The best city tours in Lisbon offer a peek behind the curtain of Portuguese history and culture through the eyes of a local. This lively destination has been inhabited for over 3,000 years and modern-day Lisbon is littered with remnants of the past.
Of all the things to do in Lisbon, a city sightseeing tour should be top of the list to ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions.
Check out my top picks, especially if you are interested in history, hidden gems, great food and a little bit of extra speed in your exploration. And, if you want to see the whole list of options, scroll down or use our table of content!
| # | Activity Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highlights & Hidden Gems | From €81 | Alfama |
| 2 | Histories, stories and lifestyle walking tour | From €25 | Bairro Alto and Alfama |
| 3 | Segway food tour of Alfama and Old Town | From €79 | Bairro Alto and Alfama |
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
1 – Highlights & Hidden Gems of Lisbon PRIVATE Tour | Drink Included
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (878 reviews)
“Honestly, it was one of the best tours we’ve ever taken. John, thank you for a fabulous morning.” NEIL, VIATOR
If you’re looking to gain the best introduction to Portugal’s vibrant capital, then you should consider choosing one of the available private tours in Lisbon.
This one in particular guides you through a plethora of landmarks and neighborhoods, including Alfama, discovering the city’s highlights both on, and off the tourist trail. Alongside sightseeing, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample regional cuisine, as well as the local’s favorite tipple — Ginjinha.
On this Withlocals excursion, you’ll enjoy the one-on-one attention of your own personal guide, with whom you can discuss each monument’s history, architecture and significance.
Summary of the experience:
- 13 stops
- Tasting of Ginjinha, cheese and chorizo
- Mix of main attractions and hidden corners
Our review
The highlight of this tour is its insightful and attentive guides who are happy to tailor each experience to their group. You’ll gain a mix of knowledge and by the end of the excursion, you’ll likely be more of a pro on the city than its own residents.
2 – Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (6216 reviews)
“We enjoyed all the in-depth knowledge and things we would have never caught on our own! We would take this tour again in a heartbeat.” Amber, Getyourguide
History buffs can delve into the city’s roots on this walking tour provided by Lisboa Autêntica. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Lisbon was founded by the Phoenicians around 1,200 B.C. and as such, there are plenty of historic sites to be found on its streets.
Landmarks you can expect to see on this excursion include the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which was founded in the 14th century, as well as the 19th-century Elevador de Santa Justa, where you’ll gain panoramic views across the city.
Summary of the experience:
- Iconic tram ride included
- Coffee and cake included
- Multiple neighborhoods explored
Our review
The route of this tour is truly breathtaking, littered with remarkable viewpoints showcasing the different faces of Lisbon. If, like us, you need a little something sweet to keep you going when exploring a destination, you’ll particularly enjoy the pre-planned stop for local treats.
3 – Lisbon: Segway Food Tour of Alfama and Old Town Lisbon
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (730 reviews)
“Amazing tour and brilliant tour guide!” Michael, Getyourguide
Many would agree that the ultimate way to discover a new destination is through your taste buds, and Lisbon is no exception. The city is home to a well-developed culinary scene, which you can explore for yourself on this Boost Portugal tour of the Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.
Of all the best food tours in Lisbon, this is one of the most comprehensive, enabling visitors to try many of the city’s delicacies, including traditional codfish cakes and octopus salad. Those who err on the sweeter side of gastronomy can indulge in a pastel de nata, oozing with creamy custard.
Summary of the experience:
- 6 stops
- Ginjinha, coffee and pastel de nata included
- Tapas tastings
Our review
If the culinary side of this tour isn’t enough to gain it one of the top spots when it comes to city tours in Lisbon, then traversing the destination’s maze of streets on a segway is sure to seal the deal. Easy and fun to use, these vehicles are the ideal way to navigate between venues to try each scrumptious morsel.
4 – Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk: 2 Hour Guided Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (479 reviews)
“We had an amazing time, our driver was extremely knowledgeable and made the trip both interesting and fun. Would definitely recommend doing a Tuk-Tuk tour of this city” Diana, Getyourguide
Those who’d rather save their energy for other activities can instead participate in a tuk-tuk tour of Lisbon, operated by Sardinha do Bairro. During this excursion, you’ll speed through the city’s many neighborhoods, gaining a whirlwind overview of each one.
Among the landmarks you’ll visit is the Rua Augusta Arch, which is widely regarded as one of the best tourist attractions in Lisbon and represents the city’s rise from the ashes after a devastating 18th-century earthquake.
After zooming through many of Lisbon’s districts, including Alfama, Graça and Mouraria, you’ll wind up at the River Tagus, which flows for over 1,000 kilometers throughout Portugal and Spain.
Our review
Fun and knowledgeable are how the guides of this excursion are described, meaning that whoever you end up with, you can expect an entertaining experience. This is one of the best city tours in Lisbon for those traveling in a group, with each tuk-tuk accommodating up to six guests.
