free walking tour lissabon

Lisbon Free Tour

Alfama free tour.

• Sunset Free Tour

Belém Free Tour

Alternative free tour, fado free tour, lisbon at night, lisbon see-it-all.

• Sintra and Cascais
• Porto Free Tour
• Petiscos and Wine
• Sintra Free Tour

Free Walking Tours Lisbon

Come discover Lisbon, the City of the Seven Hills! From the commercial streets of the Baixa to the narrow alleys of the Bairro Alto, join us and get to know the city (almost) like ourselves!

 Baixa      Chiado      Bairro Alto      Squares & Gardens       Churches

Tavel through Phoenician, Roman and Arabic heritage, and understand Lisbon’s identity and culture and discover our white, narrow Old Town filled with heritage, fado music and the smell of grilled sardines.

  Alfama      Viewpoints     Tram 28      Traditions       Old Town

Lisbon Sunset Free Tour

Visit the picturesque neighborhoods of Mouraria and Graça and finish the tour with a spectacular sunset on an amazing viewpoint over the city next to some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.

 Mouraria     Graça     Viewpoints & gardens     National Pantheon

Dive into Portugal’s Age of Discovery while seeing the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and trying some of its best known sweets: the mouth-watering pastéis de nata.

 Tower       Monastery      Pastéis de Belém      Riverside walk

See the other side of Lisbon! Admire the street art, graffiti and, overall, the urban contrasts of the Mouraria and Graça neighborhoods while we dive into their narrow streets, viewpoints, and life.

 Mouraria      Graça      Viewpoints      Street art, graffiti and murals

 History      Live singing      Mouraria      Alfama       Casas de fado

Discover the charms of Lisbon, in a night of fados in Alfama: when the sun sets, the city comes alive again, with plenty of entertainment and nightlife options to suit all tastes. Come enjoy that with us!

 Dinner included     Live Fado     Belém Tower      Transport

Cover the best in Lisbon, in half a day or a full day! Enjoy all the sights in this wonderful private tour through Lisbon, from the Belém and all the way to Alfama, and don’t miss a single thing.

 Bairro Alto      Baixa      Alfama      Belém      Private guide

Sintra and Cascais Day Trip

Get out of the busy city and discover some of the most well-known sights Portugal has to offer. From the hills of Sintra to the shores of Cascais, join this day trip from Lisbon and see what you’d have missed!

 Sintra     Cascais     Pena Palace     Quinta da Regaleira

Free Tours Lisbon

Our Free Walking Tours in Lisbon will make you feel like home in this beautiful city! From the hills of Alfama and the Mouraria to the glamorous Baixa and Chiado, all the way up again into the Bairro Alto and even further, all the way to marvelous and delicious Belém , join one of our groups and discover Lisbon through the eyes of a local.

We don’t like lecturing you with years and names of people. Our tours are a fun way of discovering each city, not only its history but also its traditions, legends and way of life, by the hands of experienced locals! At Free Tour Portugal we think that anyone should be able to enjoy our country and that this is the best way to expand culture and achieve fairer prices for everyone.

Come enjoy Lisbon with us. Book now one of our fabulous Free Walking Tours in Lisbon !

How did we calculate this rating? A weighted average has been calculated from the reviews on the following platforms: TripAdvisor:  4.911 ratings, average of 5/5 FreeTour.com: 864 ratings, average of 9,4/10 GuruWalk: 261 ratings, average of 4,8/5 Google: 60 ratings, average of 4,5/5

Lisbon Free Walking Tours – The Definitive Guide [+ Free Maps]

Walking tours are the best way to explore Lisbon, but the question is:

How to find in Lisbon free walking tours that are 100% free?

The answer: go on a self-guided walking tour.

I’ve created 3 self-guided walking tours that you can follow to discover Lisbon, one of the best cities in Portugal , for free.

Let’s see them!

Lisbon is small enough that you can see most of the city by walking around. Of course, 1 walking tour won’t be enough for you to discover Lisbon to the fullest : for this reason, I have created 3 free walking tours in Lisbon that you can follow.

Each tour is designed so that you truly get a feel for the district you’re visiting: the Alfama district , the Belém district, or Lisbon City Center.

In this travel guide about the free walking tours in Lisbon Portugal, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from maps of the walking tours, to self-guided walking tours and guided walking tours.

Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Interactive Maps

Lisbon free walking tours, alfama free walking tour lisbon, belém free walking tour lisbon, city center free walking tour lisbon, more free walking tours in lisbon, where to stay in lisbon, visit portugal.

Don’t have time to read this full guide, and just want to download a map with the itinerary for the free walking tour?

I’ve got you covered.

Just click on the desired map to open it in Google Maps; then, click on the “star” at the top. It will automatically add the map to your Google Maps. In Google Maps, you will find it under Menu>Your Places>Maps

Download the free Lisbon walking tour maps below:

Alfama Walking Tour

Belém Walking Tour

City Center Walking Tour

So there you have them, your free interactive maps of free walking tours, Lisbon.

If you want more information about each walking tour, including the places to see, with information, tips and photos, keep reading below.

One of the best ways to discover Lisbon is to walk around the city, going from postcard view to epic monument. The only way to have a truly free tour is to go on a self-guided walking tour .

Don’t worry, you won’t have to create your own tour, to plan everything and to guess where to go.

I’ve done all the work for you. 

Just choose the part of Lisbon you want to explore, and follow the free walking tour I’ve created for you!

You’ll find in this guide the following Lisbon free walking tours:

• Lisbon free walking tour: Alfama Walking Tour
• Lisbon free walking tour: Belém Walking Tour
• Lisbon free walking tour: City Center Walking Tour

Click on any of the buttons below to jump straight to the free Lisbon walking tour you want to see

Alfama is a district of Lisbon, situated in the east of the city. It almost feels like a village within the city: it’s the oldest district of Lisbon, and you really feel like you went back in times when wandering the streets of Alfama. Don’t miss it as visiting Alfama is one of the best things to do in Lisbon .

• What to expect: medieval streets, going uphill a lot, and epic views
• Walking time: 37 minutes

Total time recommended: 2 hours

Alfama – Lisbon Walking Tour Map

Ready to explore Alfama? We’ll go on the first Lisbon free walking tours: the Alfama walking tour . To explore the neighborhood, we’ll visit 10 spots, that will give you a perfect experience of this part of Lisbon.

In the map below, you’ll find the 10 spots , as well as the itinerary we’ll follow.

How to use the map

Navigate : Click on the top left logo to open the side panel. You’ll see all of the spots in the itinerary; you can click on any to have more information

Download : To download the map, simply click on the “ star ” next to the title. It will automatically add the map to your Google Maps. In Google Maps, you will find it under Menu>Your Places>Maps

Here are the main spots you’ll see on this Free Walking Tour of Alfama:

• Igreja da Madalena
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Palacete Chafariz d’El Rei
• Igreja de São Miguel
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Secret Lisbon Tunnel
• Street Art Amália Rodrigues by Vhils
• Miradouro do Recolhimento
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Miradouro do Castelo de S. Jorge

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Alfama in Lisbon.

For more information about all of the places included in this walking tour, along with photos, keep reading below.

1 – Igreja da Madalena

The Alfama free walking tour starts in the West of Alfama, at the Igreja da Madalena.

In addition to seeing the church, you’ll also see the iconic yellow tram , going right in front of the church.

2 – Lisbon Cathedral

We then move on to our second spot of the day, the Lisbon Cathedral, a 2 minutes walk away. We’ll follow the trams track, so that’s even more opportunities for you to see the tram passing by.

