The Complete Guide to a Kosher Trip to Lisbon
Lisbon, which paid a heavy Jewish price in the expulsion of 1497 and the Inquisition that followed, today hosts a renewed Jewish community centered around Shaaré Tikva Synagogue. Thanks to the Sephardic citizenship law that allowed descendants of those expelled to obtain Portuguese citizenship, thousands of Israeli families have joined the community over the past decade. Here's a short guide to planning your visit.
Shaaré Tikva Synagogue and Chabad House
Shaaré Tikva Synagogue on Rua Alexandre Herculano is the community's central synagogue, with the CIL mikveh alongside it. Ohel Jacob Synagogue serves another part of the community. Chabad Portugal, a short drive away in Cascais, also serves the area.
See all optionsWhere to eat and shop
Genesis Lisbon, in Campo Pequeno, is the city's central kosher option. Two grocery stores, Portuel Kosher and KosherIN, round out the shopping.
See all optionsAlfama — the Jewish quarter that survived the earthquake
Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district, was also home to the Jewish community before the expulsion — and thanks to its geological foundation (on stable bedrock), it survived the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed almost the rest of the city. Practical tip: climb on foot (or take the famous Tram 28) up to Miradouro de Santa Luzia — a lookout point with a panoramic view over Alfama's red rooftops and the Tagus River.
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Belém Tower — a combined ticket with the monastery
The 16th-century Belém Tower, which marked the departure point of Portuguese ships of discovery bound for the New World, is a UNESCO landmark right on the banks of the Tagus River. Practical tip: buy a combined ticket with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery — it saves money and line time, and lets you combine both sites in the same visit.
See all optionsBetween the renewed Jewish community, the historic Alfama district and Belém Tower, Lisbon offers a rare encounter with deep Jewish history alongside a European city that's still relatively affordable.
Stay in the kosher area of Lisbon
Lisbon does not have one obvious Jewish quarter. Rohr Chabad Portugal - Avner Cohen Casa Chabad (Chabad house listed on the site) is the anchor - book a hotel within walking distance of it rather than picking a random part of Lisbon.
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Guided Tours & Experiences
Guided tours, entry tickets and experiences in every destination - most with free cancellation, so you can plan ahead and still stay flexible around Shabbat and the chagim.
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Rent a car in Lisbon
Compare prices across local and international car rental companies at every destination - often significantly cheaper than booking direct, with free cancellation.
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Airport Transfer to Your Hotel
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel and back - a fixed price agreed in advance (no meter surprises), a driver waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, and no need to haggle or speak the local language.
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