Things to Do in Lisbon
Join us on a free walking tour of Lisbon to take a journey through the city's most iconic spots. Discover the city of Fado's vibrant past and present.
• Peek into the lavish lives of Spanish royalty at the King’s chambers, then roam the sprawling gardens for panoramic views of Sintra.
• Tune into a multilingual audio guide or choose a guided tour to uncover how a simple chapel became this vibrant palace.
• If you are looking for convenience, upgrade to skip entry lines or access a quick shuttle between the palace and the park.
With The Most Entertaining and Passionate Local Guides, you’ll get to know:
- The historical neighborhoods of Bairro Alto, Chiado, Baixa (Downtown) and Alfama;
- The essential history of Portugal throughout the streets of Lisbon;
- Fun facts about the Portuguese people, their culture and their habits;
- Great sightseeing spots;
- A lot of smart tips to make the most of your vacation in Lisbon;
- Free Tasting of the best Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart) in Lisbon;
- And much more.
Our brand name raises expectation and so we strive on every tour to give you truly the tour of your life. At the end you determine what a tour was worth for you (i.e.: 10€, 15€, 20€, … per person).
Tours Of My Life is Officially Licensed by Turismo de Portugal (national tourism office).
• Explore Pena Palace, a vibrant 19th-century Romanticist castle with lush gardens, luxe royal apartments, and panoramic Queen’s Terrace.
• Visit the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira to check out its magical gardens, underground tunnels, and the rich symbolism hidden in the architecture.
• Visit both attractions on the same day or on separate days for ultimate flexibility in your Sintra itinerary.
Embark on an electrifying journey through Lisbon's soul with our Free Tour of the Unmissable Lisbon. Dive deep into 3,000 years of history where tales of resilience, intrigue, and culture paint the vibrant canvas of one of Europe's most dynamic capitals. Follow our expert guide through the winding streets and hidden corners, where every stone and shadow has a story waiting to be told.
Our adventure springs to life at the Monumento aos Restauradores, a towering tribute to Portugal’s enduring spirit against Spanish domination. As we saunter into the pulsating heart of Rossio Square, brace yourself for an enthralling saga spanning mystical Sebastianism, Lisbon's clandestine role in WWII espionage, and a touching reflection at the Jewish Memorial beside the historical São Domingos Church, echoing the sorrow of the 1506 Lisbon massacre.
The mood lightens as we introduce you to Ginjinha, Lisbon's cherished cherry liqueur, in one of its landmark bars—a sweet sip of local tradition with a spirited kick!
Ascending to the Carmo Convent ruins, the remnants speak of beauty and resilience, complemented by stunning vistas from the Elevator of Santa Justa. Here, the narrative weaves through the 1755 earthquake's transformative aftermath, philosophically and socially, leading up to the groundbreaking Carnation Revolution of 1974.
At the entrance to Chiado, we honor Portugal's premier poet, segueing into the chic Chiado district. This neighborhood juxtaposes Bairro Alto's historical depth with its modern-day flair, offering a glimpse into Lisbon's evolving identity.
Our tour might venture into the realms of Fernando Pessoa’s literary genius and the historic National Theater of São Carlos, before culminating at the grand Praça do Comércio. Here, the majestic Rua Augusta Arch stands as a symbol of Lisbon’s rebirth from the ashes of adversity, marking a fitting close to our voyage through time.
This tour isn't just a walk; it's a journey through the essence of Lisbon, led by passionate locals eager to share their insider tips and hidden gems. Join us to soak in Lisbon’s cultural legacy, where history breathes through the streets and monuments, promising memories as vivid and enduring as the city itself. Lisbon doesn’t just tell its story; it invites you to live it.
• Get lost in the enchanting hidden tunnels and 'Initiation Wells' that look like something right out of a fairytale book.
• Want to decode the Freemason symbolism? Add an audio guide, live guide, or begin with a host-led intro before heading off on your own.
Join Our Exciting Free Walking Tour of Alfama – Discover Lisbon’s Hidden Treasures!
Explore Alfama, one of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods, that survived the famous 1755 earthquake
Visit amazing viewpoints with views over the terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Tagus River
- See iconic and beautiful landmarks in Lisbon:
- Rossio Square – A lively and historic spot in the heart of the city
- Dona Maria II Theater – A grand and charming 19th-century theater
- São Domingos Church – A stunning church with a rich past
- Figueira Square – A busy and welcoming square with lots of character
- São Jorge Castle (Exterior) – A historic castle exterior view with breathtaking views of the city and intense history and amazing facts
- Portas do Sol Viewpoint – A perfect place to take in the view of Lisbon’s skyline
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia – A charming viewpoint with calm vibe of the city and river Tagus with live music almost every night
- Sé Cathedral – A beautiful and impressive gothic cathedral
- Saint António Church – A lovely and a very special church with a peaceful atmosphere.
- Wear your comfiest shoes for a fun adventure with our friendly local guides!
- Pay What You Want – Based on your experience, most guests typically contribute 10-20 €.
