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Old Lisbon Private Tour by Tuk Tuk: Transform into a Local in 75 Minutes

5.0

53 Ratings

Lisboa

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Rossio Square has been recognized as the heart of Lisbon from the times of the Roman Empire. Landmarks you can visit include Rossio Station (which services trains to Sintra), King Pedro the 4th statue, remnants of Carmo Church, Baixa (the city’s grid-design area), Augusta Street, the National Theatre and a shop called Ginginha, that you should revisit to enjoy the finest Cherry Liquor in the city by the end of your tour.
This sight is commonly deemed as the peak of the tour. A collaborative masterpiece arose thanks to the joint venture between American street artist Sheppard Fairey (obeygiant) and Portuguese artist Vhils (vhils), where the resulting piece strongly resonates as superior to their individual efforts.
This particular viewpoint offers the highest vantage point in the city. It provides sweeping vistas of the Moorish castle, the old town, ferry crossings the river, Mouraria just beneath you, Baixa slightly further away, Chiado and Bairro Alto situated on the opposing hill. Downstream, the 25th April bridge, a fraternal twin of the Golden Gate, is visible, along with the Christ Redeemer statue on the southern bank.
The magnificent church and monastery, dating to the 16th-17th century, houses Saint Vincent, the final resting location of the Braganza dynasty including Catherine of Braganza who became the wife of Charles II of England. While the church tour is complimentary, there is an admission charge for exploring the entire monastery. The monastery features an abundant display of tiles, and atop the Church’s roof, offers stunning panoramas of the river and old town.
Saint Engracia’s Church, built from the 17th to 20th century, serves as the crypt for prominent individuals from Portuguese society since the mid-20th century. It houses notable personas like footballer Eusebio and fado singer, Amalia. Its roof provides a panoramic view of old Lisbon.
This particular observation deck lays at the heart of the old town. Below towards the river lies Alfama, the original establishment of Lisbon. It is encircled within a 10-minute walk by attractions such as the Castle, Santa Luzia viewpoint, Alfama, Saint Vincent Monastery, and the National Pantheon. The traces of Moorish occupation are palpably evident at Miradouro Portas do Sol.
The Cathedral of Lisbon bears the title of the oldest operational edifice in town. It has roots that trace back to 1147 when the first king of Portugal claimed the city. It took roughly a hundred years to complete. Today, the Cathedral’s architectural style is primarily Romanesque, albeit with patches of diverse styles. It was built on a site that used to host a Roman temple and a mosque, thus serving as the cultural and religious hub of Lisbon since Roman reign.

What's Included

guide fee
hotel meet up (if central Lisbon)

What's Not Included

Tea and coffee

Additional Information

This tour has the unique ability to transform tourists into inhabitants, at least in understanding, in just 75 minutes. All you need to do is sit back, take in my enchanting narrative, and by the time you step off the tuk tuk, you’ll have comprehensive knowledge about the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and Crusaders who have shaped Alis-Ubbo over three millennia, their core influences, and the must-visits in the old town.

Post the tour, the travelers are free to indulge themselves in a full day of exploration, using my tips as their compass.

This tour also includes the sightseeing of several artworks by contemporary frontline street artists (such as Vhils, Fairey) and offers numerous quaint scenes of the Alfama, Mouraria and Graça districts.

Location

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Largo Portas do Sol

Porta do Sol viewpoint by St Vincent statue

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(53 Ratings)

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Inspire53256395738

Sep 10, 2023

Surprised by Lisbon street art! - Jaoa was kind, funny, and very knowledgeable of the Lisbon neighborhoods. He had a special insight on street art which was fascinating!