Why Spring is the best time for a Food Walking Tour in Lisbon

Ah yes, springtime.

“From you have I been absent in the spring,
When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim,
Hath put a spirit of youth in everything,
That heavy Saturn laughed and leaped with him.”

Ok, less Shakespeare, more about the theme at hand.

As the temperatures rise and the flowers start to bloom, spring is the perfect time to explore the delicious cuisine of Lisbon on foot, before the scorching sun of Summer creeps its way onto our bare shoulders and pale faces (don’t forget your sunblock!).

With its fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and rich culinary history, Lisbon is a foodie’s paradise. And what better way to experience the city’s culinary delights than on a guided food walking tour?

Our Lisbon Foodie Walking Tour

Let our expert guides, who are passionate about Portuguese everything (have we mentioned we’re particularly in love with food in this country?), take you on a journey through the city’s best food markets, cafes, and hidden spots.

Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

Time Out Market. Source: Timeout.com

Explore one of Lisbon’s Oldest Markets

The tour begins at the Mercado da Ribeira, the second oldest market in Lisbon, built in 1882, and the most dynamic market of the city. There will be a break for a coffee and a Pastel de Nata. A Portuguese style breakfast.

View of Almada from Lisbon. Source: Svetlana Gumerova on Unsplash

Head out across the river

Next on the tour, we take you to the other side of the tagus river. Enjoy the (hopefully – it still rains in Springtime) pleasant weather on the trip, while a soup and a seafood patty will be waiting for you on the other side. The pictures of Lisbon from across the river are just stunning, and a view not every visitor gets to enjoy.

Ginjinha tasting. Source: Tim Wilson on Unsplash

Cheers!

No food tour of Lisbon would be complete without a toast with Ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) to celebrate Lisbon, food, and just being alive and enjoying your stay. Ginjinha is served in a shot form with a piece of the fruit in the bottom of the cup. It is a favourite liqueur of many Portuguese and a typical drink in Lisbon, Alcobaça, Óbidos, Marvão, Covilhã and Algarve. The Serra da Estrela ginja, centered around Covilhã, has protected designation of origin.

Bifana sandwich. Source: Pingodoce.pt

The grand finale

We saved the best for last, the stars of the show. You’ll taste the ever-famous, ever tasty bifana and beer (with alternatives for those who do not eat meat/drink alcohol) and to end on the highest note, a wine tasting with some local delicacies … variety is the spice of life!

PS: The bifana is a Portuguese sandwich that comprises of a light but crusty bread roll filled with sautéed strips of pork that have been seasoned with garlic, spices, and white wine. The pork is juicy, and sometimes slightly greasy, making it a popular late-night snack for those that need something to soak up the beer they’ve been drinking. It’s one of Portugal’s best dishes, and an absolute must-try while you’re visiting. Read more about it here.

Springtime sun. Source: Kristaps Grundsteins on Unsplash

Why Spring is the Best Time for visiting Lisbon

Spring is the perfect time for visiting Lisbon and to have a food walking tour, for several reasons:

There are less crowds than in Summer

Summer is always a lot. A lot of people, a lot of heat, the beaches and restaurants are fuller. In spring, crowds are thinner before the summer rush in August and you will find prices for hotels are lower too. People are maybe more welcoming and staff have more time to chat in bars and cafes.

The weather is pleasant for walking around

Temperatures in Lisbon will be around 22-24 °C, (a bit warmer in the Alentejo and Algarve but slightly colder in Porto). Expect some rainy days too and come prepared with a jacket or coat for the evenings. It is too cold to swim for most people but the beaches are still worth a visit even if just for the views, or a drink.

Look. at. all. those. flowers!

It’s obviously no secret that spring is the time for all the trees and plants to blossom, including almond, cherry and wild orchids. There are also some beautiful Jacaranda trees all over the city, filling our roads with purple blossoms.

Spring festivals!

Spring is also a time for several fun festivals around the country. The Iberian Mask Festival (Festival Internacional da Mascára Ibérica FIMI) in Lisbon takes place over four days in May. It brings together the best in Spanish and Portuguese handicrafts and popular culture. The festival had its origin in 2006 and includes processions, music workshops and fairs.  There are tons of other festivals and concerts happening all around Lisbon in the springtime which are worth checking out.

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon this spring, be sure to check out our day trips from Lisbon, be it on foot or on a comfortable 9-seater van.