Feel free to go inside the Lisbon Cathedral, the entry is free .

There is so much to see in Lisbon, one of the main reasons to choose Lisbon vs Porto for your next trip.

3 – Palacete Chafariz d’El Rei

The 3rd stop of the day is the Palacete Chafariz d’El Rei, a stunning Moorish building from the 19th century. The facade is made of pink and blue tiles, truly a hidden architecture gem in Lisbon.

Bonus : check out the Arco de Jesus while on your way to Chafariz d’El Rei, a beautiful hidden passage covered with blue tiles.

4 – Igreja de São Miguel

Before moving on to your next spot, you can take a few extra minutes to go next to the Tejo river; I always love relaxing for a while, with the sound of the waves gently clapping along the docks.

Our next spot is the Igreja de São Miguel , a 2 minutes walk away.

More than the church itself ( which is beautiful, by the way ), you’ll now be exploring the classic Alfama , going up to the heights of Lisbon.

Once you’ve rested in the square in front of the church for a while, make your way to the right of the church, all the way up the steps.

Don’t forget to turn back when you get up the stairs for a nice view over the church and the streets .

5 – Miradouro das Portas do Sol

If you keep going up the steps, you’ll reach the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

“Miradouro” is “viewpoint” in Portuguese – if you see a Miradouro sign, follow it, you’ll usually get a pretty nice view!

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers the best view over the Alfama neighborhood. To the east, you’ll see the white dome of the National Pantheon , and the Saint Vincent church on the left. To the south, you’ll have an unobstructed view over the Tejo river.

6 – Secret Lisbon Tunnel

Lisbon is also famous for its street art; after enjoying the views over the city, we’ll now go underground in our search for street murals.

Well, not underground underground, but in a tunnel.

You’ll discover the secret tunnel: History of Lisbon Mural by Nuno Saraiva . The inside of the tunnel is covered in drawings, depicting the history of Lisbon.

Address : R. Norberto de Araújo 14-18, 1100-117 Lisboa, Portugal

7 – Street Art Amália Rodrigues by Vhils

We’ll go right next to a second street art spot in Alfama: Amália Rodrigues by Vhils. Don’t worry, it’s only a 2 minutes walk to reach this spot.

8 – Miradouro do Recolhimento

Onwards to our last street art spot of this free Lisbon walking tour. To reach the Miradouro do Recolhimento, you’ll go through an abandoned building , all covered in street art!

When you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a grand view of the city.

Bonus : there is often way less tourists in this spot than in the other miradouros

9 – Castelo de São Jorge

Right on the south west border of the Alfama district is the Castelo de São Jorge. It’s a massive medieval castle , built in the 11th century by the Moors.

Go inside and explore the impressive ruins of the castle, before moving on to the last spot on our list.

10 – Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge

There it is: the last stop on our free Lisbon walking tour.

You can only access this viewpoint by going through the castle; it’s located on a hill, the highest point of the Alfama district.

At the viewpoint, you’ll have a different view from all the miradouros we visited earlier on our walking tour: a view to the west .

From up there, you’ll see the whole city going up to the Tagus river, all the way to the 25 de April bridge in the background.

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Alfama, Lisbon! If you follow this 10 stops itinerary , you’ll discover the main points in Alfama, and you’ll have a good feel of the district.

Of course, this walking tour is meant to be used as a starting point – don’t follow it to the letter !

I highly encourage you to be curious along the way: follow that quaint street; go in this appetizing bakery.

Bonus locations

Do you want more suggestions of spots to check out on your walking tour?

8 minutes from Miradouro das Portas do Sol: Igreja de São Vicente da Fora

10 minutes from Miradouro das Portas do Sol: Panteão Nacional

Ready to explore another part of Lisbon? Check out the Belém walking tour below.

Belém is the South West district of Lisbon, along the Tejo river. It was the starting point of most of the great Portuguese expeditions during the Age of Discovery, and the district definitely has a medieval feel to it.

What to expect: walks along the Tejo river, absolutely epic monuments and medieval vibe

Walking time: 44 minutes

Total time recommended: 1h30 (no visits) to 5 hours (visit all)

Warning : Most places are closed on Mondays

Belém – Lisbon Walking Tour Map

Ready to explore Belém ? We’ll go on the second Lisbon free walking tours: the Belem free walking tour . To explore the neighborhood, we’ll visit 9 spots, that will give you a perfect experience of this part of Lisbon.

In the map below, you’ll find the 9 spots , as well as the itinerary we’ll follow.

Here are the main spots you’ll see on this Free Walking Tour of Belém:

• The Combatants Overseas Monument
• Belém Tower
• Belém Lighthouse
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Praça do Império
• Pastéis de Belém
• Jardim de Belém
• Church Santa Maria de Belém
• Jerónimos Monastery

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Belém in Lisbon.

For more information about all of the Lisbon attractions included in this walking tour, along with photos, keep reading below.

1 – The Combatants Overseas Monument

We’ll begin our second Lisbon free walking tour in the West of Belém, and we’ll make our way towards the East.

The first spot is the Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar ( the Combatants Overseas monument ). It sets the tone for the visit of Belém.

The monument is a memorial to the more of 9,000 soldiers dead during the Overseas War (1961-1974).

You’ll find an eternal flame burning under the monument; the names of the dead soldiers are written on the walls all around the monument.

2 – Belém Tower

Our second spot is probably the most famous location in Belém : the Torre de Belém ( Belém Tower ).

The medieval tower was once an important part of the city defense system ; today, you can visit the tower, and even go on the rooftop terrace for stunning view over the Tejo river.

3 – Belém Lighthouse

We’ll stay on the river banks for visiting the next spot: Belém Lighthouse . It’s a short 8 minutes walk, along the shore, to reach the spot.

The walk in itself is pretty nice; walking next to the water, under the sun, watching the lighthouse grow taller as you get closer.

4 – Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Right next to the lighthouse is our next spot, Padrão dos Descobrimentos ( Monument to the Discoveries ). You’ll see the monument from the lighthouse, as it’s pretty massive (50 meters / 164 feet).

The monument is a tribute to the Portuguese explorers of the Age of Discovery . Make sure to go to the other side of the monument, where you’ll see more statues of famous explorers.

Bonus : you can go to the top of the monument for a view over the Belém neighborhood (6€ adult / 3€ child)

5 – Praça do Império

Our next stop is literally across the street: just cross the street, and you’ll be in Praça do Império .

The square was built for the Portuguese World Exposition in 1940, held for the celebration of the 800 years since Portugal became independent.

The square is actually a huge garden , made of 32 mosaic coat of arms. Enjoy strolling through the square, and make your way to the next spot, for a well deserved break.

6 – Pastéis de Belém

We’re already half way through our free walking tour of Lisbon in Belém; it’s time for a break !

Exit the park through the north entrance, and take a right. Follow the road for 2 minutes, and you’ll reach a spot with many buildings.

There are a lot of restaurants and places where you can eat there. I highly recommend going to Pastéis de Belém .

If you haven’t yet eaten any Pastéis de Nata in Portugal, it’s time to try! The little custard tart is a Portuguese specialty, and if you love sweet food, you’re in for a treat.

7 – Jardim de Belém

If the weather allows ( well you’re in Lisbon, it’s probably going to be sunny! ), order your pastéis as a takeaway, and cross the street to reach the Jardim de Belém .

Enjoy your little break by sitting down on the grass, while munching on your snack . When you’re ready to get going again, move on to your next spot!

8 – Church Santa Maria de Belém

The Igreja Santa Maria de Belém is the tall building you saw earlier when exiting the Praça do Império; it’s now time to visit it!

