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Lisbon Tours

Discover 6043 tours and activities in Lisbon
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The 10 Best Lisbon Tours

1

Lisbon Walking Tours

Walking tours are the best way to get to grips with Portugal’s capital, as the city is designed to be explored on foot. These Lisbon tours often have a theme, either focusing on a particular district or concentrating on food or wine.

If it’s your first time, you’ll probably want to book an excursion in the popular areas of Alfama, Belém, and Baixa, but the shopping and theater neighborhood of Chiado has a lot to offer too. Don’t miss the Rua Augusta Arch on Praça do Comercio, which was built to commemorate Lisbon’s rebirth after the devastating 1755 earthquake.

Free walking tours are also available and are a great option if you’re keeping an eye on your budget.

2

Alfama District Tours

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and this is where you’ll find many of the most sought-after historic attractions. The best way to explore is on a walking tour, where you’ll take in sights like Lisbon Cathedral, the National Pantheon, and the Castle of São Jorge.

Most Alfama tours stop at the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for fabulous views across the city and river, so don’t forget your camera!

Taking a ride on the vintage Tram 28 is one of the district’s unmissable experiences, and it’ll save your legs from walking up the hills too!

3

Belém Tours

Located on the banks of the Tagus River and home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Belem is a popular focus on many historic Lisbon tours. During your visit, you’ll climb the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which has stood guard over the city since the 16thcentury. The views from here are some of the best in Lisbon!

Other highlights include the Palacio Nacional, and the 15th-century Jerónimos Monastery where you’ll explore the cloisters and discover what it must have been like to be a monk back in the day. Some tours also visit the famous Pasteis de Belém shop for some sweet treats.

4

Boat Tours along the Tagus River

If you fancy a more leisurely approach to your sightseeing, then boat tours on the Tagus are the way to go. Most excursions are sailing tours, on either a modern yacht or vintage boat, usually departing from Belém so you’ll be right in the heart of the action.

These Lisbon tours sail past icons like the Belém Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries, as well as the beautiful beaches of Caxias and Cruz Quebrada.

For something extra special, opt for a sunset sailing adventure, with added Champagne to make the experience really pop!

5

Sintra Day Tour from Lisbon

Most visitors to Lisbon like to take a day trip to the charming town of Sintra, to see the fairy-tale palaces and snap some all-important Instagram shots. Surrounded by exotic gardens and lush forests, the historic center of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your tour will whisk you off to the startlingly colored Pena Palace, and the Quinta da Regaleira with its abandoned and highly photographed initiation well. You’ll also visit the National Palace of Sintra, Monserrate Palace, and the hilltop Castle of the Moors.

Some tours stop at the fishing town of Cascais, which is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful coastline.

6

Fado Shows and Night Tour

Fado music originated in Lisbon back in the 1820s, and today you can still visit Fado bars on a night walking tour and enjoy the shows that have captivated audiences for 200 years. You’ll find some of the best Fado performances in the Alfama district, and some even come with a traditional dinner for a truly memorable evening out.

Fado expresses the very essence of Lisbon, with singers and guitar players bringing the nostalgic stories of the nation to life. The music has become an integral part of Portuguese society and has even been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

7

Bike Tours in Lisbon

Looking for Lisbon tours with a difference? Then hop on your bike and cycle around the city streets for some rather unique views of the popular spots.

You’ll pedal through characterful neighborhoods like Alfama, Mouraria, and Graça, with plenty of stops for photos at scenic viewpoints along the way. Some excursions take you on adventures through the hills of Lisbon but don’t worry, the electric bikes will do all the hard work!

This is a fun way of taking in lots of landmarks in just a few hours, so is a great option for those short on time.

8

Lisbon Food Tours

One of the best ways to get to know a place is through its belly, which is why food tours in Lisbon are so popular. Together with your expert foodie guide, you’ll visit traditional eateries to discover some of the best local delicacies.

Get stuck into the Portuguese codfish cake, try salted Bacalhau, and munch on the delicious São Jorge cheese which originates from the Azores! Of course, you can’t leave Lisbon without sampling the world-renowned pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart.

Wine tasting tours and beer-themed excursions add another layer to Lisbon’s thriving culinary scene.

9

Arrábida National Park Day Tour from Lisbon

Take a break from city sightseeing and head out for a day trip to Arrábida National Park where a whole host of thrilling adventures await. Ancient forests and wild coastlines converge here, creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

You can go dolphin watching on a cruise along the Sado Estuary, discover the underwater world on snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, or enjoy a kayaking tour to hidden caves and secret inlets.

Back on dry land, jeep tours take you into the heart of nature as you explore the rugged terrain, while wine tours at vineyards in Azeitão are the icing on the cake.

10

Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk City Tour

Of all the Lisbon tours on offer, this wins the prize for being the most whacky! Buzzing around the streets of ancient neighborhoods like Alfama and Graça in a tuk-tuk is the way to see and be seen! These tiny vehicles are perfect for negotiating the narrow streets, so you’ll get to explore places where cars and buses can’t go.

During your trip, you’ll stop at viewpoints for photos and enjoy banter with your guide as they spill the beans on some of the city’s secrets.

Segway excursions are another way to sightsee in style, while hop-on hop-off bus tours and hop-on hop-off tram rides are fun alternatives if tuk-tuks aren’t really your thing.

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Guide

Planning your visit to Lisbon

Discover our complete guide to visiting Lisbon.

About Lisbon

After being completely destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 1755, the Lisbon of today is a thoroughly modern city with heaps of historical appeal. In recent years it has become a frontrunner in the most-visited European city stakes and is now a prize-winning tourist destination.

Good to know before arriving

Lisbon is a very hilly city, particularly in the Alfama, Mouraria, and Madragoa districts, so do factor this into your schedule. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Places and experiences that cannot be missed

If you want to take in some epic sunsets after a fun-filled day of Lisbon tours, head to the viewpoints at Miradouro Nossa Senhora do Monte and Miradouro Graça. The latter can be reached via the number 28 tram.

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