Meet us at D. Pedro IV Square (Rossio) near the statue – look for our yellow t-shirts and umbrellas!
We can’t wait to show you around!
On this boat tour of Lisbon, you'll enjoy a cruise on the Tagus River while you admire iconic landmarks such as the Belém Tower or the 25 de Abril Bridge.
• Spot nautical motifs, beautiful cloisters, and even Vasco da Gama’s tomb—every detail here tells a story from Portugal’s seafaring past.
• Want to get more out of your visit? Upgrade to a skip-the-line guided tour or grab an audio guide for rich backstories and hidden details.
Discover where Lisbon began with our Alfama and Mouraria Walking Tour, a journey through more than 3.000 years of history.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and its story starts in the historic districts of Alfama and Mouraria. Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors once lived here, shaping the cultural identity that still defines Lisbon today. In 1147, D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, conquered the city - making a turning point in Portuguese history.
These neighbourhoods were among the best preserved after the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake, making them essential stops on any Lisbon historical Tour.
From the Tagus River to São Jorge Castle, this guides walking tour in Lisbon allows you to:
- Wander through narrow medieval streets
- Admire traditional Portuguese azulejos
- Enjoy breathtaking views from Portas do Sol and Chão do Loureiro
- Experience the birthplace of Fado music
- Discover authentic local life in Alfama
Alfama and Mouraria Tour Highlights
- Praça do Comércio
- Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
- Alfama Historic district
- Portas do Sol and Chão do Loureiro viewpoint
- São Jorge Castle
- Casa dos Bicos
- Street Art
This tour is perfect for visitors searching for the best things to do in Alfama and Mouraria.
With this ticket to the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, you'll admire the largest collection of Baroque tiles in Lisbon and enjoy the beautiful scenic views.
• Encounter over 15,000 marine creatures from 500 species in immersive habitats inspired by the world's four major oceanic regions.
• Marvel at countless aquatic species in the cathedral-like acrylic 5-million-liter central tank. Highlights include sunfish, sandbar sharks, and sunflower starfish, among others.
• Explore the Submerged Universe exhibition and witness how it seamlessly combines the celestial world with the deep sea, demonstrating the balance of underwater ecosystems.
Whether you are a tourist, an ex-pat, or even a local, this historical, city center walking tour is made for those who want to get a better understanding of Lisbon's rich history in a detailed, yet informal approach.
We will leave from Rossio square, the heart of the city, and head up to explore the classic neighborhoods of Chiado and Princípe Real and the bohemian neighborhood of Bairro Alto, while bypassing beautiful churches such as S. Domingos (XIII century), the Carmo Convent (XIV century) and S. Roque (XVI century), as well as seeing some Neo-Manueline architecture, intriguing azulejos ´tiles´, and trendy cafés and restaurants.
We will cover in this tour:
- The earthquake of 1755 and the reconstruction of the city by Prime Minister Marquês de Pombal.
- The Inquisition and persecution of Jews and Muslims.
- The restoration wars and their consequences to the decline of the Portuguese Empire.
- Ulysses and the mythological foundation of Lisbon.
- Santa Justa Elevador, Carmo Square, São Pedro de Alcântara Miradouro and much more.
A difference between this proposal and other walking tours is that I want people to connect with each other and, towards the end of the tour, I do stop for the guest to get some take-away drinks and, after the tour is over, we can all share some drinks at a local bar. This is, simultaneously, a very historical tour with bits of informality.
The tour can always be adjusted upon weather conditions. The duration of the tour is of approximately 3 hours, with some occasional twenty minutes extra depending on the group size (rarely over 10 people) and the walking pace of the group.
Join in, book the tour, learn and have fun! 😀
French Tour upon demand (pour la visite en français, il faut me contacter, s´il vous plaît).
Important notice: I never wear sunglasses or use a microphone during the tour. I like to convey expression and that is my understanding of professionalism, thus I need my voice to always be powerful (although I do smoke a quick cigarrette while the guests are taking pictures at the viewpoints 😀 I am not made of iron), implying that around 2% of the tours, I might contact my colleague Kate, a Master in Anthropology, to do it in my place. I arrive at the meeting point some 10 to 5 minutes before the beginning of the tour. I see no need to be there half an hour before. I have a tolerance waiting time of 5 minutes; more than that, it is unfair for the guests who were ponctual. If you leave a valid WhatsApp number, I will send my location. Otherwise you will not be able to find me, as once I begin the tour, I must shut down my umbrella. As you will see, I use my hands a lot to express myself.