If you were impressed by the beauty of the church from the outside, wait until you get in: it’s insanely gorgeous !

Bonus : entry is free

9 – Jerónimos Monastery

Aaaand we’re now getting to our last spot on our Belém waking tour! The Jerónimos Monastery is right next to the Santa Maria church, and definitely worth a visit.

There is often long lines to visit this jewel of architecture, so make sure you plan enough time for walking around Lisbon. If you’re short on time, strolling along the street and seeing the monument from outside is a possible alternative.

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Belém, Lisbon! If you follow this 9 stops itinerary , you’ll discover the main points in Belém, and you’ll have a good feel of the district.

16 minutes from Belém Tower:  Algés beach

17 minutes from Jerónimos Monastery:  MAAT museum

Ready to explore another part of Lisbon? Check out the City Center walking tour below.

Lisbon City Center is the heart of the city, and typically what most people see on their first visit to Lisbon. There is plenty to see in the area, and it can be quite challenging to decide on what to see, where to go, and how to plan your itinerary.

Everything is within walking distance in the city center, and you can go on a walking tour – Lisbon edition – to discover the neighborhood.

What to expect: beautiful squares, luxurious streets and Lisbon icons

Walking time: 45 minutes

City Center – Lisbon Walking Tour Map

Ready to explore Lisbon City Center? We’ll go on the third and last Lisbon free walking tours: the City Center walking tour . To explore the neighborhood, we’ll visit 11 spots, that will give you a perfect experience of this part of Lisbon.

In the map below, you’ll find the 11 spots , as well as the itinerary we’ll follow.

Here are the main spots you’ll see on this Free Walking Tour of the City Center:

• Monumento aos Restauradores
• Praça do Rossio
• Carmo Convent
• Santa Justa lift
• Arco da Rua Augusta
• Praça do Comércio
• Praça do Municipio
• Secret Pink Street
• Praça de São Paulo
• Ascensor da Bica
• Miradouro de Santa Catarina

So there you have it, your free walking tour of the City Center  in Lisbon.

1 – Monumento aos Restauradores

We’ll start our Lisbon walking tour in the north of the city center, at the Praça dos Restauradores .

At the center of the square, you’ll find the Monumento aos Restauradores , a monument to celebrate the Portuguese Restoration War victory.

Bonus : check out the iconic Gloria tram from the top of the street, on the square (address: Calçada da Glória 6, 1250-144 Lisboa, Portugal)

2 – Praça do Rossio

Our second spot is also a square, a 4 minutes walk away from the first square. The square is famous for its optical illusion on the ground.

On the photo above, you can see on the top left our next 2 spots in this free Lisbon walking tour: the Santa Justa lift on the far left, and the Carmo Convent right next to it.

Bonus : avoid the restaurants on the square (tourist traps), but check out the tiny shops on the square for good pastries and coffee

3 – Carmo Convent

Let’s head to our next spot, the Carmo Convent , that you saw from the plaza. The convent looks impressive from the outside, but it’s even more special from the inside.

It’s one of the rare places where you can be both inside a monument and outside at the same time. The convent was partially destroyed during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake , which made it really unique.

4 – Santa Justa lift

Probably one of the most famous spots in Lisbon, the Santa Justa lift . It’s a stunning structure, standing above the Lisbon skyline.

If you want to go up the lift, make sure you get there early, because it gets crowded pretty fast.

Bonus : You can access the top for free from the Top Entrance , next to the Carmo Convent.

5 – Arco da Rua Augusta

To reach the next spot, you’ll go through the Baixa district: the classic Lisbon city center, with recent architecture (18th century).

At the end of the Rua Augusta, you’ll walk under a massive stone arch, the Arco da Rua Augusta .

Bonus : you can go on top of the arch, for one of the best views over the Baixa district

6 – Praça do Comércio

The Rua Augusta opens up on the biggest square in Lisbon, the Praça do Comércio.

Walk to the center of the square, to see the grand statue of King José I . Make sure you go all the way to the shore, and check out the tiny beach Playita del Muelle de las Columnas.

Tip : avoid shopping and eating in the area, it’s really overpriced. Wait until the next spots!

7 – Praça do Municipio

And the next spot is… a square, you guessed it! The Lisbon city center is full of stunning squares, and this one is no exception.

The Praça do Municipio (Municipal Square) is surrounded by incredible buildings : the City Hall, the Appeal Court, and the Ministry of the Sea.

8 – Secret Pink Street

To reach our next spot, we’ll walk on the Arsenal Street, along the Courthouse. A quick walk (4 minutes), that will take us to one of the many Lisbon hidden gems .

As you can see above, the hidden gem is a pink street . It doesn’t go on for very long, but it’s such a cool street ! The pink on the floor leads all the way under this yellow arch and through the other side.

9 – Praça de São Paulo

Whaaaaat? Another square! That’s the last one we’ll visit on our walking tour in Lisbon city center.

The Praça de São Paulo is on our way to the next spot, so you won’t even have to walk a long way to see it.

On the square, you’ll find the Igreja de São Paul (Saint Paul church), which is worth a visit if you have the time. The painted ceiling of the church is incredible – I definitely didn’t expect it!

Bonus : stop at the cute little kiosk on the square to grab a drink and a snack

10 – Ascensor da Bica

It’s time to see an icon of Lisbon: the yellow tram ! While the famous yellow tram number 28 runs in the Alfama district, there is also one in the city center.

The Ascensor da Bica was originally a cable car , but it’s now electrified; it runs like a tram. It goes all the way up to Bairro Alto.

Go up the street to see the tram at different points in the street. Don’t forget to look back after going up for a while, for a nice view over the river.

11 – Miradouro de Santa Catarina

We’ll end our Lisbon free walking tour by going to a miradouro ; the Miradouro de Santa Catarina is right next to the Bica street, only 2 minutes away.

The viewpoint offers a nice view over the Tejo river and the suspension bridge in the estuary. It’s the perfect spot to end your walking tour: grab a drink and enjoy the view!

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Lisbon City Center! If you follow this 11 stops itinerary , you’ll discover the main points in the center, and you’ll have a good feel of the district.

3 minutes from the pink street: Mercado da Ribeira, local massive food-court

20 minutes from Miradouro de Santa Catarina: Basilica da Estrela

Not a fan of these self guided walking tour in Lisbon? Check out below more free walking tours in Lisbon, accompanied by tour guides .

All of the Lisbon free walking tours that I created and suggested above are self guided ; you’ll be on your own, following the itineraries and doing your own walking tour.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, there are also several options for free guided walking tours in Lisbon.

Word of advice: all of the “free tours” led by a tour guide that you can find online -and those mentioned below- are not really 100% free.

Yes, you can join the tours without paying . However, you are expected to “ tip ” your guide at the end, based on how much you think the tour was worth.

The only true free walking tours in Lisbon are the self-guided walking tours, just like the one I gave you above.

Best Free Walking Tours Lisbon

You’ll find below the best “free” walking tours that you can join in Lisbon:

Sandeman – Lisbon Free Tour

What to expect: you’ll walk around the Lisbon city center

Duration: 3h

Languages: English / Spanish

More info: free walking tour lisbon sandeman

Lisbon Chillout – Free Walking Tour Lisbon

What to expect: 4 different tours available: Lisbon city center, Literature tour, Music tour and pub crawl

More info: Lisbon Chillout free tours

FREETOUR.COM 

What to expect: 36 different free Lisbon walking tours, with different themes and locations

Duration: from 1h30 to 3h

Languages: English / Spanish / French / Portuguese / Russian / Italian

More info: Freetour.com

Guruwalk – Free Walking Tour Lisbon Portugal

What to expect: around 20 different tours, with different locations

Duration: 3h in average

Languages: English / Spanish / French / Portuguese / Italian

Reviews: Guruwalk Free Lisbon tours

So there you have them, the best Lisbon free walking tour, led by guides. Reminder that these are not 100% free, you are expected to pay your guide at the end based on how much you thought the tour was worth.

