Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets

  • Do I need to purchase my ticket in advance of the tour?

    • Yes! Tickets must be purchased here.  

  • Will the tour run in bad weather?

    • There’s no such thing as bad eating weather! Tours run rain or shine. Wear weather appropriate clothes. If conditions will be unsafe (e.g. hurricane, blizzard, etc.) we will reach out to you about rescheduling.

  • Do you issue refunds?

    • Except for extreme weather conditions as noted above, there will be no refunds issued for cancellations.  

  • How do I redeem my gift certificate?

    • You can use a gift card for any of our tours. When you purchase a gift card you will receive a code. Enter the code exactly as shown under ‘Apply a gift card’. Note: Gift card numbers are case-sensitive, make sure to enter the code exactly as it appears on the gift card. Note Also: A ‘gift card code’ is different from a ‘discount code’. Please ensure you enter the code in the correct section below checkout.

  • Can children come on the tour?

    • We do not recommend our tour for children, including babies. The cobblestone streets of downtown are not stroller friendly and the tour will maintain a pace that little ones may find challenging. That said, food-loving kids aged 12+ are welcome as a ticketed customer if you feel it will be right for them. 

  • Can I bring my companion animal?

    • We love pets, unfortunately cannot welcome them on the food tour. However, we can point out a great local shop where you can pick up a treat for Fido or Fluffy.

  • I won’t be eating.  Do I still need a ticket or can I just walk along?

    • Due to space constraints, every person on the tour needs their own ticket. For the same reason, tickets cannot be shared.

  • Should I tip my tour guide?

    • Yes, please! We encourage you to tip your tour guide if you’ve enjoyed your tour.

Tour Logistics

  • How long will the tour be?

    • The tour is about 2.5 – 3 hours long. You’ll be indoors for part of the time but will spend a good amount of time outside during the tour.

  • What will be the walking pace?

    • We will walk about a mile total over the course of 2.5 – 3 hours, and aim to keep the pace comfortable for all participants. Please note there are some cobblestones and uneven surfaces on our route, which may present some difficulty for those with balance or mobility concerns.

  • How should I dress for the tour?

    • Wear comfortable walking shoes. We recommend dressing in layers to account for time spent indoors and outdoors, particularly if you’re coming on a cooler day. If wet weather is expected, bring an umbrella, rain coat, and anything else you find makes walking in rainy weather more comfortable for you.

  • Will there be bathrooms available?

    • Yes, our tour guides will point out several available restrooms along our route.

  • Where should we meet?

    • You will receive detailed info about where to start in your confirmation email.

  • Where can I park?

    • DOWNTOWN: There are a variety of parking garages and street parking available. Please see here for a complete list. 

    • NORTH END: There is a free parking lot between Sawyer and Beetle Street that we recommend. There is also plenty of street parking.

    • TASTE OF PORTUGAL: Please park in the Chaves Market parking lot. This is also where the tour starts and ends.

  • Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

    • Please contact us ahead of time if you are using a wheelchair.  

Food Related

  • What can I expect to eat?

    • You will be served a variety of sweet and savory items. Each stop will provide a snack-sized portion. By the end of the tour we expect you’ll have had a good-sized meal.

  • Are beverages included?

    • Please bring a water bottle so you can stay hydrated and wash down all the delectable treats we’ll be enjoy! The Taste of Portugal tour includes wine.

  • Can you accommodate my food allergies and/or dietary restrictions?

    • Please note any dietary restrictions, including allergies, on your booking. We will make every effort to accommodate participants with allergies, though given the special role seafood plays in our regional cuisine we cannot recommend the tour to those with severe seafood allergies. With advance notice we can usually accommodate vegetarian participants, but cannot guarantee our participating restaurants can accommodate all dietary restrictions. Please note that we are unable to make substitutions on our Taste of Portugal tour.

Miscellaneous

  • I’m a local; is this tour for me?

    • Yes! Whether you’re born and raised in New Bedford or visiting for the first time, our tour has something for everyone. In addition to trying dishes that might not be in your usual rotation, we’ll also discuss art, culture, and history of the area. There’s so much to know about the region, you are guaranteed to learn something new. This is also a great activity for local groups, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for a unique social outing.  

  • Is photography allowed?

    • Absolutely! We encourage you to share your photos on social media and tag us @newbedfordfoodtours. We do ask that you refrain from taking video on the tour.