Hot tip: Don’t miss our list of the best tuk tuk tours in Lisbon.
5 – Lisbon: 1-or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (1325 reviews)
“The tour was excellent and a great variation of activities which allowed us to get a good insight tino different areas around Lisbon.” John, Getyourguide
A hop-on hop-off bus tour in Lisbon is best suited to those who like a little flexibility in their sightseeing experience. You’ll be in control of your itinerary, boarding one of the Yellow Bus vehicles at whichever stop you like and journeying through the city until you see a sight that catches your eye.
You can depart the bus at several celebrated landmarks, including the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, and Jeronimos Monastery, built in the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style and considered one of the best places to visit in Lisbon.
Our review
If you’re itching to see parts of the city that you simply can’t cover on foot, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is the way to do so. You’ll benefit from a fascinating audio guide in your chosen language and tickets can also be used on public trams, making it easy to navigate your way back to your hotel after the tour.
6 – Private Tour: Best of Lisbon by Sidecar
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (337 reviews)
“THE VERY BEST EXCURSION THAT YOU CAN DO. We have traveled to many place and explored many countries and this is by far the best tour that we have done.” Susan, Viator
Another option for private tours in Lisbon, this experience has a unique twist. Instead of walking through the “City of Seven Hills,” you’ll whizz through its districts in a historic sidecar. You’ll relax as your guide does all the hard work, steering you through streets to reach many attractions, popular with tourists and locals.
On this Bike my Side excursion, you’ll stop to admire the well-preserved 16th-century Belém Tower, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the Sanctuary of Christ the King — inspired by the “Christ the Redeemer” statue that overlooks Rio de Janeiro.
Our review
The sidecars on this tour are surprisingly spacious and comfortable, making this an experience most tourists can enjoy. This excursion serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the city further, so book it for your first day in Portugal’s capital if possible.
7 – Lisbon: Daytime/Sunset/Night City Sailboat Tour with Drinks
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (2372 reviews)
“We had a great time! Our guide was super knowledgeable. This was one of my favourite parts of our trip!” Lisa, Getyourguide
For a different take on this buzzing metropolis, sail along the Tagus River on a sightseeing cruise provided by PalmaYachts. Whether you’re looking to discover the destination by day or create a romantic moment at sunset, you can do so, making this experience sure to be a highlight of your Portuguese vacation.
You’ll glide past many of the city’s most renowned landmarks including the Basilica da Estrela, commissioned by Queen Maria I of Portugal, as well as the Belém district’s grand tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge, named after the date of the revolution that took place in 1974.
Our review
This tour is cited as being great value for money with guides who are dedicated to showing travelers as much of the city as possible from the water. It is highly recommended to opt for the sunset experience, during which you’ll watch as Lisbon is covered in a golden halo.
Read more: Best Boat Tours in Lisbon
8 – Lisbon: Street Art Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (843 reviews)
“Excellent tour with lot‘s of insights into not only street art in Lisbon but also the city‘s history, people and cultural approach.” Nicole, Getyourguide
Discover Lisbon’s open-air gallery as you stroll through several neighborhoods, admiring the masterpieces achieved with just a spray can. You’ll learn about the city’s creative side as you decipher the meaning behind a range of murals.
While some of these artworks simply showcase the skills of the artist, many of these graffiti pieces shed light on social, cultural and political issues that Lisbon has faced over the past decades.
There are murals to be discovered throughout the Bairro Alto, Chiado, Mouraria and Graça regions alongside your City Guru guide who is well-versed in the graffiti scene as a street artist themselves.
Our review
While you can discover the murals of Lisbon alone, taking a street art tour enables you to uncover the raw meanings embedded into each artwork’s strokes in a way that you simply won’t achieve otherwise. The guides know all there is to know about the creative endeavors of the city and you may even discover a new favorite artist!
9 – Free Tour Lisbon: Essential History, Fun Facts and Free Tastings
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (10928 reviews)
“The tour was amazing!!! Great story telling and very nice plan.” Romaissa, Guruwalk
A free guided walk is the ideal type of city tour in Lisbon for budget-conscious travelers who wish to make their euros stretch a little further.
While you may expect this type of excursion to lack the detail found in other experiences, this isn’t the case and you’ll enjoy a well-rounded introduction to over 15 attractions, including the Luís de Camões Square, and Elevador de Santa Justa.
Stopping to try a pastel de nata is simply a must in understanding Lisbons’s culture and as you amble to the city’s most famed spots, you’ll listen to a historic commentary from your passionate guide.
Our review
Whether you’re a newbie to free walking tours or have participated in many across the globe, you’re sure to be impressed by this excursion and its knowledgeable guides. While you’ll receive a lot of historical and cultural information, it is delivered in an entertaining way, keeping this experience light-hearted.
