Lisbon tours

Things to do in Lisbon

Lisbon presents itself like a city in song—a lively mix of tram chimes, fado drifting from discreet taverns, and the laughter of locals in sunlit plazas. The city beckons you to explore its hilly terrain and get lost in its vibrant districts. With your local guide, uncover more than just the superficial sights on a private tour that reveals Lisbon’s essence. Whether traversing the historic Alfama on foot or indulging in a food and wine tour in Bairro Alto, you'll bypass queues at sought-after locations and discover the city’s hidden secrets. Your guide animates Lisbon’s stories, sharing the adventures of explorers at Belém Tower and the rich cultural fabric of the city’s history and present. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Lisbon. Explore Lisbon your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Lisbon tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Lisbon for every interest, including: History tours: Walk Alfama’s lanes to Castelo de São Jorge for city views, then trace explorers at Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, with your guide sharing stories at each stop. Add a taste of warm pastéis at the original Pastéis de Belém while you hear how the recipe survived in a monastery kitchen. Layover tours: Get met at the airport, ride to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for a quick panorama, and swing by Praça do Comércio before heading back on time. If you have a bit longer, your guide can time a tram hop and a café stop so you still clear security with room to spare. Architecture tours: Compare the Pombaline grid of Baixa with its anti‑seismic design, the tilework at the National Tile Museum, and the bold curves of MAAT on the riverfront. Cap it with Calatrava’s Oriente Station and a stroll through Parque das Nações to see Expo‑era planning in action. Getting around: The centre is walkable but hilly, and the metro, trams, and funiculars connect major spots. If slopes or timing are a concern, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide for tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Lisbon inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour in Lisbon to uncover its vibrant neighborhoods, each with a unique charm revealed best with a local guide at your side. Here are some must-visit neighborhoods: - Alfama: The oldest district in Lisbon, known for its narrow streets and traditional Fado music. Perfect for cultural tourists eager to dive into the city’s rich history and musical heritage. - Bairro Alto: This neighborhood is famous for its lively nightlife and bohemian vibe. Great for groups looking for excitement and an authentic Lisbon experience. - Belém: Offers historic landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and delicious pastéis de nata. Families and history buffs will find plenty to explore and enjoy here. - Chiado: A sophisticated area with theaters, bookshops, and cafes, ideal for those who appreciate shopping and the arts. Day trip ideas from Lisbon Lisbon puts castles, beaches, wine towns, and nature parks within easy reach, so planning day trips is simple, and your tour can be tuned to history walks, coastal views, or tastings that match your interests. Sintra: Forested hills hide palaces, garden paths, and castle walls with sweeping views, and your tour can streamline the route to quieter spots and short hikes between landmarks instead of rushing through every site. Cascais and the Guincho coast: A seaside promenade, cliff views at Boca do Inferno, and breezy beaches set the tone, while your tour links lookout points, a seafood stop, and time on the coastal bike path if you want a bit of movement. Évora: Roman ruins, whitewashed lanes, and nearby cork and wine country make a classic Alentejo day, and your tour can weave in local producers for simple tastings along with the town’s key sights. Óbidos: A small walled town with cobbles, bookshops, and cherry liqueur sips, where your tour times the visit for calmer hours and includes a gentle walk along the walls for views over the countryside. Arrábida and Setúbal: Turquoise coves, limestone hills, and the Sado estuary frame a scenic loop, and your tour can add a short trail, a viewpoint above the bay, and a market stop in Setúbal for fresh, local bites. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Lisbon most travellers miss.