Lisbon once again gained international prominence by joining the group of the best cities in the world to explore on foot, in a recent list based on tourists’ experiences. The Portuguese capital appears among the best-ranked destinations, reinforcing its attractiveness in a context in which many choose to avoid it in the busiest months.
According to , the city occupies fifth place in a global table that brings together one hundred ideal destinations for pedestrian routes, prepared by the company GuruWalk. The study is based on hundreds of thousands of reviews made by visitors after experiences with local guides.
Prominent position in global ranking
The list places Lisbon among some of the most visited and valued cities in the world, behind Rome, Madrid, Budapest and Prague. According to the same source, the Portuguese capital remains one of the main points of tourist interest, having registered 32.5 million visitors last year, according to data from the National Statistics Institute.
The newspaper writes that this classification results from the analysis of more than 467,000 evaluations relating to almost 4,000 guided tours in more than 800 cities. The objective was to identify places where the walking experience offers greater cultural and urban proximity.
Growing tourism and new trends
Despite international recognition, Lisbon continues to face a seasonal phenomenon in which many residents and visitors choose to leave the city during the summer. Even so, the publication adds, the tourist flow remains high throughout the year, supported by a diversified offer.
Asia appears as the continent most valued in this type of experience, with cities like Tokyo rising several positions in the ranking. Spain leads again in the number of cities on the list, with a total of 19.
Between historic streets and local experiences
Returning to Lisbon, the city stands out not only for its heritage and urban landscapes, but also for the possibility of exploring neighborhoods on foot, with easy access to historical points, traditional shops and restaurants. This combination has been highlighted as one of the factors contributing to its position in the table.
According to Correio da Manhã, GuruWalk works as a global platform that connects tourists with local guides in more than 100 countries, promoting free visits based on tips. This model has been gaining expression, especially among travelers looking for experiences closer to the local reality.
There are affordable options that go unnoticed
Among these local experiences, traditional restoration continues to play a relevant role. In less touristy areas, it is still possible to find complete meals at reduced prices, contrary to the widespread perception of an increase in the cost of living in the city.
One example is A Tasca do Tretas, located next to Alameda, which maintains a weekly menu with traditional dishes starting at 7.50 euros. The space is open from Sunday to Friday, contrary to the habit of closing on Sundays typical of this type of establishment.
The restaurant has a varied offer throughout the week, including dishes such as suckling pig on Sunday, Trás-os-Montes feijoada on Monday or Portuguese stew on Wednesday. Thursday’s specialty is ham, which usually requires prior reservation due to high demand. The portions are usually generous and the environment maintains traditional characteristics, with a simple space divided between the counter and the dining room.
The coexistence between tourist growth and the preservation of local habits continues to mark the city’s identity. In the summer months, residents tend to ‘escape’ Lisbon to other beach towns. While rising in international rankings, Lisbon maintains spaces and routines that escape the most media circuits. This duality contributes to an experience that combines global recognition with everyday experiences, making the city a destination that continues to be rediscovered, even by those who have known it for years.
Also read:
