One of the world’s great culinary capitals, Lisbon provides the perfect setting for an indulgent weekend away for foodies. Combining cultural and culinary hotspots, the city offers a vibrant atmosphere to accompany its rich flavours and mouth-watering local delicacies.
Luxury travel specialists, OROKO Travel, are experts in tailoring luxury holidays to Portugal and regularly tailor short breaks to its capital city. Today, the OROKO team have rounded up the best things to do on a luxurious short break to Lisbon.
Stay in Bairro Alto
The cobblestoned bohemian streets of Bairro Alto contain some of Lisbon’s hidden culinary gems, gaining it the reputation of being a centre of excellence for Portuguese gastronomy. OROKO recommend staying in a luxury boutique hotel in the area, ensuring all the top sites and restaurants are at your doorstep.
For accommodation, why not stay in an OROKO partner luxury hotel such as Bairro Alto Hotel, an avant-garde delight in the energetic city which is home to an outstanding restaurant, BAHR. While staying in Bairro Alto, admire some of the contemporary street art, ride the iconic funiculars and take in the breathtaking views from Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
The lively and colourful district is known for vibrant bars and restaurants. For contemporary dishes, dine at Ofício Tasco Atípico, renowned for its stuffed spider crab. Another excellent option is to dine at A Taberna da Rua das Flores, highly regarded for its outstanding representations of traditional Portuguese cuisine. For those looking for some entertainment with their meal, immerse yourself in true Portuguese culture and visit a Fado house where you can hear traditional Portuguese music that dates back to the 1820s.
Start your day right
There is no better way to start the day than with a Portuguese breakfast. They prioritise hearty flavours, with their delicious coffees, bread and baked goods. Traditional Portuguese breakfasts can be found at Pastelaria Alfama Doce, while delicious pastries can be found at Confeitaria Nacional, one of Lisbon’s oldest bakeries.
A Lisbon holiday would be incomplete without sampling the famed pastéis de nata from Pastéis de Belém. The egg custard tarts are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee. Looking to make these treats for yourself? Why not try out one of the many pastéis de nata pastry classes in the city?
Visit the iconic Time Out Market
It wouldn’t be a trip to Lisbon without visiting the Time Out Market. The popular market hosts cooking classes, cultural events, and, of course, mouth-watering food stalls with over 26 restaurants and 8 bars to choose from. It allows visitors to experience food cooked by world-famous chefs, accompanied by live music from local artists. In the Lisbon market, you can find some of the best-known and longest-running vendors. This bustling market encapsulates all that makes Lisbon so incredible and is a wonderful place to experience Portuguese culture and its incredible food.
Take a guided tour of the city
Take a break from your foodie adventure in Lisbon to visit some of the most popular sites around the stunning city. Board the famous Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and embark on a privately guided tour with a local guide. Stop off at popular shopping districts and iconic landmarks like Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and Cinema City Campo Pequeno.
OROKO also recommend exploring the charming nearby town of Sintra on a privately guided tour. Visit sites like Queluz National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the manicured gardens of Parque e Palacio de Monserrate.
Sample the local cuisine
For those looking to experience authentic local cuisine, two iconic ingredients include sardines, usually grilled, and bacalao; dried and salted cod which heavily features in dishes such as salt cod fritters, brandade and salt cod stew. If fish isn’t for you, then why not try Portugal’s famous bifanas, traditional sandwiches made with marinated pork and served in a fresh bread roll.
Centuries of trade have shaped Portuguese cuisine, and Lisbon’s restaurants feature top-quality fish and seafood, local cheeses, fine wines and vegetables from the surrounding land and seascapes. This combined with spectacular landmarks and a lively atmosphere that radiates from the streets makes for the perfect long weekend for any eager foodie.
The luxury travel experts at OROKO Travel have visited Portugal many times and know the best places to dine, delve into history and meet culinary artisans. The Travel Specialists at OROKO will recommend the best way to explore Lisbon, as well as the finest ways to combine Lisbon with more of Portugal’s fantastic wonders. For more information, visit OROKO Travel.
OROKO are Ireland’s only dedicated luxury tailored travel business. A team of luxury travel agents passionate about the world who create experiential, personalised luxury holidays from Ireland. Having travelled far and wide to discover the world’s culinary hotspots, OROKO will tailor gastronomic experiences all over the world, from the food markets of Lisbon and Porto to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and Osaka.
Visit www.orokotravel.ie or call 01-2600240
