Lisbon Highlights: Private Walking Tour

Lisbon’s grand riverside square, once the site of the royal palace and now a symbol of the city’s rebirth after the 1755 earthquake.

Beneath this modern car park lies something unexpected — a surprising archaeological secret from Lisbon’s distant past.

A 16th-century building with a striking diamond-shaped façade, now home to the José Saramago Foundation.

A restored gateway that once connected the medieval city to the river, echoing the days of old Lisbon.

Built on the birthplace of Lisbon’s patron saint, combining Baroque and neoclassical styles.

The city’s oldest church, a majestic blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.

Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, traditional Fado music, and Moorish roots.

A hidden archway marking one of the ancient entrances to Alfama, steeped in medieval atmosphere.

A small but beautiful church at the heart of Alfama, known for its devotion and simplicity.

One of Lisbon’s most iconic viewpoints, offering panoramic views over Alfama, the Tagus River, and red-tiled rooftops

This viewpoint offers a classic postcard view over Alfama, with the river, the rooftops, and the domes of the old quarter. The terrace is decorated with traditional azulejos that illustrate Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake, connecting the landscape to the city’s past.

A multicultural square named after a knight who, according to legend, helped the first king conquer Lisbon in 1147. Today it reflects the city’s diversity, with communities from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East shaping its shops, food stalls, and atmosphere.

A church marked by tragedy and resilience. It survived the 1755 earthquake and a devastating fire in 1959, which left its interior blackened and scarred. Those marks were never restored, serving as a reminder of Lisbon’s dramatic history. The church was also central to the events surrounding the 1506 massacre of Lisbon’s Jewish community.

Built in the 1880s in Neo-Manueline style, this station is known for its iconic horseshoe-shaped doors. It once served as the main gateway between Lisbon and Sintra. Its ornate façade contrasts with the modern tunnels inside.

One of Lisbon’s main squares since medieval times, traditionally the city’s stage for public celebrations, markets, revolts, and even executions. The wave-pattern mosaic pavement reflects the maritime identity of Portugal, while the statue of Dom Pedro IV stands at the center.

Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Eiffel, this iron lift from 1902 connected the lower city to the Carmo area. Its filigree structure and upper walkway make it one of Lisbon’s most distinctive engineering landmarks.

A refined district known for its cafés, theatres, bookshops, and intellectual life. Chiado was the meeting point for writers like Fernando Pessoa and remains a mix of historic charm and modern shopping streets.

Created in the 16th century as a grid of streets for craftsmen and sailors, the neighbourhood later became known for nightlife, fado houses, and alternative culture. Its narrow streets, bars, and viewpoints are now part of the city’s vibrant identity.

One of the first Jesuit churches in Portugal and one of the most richly decorated. Its chapels—especially the Chapel of St. John the Baptist—show Baroque and Italian craftsmanship at the highest level. The church survived the 1755 earthquake almost intact.

This panoramic viewpoint offers one of the best views over Lisbon, stretching from the historic downtown to the castle hill. Originally created in the 18th century as a terraced garden, it has been redesigned over the years with fountains, statues, and beautiful landscaping. From here, you can see the rooftops of the Bairro Alto, the iconic São Roque Church, and the vibrant streets below. It’s a perfect spot to end our tour, take photos, and enjoy the city from above.