Disclaimer: as this tour is getting mainstream, I am starting to get reservations from people who are perhaps not understanding the concept of the tour. I am a Ph.D. title candidate, so I am obviously extremely historical. Although I do stop to get drinks and I have a sarcastic sense of humor, this is quintenssencialy a very historical tour. If you are not into history and are looking for a more ´fun facts´ kind of tour, please feel free to book with somebody else. This is specially valid for reservations over three people. If you are into history, but your friends are not, be aware that your friends looking bored at me disturbs my performance and deranges the general quality of the tour. I am a professional and I can ignore your friends, but if they are just simply convincing you to leave at the middle without paying and write a bad review for a tour you did not complete, I prefer you to book a lighter tour. The tour is absolutely NOT recommended for children. Teenagers with a high school level of education may or may not capture my historical references, but children will surely not. Spare your child of the suffering and book a more family oriented tour. I will refuse to accept the group if you show up with baby trolleys and multiple children as I already know they will be convincing the parents to leave at the middle. It does not matter if you tell me your children love History. This is not Cartoon Network level of History, it is beyond that. Likewise, although I am not a native English speaker and I have a slight Portuguese accent, I know my vocabulary well. If you are not 100% fluent in English, this tour is not for you. The tour is crafted to be the most detailed historical tour of Lisbon.
On this day trip from Lisbon, we'll go on a tour of the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. We'll also see Cabo da Roca and Cascais.
• Explore the expertly curated Permanent Exhibitions section to learn all about its past life as a military base and the siege of 1147.
• See beautiful art like the sculpture of Afonso I, the first king of Portugal, and discover elements of early Islamic architecture.
• Upgrade to include a multilingual audio guide or local guide for rich historical commentary and fun local legends.
In this gastronomical tour through Lisbon's trendy neighborhood of Chiado and the bohemian area of Bairro Alto, customers will indulge into experiencing local dishes in typical "tascas", small and family-owned restaurants which capture the soul of Portuguese cuisine.
If you think Portugal is limited to codfish and sardines, be prepared to a culinary journey ranging from dishes created by Crusaders in the XII century all the way to delicacies used by Jews and Muslims to escape the Inquisition as well as the influences brought from all over the world during the Age of the Discoveries. Feast on the flavors from Portugal's former colonies and understand why Portuguese cuisine ranked the 4th best in the world according to the 2023 edition of Taste Atlas.
Needless to say, Portuguese wine also ranks amount the best for a good reason. Port Wine, for example, is one of the world's oldest denominated protected regions, but costumers can also indulge into a refreshing glass of green wine. Most visitors to Portugal are aware about the famous pastéis de nata, but have you ever tasted the licquor version of it?
Join in to this restaurant - bar - tasca hopping experience and eat your full of Portuguese dishes beyond the basic codfish you can get at any other place in the country!
We will leave from Camões Square and explore the culinary scene at the heart of Lisbon, going to both popular places among locals and off-the-beaten track restaurants.
Things to notice:
Do come hungry! It is a food tour, after all! Make sure your previous meal was a light one!
As requested by the restaurants, the tour can only host around 10 guests.
The tour is NOT suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
The standard tour contains BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN and ALCOHOL! Do NOT book the tour if you do not consume these items. Some of the restaurants we go are small, and I cannot occupy space for guests that will not eat the proposed food.
VERY IMPORTANT: guests will share the costs of the dishes among themselves. The idea is to eat several portions of different dishes and have a full-scale journey through the cuisine with an estimated price of a dish and a half per person. Obviously, the more people on the tour, the more dishes to be experienced at a lower price per person (calculate around 30 euros per person including drinks, a couple of euros more or less depending on the amount of people on the tour). Hence, the importance of the guests being able to eat all the proposed dishes. POLICY WITH CHILDREN: children nearby puberty age will be counted as adults. If you are a couple with two kids and there are four other guests in the tour, the bill will be split by eight. In the case of very young children, such as younger than eight years, the bill will be split by seven. If you have two young children, I will count them as one. If you have three young ones, they will be counted as two, as I cannot consider "half a person".
This does NOT include the contribution to the guide at the end of the tour.
There are some small variation of the selected restaurants and the route to be followed depending on the time slot and day of the week. Normally, we visit 5 places: two bars and three restaurants!
• Explore the exhibits dedicated to Cosme Damião, the club's founder and one of the most pivotal figures in its history.
• On your tour of the stadium, you'll discover why it's called the *Stadium of Light.* The secret is its polycarbonate roof, which floods the stadium with light no matter the weather.
• Walk the player’s tunnel as you imagine roaring fans, step into the locker rooms, and take in panoramic views from the stadium’s best vantage points.
• Whether you choose tickets to the museum, the stadium, or combine both, you get an official scarf from the club's merchandise store.
Cross the downtown of Lisbon, follow the old medieval walls, and enter Mouraria and Alfama, the oldest neighborhoods of the city that survived almost intact to the great earthquake of 1755, the birthplaces of Fado, where the true multicultural colors of Lisbon show up, ending up at some of the best sightseeing overlooks in Lisbon. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, we end near the famous flea market held on those days. 🙂
Learn the history and legends of the old town most representative neighborhoods, told by real local guides, getting a truly personal and insightful view on Lisbon, walking through the city's narrow alleys up and downhill, lost in time on a genuine "back to the past" tour.
Along the way, we will be visiting points of interest in the historic center of the city on an entertaining and informal guided tour where history, stories, and fun facts combine together.
Join us a bit before 10:30 by the statue at the center of Praça Dom Pedro IV. Our team is easy to identify using white umbrellas with our company branding Live History Walking Tours.
