Essential Alfama – Food, History & People

Essential Alfama - Food, History & People

Taste the food, meet the people and discover the history of Lisbon’s famed Alfama neighborhood.
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Featured on National Geographic, Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Virgin

Duration

2.5 hrs hours

Departs

Thu - Mon 12pm

There is no place in Lisbon quite like Alfama…

The music, the quintessential local restaurants, the breathtaking views and all the historical treasures make an exploration of Alfama a must do when visiting Lisbon. What makes this experience unique, is that we go beyond the obvious to discover hidden corners, backstreets with the best local eats, and encounter the colorful characters like our friend Dora, who are the face of this storied neighborhood.

What you’ll Experience on this Alfama Stroll & Food Tour

  • Uncover the iconic sites like St. George’s Castle, Sé Cathedral, & Portas do Sol Viewpoint.
  • Devour the classics after taking in the amazing views of Alfama; sit down for a tasting of two traditional Portuguese dishes.
  • Sip the ginjinha with the local legend Dora & taste her homemade ginjinha served in an edible chocolate cup.
  • Capture all the best views offered of Lisbon in Alfama! You will experience the best miradouros (viewpoints).
  • Visit a Fado house where you’ll taste an exclusive dish from a Michelin-starred chef while enjoying the sounds of the Portuguese music in the background.
  • Taste the best pastry in Portugal (and arguably the world!) – the famed pastel de nata!

On this 2.5 hour walking tour, we take you to see the most iconic sights such as the Sé Cathedral and the famous Portas do Sol viewpoint and also hidden spots few tourists ever see. You will taste Lisbon’s best dishes at the places that locals cherish, and you will experience Alfama the right way, providing you with an opportunity to truly appreciate its beauty, inside and out.

It will be difficult for you to imagine that Alfama, now considered the Heart of Lisbon, was once situated outside of the city walls and known for its poverty and squalor where only the poor and disadvantaged lived. You will learn about Alfama’s rich history and transition from a deprived district where sailors and dock workers lived into the artisan and historical center of Lisbon.

And what better way to capture this history then by walking the backstreets and enjoying the local eats as you travel back in time.

Come hungry, in both body and mind, as we dive into the essentials of Portuguese food, history & culture. You’ll arrive as a curious traveller and leave feeling like a well-fed local ready to continue discovering Lisbon on your own.

This tour is not currently being offered. Please review our other great tours in Lisbon.

❤️ This experience gives back.

With every booking, we donate a fresh meal via
World Central Kitchen.

Free cancellation

24 hours in advance for a full refund

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Memorable

Memorable

Let's make one of your favourite Lisbon memories together

Flexible

Flexible

You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour date. For further details please review our cancellation policy

Valuable

Valuable

Along with a guide to the stops you visit and a food lover's guide to the city, your local guide will give you her/his tips and picks to the best spots in town

Accommodating

Accommodating

We are here for you from the moment you book, to provide you with local tips and help with any of your questions

 

 

How to Arrive for Your Essential Alfama Tour

How you get there is up to you (transport to the meeting point is not included) - the starting location is easy to reach!

When you reserve your spot, we’ll give you the exact location of the meeting point in Restauradores Square.

At the end of our tour, our guides can point you in the right direction or call a taxi for you (or give you a recommendation of what to see next nearby)

Your Essential Alfama Tour Schedule

Departure

Departure

Our tour starts at Restauradores Square. Look for the your local guide wearing or holding an Eating Europe logo.

Cancellations

Cancellations

You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour date. For further details please review our cancellation policy.

Schedule

Schedule

This tour runs Thursday thru Monday at Noon (12pm). Tours are not held on National Holidays. Please check the booking page for available dates.

What a great way to see the sights and experience the best food that Lisbon has to offer. Simply delicious. Our guide, Camila, was absolutely lovely. Highly recommend this tour and guide!

- Christy L (TripAdvisor Review)

Lovely walk with Ricardo. Good food, good wine and beer and good conversation. Great way to get a foot in to the complex world of Portuguese food culture and history .

- Silke (TripAdvisor Review)

We had an amazing tour with Leonardo. He was so excited to be able to show us the history which we would not have discovered on our own and all the food was delicious.

- Rebecca H (TripAdvisor Review)

Private tours

If you are coming to Lisbon with your entourage and you’d like to take a private tour just for you and your group or just want a more intimate experience – we can make that happen! Just visit our private tours page and fill out the form – we’ll help you plan the perfect Lisbon tour for your needs.

