11 Best Tours and Day Trips from Lisbon

The rooftops, narrow streets and façades of Lisbon enchant visitors from the moment they arrive. However, Lisbon has a hidden side that is not easy to discover. A guided tour will give you a different and more complete view of the city.

Dominated by the Belém Tower, this is the area of Lisbon where the Tagus River flows into the sea. In Belém, you will find a wide range of parks, museums and gardens bordered by a riverside promenade lined with cafés and terraces. For three hours, you can explore the Belém area with a local guide who, in addition to showing you the charm of the area, will tell you the history behind the city.

During this walking tour (although some sections may be covered by public transport), you will learn how the Belém area witnessed the rise and fall of a country that was once a world empire with 60 sovereign states under its influence.

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This tour is for you if

You like stories about sailors and explorers such as Henry the Navigator, Luís de Camoes and Vasco da Gama. If you want a brief introduction to Portugal's glorious past, this is the best option for you.

Before the Middle Ages, Alfama was Lisbon's best neighbourhood, but the earthquakes that struck the city caused the wealthiest residents to leave and it was occupied by fishermen and poor people. To this day, Alfama has retained its essence and daily life in the neighbourhood revolves around small shops and taverns. Its narrow streets and collage of orange rooftops make Alfama one of the most authentic neighbourhoods in Lisbon.

In addition to its charm, this walking tour of Alfama will show you how this neighbourhood influenced the birth and evolution of fado, the most representative form of music in Lisbon.

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This tour is for you if

You want to get to know one of the most authentic and charming areas of Lisbon in depth.

The Tagus River is one of the city's most iconic features, and sailing along it while admiring the nearby monuments is one of the most popular experiences for travellers visiting the Portuguese capital. With this activity, you have the option of doing so privately on a sailboat at sunset during a two-hour cruise on the Tagus, available in Spanish, English, Portuguese and Russian.

This sailboat trip on the river is reserved for small groups of up to 12 people. For an additional cost, you can hire drinks and food during the trip or pick-up and return to your hotel (otherwise, when booking online, you will be informed of the meeting point by email).

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This tour is for you if

You want to enjoy the relaxing and exclusive experience of a river cruise, taking in the views and getting away from the stress of the city.

This is undoubtedly the most popular excursion for travellers visiting Lisbon. Just half an hour from the city, Sintra is a great destination for a getaway, not only because of the charm of the town itself, but also because it is home to one of the most spectacular buildings you will see in Portugal: the Pena Palace.

In fact, this visit is so popular that there are different options to choose from depending on your time, budget and how much you want to discover the area. Here is a link to a practical guide I have written so you can choose the one that suits you best. Day Trips to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon so you can choose the one that suits you best.

This activity is for you if

You only have time for one day trip and don't want to miss the iconic Pena Palace.

In addition to its historical importance, fado and gastronomy, Portugal is also famous for its wines. Near Lisbon, there are regions where you can enjoy wine tastings, visit vineyards and learn about the wine-making tradition from an expert guide. This excursion to Arrábida and Sesimbra is designed precisely for that purpose.

This round-trip excursion from Lisbon is designed for small groups, includes six wine tastings and passes through the Arrábida National Park and the fishing village of Sesimbra. It is available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

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This excursion is for you if

You are interested in wine tradition, want to get away from the crowds of the capital for a day, and would like to discover the surroundings of Lisbon from a different and intimate perspective.

The Portuguese countryside has a rich historical and cultural heritage, and this day trip to Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos from Lisbon takes you to three places that are perfect examples of this: the pilgrimage town of Fátima, the medieval village of Óbidos and the coastal town of Nazaré.

This tour of the Portuguese countryside is designed for small groups of up to eight people, as this is considered the best way to get the most out of the expert local guide who will accompany travellers throughout the tour.

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This excursion is for you if

You want to make the most of your visit to Lisbon by discovering more of Portugal's iconic sights without having to worry about organising public transport or hiring a car.

In addition to wine, olive oil is also an important part of Portuguese cuisine, which is why this day trip to the Roman city of Évora includes an olive oil tasting.

This activity is designed for small groups of up to eight people, is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and, in addition to the services of a specialised guide, includes pick-up and return to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and admission to the Chapel of Bones.

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This excursion is for you if

You like ancient history and want to learn more about Portugal's past by visiting one of the most important Roman cities in the country.

Another way to discover part of Portugal's history is by taking this tour of the medieval villages of Constância and Tomar, sites of some of the great battles fought by the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages.

Accompanied by a specialist guide in a small group, you will spend around 9 hours visiting unique sites where this Christian military order played an important historical role. You will have tickets for all the monuments on this tour, as well as a boat trip to Almourol Castle.

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This excursion is for you if

You are passionate about medieval history and want to relive some of the greatest battles fought by the Knights Templar in Portugal, recounted by an expert guide.

When you planned your trip to Lisbon, you probably didn't expect to spend one of your days on a paradise island without having to stay overnight outside the Portuguese capital.

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This excursion is for you if

You want to treat yourself and spend a day in luxury on this beautiful island to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This guided walking tour of Lisbon, available in English and Spanish, is one of the most comprehensive options available. You will have a local guide at your disposal for four hours, who will show you the most important sights in the city centre, including legendary neighbourhoods such as Alfama and Chiado.

The group will be limited to a maximum of 20 people to ensure that you receive the best possible service from your guide. The tour also includes a wine tasting with tapas and a sample of the city's typical custard tart.

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This tour is for you if

You have limited time to visit Lisbon and want to choose an experience that will give you an overview of the city and its history. It can also serve as an introductory tour of the city during the first few days of your trip, helping you get your bearings and discover which areas you like best, so you can come back and explore them in more depth later.

Like many cities, Lisbon is transformed at nightfall by the lighting of its buildings and monuments. It is well worth exploring Lisbon at night, away from the stress and pace of daytime obligations. There are also tours available, and this three-hour tour in Spanish, English and Portuguese is one of the best.

The main advantages of this tour are twofold: it is a private tour and includes snacks.

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This tour is for you if

You want to enjoy a relaxed and authentic experience away from the more touristy parts of Lisbon focused on historical facts. Visiting the city with a local will allow you to get to know the nightlife and the places frequented by residents better.