According to research by Confused.com in partnership with travel insurance experts, culinary experiences have become a major deciding factor for British holidaymakers. Four in five say food is a key when planning their travels, with nearly half prioritising local cuisine when choosing where to dine. Meanwhile, 90% have taken part in food-related activities whilst abroad, from street food tours to cooking classes.

The study ranked Europe’s top gastronomic cities based on restaurants, availability of local cuisine, and food-focused experiences. Lisbon ranked fourth place, behind Rome, Paris, and Barcelona, but ahead of Athens.

Portugal’s coastal capital boasts 3,155 top-rated restaurants, with 18% offering traditional dishes. Among the must-tries are Pastéis de Nata, the beloved custard tard, and Bacalhau à Brás, a comforting mix of shredded cod, potato and egg.


Food lovers can choose from over 430 culinary activities in Lisbon, including walking tours, tuk-tuk excursions to hidden gems, and wine-tasting experiences. The city’s vibrant food scene is also well represented on social media, with over 170,000 Instagram posts and 12,400 TikToks using #lisbonfood.

Portugal has long taken pride in its rich culinary heritage, from the seafood of the Algarve to the hearty stews of the north. Accommodation, transport and activities grow more expensive, authentic, local foods remain one of the most accessible and memorable ways to connect with a place.