Lisbon Food Tour: Discover Unique Local Neighborhoods

Discover Lisbon’s hidden gems with locals. Savor authentic food, explore unique neighborhoods, and dive into the city’s rich culture and history.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Taste of Lisboa Food Tours - Journey with us from the 12th-century historical Lisbon to the present day. Starting in Downtown, our off-the-beaten-path tour will reveal why Mouraria is a unique gem - the birthplace of Fado music and Lisbon’s most multicultural neighborhood. Enjoy 6 stops and over 10 tastings, introducing you to local spots frequented by residents, and savor the iconic staples of Portuguese cuisine and its influences.
  • Distance: 1.2 miles/2km.
  • Duration: 3.5 hours.
  • Physical level: medium - The route includes some uphill walks on cobblestones and descending steps, typical of old Lisbon streets.
  • Igreja de Sao Domingos (Santa Justa e Rufina) - Originally from the 13th century, the São Domingos Church has witnessed centuries of faith and tragedy, suffering severe damage from Lisbon’s earthquakes and a major fire. After the devastating 1959 fire, it remained closed for decades, reopening in the 1990s with a simply restored interior that still bears the scars of the fire.
  • Rossio Square - Commonly known as Rossio, King Pedro IV Square (Portuguese: Praça de D. Pedro IV) is located in Lisbon’s Pombaline Downtown and has been a central square since the Middle Ages. It has hosted popular revolts, celebrations, bullfights, and executions, and is now a favorite meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

Situated in the heart of Lisbon, this lively and colorful square is filled with flower vendors, shoppers, and people bustling to and from work.

  • Elevador de Santa Justa - Also known as the “Elevator of Carmo,” this beloved landmark was built in 1902 by Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard, a Portugal-born French architect and apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, explaining its resemblance to Paris’ Eiffel Tower. It connects downtown to Bairro Alto, the city’s lowest and highest points.

Originally steam-powered, it stands 45 meters (147ft) high and is a notable example of post-Eiffel iron architecture. The top of the Neo-Gothic tower, accessible via a spiral staircase, offers a splendid view of the city, including Rossio Square, the castle, and the river.

  • Monumento Mouraria Berco do Fado - This expressive monument honors Fado and Mouraria, the cradle of Fado. It features a 1.5-meter-high marble block with a carved Portuguese guitar, paying tribute to Lisbon’s Fado, which originated in this neighborhood’s alleys, sung by the poor with suffering lives and generous souls. It also honors Maria Severa, Fado’s first great diva who lived and died here in the 19th century, Fernando Mauricio, the crownless king of Fado in the 20th century, and all famous or anonymous Fado singers in Lisbon.
  • Church of Sao Cristovao - Likely founded in the 12th century, this church was already in use by the early 14th century. Only the rectangular chancel built in 1671 by the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament survived from the 16th-century intervention. Rebuilt in the first half of the 18th century, it withstood the Lisbon earthquake.
  • Praca da Figueira - Praça da Figueira is a square in Lisbon’s Downtown. Before the 1755 earthquake, it was the site of the All-Saints Hospital, whose foundations were exposed during the construction of the current underground car park.

In the Marquis of Pombal’s design for Downtown, the square became the city’s main food market. A covered market was built in 1885 and demolished in the 1950s. Today, the four-story buildings house hotels, shops, and cafes, and the square is no longer a market.

A notable feature is the bronze equestrian statue of D. João I, erected in 1971 by Leopoldo de Almeida.

The square is served by the Rossio metro station on the Green Line, as well as several public bus and tram lines.

  • Praca Martim Moniz - Martim Moniz Square is the starting point of the famous tram 28, which runs through Lisbon’s oldest part. Although a regular transport line, tourists often form the longest queues to board.

This square is a mini Chinatown, overlooking Saint George’s castle, and serves as the gateway to Mouraria, the city’s most multiethnic and multicultural neighborhood.

  • Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II - Built in the 19th century, this theater carries the legacy of a time when culture was exclusive to the elites. Today, it is open to all.

The main hall features Vihls’ giant portraits of great actresses on the walls, guided tours, a bookstore, and a cozy lounge with a café/restaurant.

  • Rossio Train Station - Rossio Train Station is Lisbon’s primary train station, connecting the city to the popular town of Sintra and passing the two stations serving the Palácio Nacional de Queluz.

Not only is it an important station, but it is also a magnificent building and a tourist attraction. The ornate exterior, inspired by 16th-century Portuguese Manueline architecture, features two horseshoe-shaped archways, with turrets and pinnacles lining the roof.

  • Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saude - The Chapel of Our Lady of Health is located in the Mouraria neighborhood.

Built in 1505 by Lisbon garrison artillerymen, it was dedicated to St. Sebastian, the patron and protector against war, famine, and especially the plague, which had ravaged the city.

In 1569, it was rededicated to Our Lady of Health, and in 1662, her image was enshrined there, giving the chapel its current name. It underwent repairs after the 1755 earthquake, but the portal attributed to João Antunes dates from the early 18th century.

Every year, on the first Sunday of May, a thanksgiving procession for the Virgin’s protection takes place, a tradition since the 16th century.

  • Largo de Sao Domingos - Largo de São Domingos is a popular square among Lisbon’s natives and African community, who gather here daily. A monument mural, inaugurated in 2008, reads “Lisbon, City of Tolerance” in 34 languages, commemorating the tragic 1506 episode and honoring the Jewish victims.

The square features several stores and cafés and is home to the famous cherry brandy shop A Ginjinha.