If you’re visiting Lisbon, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:

Budget : Host Bell Rooms and Suites

Very cheap accommodation, around 14€ per night for a bed in a 12 beds dorm room.

This hostel has the best location , it’s right next to the main square, and everything is within walking distance. There’s also tea and coffee machines in every room, which is a big plus.

Check for Best Price

Comfy : Lost Lisbon: Avenida House

Very comfy rooms, with private bathroom, for around 78€ per night.

The two nice bonuses? It’s within walking distance of the city center, and it also comes with a free breakfast !

Luxury : The One Palacio da Anunciada

If you’re looking for the perfect dreamy place to relax and enjoy your stay in Lisbon, look no further.

The One Palacio da Anunciada might very well be your favorite place in the city ; private bathroom, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, indoor pool and even a sauna! It also has breakfast included, and its location is hard to beat.

Planning a trip to Portugal? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Lisbon Guides:

Best Lisbon Itineraries for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days in Lisbon

30 Best Sunset Spots in Lisbon

Cristo Rei – Visit the Highest Point of Lisbon

Portugal Guides:

The Ultimate Algarve Travel Guide

What to see in Sintra – next to Lisbon

Explore the Douro Valley

I hope you enjoy your trip to Lisbon and to Portugal!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

Photo credits: 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 32

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Hey, I'm Kevin

I'm a professional photographer, with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. I worked with countless travel brands, and my travel advice has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Forbes & the New York Magazine. But the best travel advice is definitely found here on my website! I'm all about adventure travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors - even if I often find myself exploring cities with my wife Nesrine. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this post or reach out by email at: [email protected]

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I did the Lisbon city center walking tour as you suggested and it was by far one of the best walking tours I have done. It took me through every single attraction I wanted to see. Now I am ready to do the Alfama tour as well. Yours is definitely one of the better self guided walking tours out there.

Hi Sharad, thank you so much for your feedback! We’re so happy to know it helped you discover Lisbon properly and enjoy your trip 🙂

Unable to save the tour maps as Google Maps Engine says it’s no more. Any other ideas?

Thanks, Des

Thank you for the suggestions. I’m very excited to try them all. I’m planning to visit Portugal next year, possibly in the spring, to avoid major crowds. Do you recommend a good month to visit?

Hi Linda! I strongly recommend going on mid-May-June, or in the beginning of September. The weather is very good, so you’ll be able to stroll around the city and enjoy drinks on a terrace without sweating too much (July-August are very crowded and weather quite hot).

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WE WILL MAKE YOUR

Visit unforgettable.

A little bit about us

Hi Lisbon Walking Tours is a local company founded to provide tours in different languages with small groups for a better experience of the city and take you out of the beaten track to show the authentic Lisbon. 

Our team of local guides, are very knowledgeable, well informed, entertaining and free to give their touch according to the expectation of each group.

With over 3000 years, the history of Lisbon is very interesting, diverse and full of curiosities. Many different civilizations have lived here and this melting pot of cultures gives an unique character to the city, making Lisbon one of the most charming cities in Europe, with its seven hills, narrow streets, lovely architecture, colorful houses and fantastic weather.

Look out for the orange umbrella and join us on a fantastic tour to discover the best of Lisbon!

Free Tour Lisbon

Join one of our famous Free Walking Tours and let our guides take you around the best spots of the city and show you why Lisbon is such a beautiful and popular destination.

Private Tour Lisbon

Have you ever considered doing a walking tour with a Private Guide just for your group? It can be cheaper than you think and we have the best options and prices.

Free Tour Sintra

Join one of our guides on a fantastic walking tour  and discover the history and secrets of Sintra, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

 Tours in Porto

If you've enjoyed our tours in Lisbon and is also visiting Porto, join one of our fun and knowledgeable guides and discover the best of this fantastic city. 

Our Blog 

Fado – The Soul of Portuguese Culture

The Great Earthquake of Lisbon

The Seven Wonders of Portugal

Contact us

[email protected], +351 939 102 917.

What our guests say about us!

"I was walking alone in Lisbon and decided to check for a walking tour. Was the best decision I made! I did Baixa and Chiado and got Samuel as the tour Guide. Samuel is very knowledgeable about Lisbon he is charming and fun. We passed places that I had walk before not knowing all the history that was behind it and Samuel told me about it making me appreciate and like Lisboa even more ! He does not rush you and takes his time. He speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese very well. Highly recommended. Muito obrigada Samuel!"

—  Name, Title

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Lisbon Downtown Tour

Dreaming of sun, pleasant weather, amazing food and rich history? Lisbon has you all covered! Join our tour to get to know the very heart of the marvellous city of Lisbon!

Much older than Paris, Rome and London, in fact only Athens can compete with Lisbon in this matter. Legend has it that it was Ulysses, the wisest of men, who established the city and from here he sailed into the unknown. The city’s name originates (according to one of the versions) in old Phoenician and can be translated to “pleasant haven”. And this is exactly what it was for centuries – Europe’s westernmost port, safely sitting on the river banks, well established a long time before the Romans made it one of their trading centres. Lisbon became a true melting pot during the times it was ruled by the Muslims. They allowed different ethnic and religious groups to settle and the city flourished as a multicultural centre, where people were allowed to keep their own, unique ways of life. This thriving multiethnic hub came to an end when crusader knights conquered Lisbon and it soon became the capital of christian Portugal. With time Muslims fled, Arabic symbols were erased and the remaining Jewish population was forced to convert or killed. Lisbon of old was gone but shortly later the city rose again and it soon gained a new momentum, becoming the European window to the wide world during the Age of Discoveries. It was exactly from here, from the port of Lisbon that far flung expeditions left European shores and reached Africa, India and the New World. Lisbon was thriving. It became a commercial hub where maritime trade routes would meet, connecting Africa, India, China and Brazil bringing here unimaginable riches – spices, sugar, slaves, textile and gold. It all came to a tragic end – in 1755 the city experienced the biggest disaster in its history – the great earthquake followed by a tsunami and fire. Lisbon, one of the biggest cities in Europe at the time, was destroyed 85% with nearly 40 thousand people killed. And then from the ashes of the past a modern city arose, built according to new rules – with the first earthquake-resistant district in Europe. It was now centred around two magnificent squares – Praça do Rossio and Praca do Comercio and that is precisely where we are going to meet!

During our walk around the downtown of Lisbon we will see the iconic, elegant landmarks of the city, including the harbour facing plaza, Praca do Comercio, with its pompous governmental and commercial buildings. It was exactly through this place that riches flowed into Portugal but it also became the stage of events that changed the country forever and ended centuries long period of monarchy. We will then visit Augusta Street starting with the famous Arch that commemorates the city’s rebuilt from the rumble of the earthquake. We will stop at Praça do Rossio which has been the centre of the city forever and still remains as the favourite meeting place of the locals. We will walk the streets of the centre of Lisbon to see its magnificent churches and monasteries, monuments and memorials and explain Lisbon’s history, its past and present. We will also get you acquainted with local food and drinking culture so you experience Lisbon like a true local! Come and join us to discover all the charms Lisbon has to offer!

