Lisbon Food Tour: Baixa Petiscos, Wine & Ginjinha Tastings

Summary

Portuguese flavors in Lisbon’s Baixa with wine, petiscos and laughter

You’ll taste your way through Lisbon’s Baixa district with local petiscos, fresh seafood dishes paired with Vinho Verde, iconic bifana sandwiches and Ginjinha liqueur in a historic shop. End with pastel de nata as dusk settles over tiled rooftops — expect laughter, stories and real flavors along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I was already running five minutes late because I got distracted by the smell of roasting chestnuts outside Rossio — so classic me. When I finally spotted our guide, Sofia, with her yellow sign near the Supremo Tribunal de Justiça, she just grinned and waved me over like we’d known each other for ages. No judgment at all. We set off into Baixa and right away she started telling us about how this is Lisbon’s only flat neighborhood (which my knees appreciated more than I thought they would). The sidewalks were still a little slick from last night’s rain and you could hear the echo of trams somewhere nearby — it felt busy but not rushed.

The first stop was this tiny tavern where the walls were covered with old football scarves and faded family photos. Sofia brought out grilled chouriço that snapped when you bit it, plus bacalhau à Brás — salty, creamy, kind of addictive. She poured us Vinho Verde that tasted almost fizzy and fresh. I tried to say “obrigado” properly but probably butchered it; the bartender winked anyway. It was one of those moments where you realize how much food is tied up in people’s stories here.

Later we squeezed into a seafood spot for sardines that tasted smoky and somehow sweet at the same time. There was seafood rice too, all garlicky steam rising off the bowl. Someone at our table asked about local superstitions and Sofia told us about tossing salt over your shoulder — her grandma still does it before every meal apparently. The day trip through Lisbon’s food scene kept rolling: street food like bifana sandwiches dripping with garlicky sauce (my hands still smelled like it hours later), crispy croquetas with cold beer, then a stop at a liquor shop older than any of us for a shot of Ginjinha. Sweet but sharp — I liked it more than I expected.

I’m not even a dessert person but the pastel de nata at the end? Still warm, cinnamon dusted on top, flaky pastry everywhere. We stood outside eating them while the sun dipped behind tiled rooftops and honestly I didn’t want to rush off anywhere else after that. Sometimes you just need to let yourself linger.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon food and wine tasting tour

• Meet hosts by Supremo Tribunal de Justiça
• Walk through Baixa to tavern for petiscos
• Eat grilled chouriço and bacalhau à Brás
• Visit seafood restaurant for sardines and seafood rice
• Drink Vinho Verde with seafood meal
• Try bifana sandwich and street snacks
• Pair snacks with ice-cold beer
• Sample Ginjinha at historic liquor shop
• Finish with pastel de nata dessert

Top questions

Where does the Lisbon food tour start?

The tour starts in front of the Supremo Tribunal de Justiça in Baixa.

What foods are included on this Lisbon food tour?

You’ll try petiscos like chouriço and bacalhau à Brás, grilled sardines, seafood rice, bifana sandwiches, croquetas or coxinhas, and pastel de nata for dessert.

Are drinks included on this Lisbon food tour?

Yes—Vinho Verde wine, local beer, Ginjinha liqueur and other traditional drinks are included.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian options are available at every stop but there are fewer choices than on the regular menu.

How long is the walking route on this Lisbon food tour?

The route goes through Baixa district which is flat and fully accessible; exact distance isn’t specified but it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

Does this food tour include dessert?

Yes—the final tasting is Portugal’s famous pastel de nata custard tart.

Is public transportation nearby after the tour?

Yes—public transportation options are available close to where the tour ends.

Are alcoholic drinks served to all participants?

No—alcoholic drinks are only offered to travelers who are 18 years old or above.

What’s included

Your day includes eight tastings of Portuguese petiscos and street food across taverns and family-run restaurants in Baixa, four traditional drinks like Vinho Verde wine and Ginjinha liqueur (with alcohol-free alternatives), a warm pastel de nata dessert to finish things off sweetly, plus an expert local foodie guide leading you through accessible routes with pre-booked tables so you can skip waiting around and just enjoy each bite together.