In a nutshell
- Is this your first time in Lisbon and you’d like to learn more about the city? Then booking a guided tour is a great idea!
- A classic walking tour of Lisbon is perfect for getting to know the city – and some tours are available in English with a professional guide.
- If walking isn’t your thing, you can book an e-bike tour through Lisbon, explore the city by tuk-tuk, or join a boat tour on the Tagus River.
- That’s a quick overview of the classic tours in Lisbon – next, we’ll dive deeper and share our favorite recommendations for unique city tours in Lisbon.
Guided Tours of Lisbon in English
If you’re heading out on your first short trip to Lisbon, a walking tour is the best way to start. It’s the easiest way to see the top sights in Lisbon while getting your bearings in the city’s winding streets.
To make sure you don’t miss any of the fascinating details, there are plenty of excellent guided tours in English.
For a great mix of everything, we recommend the History, Stories, and Lifestyle walking tour. This tour lasts three hours, and the best part: delicious Pastéis de Nata and coffee are already included. Yum!
You can book this as a group tour or a private tour. Group tours are great for the budget, but with a private tour, you’ll have the guide all to yourself and can ask as many questions as you like.
Private tours are especially worth it if you’re traveling with a family or a larger group.
Check out this Lisbon walking tour
Boat Tours on the Tagus River
Boat tours in Lisbon are a fantastic way to see the city’s highlights from a totally different perspective. Since the Tagus River flows right through the heart of the city, you’ll sail past many of the top sights.
Most boat trips depart near Cais do Sodré or Praça do Comércio. From there, you’ll cruise past the Cristo Rei statue, under the massive 25 de Abril Bridge, and all the way to Belém.
Our personal favorite is a sunset sailing tour. The sunsets in Lisbon are legendary, and being out on a sailboat makes the experience truly magical.
Of course, you can also enjoy the sunset from one of the many viewpoints (miradouros) and do your boat tour during the day—for example, with the Yellow Boat Lisbon.
Book a sunset sailing tour
Book a daytime boat tour
Bike Tours through Lisbon
We are huge fans of sightseeing on two wheels. You’re faster than walking and you can reach those hidden spots that a tour bus just can’t get to.
Best of all, cycling is a super fun activity in Lisbon and you don’t need to be a pro athlete—we promise!
If you book an E-bike tour, you can conquer the city’s seven hills without breaking a sweat. Alternatively, you can take a bike tour to Belém, which takes you along the beautiful, flat waterfront promenade.
Check out the E-bike tour
Check out the bike tour to Belém
Street Art Tours in Lisbon
Lisbon is one of those cities with incredible street art around almost every corner.
The cool thing about a street art walking tour is that your guide doesn’t just show you the best murals and tile art (azulejos). You also learn about the artists and the political messages behind their work.
Your guide might even take you to spots where artists are allowed to work legally, so you can watch them in action. Plus, it’s a great way to see the Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods from a more authentic perspective.
For your first visit, we recommend the Kickstart Street Art Walking Tour for a great introduction. If you’re a real enthusiast, the small-group street art tour is well worth it.
Book the Kickstart Street Art Tour
Book the small-group street art tour
Tuk Tuk Tours in Lisbon
Tuk tuks have become a huge part of the Lisbon experience over the last few years. Unlike their Asian counterparts, these are electric, making them quiet and environmentally friendly.
They can hold up to six people, so a tuk tuk ride is a great option for a family vacation in Lisbon.
The coolest option in our opinion is the tuk tuk tour following the route of the historic Tram 28E. It’s a lifesaver in the summer when the tram is packed with people. Plus, your guide will give you plenty of tips and info along the way.
Check out the Tram 28E Tuk Tuk tour
Food Tours in Lisbon
Pastéis de Nata, smooth Port wine, and fresh seafood—is your mouth watering yet? On a Lisbon food tour, you won’t just learn about Portuguese specialties; you’ll get to taste them all.
For three hours, your guide will lead you to exclusive gourmet shops, traditional tascas, and historic cafes. You’ll sample everything from Chouriço and Bacalhau to Portuguese coffee and Ginjinha liqueur.
Your guide will also share insider knowledge about local eating habits and secret tips for authentic restaurants.
At 68 euros, the tour might seem a bit pricey at first, but keep in mind that it’s essentially a guided tour and a very filling lunch or dinner in one. The value for the money is excellent!
Check out the food tour in the Old Town
Hop-on Hop-off Tours in Lisbon
A super convenient way to see the city is the hop-on/hop-off bus. It takes you past all the major highlights, and you can jump off and back on whenever you feel like exploring a certain spot.
While you won’t have a live guide, the buses provide audio commentary in English. You can buy tickets for the hop-on/hop-off buses for one or more days.
And because Lisbon has so many narrow streets, there’s even a hop-on/hop-off tram that winds its way through the historic center.
By the way: With the Lisboa Card, you get about a 15% discount on Yellow Bus tours.
Bonus: Guided Day Trips from Lisbon
Once you’ve explored Lisbon and seen the main sights, you should definitely consider a day trip from Lisbon.
There are some incredible tours into the surrounding areas. The most popular destinations are the fairytale town of Sintra, the seaside charm of Cascais, and the rugged cliffs of Cabo da Roca.
Check out the tour to Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca
A great, slightly less touristy option is a full-day tour to Fátima, Batalha, Óbidos, and Nazaré. For these tours, you’ll usually be picked up right from your hotel in Lisbon.
Day trip to Fátima, Batalha, Óbidos, and Nazaré
Want more nature? Head to Arrábida Natural Park—home to Praia dos Galapinhos, one of the most beautiful beaches near Lisbon. You can even book a kayak tour that includes pickup from the city.
Do you know where you’re staying yet?
If not, check out our articles on cool boutique hotels in Lisbon, and the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon. We’ve packed them with our best personal tips.