During this 2,5 hour tour we will see and discover:

• Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)
• City Hall of Lisbon
• Augusta Street and its famous Arch
• Santa Justa Elevator
• Rossio Square
• São Domingos Church
• the Jewish memorial
• the Square and Monastery of Carmo
• Camões Square 
• and much, much more.

Excellent informative tour with Beatrix

Excellent well worth it a donation is easy as it was so good. We have used Walkative in several cities and have never been dissapointed

No guide at starting location

Guide changed starting location without any notice. The contact that should have helped didn’t know anything about it and assumed we must have been too late. After 45 minutes they managed to tell us what happened but then it was too late. We wasted 1 hour for nothing.

This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

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Why book with us?

Lisbon Walking Tours & Pub Crawls

We hope you love lisbon as much as we do explore lisbon on foot: join our free walking tours , alfama free tour.

Let us take you on a journey as we time travel through the narrow old streets of Alfama, where we will learn the magnificent history of Lisbon & Portugal. Join the best Alfama Free Tour in Lisbon!

Tapas Food Tour

Have you ever wondered what is Lisbon food? What does Lisbon street food look like? Come and discover with us in a Lisbon food tour how the locals eat. Portuguese cuisine is unlike any other!

Fado Show Tour

Experience Fado, the music genre truly born within the soul of the Portuguese people. Come find out why Fado music is a Unesco world heritage!

Lisbon Pub Crawl

A legendary night out on the town, bar hopping through local bars, playing drinking games and meeting locals and travellers from all over the world. Oh and did we mention open bar of beer and sangria is included?

Founded by locals, with love.

Proudly home of the best Free Tour in Lisbon

We are a local tour operator from Lisbon, Portugal, focused on providing Free Walking Tours, Must Do Tours and also Private tours, highly rated in TripAdvisor!

We believe there is no better way for you to visit our colourful city than to walk through its characteristic neighbourhoods with one of our expert local guides, who will reveal you every secret of the city while enjoying its breathtaking skylines and meeting fellow travellers!

We want to offer you the best free tour in Lisbon, with our official guides that will tell you everything about its history, curiosities, legends, tales and, of course, the famous monuments of the city of Lisbon.

On our Must Do Tours you can visit iconic places in Lisbon, like Belém, where you will be able to know so much more about the golden age of Portugal during the discoveries, and Sintra, where you will hear some of the most iconic and mystical stories about this beautiful village! Also, we can give you an authentic experience discovering the Portuguese culture of Fado music, born right here in Lisbon and a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine on our Tapas tour.

What our clients are saying about us

on Tripadvisor

“A very immersive way to bring you in the old part of Lisbon. I had a very good time due to the good environment built with the group.

Very useful to do the first day you arrive in the city as its full of tips and suggestions.”

Ajaz_anafino.

On trip advisor

“Really good. Interesting and enjoyable tour and very friendly guide who took time to show & explain things in a nice way.”

“tour guide & group were excellent this tapas food experience was a great way to learn about food & the evolving culture of lisbon, highly recommended.”, “such a fun experience highly recommend to the solo travelers. i met amazing people. our tour guide made sure we all had fun”, “entertaining & informative tour in lisbon, felt like seeing the city with a friend. interesting info and beautiful viewpoints. also loved the history of fado and the tapas experience”, “had a great experience meeting new people and learning the history behind fado and wines of lisbon the food, the viewpoints, the walking tour – everything was fun”, ana_filimonova, “overall good experience, free walking tour is amazing, i’d recommend it without any doubts.”, victoria_daguerre, “very instructive experience. our polyglot guide was able to captivate us during the whole visit.”, emma_plantin, “a great visit with a lot of clear explanations and useful tips. i would recommend without hesitation”, nicola_sean, “the fado show was professional & intriguing to say the least, the food was good and the guide was very knowledgeable. an entertaining and informative evening out in lisbon”.

Check out some of our tours

Winter schedule.

(1st October to 31st March)

Everyday at 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

SUMMER SCHEDULE

(1st April to 30th September)

Everyday at 10:00 AM & 4:30 PM

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Lisbon Walking Tour (Map, Route + Audio)

In this post, we provide you with a walking tour of Lisbon with a map, a suggested route, as well as an audio tour option.

This walking tour covers the picturesque neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Chiado. Additionally, we have self-guided walking tours for Baixa , Alfama , and Belém .

Everything listed here is part of Day 1 of our 3-day Lisbon itinerary .

What are Bairro Alto and Chiado?

The Bairro Alto is an unofficial district of Lisbon made up of a series of quaint streets on a steep hill. Words like bohemian and colorful are often used to describe it. 

It was first constructed in the 16th century to house the ship workers and sailors of the city.   

Today the streets tend to be quiet during the day and come alive at night with restaurants, bars, late-night-shops, and Fado houses bringing a festive spirit to her streets.

Chiado is first and foremost a shopping district, with designer labels adorning storefront throughout the district. Nevertheless, most of the sites on this tour are located in Chiado.

And like its next-door neighbor Bairro Alto, Chiado also has a lively nightlife, including high-end theater and opera.

HOW TO GET HERE 

There are several ways to get to either neighborhood and it really depends on where you want to start.

Click on the map to enlarge

Although we start this self-guided tour from the Elevador da Bica, one of the city's 3 funiculars, you can also take Tram 28 to reach the same starting point in Chiado.

You can also discover the area by taking part in one of the many free walking tours that depart daily from Praça Luís de Camões (#2 on our list).

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We offer an audio tour of Bairro Alto/Chiado/Baixa, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

1. Elevador da Bica

This funicular (tram) runs from Rua de São Paulo to Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto .   

It departs every 15 minutes carrying locals and tourists up the steep and graffiti lined hills of Lisbon to the Chiado/Bairro Alto and Bica neighborhoods of the city.  

The entrance is a bit difficult to find. Look for the sign over the arch on the building of #234 on Rua de São Paulo. Choose the front or rear for the best view of the graffiti-lined streets.

Your Viva Day Pass or Lisboa Card allows you to board for free and without waiting in a queue. Single rides are. €4.10 return

2. Praça Luís de Camões

Although it may lack the grandeur of other squares in Lisbon, Praça Luís de Camões, also called Largo do Camoes, is a favorite meeting spot for locals.

The cobblestone ground is full of images of ships and mermaids, and in the center of the square stands a bronze statue of Luís de Camões, considered Portugal's greatest poet. 

At the bottom of this monument stands eight other figures from Portuguese literature representing the love the Portuguese have for the written word.

Don’t miss the Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts) from either Manteigaria or the award-winning Pastelaria Batalha, both on the square. 

Lisbon’s famous Tram 28E passes through this area.

Several free walking tours depart from here.

Take Lisboa offers a 10:30 am daily (+ 14:00 on Tues, Thurs, Sat) tour of Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Baixa. Learn more or book here . (They also offer free tours of Alfama and Belem).

Likewise, New Lisbon offers a very similar tour with more daily options: 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00. You can  learn more or book the tour here .

3. Fado in Chiado

Fado music originated in Portugal in the 1820s in the Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Mouraria districts. 

The style is one of melancholy or mournfulness with song lyrics that often grieve that which was lost or are nostalgic for the past.

Live Fado at Tasca Do Chico

It was the music of the poor - sailors, dock workers, fishwives and others from the working classes. 

Although Fado in Chiado is the most recognized spot to experience Fado music in the area, it has a significant cover charge. 

A more authentic Fado can be found in a smaller bar, one with no cover charge, called Tasca Do Chico . Reservations are suggested. 

4. Chafariz do Carmo

Chafariz do Carmo sits in the center of Largo do Carmo, a historic and picturesque square and one of the most popular in Lisbon. 

