Spies, earthquakes, poets and revolutions: the heart of Lisbon told by someone who lives here, with a ginjinha along the way. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: In 1755 an earthquake, a tsunami and a fire flattened Lisbon in a single day: the Baixa you'll walk through rose from those ashes.
Highlights
- Uncover the Lisbon of WWII spies
- Views from the Santa Justa Lift and the Carmo ruins
- Bohemian Bairro Alto and elegant Chiado
- Raise a glass of ginjinha, Lisbon's favourite liqueur
- A picture-perfect finale at Praça do Comércio
Full description
Lisbon isn't a city you just see: it's a city you listen to. For almost three hours, a local guide walks you from the buzz of Rossio up to the hills of Chiado, telling you the stories no guidebook bothers with: how Lisbon became a nest of spies during the Second World War, why the Portuguese are still waiting for a king who vanished in 1578, and how the 1755 earthquake changed everything, from the streets under your feet to European philosophy. You'll climb to the haunting ruins of the Carmo Convent, feel the bohemian pulse of Bairro Alto, say hello to Camões and Pessoa in Chiado and knock back a ginjinha, the sour cherry liqueur locals drink in one go. The finale, in the vast Praça do Comércio facing the river, is one for your camera roll and your memory. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it saves your spot in the group, but it doesn't go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-want: at the end, you give your guide whatever you feel they've earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here your smile sets the price, not a rate card.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Restauradores Square
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point: the monument to Portugal's 1640 independence
On foot (2 min)
2Rossio Railway Station
Guided visit · 10 min
Neo-Manueline façade, a lost king and Lisbon's WWII spies
On foot (3 min)
3São Domingos Church & Jewish Memorial
Guided visit · 15 min
The untold story of the 1506 massacre
On foot (2 min)
4Rossio Square
Guided visit · 10 min
Pedro IV, King of Portugal and first Emperor of Brazil
On foot (2 min)
5Ginjinha stop
Free time · 10 min
Lisbon's famous sour cherry liqueur (drink not included)
On foot (5 min)
6Santa Justa Lift
Photo stop · 10 min
Views over the Baixa
On foot (5 min)
7Carmo Convent
Guided visit · 15 min
Ruins of the 1755 earthquake and the Carnation Revolution
On foot (5 min)
8Bairro Alto & São Roque Church
Guided visit · 15 min
The bohemian quarter and Portugal's first Jesuit church
On foot (5 min)
9Largo de Camões (Chiado)
Guided visit · 15 min
Camões, Pessoa and the São Carlos opera house
On foot (8 min)
10Rua Augusta
Pass by · 10 min
The Baixa rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal
On foot (3 min)
11Praça do Comércio
Guided visit · 15 min
Grand finale under the Rua Augusta Arch
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 40 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
English
What's included
Local guide in English
Walking tour of almost 3 hours through the historic centre
Stories, curiosities and insider tips from a local
Not included
The pay-what-you-want contribution to the guide, at the end (average €15–20 per person)
Food and drinks (including the ginjinha)
Entrance fees and transport
Meeting point
Lisboa, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if booked separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow "Free Tour" letters
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, tip what you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-want free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end, each person gives the guide what they feel is fair, cash only, in euros (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately. More of you? For larger groups we ask for a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Drinks, food, entrance fees and transport not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, the weather or events in the city. Free cancellation up to the start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].
