Lisbon City Introduction on a Private Tour

The Largo do Carmo is one of the most beautiful squares in Lisbon. You'll learn a lot about the 1755 earthquake (the Carmo church is since that time a ruin), about the aqueduct system and all the fountains and galleries we have in Lisbon or about the 1974 democratic revolution (the last Portuguese dictator was arrested here). You’ll have the opportunity to visit the neo-gothic Elevador de Santa Justa (built-in 1902) and to enjoy beautiful views.

The neo-Gothic Santa Justa Elevator is the most popular viewpoint in Lisbon downtown. It’s Lisbon’s only vertical street lift, built-in 1902. It was designed by Raul Mésnier, Gustave Eiffel’s apprentice.

The Chiado district is the most popular and expensive area in old town Lisbon. Here you can find, no only nice viewpoints, but also old cafes and bookstores, boutiques, grand theaters, etc.

The Baixa district was totally destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. This area was rebuilt as a grid with beautiful squares by the Marquis of Pombal (the prime minister of the king at the time). It’s the commercial heart of the city and the only flat district in the old town of Lisbon.

Alfama is the Lisbon soul, the oldest neighborhood, a magical place with narrow streets, hidden courtyards, pitched rooftops, and labyrinthine alleyways.

This lookout point is perfect to relax and to enjoy one of the best panoramic views in Lisbon. It’s a great place to see the São Jorge Castle, the Tagus river, and lovely neighborhoods like Mouraria, Baixa, Chiado, among others.

You'll cross the April 25th bridge (lookalike the Golden Gate Bridge), a giant and scenic suspension bridge that connects the north and south side of Lisbon. It was renamed after the revolution day (April 25th) that finished the Salazar dictatorship in 1974.

The site where’s Christ the King Statue (Cristo Rei) was built is the best viewpoint over Lisbon. From here, you'll have a gorgeous view of the city and the Tagus River. This statue, inspired on the Brazilian one, was erected in 1959 to thank God for sparing Portugal from the horrors of WWII. There’s a fee to go up, but the view is pretty much the same from the bottom.

It’s not possible to came to Lisbon without tasting the most well keep secret of the Portuguese pastries, the Pasteis de Belem. Everything started in 1837 in a small bakery and you’ll have the chance to try one (it's included in the price). There is also a local ritual to eating these delicacies that we will share with you.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is the most popular monument in Portugal. It’s a King Manuel tribute to the great explorers of the 15th century (which includes the sea route to India founded by Vasco da Gama in 1498). You’ll not only learn about the Portuguese maritime discoveries, but you’ll also visit the church where Vasco da Gama is buried (you won’t go inside the monastery, but you'll visit the church).

The Torre de Belém (Belem tower) is a 500 years old fortification that was built on a small island in the Tagus River. It was part of a defense system at the mouth of the river and a ceremonial gateway into Lisbon. It’s classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. Please note that you’re not going inside the monument.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos (monument to the discovers) was built to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s death. Has the representation of all the important people that contributed to the big Portuguese achievements, like Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Ferdinand Magellan, among others).