Flowering trees from South American, Jacarandas, fill the square, providing shade to those who relax beneath.

This freshwater fountain is cherished because it managed to survive the great earthquake of 1755.

Four pillars rise to meet four arches, while inside dolphins sit atop the fountain itself, in a style of baroque and classical.    

5. Carmo Convent

Just off Largo do Carmo one finds the ruins of the gothic Carmo Convent, a monastic complex destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755.

5,000 books and all of the church's artistic and religious creations were lost as well, and residing clerics were forced to abandon the building. 

Over time various restorations and repairs were made, then stopped in 1834, when religious orders were abolished in Portugal.

This left the naves and transept uncovered and chapels incomplete, with walls and buttresses left open to the sky. 

Today an archeological museum resides in the church’s nave and there are exhibition rooms in the apsidal chapels. 

Tombs of great figures such as King Dinis I (from the early 14 century) and King Ferdinand the I (from later in the same century) can be found on-site, as well as some beautiful and very old artifacts. 

• November to April   10:00-18:00 (6 pm)
• May to October   10:00 - 19:00 (7 pm)
• Closed on Sundays, January 1, May 1, and December 25
• €7.00   Adults
• €5.00   Students (full time with ID)
• €5.00   Senior (65 and over with ID)
• €5.00  Lisbon Card
• €0   Children 0-14
• Group and school tour pricing available

Visit the official website for more information .

6. The Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)

The most ornate, neo-gothic elevator you have likely come across, the Santa Justa lift, now at over 100 years old, was built to transport folks from lower to upper Lisbon. 

The designer was a fan of Gustav Eiffel and sought to emulate the Eiffel Tower with this wrought iron structure. One makes the trip in a wood-decorated elevator car, up to one of her two levels.

For €1.50 more you can head up an additional two stories to the Viewing Deck.  It’s here you’ll find an unobstructed 360-degree view of Lisbon , including Alfama and the Castle of St. George in the distance. 

If you are already at the top in the Largo do Carmo area, you can directly enter the top-level through a series of stairs.

Entrance this way tends to be much faster, skipping the long lines that form for the elevator. Access this way is free.

Hours :  7:00 to 22:45 (10:45 PM)

Tickets :  

• €5.30 return on the elevator to lower deck
• €1.50 to travel on the elevator to the top deck
• Discounts can be had with the Viva Day Pass or Lisboa Card

7. Cervejaria Trindade

This historic restaurant, residing in a 13th-century convent, is popular with locals and tourists alike.

After religious orders were abolished in Portugal, this space became a beer hall and even today beer is brewed on the premises. 

Inside are two large vaulted rooms, decorated with blue, white, and gold azulejos tile panels depicting the four seasons. 

Orange and gold ceiling slope overhead and family-style tables line the room, and it's here where you sit and enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine including seafood, meats, desserts, and regional wines. 

The restaurant suggests calling if you’d like to discover their dish of the day, served Monday-Friday at lunchtime. 

Hours : 

• Monday- Thursday  12:00 - 24.00 (midnight)
• Friday- Sunday  12:00 - 1:00

Pricing : 

• Main courses €11.50-€163.00

8. Igreja of São Roque

The austerity on the outside of this church belies the extravagant beauty found on the inside. 

With a painted wood ceiling, azulejos, inlaid marble tile, jade, amethyst, gold leaf, statues, and Mannerist, early Baroque, Later Baroque, and Roman Baroque design, one can’t help but be impressed by the extraordinary talent involved in creating this jewel.

The church, still active, was originally built to house a relic from Saint Rocco.

Because of his healing of victims of the plague, King Manuel I believed that this relic might protect his people from the Black Plague. 

A group established to care for the church, the Brotherhood of St. Roch still exists and maintains the church to this day. 

In the early 1900s, a museum was adjoined to the church. Here one finds religious artifacts, an art collection, paintings, sculptures, and a collection of reliquaries donated by a member of the Borga family.

Church Hours:  

• 9:30 and 17:00 (5 pm).  

Museum Hours :

• Monday   Closed
• Tuesday-Wednesday   10:00 until 18:00 (6:00 pm)
• Thursday   14:00-21:00 ( 2 - 11 pm)
• Friday-Sunday  10:00 until 18:00 (6 pm)

9. Museum of Freemasonry in Portugal

This recently opened museum includes a historic archive of Freemason history in Portugal dating back to 1727.

See photos, lodge member clothes, items used in rites/rituals, and more.

Museum Hours : 

• Sunday   Closed
• Monday-Friday   14:30-17:30 (2:30 to 5:30 PM)
• Saturday  Closed

Tickets : €2

10. The Solar do Vinho do Porto (run by the Port Wine Institute)

If you like Port, you’ve died and gone to a relaxed and casual heaven. Think wood-beamed ceilings, comfy oversized chairs, and every type of port you’ve ever wanted to try. 

  The waiters present you with a listing of ports ranging from €2/€3 - €20 a glass. Bottles can be purchased as well. One can match your port with a cheese and snack on nuts. 

Learn more here .

11. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

While construction has been ongoing for years, it's well worth making a stop at the often serene terraced garden. 

It allows for one of the most panoramic views of Lisbon, with São Jorge Castle and its walls, the Alfama neighborhood and city center ( Baixa ), and the ocean in sightlines.

The garden was laid out in the 19th century. In the lower garden, one finds lawn beds separated by walkways and benches.

Dotted across the garden are the busts of known Portuguese figures, and small fountains line the walls. 

There is also a drinks and snacks kiosk with seating. 

The upper level, cobblestone and tree-covered, also has benches and an even larger drink and snacks kiosk with outdoor seating. 

At times a street market is set up, with vendors selling handmade art, home decor, trinkets, and traditional Portuguese food. Don’t be surprised to find artists settled there to paint the cityscape as the wow factor can’t be beat.

12. Elevador da Glória

Designed by the same man who designed the Santa Justa Lift, these cable cars carry passengers up and down the steep slopes of the city.

The Elevador da Gloria is the most popular of the cars and is often packed with tourists and locals. 

The graffiti painted trams descend a steep hill, running close to flats and local businesses, as locals walk the cobblestone sidewalks nearby. 

• 7:30-21:15 (9:15 pm)
• €3.10 - 1 ticket. 
• €4.10 - return.

OTHER LISBON NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES

OTHER RELEVANT POSTS

• Free Walking Tours of Lisbon
• Free Walking Tours of Belém
• Free Walking Tours of Sintra

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

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LISBON FREE TOUR

Lisbon free tour the unmissable lisbon.