10 – Lisbon: Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour Along the Historic Tram Line 28
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (369 reviews)
“What a great trip. Extremely friendly and very, very well informed guide! That was really fun!” MATTHIAS, Getyourguide
While there are several tuk-tuk tours in Lisbon to choose from, this one, provided by Boost Portugal, stands out from the crowd because of its fascinating route. Boost Portugal takes you on a historic journey, following the circuit of the distinctive yellow Line 28 tram, which began operating in the 1930s.
This route passes through all of the most illustrious corners of the city and is peppered with attractions including the Church of Santa Engrácia, which serves as a resting place for prominent Portuguese figures, as well as the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, originally built in the 12th century.
Our review
An excellent alternative to the Line 28 tram, which can become overcrowded with tourists and locals, this tour allows you to see all the same sights, while conversing with a true Lisboeta. You’ll gain more insight into the city this way and you won’t need to compete for a seat!
11 – Lisbon: 2.5-Hour Hills Tour by Electric Bike
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (1952 reviews)
“We booked the tour to start our weekend in Lisbon. It was brilliant!” Lucy, Getyourguide
There are few more enjoyable sensations than experiencing the breeze through your hair as you cycle the paths of an unknown and exciting destination. If you wish to enjoy this feeling without any of the hard graft that goes into it, opt for an E-bike tour in Lisbon.
You’ll traverse several of the city’s seven hills with ease alongside your Boost Portugal guide and be treated to sweeping views across Lisbon, and beyond upon reaching the top of each. As well as the city’s elevation points, you’ll also discover some of its most acclaimed regions, including its old town — Alfama.
Our review
Take advantage of the wonders of the 21st century with this E-bike tour and save your legs for the rest of your vacation. While traditional bike excursions can be tainted by the effort required to ascend Lisbon’s many hills, this cycling experience is sure to leave behind only positive memories.
12 – Lisbon Full Day Small-Group Tour: The Most Complete Lisbon City Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (239 reviews)
“The guide was excellent. He knew so much about every site that we visited. He was always ready on schedule when he gave us free time. His English language speaking skills were excellent.” Daniel, Viator
Lisbon Native has constructed a tour that takes travelers on a journey of discovery through the city’s many ages. One of the best city tours in Lisbon for history buffs, this excursion showcases the best of the medieval time period, including monuments such as the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, which was originally designed in a Romanesque style and has been rebuilt many times since the 12th century.
You’ll be part of a small group, ensuring a personal touch for all participants, and you’ll finish off this experience by exploring some of Lisbon’s more modern builds.
Our review
We’d recommend this tour to those with a limited time to spend in Lisbon. With such informative and thoughtful commentary, a well-planned route, and a number of viewpoints from which to gain the perfect photo, this truly is a one-stop shop for all things sightseeing.
13 – Electric Car Tour of Lisbon Old Town and Belém
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (21 reviews)
“My sister and I enjoyed the Electric Car Tour very much. Great fun! We highly recommend the experience! Thank you!” Carmen, Viator
Operated by Lisbon Eco Tours, this electric car tour allows travelers to discover the narrow alleyways and hidden gems of the Graça, Alfama, and Belém districts. An eco-friendly option for those concerned about their carbon footprint, this tour takes you on a guided journey through the city, enabling you to check off many bucket-list attractions.
As well as famed landmarks, such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Praça do Comércio, you’ll also discover the Museu do Fado, where traditional fado shows in Lisbon are performed by talented singers, and guitarists.
Our review
This excursion is not for the faint of heart as you’ll need to be confident navigating the traffic in Lisbon, which can, at times, be chaotic. However, experienced drivers will enjoy sightseeing at their own pace with a trusty GPS to guide them in the right direction.
14 – Lisbon Combo: Helicopter Ride, Boat Trip, & Old Town Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (144 reviews)
“A short walk through Lisbon, a boat trip that got a magical touch through the fog and a very short helicopter flight completed it.” Sarah, Getyourguide
Those who want to experience as much as possible during their city break should consider booking one of the available combination walking tours in Lisbon, such as this one that includes a helicopter flight and boat tour.
Operated by World Experience, this excursion guides you through the center of the city on foot, admiring an array of scenic landmarks, including the Church of St. Roque. After this walking portion, you’ll join in on one of the best boat tours in Lisbon, which carries you along the Tagus River. Lastly, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable flight over the destination, during which you’ll gain a bird’s eye view of its skyline.
Our review
Adventure enthusiasts will certainly be in for an exciting experience on this tour. While we wouldn’t recommend this option to those who suffer from motion sickness, it’s the perfect choice for all other travelers, offering a view of Lisbon from every angle.
How to book city tours in Lisbon?
There are a multitude of city tours in Lisbon to choose from, most of which feature across several travel websites. Some of these third-party websites offer discounts, which is why using Tourscanner’s search engine is a must to secure yourself the best deal.
You’ll also be able to compare reviews from other travelers to ensure the tour you choose will be to your liking.