Magpie

Ultimate Lisbon Food & History Tour of Baixa & Chiado

3 hours
Max 12 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Lisbon, Portugal

About this activity

Discover the stories behind Portugal’s culinary treasures at Lisbon's century-old shops and traditional local restaurants. 

Highlights

  • Enjoy 8 tastes and 3 drinks at 7 small businesses in Lisbon (plenty of food for a full breakfast & lunch).
  • Sample the most iconic foods in Lisbon—from cherry liqueur to custard tarts—at the family-run spots that do them best.
  • Savor age-old Portuguese recipes in three must-visit neighborhoods: Baixa, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré.
  • Travel back in time at the family-run establishments that have survived for decades (and in some cases, centuries!).
  • Try one of Portugal's most famous dishes in a traditional tasca, and understand firsthand the importance of simplicity in Portuguese cuisine.

Full description

Spend your morning uncovering the soul of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods—Baixa, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré—through its most cherished food traditions. With an intimate small group, you'll visit century-old establishments trusted by generations of Lisboetas, taste dishes that define Portuguese culture, and savor pastries beloved across the globe (custard tarts, anyone?). Along the way, your expert guide will share stories behind the recipes and the artisans who bring them to life, giving you the confidence to eat like a local for the rest of your stay. This is more than a food tour; it’s a journey into Lisbon’s culinary heart and soul.

Begin your morning at a legendary pastry shop that’s been delighting Lisboetas for nearly two centuries. Savor freshly brewed Portuguese coffee paired with an array of sweet, traditional pastries as your guide shares the stories behind these local favorites.

Next, we're off to the city’s oldest traditional grocery store to uncover the cultural significance of bacalhau, Portugal’s iconic salt cod. Sample rich, buttery acorn-fed Iberian ham as you explore the role these delicacies play in Portuguese cuisine.

Time for a drink! Your next stop is a 130-year-old family-run shop, where you’ll sip on Lisbon’s famous cherry liqueur.

From there, we'll head uphill to one of Lisbon’s central squares to dive deeper into the city's past. Learn about the devastating 18th-century earthquake and its enduring impact, as well as the iconic fountain that has stood the test of time. You'll then head to a tiny, unassuming bar to taste what locals claim to be the best Portuguese pork sandwich around.

Your next stop is a lively neighborhood eatery in Cais do Sodré—the perfect spot for a traditional lunch. Feast on Portuguese classics like a comforting cod dish, regional sausages, and another home-cooked recipe, and wash it down with local wine or beer.

On the way to your final stop, your guide will tell you about one of Portugal’s most fascinating exports: canned fish! While it may be a viral sensation now, it's been a staple of Portuguese cuisine for over a century.

End your journey on a sweet note with the iconic pastel de nata. There's no shortage of spots to try these buttery custard tarts in Lisbon, but we'll take you to our favorite: a bakery renowned for rivaling the original.

Included / Excluded

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • 7 delicious tasting stops with 8 tastes and 3 drinks
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

Praça da Figueira, Lisboa, PT

https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B042'48.7%22N+9%C2%B008'16.6%22W/@38.7135278,-9.1384916,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x61795f0276ef3c7!7e2!8m2!3d38.7135128!4d-9.1379343

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Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is in English.
  • This tour is adaptable for: Pescatarians, Dairy free, Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women. If you have a dietary requirement or food allergy, please note it when booking.
  • Please note that this tour is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians nor those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
  • In order for us to comply with new Portuguese health & safety rules, all guests booked for weekend tours will be required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test at the start of the tour.
  • Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour
  • Due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination, this tour is not adaptable for those with celiac disease

Know before you go

  • Meeting time is 10min before the tour star time to check in. If a guest is more than 5min late, they should go to first stop (stated in confirmation email).

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.

Additional information

Dietary Accommodations
This tour is adaptable for:

Vegetarians
Pescatarians
Dairy free
Non-alcoholic options
Pregnant women
We love providing delicious options for those with dietary needs. If you have a dietary requirement or food allergy, please note it when booking. This tour is not recommended for vegans and, due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination, this tour is not recommended for those with celiac disease.

Please note that this description is an example and stops or tastes may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have a delicious experience. 

This tour requires some uphill and downhill walking, including a couple of fairly steep streets. There is about 2 km (1.25 miles) of total ground covered throughout the tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for hills.
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