Meet Your Local Lisbon Tour Guides

Our Lisbon food tours are led by people who know this city through its kitchens, its tascas, and its neighborhood markets. Pastry lovers who can debate the perfect pastel de nata for hours, wine enthusiasts who champion small Portuguese producers, and storytellers who share Lisbon with the kind of easy warmth that makes every visitor feel like a local. They take you into the neighborhoods where Lisboetas actually eat — because that's where the real city lives.

Kriszti
Kriszti
Hungarian native who fell in love with Portugal in 2006 and made it her home.
My favourite Portuguese dish would have to be grilled sea bass with an ocean view and a nice green wine.
If you are a coffee drinker always order a regular “café” and not a milky version to really appreciate this underrated delicacy!
Gabriel
Gabriel
Brazilian living in Lisbon for 6 years who fell in love with the city after a trip and never left.
My favorite dish is Polvo a lagareiro!
When in Lisbon, don't miss Graça with its viewpoints and terraces and a sunset boat trip on the Tejo River
Fred
Fred
Born and raised in Lisbon, a true "Alfacinha"
My favorite Portuguese dish is a Bitoque: steak with a fried egg served on top with a side of french fries and rice
When in Lisbon, explore Alfama, Belém and Sintra as well as indulging in our lovely food
Sara
Sara
Originally from Porto, living in Lisbon since 2016.
Favorite dish will have to be a good Duck Rice (Arroz de Pato)
Although Lisbon is beautiful inside and out always look for the open doors in the buildings, you might find some of the most amazing undiscovered monuments.
Catarina
Catarina
Born in "a garden planted by the sea" also known as Portugal.
What I love about Portuguese cuisine is the freshness of the ingredients which change every season. My favorite summer food is grilled sardines with salad.
The best way to learn about a country is through its people. Go to a farmers market, talk to strangers and experience the variety of local vegetables and fruits.
Camila
Camila
Born in Brazil and living in Portugal since 2001
My favorite food is grilled octopus!
Walk and eat as much as possible in Portugal. There's always some story behind each building and dish!
David
David
Born and raised in Vila franca de Xira, a true "Ribatejano", at your service
My favourite dish is undoubtedly açorda de bacalhau à alentejana, which is basically cod soup with bread.
Warning: the bifana is addictive. You start with one... and before you know it, you're on your third with a cold beer in your hand

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a food tour in Lisbon worth it?

Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Lisbon and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.

What food is Lisbon famous for?

Lisbon’s culinary scene is a mouthwatering blend of traditional Portuguese flavors and coastal influences. You can’t leave without trying bacalhau à brás (salt cod with eggs and potatoes), sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines, especially during summer festivals), and amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams in a garlicky, lemony sauce). Don’t miss bifana (a marinated pork sandwich) or a comforting bowl of caldo verde (a classic kale and potato soup). And of course, your visit wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the iconic pastel de nata, Lisbon’s world-famous custard tart.

What’s included in the price of the food tour?

All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.

How long are the tours?

Our Lisbon tours range in length from 3 to 4 hours.

What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?

Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. For example, you might explore Baixa, Alfama, or Santos!

What is the group size?

Our tours have maximum capacities of between 8-12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Lisbon.

I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?

We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

You will taste a variety of Portuguese and regional foods, experiencing Lisbon’s vibrant culinary culture from seafood specialties to sweet pastries. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Are drinks included?

Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes. On each of our Lisbon tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.

Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?

Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.

Booking and Payment

How do I book?

Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.

Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?

We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.

What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?

Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.

Accessibility & Safety

Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?

We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.

Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!

What should I wear?

There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.

Are tourists welcome in Lisbon?

Yes, absolutely. There’s a Portuguese word, convívio, which captures a feeling of friendly, convivial socialising. That’s the feeling we believe every visitor should experience in Lisbon.

You’ll find that spirit of convívio from locals when you connect with the city respectfully. It’s found when you support the small, family-run tascas in Alfama, help keep the Fado houses quiet during a performance, and learn the simple rhythm of hopping on and off the trams. This is the authentic Lisbon experience.

It’s this connection we create on our Eating Europe tours. We step away from the crowds and take you to the places locals truly love, introducing you to the people behind the food and the stories that make this city one of a kind.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Portguese as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Lisbon tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.

Do you offer private or custom tours?

We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Lisbon tour to suit your specific needs.

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