One of Europe’s most picturesque capitals, Lisbon is a delight to explore on foot – and there are a number of inexpensive walking tours of the city available.
(Photo: moonjazz via Flickr / PDM 1.0 DEED)
The Portuguese capital’s hilly terrain means you do need a certain level of energy to traverse the city as a pedestrian, but the picture-postcard scenery every which way you turn will certainly help distract you from any sense of ardour. Also useful is if you’re in the company of an expert guide who will know all the short-cuts – not to mention plenty of entertaining insights. Here are five of the best Lisbon walking tours that won’t break the bank.
Lisbon Walking Tour
Lisbon has a rich and illustrious history and visitors can discover it for themselves on this 2-hour small-group tour. In the company of an expert guide, you’ll traverse the city on foot, stopping off at several notable landmarks and ancient sites along the way. As you stroll through Lisbon’s charming streets and squares, your e guides will regale you with fascinating facts, stories and insights that shine a light on the city’s past. Tours begin at the Praca do Comercio, one of the city’s most famous public squares. From €4.99 per person.
History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour
(Photo: Lisboa Autêntica)
For a more extended trip, this 3-hour tour may fit the bill. Beginning in the 5-centuries-old Bairro Alto, where you’ll learn about the evolution of the city, you’ll pass by the garden of São Pedro de Alcântara and enjoy views of Baixa and the south bank of the Tagus River. Next, you’ll visit the San Roque Church before heading down the hill to the Carmo convent and church. Further on, you’ll arrive at the Santa Justa elevator for one of the best viewpoints in the city. After a short break, you’ll take a tram ride to the Portas do Sol, home to the Monastery of São Vicente de and the Alfama district. one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. The tour ends at the 12th-century Lisbon Cathedral. From €25 per person.
Alfama Walking Tour
As mentioned in our previous tour description, the Alfama district that spans that spans several narrow streets to the River Tagus is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods. This 2 to 3-hour tour centres around Alfama only, inviting you to take a stroll through its narrow streets and up – or down – its beautiful ‘azulejos’ – the distinctive steep, winding alleys of the area. There’ll also be a chance to stop and admire some of Alfama’s most renowned landmarks, including Rossio Square, Dona Maria II Theatre, Sao Domingos Church, Figueira Square and Sao Jorge Castle. From €3 per person.
Drunken History Walking Tour
(Photo: Carpe Diem Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
If you fear that hitting the watering holes of Lisbon solo will render you incapable of navigation, then what safer way of enjoying some of Lisbon’s best booze than joining an organised tour? Over three hours, you and your group will be chaperoned by a friendly guide to some of the city’s finest bars and nightspots, where you’ll get to taste local drinks such as Portuguese cocktails while enjoying the company of fellow travellers. As you move from haunt to haunt, your guide will offer up scandalous tales of some of Lisbon’s most notorious figures down the years. At the end of the tour, you’re welcome – encouraged, even to continue on with your night on the tiles. From €25 per person.
Street Art Walking Tour
Lisbon’s penchant for colour extends beyond its kaleidoscopic rooftops. The city also boasts a vibrant street art scene, which can be discovered during this 3-hour tour. Guided by an expert in street art, you’ll visit the neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto, Mouraria, and Graça, stopping off at several impressive murals and graffiti created by a mix of local and international artists. At each one, your guide will shed light on the stories behind them and the various city projects that supported their creation and help make Lisbon such a feast for the eyes. From €28 per person.
By Paul Joseph