Summary
Lisbon is a hidden treasure on Europe’s western coastline, increasingly recognized for its appeal. The locals refer to it as the city of seven hills, while globally, it is emerging as one of Europe’s trendiest destinations for gastronomy. Therefore, a visit to Lisbon remains incomplete without indulging in its exceptional culinary offerings.
Imagine commencing your day with the renowned Pasteis De Nata (smooth custard tart) available in the local bakeries. Subsequently, proceed to Belém Tower, the former political prison transformed into a must-visit viewpoint overlooking the harbor, where a plethora of seafood restaurants beckons.
If Pena Palace, the ‘castle of many colors’, is on your agenda, we have an excellent recommendation for lunch. The restaurant features 365 traditional dishes, including Bacalhau à Brás, a celebrated Portuguese recipe involving potato and salt cod, ideally complemented by a refreshing Sagres beer, Lisbon’s oldest brewed beverage.
Integrating a food tour into your itinerary can be simple. This guide delineates the significance of a culinary exploration in Lisbon, presents six of the best culinary tours that can be tailored to fit your schedule, and offers essential tips to ensure your experience is memorable. Are you ready for this culinary adventure? Vamos lá!
Why Must You Plan For a Lisbon Food Tour?
- This is an opportunity to experience authentic Portuguese cuisine in one of the world’s most picturesque cities. Seize it.
- Discover budget-friendly local eateries that provide menus comparable to haute cuisine, at a fraction of the cost.
- Uncover venues that foster interactions with locals, located in less touristy areas, far removed from the usual tourist hotspots.
- A Lisbon Food Tour provides a unique opportunity to witness a Fado dinner performance, where you will indulge in food, wine, and beer tastings while enjoying a musical spectacle.
- All dishes can be customized to your preferences, guided by local culinary experts.
- Explore avenues for private food tours exclusively for you and your companions.
1. Lisbon Gourmet Walking Tour and Tastings
This vibrant culinary excursion will guide you through Lisbon’s charming cobblestone alleys, allowing you to sample its culinary delights with an expert guide. During this 3-hour tour, guests will savor fresh local seafood, artisanal coffee, and unique delicacies while exploring picturesque neighborhoods. You will visit some of Lisbon’s most iconic cafés and learn about their vibrant histories, such as Martinho da Arcada and Pastelaria São Roque, before enjoying a Rissol de Camarão (shrimp pastry).
What could follow such a delightful food experience better than enjoying local wines or beers at traditional ‘tascas’, mingling with locals over exquisite canned seafood—an ideal bar snack as well as a delightful souvenir?
- Gather at a central meeting point
- Sample some of Lisbon’s finest foods alongside an expert guide
- Relish drinks with fellow diners in some of Lisbon’s trendiest neighborhoods
2. Dinner with Fado and a Walking Food Tour
A Fado dinner show represents one of the quintessential musical experiences in Lisbon, accompanied by traditional Portuguese dining. Here, you will indulge in regional dishes while immersed in Fado, a music genre inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This tour is perfect for those eager to experience Lisbon’s nightlife alongside its culinary and cultural offerings.
A typical evening itinerary would include:
- Pick up from your accommodation
- A tour of Lisbon’s illuminated landmarks, including the charming Belem Tower, Rossio Square, and Liberty Avenue
- A traditional dinner paired with a Fado performance at Sr. Fado, a rustic eatery operated by one of Portugal’s renowned Fado artists. Various other Fado venues include A Viela do Fado, Café Luso – Fado & Food Group, and O Faia
- Return to your accommodation
3. Lisbon: Food and Tapas Neighborhood Tour
This specialized food tour explores different neighborhoods of Lisbon, pausing at significant culinary landmarks along the way. Participants will gain insight into premier spots that are off the beaten path. This tour offers the opportunity to savor quintessential Lisbon wines, dishes, petiscos, and Fado—the traditional musical style of Portugal. All you need to bring is your appetite and perhaps your dancing shoes.
Your guide will also introduce you to key literary and cultural sites in Lisbon, such as the historic Café Nicola, where literary giants have convened over espresso for centuries. In addition to café culture, guests can relish the iconic codfish cakes, complemented by a refreshing glass of green wine (Vinho Verde) from northern Portugal.
Afterward, socialize with locals in the city center, experiencing Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife. This includes visits to various bars for drinks and sharing plates of meats, cheeses, fish, and other delectable Portuguese tapas, along with the chance to visit a prominent gourmet shop brimming with traditional products, particularly Bacalhau, the beloved salted cod dish.
