Lisbon city tours are essential for the green traveller as the capital of Portugal is a vibrant city and well worth a visit for any eco-tourist. One of the oldest cities in the world, this beautiful part of the Iberian Peninsula has plenty to do for the green traveller and is sure to leave you coming back for more.
A walking tour for those interested in Portuguese cuisine
There is no better way to learn about and understand Portuguese cuisine than to begin your Lisbon city tour with the Lisbon cooking class tour. This is a two hour tour that takes you on an educational journey through Lisbon, learning about the local culinary arts. On your tour, the guide will take you through the Baixa Quarter; while walking through the heart of Lisbon you can appreciate the neoclassic architecture on your way to a family owned and run restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to cook and enjoy a traditional Portuguese dish. By the end of the tour your knowledge and understanding of Portuguese cooking should be greatly improved and your stomach full.
Eco-friendly transport for Lisbon city tours
When it comes to transportation there are fewer better environments than Lisbon for the eco-tourist. Whether your preference is two or four wheels there are plenty of options for getting around, including eco-friendly tours. Go Lisbon offer a two wheel tour on a Segway. This battery powered alternative is a great way to enjoy Lisbon, taking in many of the main sites in the city, such as the Cathedral, Lisbon’s oldest building and The National Pantheon. The Segway is said to be very simple to use and real fun to boot. The tour lasts around 75 minutes and costs EUR44 with discounts available for larger parties.
Not everyone will feel comfortable using the two wheeled option in a city they aren’t familiar with, so there is always the equally green four wheeled option. Red Tours offer a buggy hire service with a variety of options to suit visitors. The optional talking GPS will allow you to take the tour at your own pace giving you time to stop at the attractions that hold your interest, whilst skipping those that don’t. Available in two or four seat option the buggies can be hired from as little as EUR28 and are sure to be a lot of fun. For an extra fee you can have a guide accompany you to enusre you don’t miss anything. Red Tours also offer an electric bicycle hire tour; whilst perhaps not as much fun as the buggies these are a lot more affordable and can be hired from as little as EUR7 – these too have the option of GPS.
An eco-friendly base for a Lisbon city tour
When it comes to sustainable accommodation The Neya Lisboa hotel is a fantastic example and well worth considering. The hotel’s policy on all things green is as good as you are likely to find in Lisbon. Every aspect of your stay is planned with the environment in mind, with everything from water reduction to energy efficiency taken care of. Food is sourced locally to support the local economy and the hotel donates to charities responsibly.
The Lisbon Green Sardine offers environmentally conscious accommodation, whilst at the same time the privacy of renting an apartment, for those who aren’t keen on hotels. Located in the Baixa area of Lisbon, this apartment sleeps up to 6 people and is a fairly central location for tourists.
Markets for the green traveller
Near the National Pantheon, you will find the Fiera da Ladra market. Thought to have been around for some 800 years this market is a a little treasure trove of everything from second hand and locally crafted goods, so if you are looking for something traditional while supporting the local economy, then this is worth a visit.
In down-town Lisbon there is the Ribeira market; open from Monday to Saturday, from dawn til dusk, this is the market you will want to visit if your seeking out fresh produce such as fruit, veg or fish. This is where the locals buy their wares which is always a good sign. If you do plan a visit be sure not to turn up between 2-3pm as the market does close for lunch.
Eating out in Lisbon
If your looking for local cuisine or vegetarian food in Lisbon then you may want to stop by La Gondola. Highly rated by most that visit, this restaurant has a reputation for good food, great service and lovely gardens. If you are a couple looking for a romantic setting then La Gondola fits the bill.
The Terra Restaurant is another fine example of a restaurant for vegetarians and vegans. Located close to the Bairro Alto; this restaurant has an extensive menu for vegetarians and vegans. With organic options as well and plenty of good reviews this romantic spot is must for vegetarians and vegans who want a good choice of meal whilst still being able to appreciate the finer aspects of Mediterranean cuisine.
Portugal may not be in the best state economically, however, this isn’t something that is apparent when visiting the beautiful city of Lisbon. For the green traveller there is plenty to do, good places to eat and interesting tours to be had. Sustainability seems to be at the forefront of people’s mind here, so you can expect Lisbon to keep improving on the green front.
Photo credit danalipar