Construction of the Bolhão Market building began in 1914, and for years it stood propped up by scaffolding. Renovated at a cost of approximately 26 million euros, it reopened in September 2022 and, in four years, has already attracted about 23.8 million visitors, according to the market itself. Along the way, its stalls have become highly sought after: this summer, a fish stall was awarded at a public auction for 7,550 euros per month, up from a starting bid of 343.80 euros, as reported by *Observador*.
From 1838 to a monument of public interest
The history of Bolhão begins in 1838. The current building was constructed between 1914 and 1917, designed by architect António Correia da Silva, according to the market’s official website. Since 2013, it has been classified as a monument of public interest.
From Scaffolding to Reopening
Jornal de Negócios mentions four restoration attempts over 34 years. Among them were a 1998 project by Joaquim Massena, abandoned shortly after it was awarded, and a 2008 contract to hand the market over to private operators.
The construction project was announced on April 22, 2015, during Rui Moreira’s first term, and approved on May 15, 2018.
It was expected to take two years, but it took longer. The renovation project was designed by Nuno Valentim’s studio.
For more than four years, vendors sold their goods at a temporary market. Bolhão reopened at 8:00 a.m. on September 15, 2022, with about 80 stalls, 38 shops, and 10 restaurants.
Bolhão Today
23.8 million visits in four years
As of September, the market had recorded approximately 23.8 million visits since its reopening—more than 3.9 million in 2026 alone—and had 126 of its 129 stalls occupied, according to Bolhão. The fourth-anniversary celebration drew more than 59,000 people over two days.
Guided tours are offered on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and, since May, a free app featuring over 300 products and the location of each stall has been available.
A 7,550-euro stall and a court-ordered bidding process
At the public auction on July 14, Go Porto, the municipal company that manages the market, awarded five stalls for a total of 22,910 euros per month, according to the Observador. In addition to the fish stall, a fruit stall reached 6,100 euros, starting at 277.20 euros. The licenses are valid for 20 years.
In late July, the Bolha de Água Traditional Trade Association took the bidding process to court, arguing that the rules open the door to more restaurants at the expense of the fresh produce stalls. Go Porto maintains that the bidding process complies with the regulations.
In August, the court granted the preliminary injunction. While the case is pending, the allocation of spaces and contracts are suspended, explained DN. For Mayor Pedro Duarte, this is a standard procedure, which does not mean the association is in the right.
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