- Meet your guide at a central location
- Delve into the rich history of Lisbon and hear stories of its bohemian heritage
- Sample local wines and discover your favorite ‘Petisco’
4. Take Part in a Food and Cultural Walking Tour
A four-hour tour allows participants to visit significant historical monuments in Lisbon while sampling cuisine at approximately 16 stops along the way. As a walking tour, all you require is a keen appetite and, if necessary, a bottle of water for warmer days. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the cobblestone paths.
This walking tour covers about 1.2 miles (2 km) and typically includes an expert guide, and usually initiates in the late afternoon. You may customize your itinerary to include a visit to a local food market. For instance, a stop at Time Out Mercado da Ribeira offers opportunities to:
- Sample traditional specialties such as Portuguese tapas, Bolinho de bacalhau (codfish cakes), and Fino
- Learn authentic Portuguese recipes
- Engage with renowned chefs like Miguel Castro e Silva
- Participate in a cooking workshop with Lisbon’s esteemed chefs
- Attend live cooking demonstrations and events
As a popular food market, it is advisable to arrive at least an hour or two before peak hours to fully enjoy the experience. Other options include the less crowded Mercado de Campo de Ourique or visiting Martim Moniz for various food festivals celebrating diverse cultures.
5. Craft Some Sagres Beer or Super Bock Beer at Cervejaria Trinidade
If you enjoy savoring locally crafted beers, explore the streets for an engaging craft beer tasting and bar-hopping experience. It can often be challenging to find Lisbon’s two primary craft beers served in a single establishment. At Cervejaria Trinidade, you can dine and socialize like the locals. Throughout the surrounding areas, several pubs feature unique local brews.
The craft beer scene in Lisbon is relatively new, emerging from strict regulations that once dominated the industry. Historically, two local companies held significant control, limiting external investments until 1974, when the landscape finally opened to broader competition. Consequently, these two brands became favored among locals.
If time permits, consider visiting Porto, Portugal’s second city, a few hours’ bus ride from Lisbon. Porto is renowned for its culinary delights, including the light pale lager Sagres Beer, which pairs remarkably with sardines, a popular bar snack in Portugal. A typical craft beer tour may include:
- Visits to several microbreweries
- Participation in a live brewing workshop
- Tasting craft beers from local farms
At Lupum Wild Beer, engage with Luis, a beer maker, and his team, enjoying a private microbrewery tour that includes a tasting session accompanying Porto-style tapas.
6. Food Walking Tour with Market Visit
For those wishing to experience the finest street food in Lisbon, the Food Walking Tour with Market Visit presents numerous delightful options. Featured street food includes chorizo bread, a sandwich-style bread infused with distinct Lisboa flavors. Indulge your palate with handmade chorizo sausage, garlic, and spices atop freshly baked bread, available at the Merendeira restaurant, which serves exclusive street food each day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The tour begins at Largo do Camões, followed by an informative journey through Lisbon’s most iconic cafés. Alongside chorizo bread, you will have the opportunity to enjoy ‘bica’, a local espresso, and a variety of Pastel De Nata. Notably, visiting the local fish market is a highlight of this tour, as Lisbon is distinguished for its seafood offerings, highlighting the starting point of culinary creation.
With a maximum capacity of 12 participants, pre-registration is essential. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility challenges, or very young children.
Other Must-Sees for a Culinary Tour of Lisbon
Maria Limão
Located at the Senhora do Monte viewpoint, Maria Limão offers unique homemade lemonades and crepes. It is a cozy café where visitors can relax and appreciate the exclusive viewpoint’s offerings.
Hamburgueria da Parada
If you are a burger enthusiast, a visit to the Hamburgueria da Parada food truck is a must. This outdoor kiosk enjoys immense popularity among locals and visitors for its exceptional burgers.
Extra Tips to Ensure a Safe and Memorable Lisbon Tour
- Select a food tour led by a local to sample unique recipes and dine in local establishments. Additionally, you will receive recommendations that may not be available at typical tourist information centers.
- Remain vigilant against pickpockets and scammers, particularly in crowded venues. Like any major city, Lisbon is not exempt from such occurrences.
- Travel in groups during nighttime tours in Lisbon.
- Utilize your debit or credit card for most transactions, carrying only minimal cash for tips to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
- Be conscious of your belongings while using the tram, especially on the notorious tram 28 known for pickpocketing incidents.
- Consider using a reliable travel agent, as public transport in Lisbon may occasionally experience protests and strikes.
