Cheap fun things to do in Lisbon on vacation in January

Lisbon is a vibrant and historic city, and there are plenty of ways to explore it without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for discovering Lisbon on a budget:

1. Start by walking through the city's historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto. These areas are filled with narrow streets, colorful houses, and charming squares, and they offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.

2. Visit some of Lisbon's historic landmarks, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, and the Sao Jorge Castle. These iconic structures offer stunning views of the city and provide insight into Lisbon's past.

3. Head to one of Lisbon's many markets to browse locally grown produce and other goods. The Mercado da Ribeira, Mercado de Campo de Ourique, and Mercado de Arroios are all great options for fresh, locally grown produce.

4. Take a stroll through the Jardim da Estrela, a beautiful park located in the center of the city. This is a great spot for picnics, relaxing walks, and people-watching.

5. Check out some of Lisbon's free museums and galleries, such as the National Tile Museum, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and the Museu Nacional do Azulejo.

6. Enjoy a cheap and delicious meal at one of Lisbon's many local tascas (taverns) or churrasqueiras (grill restaurants). These establishments often serve hearty, traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Some options to try include cod fritters, grilled sardines, and pork and clams.

7. Wash down your meal with a glass of vinho verde, a light and refreshing Portuguese wine. Vinho verde can be found at most restaurants and bars in Lisbon and is often very reasonably priced.

8. Save money on transportation by using Lisbon's efficient and affordable public transit system. The metro, bus, and tram network covers much of the city and can be accessed with a rechargeable transit card.

9. Consider staying in a budget-friendly Airbnb or hostel instead of a hotel. These options can offer a more authentic and local experience, as well as great value for your money.

10. Finally, be open to trying new things and exploring off the beaten path. Lisbon is a city full of hidden gems and unexpected pleasures, and the best way to discover them is to be curious and adventurous.

What are local specialty dishes?

There are many local specialty dishes in Portugal, as the country has a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Here are a few examples:

1. Bacalhau: This is a type of salted cod that is very popular in Portugal. It is often served in a variety of dishes, such as bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with fried potatoes and scrambled eggs) or bacalhau com natas (cod with cream).

2. Francesinha: This is a sandwich typically made with bread, ham, sausage, and roast meat, and topped with cheese and a spicy tomato and beer sauce. It is often served with fries and a fried egg on top.

3. Caldo verde: This is a hearty and flavorful soup made with kale, potatoes, and chunks of chouriço (spicy Portuguese sausage).

4. Cozido à portuguesa: This is a traditional Portuguese stew made with a variety of meats (such as beef, pork, and chicken), vegetables, and beans.

5. Pastel de nata: These are small, flaky pastries filled with a creamy custard and dusted with cinnamon. They are a popular dessert in Portugal and can be found at most bakeries.

6. Port wine: This is a type of sweet, fortified wine that is produced in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It is a local specialty and is often served as an after-dinner drink.

Here are three places where you can enjoy some of the local specialty dishes I listed above:

1. Bacalhau: Casa do Bacalhau, O Bacalhau, and O Mercado

2. Francesinha: Café Santiago, Café Piolho, and O Faia

3. Caldo verde: A Tasquinha, Adega da Mouraria, and O Gato Preto

4. Cozido à portuguesa: A Travessa, O Gato Preto, and Adega da Mouraria

5. Pastel de nata: Pastéis de Belém, Manteigaria, and Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata

6. Port wine: Taylor's Port Cellars, Croft Port Cellars, and Sandeman Port Cellars

What is a bifana sandwhich and where to get them?

A bifana is a type of sandwich that is popular in Portugal. It is made with marinated pork that has been grilled or roasted and served on a roll or baguette. Bifanas are often garnished with lettuce, tomato, and onions, and they are usually served with a spicy sauce made with piri-piri peppers. Bifanas are a cheap and tasty snack that can be found at many snack bars, cafes, and restaurants throughout Portugal, especially in the Lisbon area. Some popular places to try bifanas include Bifana na Frente, O Bifana, and Bifanas do Rosário.

Which bifana places are open late?

It is common for snack bars and cafes in Portugal to stay open late, and many of them serve bifanas until the early hours of the morning. Here are a few places that are known for serving bifanas late at night:

1. Bifana na Frente: This is a popular snack bar in Lisbon that serves bifanas until around 2:00 AM.

2. O Bifana: This is another snack bar in Lisbon that is open until the early hours of the morning and serves a variety of bifanas.

3. Bifanas do Rosário: This is a small chain of snack bars that can be found in various neighborhoods in Lisbon. They are known for their bifanas and are usually open until around 1:00 AM.

4. A Bifana: This is a snack bar in Lisbon that is open until the early hours of the morning and serves a variety of bifanas and other sandwiches.

5. Bifanas da Praça: This is a small chain of snack bars in Lisbon that serve bifanas and other sandwiches until the early hours of the morning.

It is always a good idea to call ahead to confirm the hours of operation for these and any other establishments you may be interested in visiting.

Note: are bifanas different in each city?

While the basic concept of a bifana is the same everywhere (marinated as a pork sandwich), there may be some variations in the way the pork is prepared and the type of sauce or garnishes that are used. For example, in Lisbon, bifanas are often made with marinated pork that has been grilled or roasted, while in the Alentejo region, they are often made with pork that has been slow-cooked in a spicy sauce. Additionally, some places may use different types of bread or offer different garnishes, such as lettuce, tomato, onions, or cheese. Overall, while there may be some regional variations, bifanas are generally a tasty and affordable snack that can be found throughout Portugal.

Make sure that if you get a plain bifana not dipped in sauce like Conga located in Porto, load it up with yellow mustard.