If you want to see the best of Lisbon in one day, our Lisbon Free Tour is definitely the right choice for you. This free tour is a great introduction to the city and you’ll get to see Lisbon’s center most important sites in one single tour. Take Lisboa’s free walking tour will take you through 3.000 years of history showing you the unmissable Lisbon and offering you dozens of local tips and plenty of things to do in Lisbon. ​ We’ll start our Lisbon Free Tour right next to the statue Monumento aos Restauradores. We’ll venture into Rossio Square and there will be plenty of incredible stories to tell from the Portuguese messianic myth Sebastianism to the Capital of Espionage during World War II. One of these episodes will be unforgettable as we pass by the Jewish Memorial and the São Domingos Church and tell you all about the Lisbon massacre of 1506. We will go by one of Lisbon’s most iconic establishments and the most adventurous will taste the punchy Ginjinha. We will then ascend to the Carmo Convent and admire it’s haunting gothic ruins and see the breathtaking views from the Elevator of Santa Justa up to the beautiful São Jorge Castle and it’s imposing walls. You will learn about the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake that shook the city and late modern philosophy and the peaceful Carnation Revolution of the 25th of April of 1974 that which overthrew the authoritarian Estado Novo regime created by the dictator Salazar. A bit further up ahead, you will see the first Jesuit church in Portugal, Igreja de São Roque and hear all about the Cauteleiro next to its statue. Don't forget to rub the bronze lottery ticket! Your guide will take you through the old streets of Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s bohemian district and one of the best places to listen to Fado. Back in the XVI century Portugal was the world’s first global village and these districts were the liveliest in the western world. Did you know that Bairro Alto was born with the Age of Discoveries? At Luís Vaz de Camões Square you’ll hear all about the inventor of the Portuguese language. ​ We will then present you the district of Chiado, the cosmopolitan face of the city center. ​ Before heading to the last stop of our journey, and if the pace is right, we will tell all about Fernando Pessoa and the National Theater of São Carlos. It's now time to walk to the Praça do Comércio, where you will hear all about the triumphal Rua Augusta Arch.  ​ This is arguably the city’s best walking tour and as you can see we go by many of the must see places to visit in Lisbon. You will also be rewarded by our guide’s top things to do in Lisbon. Take our Centre Free Tour so you make take many beautiful memories of Lisbon back home.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Legends of Lisbon

Chiado the Cultural Centre and its urban poet António Ribeiro

Luís Vaz de Camões, father of the Portuguese language

Bairro Alto, the Bohemian Centre and its many tales

Church and Convent of Carmo,   a place for revolutions

Great Eathquake of 1755: the fall of Lisbon and the rise of the Marquis

King Sebastian and Sebastianism

Rossio Square and World War II

Church of São Domingos and the Jewish Massacre 

Baixa, the modern liberal Lisbon of the XIX century

Elevator of Santa Justa

The Carnation Revolution

Commerce Plaza and its mythical Arch

...and much more!

Other Information

Group Policy

Minimum number of participants.

Groups of 7 to 15 people are always welcome. In this case, we ask for a prepayment in cash of 10 euros per person (from 13 years old) and 5 euros per kid (6 to 12 years old) at the meeting point. Children under 6 years old are free of charge. This principle arises from the need to protect and value the level of quality and dedication that we demand from our Take Lisboa guides. For group bookings of 16 or more people, contact us to arrange a private tour.

Please note that this Free Tour only takes place with a minimum of 4 adult participants.

How long does the Free Tour take?

In what language is the Free Tour?

The Free Tour lasts around 2h30. 

​The tour is exclusively in English.​

What's included in the tour?

What's not included in the tour?

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide expert in our history and ready to give you great tips to make your stay in Lisbon unforgettable.

The tour does not include transportation, entrance to monuments or meals.

How do I book the Free Tour?

You can book your Free Tour by clicking the Book Now button on this page, then choose the date and complete the booking form. You will receive your confirmation immediately. If you have any difficulties please contact us by email, phone or Whatsapp:

[email protected]  | +351 914 059 080

Is booking mandatory?

​Booking is usually not mandatory you can just show up at our meeting point and join the Free Tour. Although it is recommended especially during public holidays and festivities, at such dates you should book as soon as possible to guarantee availability.

How do I get my ticket?

​Once you book the Free Tour a Booking Confirmation is sent by email. If you do not receive the confirmation email check your spam or contact us.

You do not need to print the confirmation, you can present it to our team on your phone/tablet at the beginning of the Free Tour.

Is the Free Tour accessible?

No. This Free Tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Meeting Point

• Santiago de Chile
• Santiago de Compostela

Free Tour of Lisbon

Book the original Lisbon free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of Lisbon

Lisbon's 3,000 years of proud history has always been on the edge, where land meets sea and Europe meets Africa, making this a city built on exploration, conquest and adventure. From the rise and fall of a global empire, to the clutches and release of a reclusive dictatorship, from a city destroyed by earthquake, to one rebuilt as a cultural destination, keep your cameras at the ready as we take you on a journey of this stunning city and its fascinating history.

Your 2-hour Lisbon Free Tour starts by the Camões Monument in Largo de Camões and finishes at Praça do Comércio.  We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

Meet the Portuguese explorers

The Age of Discovery was a time in world history where explorers ventured out to the ends of the earth. Listen to dramatic stories of the first voyages to Africa, and how the Indian spice trade came to Europe.

In fact, history's most famous explorer Christopher Columbus lived in Lisbon and learnt navigation techniques here before discovering the Americas! To learn more about the Portuguese voyages, hop on our Belém Tour that takes you along the waterfront that launched some of the most famous explorations.

Learn how one earthquake shaped a town

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake was one of the deadliest earthquakes in the history of the world. This tour will take you past the Carmo Convent to see the bare arches that once held up the roof that collapsed during the earthquake.

Your guide will paint a picture of how the city used to be and how it has changed because of this one prominent event in Lisbon’s history.

Discover the hardships during the Portuguese dictatorship and the peace that prevailed

The Second Republic was developed by António de Oliveira Salazar and was Europe’s longest running dictatorship. During this walking tour you will learn about the peaceful Carnation Revolution that ended the dictatorship. 

Free Tour concept

The tips-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

The Lisbon Free Tour starts by the Camões Monument in Praça Luís de Camões

• Explore the central district of Bairro Alto
• Learn about the Great Earthquake of 1755
• Enjoy the elegant architecture of Baixa Pombalina
• Learn about the peaceful Carnation Revolution and the end of the dictatorship
• Marvel at the beautiful waterfront of Praça do Comércio
• Learn about the Portuguese Inquisition
• Learn about the Age of Discovery and Portugal’s great explorers
• Hear about the hardships during the Salazar dictatorship
• Get a bird’s eye view of Lisbon from the Santa Justa Elevator

TOUR SCHEDULES

Click on 'See more dates' to check availability

• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the guide (optional)
• Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
• Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible

Customer reviews

Sophia's free tour made me fall in love with Lisbon

We did the free tour all around the city and Sophia was great! The way she showed us the city and told us all the most important events that happened in Lisbon made me fall in love with this city! And I think this is the aim of every tour guide! :-) moreover I loved the way she ended the tour connecting two of the most important parts of Lisbon/Portugal's story! im so happy we got the tour with her and I wish her all the best!

Free walking tour with FRED

Having gone for a series of free tours in Europe... I must say Fred has exceeded expectations of what an excellent guide is! truly rockstar guide - with engaging communication style, rich history and clearly highlighting relevant facts about Lisbon! Loved the secrets / hacks he shared on the city. Thanks Fred!

One of the best walking tours out there. Enjoyable, packed with interesting facts and sense of humour. On top of that, guides like Rita for the English tour, make it even better.

When I visited Lisbon I did the free walking tour of Lisbon and also the paid tour of Alfama! I had such a great experience!!! I would totally recommend! On the tour the guides show you some neat sites to take photos, history of the area, and lots more!!!

Free tour great way to plan your stay

We found the free tour on TripAdvisor, and gave it a go just because we had no idea what to do on our trip. We met the guide and were quickly given an overview of the food, culture, history, and sightseeing options available in this amazing city. This free tour gave us all we needed to plan out the rest of our trip. All the guides seemed to be excellent based on what we saw.

Diaz! Free Walking Tour of Lisbon

Diaz really knows his city and, boy, is he ever proud of it! Over the course of 2.5- 3 hours, we received a comprehensive, history-soaked, funny, romantic, and competitive tour of Lisbon. So good was it, as a matter of fact, that at one point the next day, we were a little out of sorts and confused about where we were when I recognized something small detail Diaz had pointed out and we found our way back to our Airbnb apartment as quick as a whistle. I always love these free tours, as you get a really personal side of a city.

