Scooter Tours in Lisbon

Visitors have many ways to explore the Portuguese capital with options ranging from the classics — like walking tours, hop-on-hop-off-buses and city tours — to the more unorthodox with street art tours, scavenger games and beetle tours.

But none of these are as undeniably cool as a Lisbon scooter tour — especially if the scooter in question is a vintage motorcycle with a sidecar. Sit back and enjoy Lisbon coming to life around you — as your experienced driver and guide takes you to parts of the city that even long-time residents don’t know about.

But this experience is all about style and substance, and during your half-day tour you’ll also visit Lisbon’s most important landmarks — and learn more about this city’s fascinating past.

Below you will find all the information you need to know about booking scooter tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Lisbon.

What are the best scooter tours in Lisbon?

Apart from rentals, the only scooter-type tour in Lisbon is the Lisbon sidecar tour, made famous by the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil.

Sidecar motorcycle tour of Lisbon

This tour starts out as cool as you like, with the sidecar and driver picking you up directly from your hotel. You’ll have an opportunity to make yourself comfortable while learning about motorcycle do’s and don’ts before zipping off into the busy Lisbon streets.

Your first stop will usually be the historic Alfama District — and you’ll soon realize that your nimble vehicle was made for these maze-like alleys and cobblestone streets. Travel all the way up to the Castle of St. George before heading back down to Lisbon Cathedral and the imposing Rua Augusta Arch.

Then, make your way along the Tagus River as you head to the neighborhood of Belém, where you’ll get to see the Jeronimos Monastery as well as Belém Tower. Next, it’s out with the old and in with the new, as you visit trendy shopping and dining areas that were created from the remains of old warehouses.

Finally, you’ll head to Mouraria, the old Moorish Quarter, to learn about Lisbon’s multi-ethnic heritage, while exploring this vibrant neighborhood. The tour ends with your driver dropping you off at your hotel in Lisbon.

Which places are visited?

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital has a proud history that stretches way back — even predating the arrival of the ancient Phoenicians on the banks of the Tagus River.

Throughout the ages, the city has been an important port of call for a variety of people, including the Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. Today, this rich heritage is evident in everything — from Lisbon’s architecture and food to the fado songs that echo over these cobblestone streets.

Belém

Belém is one of Lisbon’s most important neighborhoods, and it played a vital role during Portugal’s colonial age — as is evident from the Monument of the Discoveries that you’ll find here. This area is also home to Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and is a favorite destination for street food tours.

Alfama District

The Alfama District is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and is home to labyrinthine cobbled alleyways, stunning buildings and the famous Tram 28. This neighborhood was largely untouched during the 1755 earthquake — preserving an invaluable part of old Lisbon for future generations.

Tagus River

The Tagus River is as much part of Lisbon as is the pastel de nata that are enjoyed on her mosaic-studded praças — with the river acting as an important artery since time immemorial. Today the river and its estuary aren’t as important in an economic sense, but they still provide vital habitat for local wildlife — as well as stunning sunsets when viewed from the top of the Rua Augusta Arch.

What are the prices of Lisbon scooter tours?

Following the success of the original sidecar tour in Lisbon, a number of similar experiences have popped up — and you can find a Lisbon scooter tour for between €80 and €100 per person.

The sidecar motorcycle tour of Lisbon will cost €190 per group of two people, but you’ll usually be the only people on the trip. The maximum group size is 10, so either way, you’ll enjoy a much more personal exploration of Lisbon.

What is included?

Scooter tours in Lisbon include all the fuel and equipment that you’ll need for the trip, as well as a qualified driver/tour guide. You’ll also receive safety gear, including goggles, a helmet and elbow pads.

Where in Lisbon do scooter tours start?

Lisbon’s scooter tours usually include pickup service, enabling you to start the tour from your hotel lobby. However, if this isn’t included, the trip will typically depart from the tour company’s office. Consider confirming the tour’s starting location when booking your excursion.

How long do they last?

Scooter tours in Lisbon normally last between 3 and 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity in the capital. That being said, there are some scooter tours that offer a full-day option — and during these, you’ll usually spend time in and outside of the city.

When is the best time to go on a scooter tour in Lisbon?

The best time for a scooter tour is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods you'll experience pleasant weather and few tourists in comparison to the peak summer season.

What other sightseeing tours are available in Lisbon?

• Lisbon walking tours
• Free walking tours in Lisbon
• Lisbon city tours
• Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Lisbon
• Lisbon street art tours

Travel tips

• Even on a sunny day, the breeze can get chilly when you're moving. Wear layers or bring a light jacket.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid long, flowing dresses or scarves that might get caught.
• Bring sunglasses and consider wearing sunscreen, as you'll be exposed to the sun more directly than inside a car.
• Pack a camera or smartphone to capture the unique perspective from the sidecar.