If you’re a gluten-free traveler, navigating a city’s dining scene can sometimes feel a bit daunting—especially if you’re celiac and need to ensure that every meal is completely safe – a struggle I know too well. I spent a weekend in Lisbon which you can read about in my Weekend Guide to Lisbon but if I only had 24hrs to spend in the capital then heres a 24 Hour Celiac-Safe Itinerary filled with mouthwatering eats, must-see sights, and just the right amount of time to sip a cold gluten-free beer by the waterfront. If you’re planning a whirlwind day here’s how to make the most of gluten-free in Lisbon.
Skip To…
- The Best Hotel in Lisbon
- Start the Day: Gluten-Free Breakfast at Rice Me Deli
- Mid-Morning Stroll: Rossio Square & The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines
- Afternoon Adventures: Arco da Rua Augusta & Waterfront Views
- Dinner at Bali do Cais & Pink Street
- Late Night Cocktails & Games
- Making the Most of Your 24 Hours in Lisbon
The Best Hotel in Lisbon
When travelling as a coeliac it’s important to find a good hotel that can cater to your dietary needs. I fell in love with The Corinthia Lisbon from the incredibly lavish breakfast buffet where they made me fresh-to-order food and the impeccable room service—I ordered the most delicious gluten-free truffle pasta! A good hotel can really make all the difference when travelling gluten-free, alleviating the stress of trying to find something to eat. You can read more about my experience at the Corinthia here.
Start the Day: Gluten-Free Breakfast at Rice Me Deli
Kick off your morning at Rice Me Deli, a 100% gluten-free bakery and one of the finest places gluten free Lisbon has on offer. The café conveniently located opposite the S. Sebastião metro stop and close to many central attractions. Here, you’ll find pastries, breads, and breakfast dishes that are safe for celiacs and taste so authentic you’ll never feel like you’re missing out. I’d highly recommend trying the ham and cheese pastry and if you’re eating early it’s worth grabbing one of their delicious freshly made sandwiches to go for lunch later on. The coffee is also really good here too!
Mid-Morning Stroll: Rossio Square & The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines
From Rice Me Deli, take the metro to Restauradores and head toward Rossio Square, one of Lisbon’s most iconic hubs. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, this area transforms into a charming Christmas Market, serving up cozy mulled wine and even mulled sangria.
If you’re planning to take the metro, you might want to consider a Lisbon Card which will give you unlimited access to Lisbon’s public transportation system, as well as 51 museums and historic attractions.
Even if you’re off-season, the sqaure takes centre stage to some of the city’s most famous shops and bars including The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines, a carnival-inspired store dedicated entirely to canned sardines. Even if you don’t indulge (check labels if you’re celiac-sensitive, as marinades can vary), it’s a memorable stop for souvenirs or Instagram snaps.
Afternoon Adventures: Arco da Rua Augusta & Waterfront Views
Wander down to the Arco da Rua Augusta, the grand triumphal arch that leads you into the Praça do Comércio. This large, open square faces the Tagus River and offers plenty of photo ops. From here, take a stroll up to the shore for those quintessential Lisbon shots—blue skies, yellow trams gliding by, and pastel-hued buildings that make the city feel like a storybook.
If you’re craving a midday pick-me-up, grab a gluten-free beer at Baía do Peixe – Praça do Comércio and soak in the riverside breeze. Lisbon’s growing awareness of dietary restrictions means more bars and restaurants are stocking gluten free lisbon options, so don’t be shy—ask for GF beverages and snacks when you stop in.
(For those who want to streamline their day, consider pre-booking a Lisbon No28 Tram Ride + Walking Tour to see the city or try a popular Tuk Tuk Tour with a knowledgeable guide – you can also hire your very own private vintage tuktuk for a picture-perfect bespoke guided tour).
Dinner at Bali do Cais & Pink Street
By now, you’ve likely worked up an appetite again. Head to Bali do Cais, an entirely gluten-free restaurant known for its delicious meals including a GF spin on the famous pastel de nata – the iconic Portuguese custard tart! Enjoy these treats with a hearty dinner before continuing your night out.
If you’ve opted for an early dinner, make your way to an iconic Fado show—Lisbon’s historic musical tradition rooted in Portuguese folk music. Held in the heart of Baixo-Chiado, these performances blend hauntingly beautiful melodies with soulful storytelling, offering a deeply moving glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Book your tickets here to secure your spot and experience the magic of Fado firsthand!
Craving something sweet afterward? GROM, a renowned gelato chain, offers gluten-free and often allergen-friendly options to satisfy a late-night sweet tooth. From creamy chocolate to seasonal fruit sorbets, you’ll find something celiac-safe and delicious. Just beware, they close at 9pm so if you are making a late night pit stop make sure you get there before then.
From GROM, take a stroll to Baxio Chiado where you’ll find lots more shops and bars including the Armazéns do Chiado Shopping Centre and Livraria Bertrand, the worlds oldest operating bookstore (both of which close at 10pm).
Whether you started your evening with a Fado show or opted for a later dinner, be sure to end your evening with a stroll to Pink Street—one of Lisbon’s most Instagrammable hotspots. Its vibrant, bubblegum-colored pavement sets the perfect backdrop for any Instagram pictures!
Late Night Cocktails & Games
Round out the evening with a cocktail at Bacchanal, a trendy bar known for its inventive mixes. They didn’t have a spicy margarita option on their menu but were happy to make one for me on request. We had a few cocktails between us and all of them were very good. We also loved the quirky decor.
If you’re feeling playful, head a few minutes down the road to Mini Golf Lisbon, where you can sip drinks, play a round of mini-golf, and even shoot a game of pool. It’s a unique way to experience Lisbon’s nightlife beyond the typical bar crawl.
For those with late-night munchies (no judgment!), you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that Lisbon’s McDonald’s locations offer gluten-free burgers including Big Macs! This can be a lifesaver when hunger strikes at unsociable hours and you need a guaranteed safe meal on the go. There’s a McDonald’s right next to the Baxio Chiado Metro Station.
Making the Most of Your 24 Hours in Lisbon
Though an action packed day, it’s possible to experience many of Lisbon’s cultural hotspots, while indulging in local flavors and enjoying the vibrant nightlife in one day – all without compromising your dietary needs. The city’s growing gluten-free scene, coupled with its classic attractions and unique quirks, makes it easy for celiac travelers to explore with peace of mind. The metro system is easy to get around and the city is quite condensed so you’ll be able to navigate where you want to go quite easily – especially if you have other things saved on your map!
In just 24 hours, you can eat gluten-free pastries, snap photos in front of iconic landmarks, sip gluten-free beer by the waterfront, and end the night with cocktails, games, and gluten-free gelato, proving being gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out—it means discovering a whole new side of the city! Don’t miss out on gluten free Lisbon.
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