Porto Portugal Bolhão Mercado Walk April 2023

Porto Portugal has a huge, famous open-air market called Bolhão Mercado. It has become a “must see” place in Porto. This vodeo focuses on the mercado. A link to our full visit to Porto follows:
   • Porto Portugal Visit & Walk   April 2023  

It is a historic, bi-level market in a classical building with ornate ironwork and many vendors selling produce and a vast array of food and garden related products of all sorts. It also has many prepared food stalls and restaurants for on-site dining.

In earlier times, there was a small creek running though the square and there was an air bubble (“bolha”) forming at that spot, hence the market was named Bolhão (big bubble). The building that now exists was built in 1914 and it is divided into two floors.

It is located in centro Porto in an area called Baixa do Porto, which has been known for being an area of traditional stores dedicated to food products since 1839. The market’s name was derived from a small creek that once ran through the square. There was an air bubble (“bolha”) forming on that spot and the market was named Bolhão (as in big bubble). The building that now houses the mercado was built in 1914 and it is divided into two floors.

Inside the market, stalls overflow with arrays of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, olives, nuts, beans, cured meats, delectable pastries, breads, dried fruits & food items, flowers, seeds, spices and food products of all sorts.

Prepared foods, food stands and restaurants can also be found. The intoxicating aromas of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy scent of local olives, creating an irresistible blend. Souvenirs shops can also be found as it became a tourist attraction in the last recent times.

Bolhão Mercado is a place where traditions thrive and it is a testament to the Portuguese people’s culinary heritage. It is definitely a recommended stop when in Porto.