It’s hard not to be captivated by Lisbon. From medieval ramparts to monumental architecture, there’s plenty to see. Our Lisbon in a Day itinerary weaves together some of the capital’s finest sites, leaving you with a cultural taste for this charming Portuguese city. In the company of a local expert, we'll spend our time unpicking some of the best neighborhoods while learning about the city’s history and cultural identity. This tour is a fantastic introduction for travelers wishing to soak up Lisbon in the company of a local expert.
Lisbon in a Day
Includes a short briefing in a cafe and visits sites such as Praça do Comércio, São Roque Church, Alfama, São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Local lunch (at own expense).
Bairro Alto, Chiado and Baixa
Our walk begins in a small cafe in the Príncipe Real district (just north of Bairro Alto) with a coffee and a famous Pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tart). We’ll start with a short briefing on Lisbon and the surrounding area (with relevant maps and tips) before embarking on our ‘Lisbon in a Day’ tour. We’ll talk about this former aristocratic district as we soak up the views from the São Pedro de Alcântara lookout point. With the hills of Lisbon sprawling out before us, our expert guide will explain how decisive moments across its history have shaped the way the city has evolved as well as how Lisbon locals live today. We’ll continue our city tour to take in sites such as the São Roque Church and the Carmo Convent. We’ll use the convent to talk about the devastating 1755 earthquake and show an example of a rare building that is (partially) still standing. Our route moves next from Bairro Alto down into Chiado, a haven for artists and creatives. We’ll observe Portuguese café culture and the buzz of this vibrant neighborhood. We’ll continue our stroll through Baixa and the iconic Praça do Comércio to take in the impressive panorama of the Río Tejo. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant or cafe and use this time to re-energize and discuss anything from Fado culture to taxation or housing prices in Lisbon.
Heading into the Hills - Alfama
We’ll continue our exploration of Lisbon after lunch through an exploration of Lisbon’s old town: Alfama. We’ll head up in an elevator to the impressive São Jorge Castle, one of Lisbon's most popular sites. Our expert guide will discuss the Moorish occupation in the 10th and 11th centuries and the architectural influence this still has on Lisbon today. From the iconic lookout point, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, we will soak up some of Lisbon’s dramatic skyline. We may well look at contemporary and historic maps to make sense of its maze of narrow streets from this vantage point. Next, we’ll head to the Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé, as we discuss the Christian experience during the Moorish occupation, and the aftermath of the 1147 reconquest. Our tour ends here.
Takeaways
At the end of our immersive full-day itinerary, we will emerge with a deeper understanding of Lisbon. We’ll have ventured across the city to sites relevant to Lisbon's history, culture and identity. Hopefully, our ‘Lisbon in a Day, with Context’ will leave us with a better knowledge of anything from pastéis de nata to Henry the Navigator to sultry Fado music.
FAQ
What happens if it's raining?
Our tours happen rain or shine. Our guides are great at adapting their route during changes of weather. Please bring an umbrella.
I would like to start later. Is this possible?
Yes, just let us know in your client notes. If we start much later than 12pm, the expert guide may need to modify the route to accommodate this request.
Is this walk suitable for families?
Absolutely! It’s a long day but we have some expert guides specifically trained to work with younger learners who can adapt the material on this tour for families.
Will there be any additional costs during the tour?
The cost of lunch is not included on the tour. Depending on your expert guide's route, you may enter certain sites that ask for a nominal entry fee or donation. It is a good idea to have small coins on hand for this.
Can you arrange a car service for the day?
We can arrange transfers to and from the meeting point from your accommodation. Lisbon’s streets are very narrow and driving is not the suggested method of touring the city. Adding a vehicle would significantly alter the walk route. Please contact portugal@contexttravel.com for pricing or any specific questions regarding a car service.
Where do we meet?
You’ll meet your expert guide in the Príncipe Real. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and 24/7 phone number to call in case of emergencies.
Where will the tour end?
This tour ends in the Alfama district. Exact route and end point will vary depending on expertise of the guide and preferences of the group.
I want to see sites that you don't include in the ‘Lisbon in a Day’ tour. What should I do?
