Gastronomy has become one of the main reasons people choose where to travel. It’s no longer about ticking off landmarks, but tasting a place properly.
One Portuguese city has just secured a place in the Top 3 of the Foodie 2026 Ranking, thanks to soaring demand for food tours and authentic dining experiences.
What is the Foodie Ranking 2026?
Food is becoming one of the main reasons people choose where to go on holiday. According to TUI Musement, over 56% of travellers say they are “interested” or “very interested” in taking part in culinary activities during their holidays.
The behaviour behind that figure is just as telling, 71% prefer to book culinary experiences in advance, treating them as core itinerary items rather than spontaneous add-ons.
Against that backdrop, TUI Musement compiled its Foodie Ranking 2026, analysing Google search volume data for food tours across European cities. It measures where people are actively looking to taste their way through a city.
Portugal in the Top 3
Within that ranking, Lisbon places 3rd in Europe, behind Rome (1st) and Bologna (2nd). It sits ahead of London, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Paris, marking it as one of the continent’s most searched-for destinations for food tours.
Italy dominates the Top 20 with six cities featured, reinforcing its long-standing culinary reputation. Still, Portugal’s double appearance, with Porto also in 9th place, signals clear momentum.
Why Lisbon stands out in the 2026 Foodie Ranking
Lisbon’s strength isn’t flashy fine dining alone. It’s the way everyday food culture and traditional Lisbon dishes blend with innovation and exciting new projects like top coffee spots.
Seafood dominates menus, but the atmosphere is rarely stiff or ceremonial. You can move from a humble tasca (a traditional, no-frills local eatery), enjoying petiscos, to a tasting menu that would hold its own in Paris.
Key reasons Lisbon performs so strongly:
- Research shows that 74% of travellers are drawn to tours involving markets, street food stalls and historic quarters. Lisbon’s geography suits that format perfectly.
- Over 84% of travellers show interest in unique locations, and Lisbon’s riverfront and miradouros (viewpoints) lend themselves to this style of experience.
- Portugal overall is relatively affordable compared with other Western European capitals
Exploring Lisbon through food
Much of Lisbon’s food-tour appeal centres on three historic districts:
- Alfama – narrow lanes, tiled façades and small family-run spots.
- Bairro Alto – known for nightlife, but by day it’s full of relaxed eateries and wine bars.
- Baixa – grander streets and traditional cafés where you’ll find pastéis de nata still warm from the oven.
Typical stops on a Lisbon food guide include pastel de bacalhau, grilled sardines in season, and of course, the famous custard tarts, or pastéis de nata.
Michelin Guide Portugal 2026 and Lisbon’s star power
The Michelin Guide Portugal 2026 confirmed new additions in the capital, including a two-star restaurant and several new starred venues. Michelin recognition attracts culinary tourists who might first come for fine dining but end up discovering traditional spots too.
Best food in Lisbon: the dishes driving search demand
If you look at what people are actually searching for under “best food in Lisbon”, it’s rarely abstract. It’s specific dishes.
Here’s what consistently defines Lisbon food:
- Salt cod in multiple forms, not just the famous fritters
- Custard tarts, distinct from the original pastéis de Belém recipe
- Fresh Atlantic seafood, especially sardines and shellfish
- Local wines from nearby regions such as Setúbal and Alentejo
Portugal’s culinary momentum beyond the capital
Lisbon isn’t carrying this alone. Porto ranks 9th in the same Foodie 2026 list, with strong search demand for food tours that include:
- Francesinha, the city’s indulgent sandwich
- Salt cod dishes
- Mercado do Bolhão
- Wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
The fact that Portugal places two cities in the European Top 10 matters. It suggests sustained interest rather than a one-off spike.
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