  • Memorial as Vitimas do Massacre Judaico de 1506 - The Lisbon Massacre, also known as the 1506 Easter Slaughter, began during a Sunday Mass in April when believers prayed for an end to the drought, hunger, and plague ravaging Portugal. One believer claimed to have seen a vision of Christ, interpreted as a miracle by other Catholics. When a New Christian tried to explain the “miracle” as a light reflection, the crowd beat him to death. Subsequently, all Jews in the city were accused of heresy.

Years later, those condemned by the Portuguese Inquisition were left here to await execution at Rossio.

A monument mural, inaugurated in 2008, reads “Lisbon, City of Tolerance” in 34 languages, commemorating the tragic 1506 episode and honoring the Jewish victims.

What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Wine tasting
  • Snacks
  • Tea and coffee
  • Food tasting
  • Alcoholic Beverages
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Escape the tourist traps and crowds. Join us as we explore the unique neighborhoods where Lisbon locals live, eat, drink, and socialize. We’ll guide you off the beaten path to uncover the authentic food, culture, architecture, and history of Lisbon. Dive into the distinctive, lesser-known areas of the city, discovering traditional and pioneering neighborhoods that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity and set the trends in Lisbon’s food culture and gastronomy.

  • Does anyone in your party have any dietary restrictions? (Please be aware we won’t be able to adapt the tastings on the day in case you don’t inform us in the booking form)
Location
St. Dominic's Square
Largo São Domingos
Our host will be welcoming you next Star of David sculpture located in the middle of this little pedestrian square. S/he will be identified with a tote bag with Taste of Lisboa's logo.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(134 Ratings)
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Garypriya
Jul 18, 2024
A tour company with Heart - Lisbon or Lisboa (Lish-bow-aa) is a friendly and distinctly European town. The Taste of Lisboa run by Phillipa and her team captures its culinary history along with how it was enriched with sea voyages to foster trade from South Africa, India, Madagascar, Timor among others. Ricardo our guide was fluent in English and was very memorable. The tour began with a sampling of Romeo and Juliet (cheese + Quince fruit leather) and a sample of Port wine. It winds through Portuguese food staples, along with an intro to the rich history of Fado music. My favorite part of Lisboa was the love and care imparted to the elderly in the middle of the Fado districts. Ricardo our guide spontaneously stopped and helped an elderly handicapped person down the stairs (see pic). This simple act of spontaneous kindness reflects the very spirit of Lisboa…take the tour ….enjoy the neighborhoods, wear comfortable shoes, and sample the taste of Lisboa. A tour company with ‘Heart’.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brandondc4vu
Jul 9, 2024
Vote for Pedro! - What an amazing adventure! There were 6 in our group. Our guide was Pedro. He walked us 6 great locations for food and/or drink. A couple we off the beaten path, local favorites, or historical importance. Pedro, being from Lisbon, was very knowledgeable of the restaurants and the city. While he walked us from restaurant to restaurant, we passed a lot of local art that he would elaborate on with stories and references. From fado, to murals, to local characters, Pedro expanded on these with detail and passion. At one point, we were all singing fado in the street together. This was definitely my favorite tour I was on while in Lisbon. I cannot vouch for anyone but Pedro. He was very charismatic, animated, and came off as very genuine. His knowledge of his city is only matched by his passion and love for it. Thank you Pedro. And thank you Taste of Lisbon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nkarjane
Jul 6, 2024
Great food tour for all! - This was the best food tour we’ve been on! Pedro was amazing—knowledgeable, engaging, and funny! Each stop was filled with interesting information and yummy food. All of the drink options were excellent as well. He made sure to accommodate our vegetarian in the group too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tmason571
Jul 4, 2024
Food Tour with Daniel - Daniel was a wonderful guide - my niece and I loved the food tour and gained a new appreciation for Lisbon food/culture/history. Big thanks to Daniel! He was the best!
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Ian
Jun 20, 2024
Taste of Lisbon - had an excellent time in Lisbon. This eating tour was great. Fred was a great tour host. We visited lots of interesting places. Experiences great food, great wine and had a very fun time
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Tour585089
Jun 18, 2024
Pedro is amazing host - Pedro was amazing! Explaining everything and giving lots of history background, was giving us a lot of advices about Lisbon
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Carinaisabelo
Jun 18, 2024
Best tour ever even if you live in Lisbon! - It was really amazing. A perfect combination between history, localism, tradition and ... FOOD! The wonderful portuguese tipycal food. 5 stars! 👌
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Macaroney1950
May 9, 2024
Lisbon food adventure - This was an incredible experience. It was a great introduction to Lisbon-the food, history and culture. Dani was an amazing guide, sharing her love of the local food and drink as well as her knowledge of the city’s history. We were introduced to food we may not have tried and now we know what to eat and where. I highly recommend this tour-well worth it. Ask for Dani!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal20966695455
Apr 16, 2024
Best way to kick off your visit to Lisbon! - Great way to kick off your visit to Lisbon! Dani was incredibly knowledgable and engaging. It was great to get away from the “tourist traps” and get insight into the best examples of real Lisbon’s culture and food. We had an incredible time and Dani made the tour one to remember. I can’t recommend her and Taste of Lisboa enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joystepns
Apr 15, 2024
Food, history and culture with a passion - We try to schedule a food tour in new cities when we travel and we chose this one in Lisbon and it was exceptional! Daniella was a passionate host and guided us through the neighborhoods and to several establishments featuring local foods, wine and beer. The information she provided was both interesting and entertaining! Dani is a great ambassador for her city as she clearly loves her neighbors and her community!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult, 6 Infant
September 2024
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