Lisbon: Your Guide to Portugal’s Capital

Built across seven hills alongside the Tagus River, Lisbon is Portugal’s vibrant capital known for its pleasant climate, with around 300 days of sunshine annually. The city combines historical architecture, including the distinctive blue and white azulejo tiles, with modern urban developments.

City Layout

Lisbon is divided into several distinct districts. Alfama is the oldest neighborhood with narrow streets and traditional houses that survived the 1755 earthquake. Baixa features organized grid-pattern streets rebuilt after the earthquake. Chiado and Bairro Alto offer shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, while Belém is known for its historical monuments. The newer Parque das Nações area showcases modern architecture and facilities.

What to Expect

Visitors to Lisbon can expect a blend of historical sightseeing and modern city experiences. The city is known for its yellow trams, particularly the famous Tram 28 route that passes through many tourist areas. Local cuisine focuses on seafood, with codfish (bacalhau) prepared in numerous ways, and the popular pastéis de nata (custard tarts) available throughout the city.

Brief History

Lisbon has been inhabited since pre-Roman times, with significant influences from various civilizations. The Moors controlled the region from the 8th to 12th centuries before the city was conquered by Portuguese and Northern European crusaders. The 15th and 16th centuries marked Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery, when explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon’s harbor.

The devastating 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the city, leading to the rebuilding of downtown Lisbon in the organized Pombaline style that can still be seen today. In more recent history, Portugal transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 1910 and to democracy in 1974 after the Carnation Revolution.

Experience Lisbon With Us

Navigating Lisbon’s hills can be challenging on foot. Our vintage tuk-tuks provide a practical and enjoyable solution, especially for accessing the narrow streets of older neighborhoods. Our local guides offer informative commentary on the city’s landmarks and history while handling the driving so you can focus on the sights.

Our tours cover the major districts and viewpoints of Lisbon, giving you a comprehensive introduction to the city that would take days to explore independently. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, our tours help you make the most of your time in Lisbon.

We look forward to showing you around our city!