EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: LISBON

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN LISBON

Some food experiences never fade and eating sardines at an outdoor café atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills is one of them. I’m not talking about those oily little canned filets – save those for the Caesar salad. I’m talking about whole, fresh caught, grilled Atlantic sardines – each the size of an eye glass case, generously salted and coated in robust olive oil. It’s no wonder sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines) are the country’s most popular fish and worthy of a month-long festival in June.

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Lisbon

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Lisbon:

• Pastel de Nata: This is the most famous pastry in all of Portugal, so you'll definitely want to add this to your list of foods to try! A Pastel de Nata is a delicious egg custard tart with a flaky, caramelized crust. They are best eaten warm and fresh from the oven, and they pair well with coffee on the side.
• Arroz Doce: Enjoy the taste of a traditional Portuguese dessert with Arroz Doce. This is a sweet rice pudding that is often spiced with cinnamon, and though it’s simple, it is a delicious comfort food that is eaten frequently in homes and restaurants!
• Bacalhau: Portugal has a saying that there are 365 ways to cook Bacalhau, or codfish. After all, it's very important in the local food culture! Bacalhau is a staple in most meals, and you can try it in most traditional restaurants. 

BEST DRINK IN LISBON

Two words: short and strong. That’s how the Portuguese like their coffee and you will too (once you get used to it). Lisbon is littered with cozy coffee shops and cafés where you can settle in for a good cup of joe made from fresh roasted beans. Find a place that sells pastéis de nata – a creamy egg custard in a flakey buttery crust. It’s the perfect companion to your short and strong.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Lisbon

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Lisbon:

• Ginjinha (or Ginja): Ginjinha is a sweet cherry liqueur often served in a tiny shot glass with a cherry at the bottom. You can find small shops all over the city dedicated to serving just this drink! It's a very popular way to start an evening out in the city.
• Licor Beirão: To try a classic after-dinner drink, order a Licor Beirão. This is a popular Portuguese herbal liqueur with a distinctive sweet and smooth flavor. It's a beloved local spirit that is a staple in both Portuguese households and restaurants.
• Coffee (Galão/Bica): Coffee is a huge part of daily life in Lisbon. A Bica is a short shot of espresso, similar to what you might call an Americano, and a Galão is a larger, milky coffee. Both are popular options that are worth trying yourself! 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN LISBON

There’s simply no better way to get a true taste of Portuguese culture than by listening to a live Fado performance. Fado is Portugal’s folk music and it tells the story of its working-class people. Strong, passionate vocalists are accompanied by melancholy guitars or mandolins and together the sound creates a mountain of emotion. Even if you don’t speak any Portuguese, you know there is struggle, resignation, and longing. In fact, the world “fado” comes from the Latin word, “fatum” which means destiny.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Lisbon

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Lisbon:

• Castelo de São Jorge: This is a majestic castle on a hill that overlooks the entire city of Lisbon, offering beautiful views of the city and a rich history dating all the way back to the Moors.  
• Museu Nacional do Azulejo: You will see beautiful tiles, or azulejos, all over Lisbon, and this museum is a great place to learn about their history. The museum is dedicated to the art of Portuguese tile-making, and here you’ll be able to find incredible examples of this cultural art form.
• Sé Catedral: Located in the oldest part of the city, Lisbon's cathedral is an important historical and religious landmark. Its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture is a stunning sight to see and visiting here gives you a chance to learn how the city’s history and culture have evolved over centuries. 

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