The City of the Seven Hills: How to Plan Your Private Tour of Lisbon Highlights

Are you planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal and want to make the most out of your stay? If you are interested in experiencing the city’s top sights in a private and intimate setting, then a Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Lisbon is the perfect option for you. Here’s how to plan your tour of Lisbon.

Overview:

This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Lisbon’s top sights at a comfortable pace. Your private guide will take you on a personalized journey through the city, sharing insights and knowledge as you visit some of the most iconic landmarks of Lisbon. This half-day walking tour has about 3.5 hours of sightseeing, featuring some of the most stunning views of the city.

What’s Included:

Your tour includes a friendly professional English-speaking tour guide who will accompany you on your own private tour of Lisbon’s highlights. With this tour, you will get plenty of time to capture the best moments of your favourite sights with your camera, and your guide will lead you through and provide entrance tickets to São Jorge Castle. Your cost of transportation on the day (if required) is covered with this tour, as well as some food and drink. Gratuities are optional.

Meeting and Pickup:

The meeting and pickup point is at Castelo de S. Jorge located at R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal. Your guide will meet you in front of the Castelo Sao Jorge ticket office and main entrance. The finish point will be close to public transport and taxi links in the city, and your guide will advise you on your journey.

What To Expect:

Your tour starts at Castelo de S. Jorge, with your guide taking you through the castle museum and sharing information about its history. From there, you will start your journey downhill to visit the Alfama district, a neighbourhood known for its narrow streets and hidden treasures – including the local Fado taverns. This district also has some of the best viewpoints in the city.

Next, you will visit the Sé Patriarchal, a Romanesque cathedral where royalty used to get married, and then you will move on to the city centre, stopping at Praça do Comércio, a monument located at the entrance of the city. Here, your guide will share information about the city’s history and importance to the country.

Following this, you will walk to the Rossio Square, the heart of the city and a popular meeting place in Lisbon. After a short coffee break and tasting of the “Nata” (Portuguese Egg Tart) – Portugal’s Baked Custard Tarts, you will head up to the Bairro Alto, taking in the atmosphere of the city as you go. This area is known for its traditional shops, trendy bars and restaurants, and provides a perfect example of Portuguese life.

Finally, your tour ends with a trip to Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara for an incredible view of the city from the top.

Additional Info:

This tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and is suitable for people who have a moderate level of physical fitness. This is a private tour; only your group will participate. Operated by Travel Curious, the booking is fast and secure with instant confirmation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Make sure to book your tour here on Viator to secure your spot on this one-of-a-kind tour of Lisbon.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Lisbon

Lisbon is a charming city that sits on the Atlantic coast, near the mouth of the Tagus River. With its sunny climate, picturesque streets, and vibrant culture, there’s no wonder why it’s one of the top travel destinations in Europe. In this post, we’ll answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions about Lisbon to help you plan your next trip.

1. What’s the best time of year to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are mild, and the crowds are thinner. Summer can be quite hot, crowded, and more expensive, while winter is relatively mild but may have more rainfall.

2. How do I get to Lisbon?

Lisbon has a major international airport, the Lisbon Portela Airport, with direct flights to and from several destinations in Europe, North America, Africa, and South America. You can also reach Lisbon via train, bus, or car from other cities in Portugal and neighboring countries.

3. What’s the best way to get around Lisbon?

Lisbon has an extensive public transportation system that includes the metro, buses, trams, trains, and funiculars. The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city center, while the trams offer a scenic ride along the historic neighborhoods. You can also explore Lisbon by bike, on foot, or by hopping on a tuk-tuk or a ferry to cross the Tagus River.

4. What are the must-see attractions in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a city full of history, culture, and art, with plenty of attractions to suit all tastes. Some of the must-see attractions include:

• Jerónimos Monastery
• Belém Tower
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Praça do Comércio
• Alfama neighborhood
• Bairro Alto neighborhood
• Chiado neighborhood
• Oceanário de Lisboa
• Gulbenkian Museum

5. What’s the food like in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a foodie’s paradise, with a rich culinary heritage that combines Portuguese, Mediterranean, and international influences. Some of the must-try dishes and drinks include:

• Bacalhau (salt cod)
• Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts)
• Francesinha (Porto-style sandwich)
• Sardinhas grelhadas (grilled sardines)
• Ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur)
• Vinho verde (young, light-bodied wine)

6. Is Lisbon a safe city?

Lisbon is generally a safe city for travelers, with low levels of violent crime and theft. However, as in any big city, you should take care of your belongings, avoid walking alone at night in dark and deserted areas, and be aware of common scams and pickpocketing in tourist areas.

7. What’s the nightlife like in Lisbon?

Lisbon has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with something for everyone. Some of the best places to enjoy a night out in Lisbon include:

• Bairro Alto neighborhood (bars and clubs)
• Cais do Sodré neighborhood (music venues and bars)
• Pink Street (bars and restaurants)
• Lux Frágil (club and music venue)
• Music Box (club and concert venue)
• Tejo Bar (rooftop bar with river views)

8. Do I need to tip in Lisbon?

Tipping is not mandatory in Lisbon, but it’s customary to leave a small tip (around 10%) in restaurants, cafes, and bars, especially if the service was good. Some establishments may include a cover charge or service fee in the bill, so make sure to check before tipping.

9. Can I use my credit card in Lisbon?

Yes, most establishments in Lisbon accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, street markets, and public transportation. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.

10. What’s the best way to experience Lisbon like a local?

To experience Lisbon like a local, try to immerse yourself in the local culture, customs, and traditions. Some tips include:

• Learn some Portuguese phrases and greetings
• Try local foods and drinks
• Explore the neighborhoods on foot, and get lost in the narrow streets
• Attend a fado show, the traditional Portuguese music
• Visit the local markets and buy fresh produce and souvenirs
• Join a local festival or event

Final Thoughts

Lisbon is a vibrant and charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic landmarks, indulging in the local cuisine, or simply enjoying the sunny beaches, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. We hope this post has answered your questions and helped you plan your next trip to this beautiful city.