Sardine City Fish Tales and Tradition in the Porto Docks
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Porto is a picture-perfect city, its beauty easily captured in a single frame — monumental churches dressed in blue tiles line a steep street opening up onto a view over the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river, where the city’s famed Port wine lodges and their iconic billboards dot the hill. Dig deeper into the backstreets and we find the complexities of city life and the culinary diversity that comes with it. On this full-day food tour, with at least ten tasting stops, we’ll start with the city’s favorite pastry, the éclair, and strong coffee before visiting a 3rd generation chocolate-maker. We’ll stop into a tavern for a quick petisco of smoked meat and whatever’s fresh and then visit a traditional cheese shop for a tasting. We’ll sample one of Porto’s famed sandwiches at a lunch counter crowded with locals and head to a neighborhood restaurant to taste the freshest fish and finish with a tasting Port wine and gooey cakes created in a Portuguese convent.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Public transportation options are available nearby
What To Expect
Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos
A vibrant market known for fresh seafood, meats, and local produce, it's a great place to explore local culture and cuisine.
Port of Leixoes
One of the most important ports in northern Portugal, it offers views of the harbor and has a striking modern architectural design.
Options
Sardine City Fish Tales and Tradition in the Porto Docks
What‘s Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Lunch
Breakfast
Coffee and/or Tea
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Tour Ever!
jamespA6RV,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best tour ever! Marcel was great. He provided information about the food, the history, the culture and the people. His personality was pleasant, personable and positive. It was because of Marcel that this was the Best Tour Ever!
Don’t miss this experience. I would highly recommend this trip and if you’re lucky enough you will get Marcel.
Scott Z,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our food tour in Matosinhos, a 30 minute metro ride from Porto, was one the highlights of our trip to Portugal. It struck the perfect balance between delicious food and local culture delivered by our guide Marcel, who was just amazing. We sampled an incredible variety of traditional dishes, with sardines being the standout - fresh and flavorful. I will never look down on this little fish again. Each stop provided us with not only wonderful food but also a wine pairing and the stories and people behind the dishes.
Super Sardine Tour
gardengirl58300,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome time! Magalie. She was knowledgeable, interesting and fun. The tour was long but we made lots of stops, enjoyed delicious food and saw lots of interesting things in Matosinhos. This was my third tour with Culinary Backstreets. It was terrific!
Fun and insightful day exploring the local way of life
H2850FKchrisr,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting , far from usual tour. Marcel was excellent- friendly, knowledgeable and very pleasant person to spend the day with. We experienced a large variety of traditional. Portuguese food, selected our fish at the market for lunch , explored the less familiar - barnacles, tripe. Black pork neck. If you are interested in local culture, willing to try explore new things and want real insight into the local way of life sign up for this tour.
Fun and food in Sardine “Sity”
warmrm,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Magalie was a wonderful tour guide. Our group was small and intimate. The food was fantastic and the day was a lot of fun. Looking forward to more Culinary Backstreet tours!
Highly recommend Culinary Backstreets for their in-depth and intimate tours!
lisatE334BY,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour as always from Culinary Backstreets! Sardines from the dock to the tin. Since it was sardine season, we were able to have a nice meal of gilled sardines. Tour was intimate, which made it nice. We highly recommend Culinary Backstreets for their in-depth and intimate tours!
Fabulous Backstreets Tour in Matosinhos
Explore789072,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing time with Magalie exploring the fishing industry of Matosinhos - an area just 5 miles from Porto. It’s not just sardines (although we did have a few) but it’s the chance to see the fishing port and fish markets at close hand as well. Magalie knew all the best places to go for fish, pastries and coffee and we had a marvellous time - sadly, the end of the tour came all too quickly. The quality and quantity of food and drink was perfect and nothing was too much trouble. A perfect day and highly recommended!
Great food, great conversation
jmcsp24,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visit great local restaurants, a fish market, and a cannary with a knowledgeable, friendly guide. ................
Gear experience
jblairh,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of my best tours with your company, and this is my fourth. Your tours are fantastic and the tour guides are the best. Almost all of the stops were at places the local people ate.
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