Excellent 3 hour walking tour covering Lisbon history and many must see sights. Luis is an entertaining and very informative guide. Good orientation & introduction to this beautiful & interesting city.

Done 2 tours with them, the free one and the pub crawl, both of them super fun and interesting, if you go to Lisbon, or Europe in general, CHOOSE SANDEMANs!

What is a Free Tour?

The Free Tour is the best introduction to Lisbon! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 3 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Lisbon's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

• The route covers many of Lisbon's major landmarks
• The meeting point is centrally located in Praça Luís de Camões
• The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
• The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LISBON

• Private Tours

Alfama Free Walking Tour

See the original Lisbon district and meet the locals of Alfama

Belém Free Walking Tour

Walk along the waterfront of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Belém

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2-hour Lisbon Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Lisbon's main attractions with your private tour guide

3-hour Lisbon Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Lisbon's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

Free Tour of Barcelona

Free Tour of Porto

Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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Free Walking Tours by Locals

Barcelona | granada | lisbon | london | malaga | madrid | prague | san sebastian, lisbon original free tour.

We will pass on tales told by generations of Portuguese people. We won’t tell you the official stories, but the stories that we listened to at home with our friends, familes and neighbors thus including you in our rich culture. With your help, we will create a cozy and familiar atmosphere during the tour. It will be as if you were walking with a group of local friends .

What we talk about during the free tour :

• Introduction to Portugal’s History and Lisbon
• The age of discoveries
• Bairro Alto
• Luck and superstition
• The Great Lisbon Earthquake 1755
• The 25th of April revolution
• Restaurants
• Fernando Pessoa
• Small hidden viewpoints
• Commerce square
• Saramago house
• Dictatorship
• Carmo convent
• Narrow streets
• The old yellow traditional trams

Duration : 2 hours

Price : Donation based

Find more information and make reservations on our website: Lisbon Original Chill-Out Free Tour .

We all know that the arrival of multinationals can push the small man out of business and the walking tour industry is no different. This is why a few of us, local companies with a like-minded vision, got together to be sure that you can still hear about us. This website is our meeting point where we can introduce ourselves and tell you what we do. We strongly believe that keeping it small and local is the only way to achieve great quality . Read more

Because we, as guides, live and breathe our city's everyday life, a great inside knowledge is something that already comes in the package. With professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun guides , the tours on offer have been highly recommended through guidebooks, internet sites and mouth to mouth (our favourite one!). Our walking tours are not about selling other products, it is about offering a great product in itself. Hard selling is just not our style. Read more

If you have had enough of manufactured tourism and you enjoy discovering and learning about the places you visit from a more local point of view, maybe we are what you are looking for. Each of the walking tour companies in the network is individually listed only in their own cities so their incomes generate within their communities. A big plus: walking and taking public transport when necessary is also a great way to protect the environment. Read more

• Registrieren

Beste Dinge zu tun und zu sehen in Lissabon

Lissabon ist die größte Stadt in Portugal und die Hauptstadt des Landes. Es befindet sich dort, wo der längste Fluss der Iberischen Halbinsel auf den Atlantik trifft (The Douro R.) und ist weithin bekannt für seine Puddingkuchen (Pastéis de Belém) und natürlich für Fado. Wenn Sie von Spanien aus anreisen, können Sie problemlos mit dem Auto oder mit einer Vielzahl von Anschlussflügen von spanischen Flughäfen dorthin gelangen. Portugal ist ein großartiges Ziel für kürzere Wochenendausflüge, aber Sie werden viele schöne Monumente und Viertel haben, die Sie immer wieder für ein weiteres Kapitel Ihrer Reisen zurückbringen werden.

 Unter all den großartigen kostenlosen Touren, die in Lissabon angeboten werden , werden Sie auf jeden Fall eine finden, die sich auf die Aspekte der Stadt konzentriert, die Sie am interessantesten finden oder die Ihren persönlichen Geschmack am besten widerspiegeln, egal ob es sich um eine Tour handelt, die Sie in eine bestimmte Nachbarschaft führt oder Bezirk oder eine interessante Tour mit einem bestimmten Thema. Eine Reise nach Lissabon kann nicht vollständig sein, wenn Sie nicht die Baixa oder das Alfama-Viertel, das Bairro Alto, Chiado oder das Jerónimos-Kloster im Stadtteil Belém besuchen. Einer der Hauptzauber der Stadt, ihre Aussichtspunkte: Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia, Aussichtspunkt Graça, Aussichtspunkt San Pedro de Alcántara oder Aufstieg auf den Aufzug Santa Justa bieten Touristen eine Vogelperspektive auf das wunderschöne Atlantikjuwel. Weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten sind die Kathedrale, das Kloster von Carmo, der Belém-Turm, der Praça del Comercio oder die Burg von São Jorge.

 Um herauszufinden, welche Tour und welcher Guru für die kostenlose Wanderung am besten geeignet ist, die Sie morgens, nachmittags oder abends planen möchten, besuchen Sie einfach die Webseite und lesen Sie die Bewertungen anderer Personen, die die Tour bereits durchgeführt haben . Darüber hinaus haben sich viele dieser Touristen die zahlreichen Optionen angesehen, die in Zielstädten Portugals wie Coimbra , Evora , Braga oder Ferrel verfügbar sind.

Free walking tour in der Nähe von Lissabon

Besuchen sie nach lissabon auch diese städte, andere guruwalks in lissabon finden, wohin reisen sie.

• Destinations
• Tours in Lisbon

Alfama & Mouraria Free Tour - The Oldest Neighborhoods in Lisbon

Overview of the tour in Lisbon

Join us on a fantastic tour around Alfama and Mouraria, the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon and discover the origins of this incredible city, which is one of the oldest ones in Europe. For over 2000 years, different civilizations left their mark in Lisbon. The Phoenicians, the Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors and finally the Christians, led by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. From the shores of the Tagus river up to São Jorge Castle, you will be able to feel the mix of cultures so unique to Lisbon and learn a bit more about its history, culture and curiosities. The charming narrow streets, the famous “azulejos” on the walls, the iconic trams, the delicious local food and the soul of the Portuguese culture, Fado. Our team of local guides, are very knowledgeable, well-informed, entertaining and free to give their touch to guarantee the best tour! Some places we'll see on this tour: Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) Augusta Street Arch, Sé Cathedral Casa dos Bicos, The streets of Alfama, St. Antony's Church, Portas do Sol viewpoint, The National Pantheon, St. Vincent's Church, Santa Luzia viewpoint, St. George Castle, The streets of Mouraria, and many more

This activity includes:

• St Anthony's Church
• Casa dos Bicos
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Castelo de S. Jorge
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Commerce Square
• National Pantheon of Heroes
• Santa Luzia B&B
• St George Castle Viewpoint
• Local knowledgeable guide
• Portuguese culture
• The Great Earthquake of 1755
• Portugal's Moorish Legacy
• Roman and Barbarian Invasions
• Festival of Santo António
• The delicious Ginjinha
• Fado, the Soul of Portuguese Culture
• Chão do Loureiro viewpoint
• The origin of Codfish
• The oldest house in Lisbon
• The Conquest of Lisbon by the Portuguese
• The Jewish Quarter

Meeting point

Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)

Look out for our guide with an orange umbrella in Praça do Comércio, next to the statue in the middle.

Things to note

We recommend to arrive 10 minutes before the starting time, to use comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bring some water. For groups with more than 4 people, we charge 10,00 euros per person in advance. Tours leave with at least 4 people. Children under 16 don't need to be booked.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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