Lisbon Food Walking Tour: Mouraria, Taverns & Tastings

Summary

Sample cod fritters in mouraria sip cherry liquor in old taverns and wander lively lisbon streets

You’ll wander Lisbon’s Mouraria & downtown streets with a local guide, tasting cod fritters, cheese, chorizo, and sipping cherry liquor in old taverns. Expect laughter over mispronounced words, stories about fado’s roots, and small moments that stick with you long after you’re full.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the tiles caught the late afternoon light near Restauradores Square — blue and chipped, but somehow brighter than I expected. Our guide, Joana, waved us over with this huge grin and right away started talking about how Mouraria is where fado was born. She said it like she’d told the story a hundred times but still loved it. The air smelled like baking bread mixed with something sharper — maybe olives? We ducked into a tavern that looked older than my parents’ marriage. Someone behind the counter poured us tiny glasses of cherry liquor (Ginja), and I tried to say “obrigado” without totally mangling it. Joana laughed and said I had the accent of a lost Spaniard. Fair.

I didn’t expect to eat so much on this Lisbon food walking tour — by the third stop I was already full, but then came cod fritters that were salty and warm inside, plus this chickpea salad with bits of codfish that tasted way better than it sounds. There was a moment at Campo de Ourique Market where we all just stood quietly chewing on cheese and bread while an old man argued (gently) with his friend about football scores at the next table. It felt like being let in on something local, even if just for a second. At one point someone asked Joana for tips on vegetarian options and she rattled off three places nearby — you could tell she actually eats there herself.

We stopped at a viewpoint overlooking downtown Lisbon — no climbing needed, thankfully — and everyone took turns snapping photos. But honestly, I remember more about the smell of roasting chorizo from a street vendor below than the view itself. The walk wasn’t tough (about 2km or so), mostly flat streets weaving through Praça da Figueira and Rossio Square with all their noisy trams clattering by. By dessert (a custard tart that nearly fell apart in my hands), I’d learned more about Portuguese food than any YouTube video could teach me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon downtown food and history tour

• Visit Downtown Town first stop
• Explore Downtown Town second stop with historical facts
• Visit Lisbon's oldest neighborhood
• Enjoy viewpoint without climbing
• Explore Downtown Town fourth stop with historical facts
• Visit Downtown Town fifth stop
• Explore Downtown Lisbon sixth stop with historical facts

Top questions

How long is the Lisbon food walking tour?

The tour lasts around 4 hours through Mouraria and downtown Lisbon.

Is vegetarian food available on this tour?

Yes, vegetarians can be accommodated on request—just let them know in advance.

How much walking is involved?

The route covers about 2.3 km (1.4 miles) on mostly flat streets.

What foods are included in the tastings?

You’ll try pork sandwich, cod fritters, chickpea salad with codfish, cheese, bread, olives, lupins, samosa, chorizo, soup, and custard tart.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes—cherry liquor (Ginja), Portuguese beer, green wine, rosé wine, red or white wine, port wine and water are all included.

Does the tour include any historical information?

Yes—your guide shares historical facts at several stops including Rossio Square and Praça da Figueira.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet your group at Restauradores Square in central Lisbon.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The experience is guided only in English.

Can children join this tour?

The tour is open to all ages but alcohol is only served to travelers over 18 years old.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all 12 food tastings—from cod fritters to custard tarts—plus cherry liquor and several wines or beer along the way; your local licensed guide leads you through Mouraria and downtown Lisbon’s markets and squares before finishing back near Restauradores Square.