts:
- Cross on the upper deck of the bridge for the best sweeping views of Porto and the Douro — very romantic at sunset.
- If you prefer a slower pace, take a taxi across the bridge’s lower level and arrive relaxed at The Yeatman.
- Watch your belongings on the bridge — it’s picturesque and busy; keep phones secure while taking photos together.
Special moment: Rooftop wine or cocktail at The Yeatman (romantic sunset)
Cap the day with a rooftop drink at The Yeatman hotel — panoramic views over Porto and the Douro, a perfect romantic toast to your market discoveries and wine pairings.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an outdoor terrace table in advance (especially in May) to ensure an unobstructed view at sunset.
- Order a glass of Douro red or a local port as a romantic pairing and ask the sommelier for a recommendation to echo earlier market tastes.
- Take a slow walk down to the terrace at golden hour — the approach offers intimate views of the city lights coming on; perfect for a memorable photo together.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Meal, Transfer, Outdoor, Shopping, Break, Nightlife |
