Old town with an art historian. Half day.
Explore Lisbon’s Old Town with an art historian and discover the city through its architecture, history, art, and culture. From Casa dos Bicos and Lisbon Cathedral to the viewpoints of Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia, wander Alfama’s medieval streets, uncovering hidden corners and charming spaces. Visit São Vicente Monastery and finish near the Fado Museum, where we’ll explore the history and culture of Lisbon’s iconic musical tradition.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Casa dos Bicos (Fundacao Jose Saramago)
- We begin our journey through Lisbon’s 2,000+ years of history at Casa dos Bicos, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. Its unique diamond-pointed façade stands above archaeological remains revealing Roman, Islamic, and medieval layers of the city. Here, we’ll begin with the Phoenicians and explore how Lisbon’s history has always been shaped by its relationship with the Tagus River.
Se (Lisbon Cathedral)
Discover Lisbon Cathedral, where Romanesque and Gothic architecture come together in one of the city’s most fascinating historic buildings. As we explore its exterior and surroundings, we’ll uncover some of its hidden stories—from ancient stones and inscriptions to archaeological remains revealing earlier chapters of Lisbon’s past. We’ll also visit the nearby Church of Saint Anthony, associated with Lisbon’s most famous saint.
Portas do Sol viewpoint
Enjoy one of Lisbon’s most spectacular views over the Alfama and the Tagus River. On our way to Portas do Sol, we’ll encounter traces of the city’s ancient past, including the remains of the Roman Theatre. Along the way, we’ll admire tiled façades and distinctive streets and alleys where the echoes of medieval Lisbon can still be felt.
S. Vicent Monastery
Immerse yourself in the maze of Alfama’s winding streets as we make our way to São Vicente Monastery, with Lisbon’s famous trams passing along the way. For me, São Vicente is one of the city’s most remarkable buildings, deeply connected to essential chapters of Portuguese and Lisbon history. The original monastery was commissioned by Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. We’ll also climb to the rooftop for spectacular views across the city and the Tagus.
Santo Estêvão Viewpoint
Continue exploring Alfama, where lively streets and quiet corners exist side by side. We’ll move between busy lanes, narrow alleys, and charming little squares, discovering hidden spaces that reveal the neighborhood’s unique character and can make you forget you’re in the heart of a capital city. At Santo Estêvão viewpoint, we’ll pause to admire another beautiful perspective over Alfama and the Tagus. From the quiet charm of Santo Estêvão, we’ll continue to the lively São Miguel Square, where we’ll talk about the traditions surrounding Saint Anthony’s festival, and then to the bustling Largo Chafariz de Dentro, where we’ll explore the history and culture of Fado.
Ending Point
Museu do Fado
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/111525/cd441d6d-326d-4e56-9104-f0cc1c8eae5b.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* Guide fee
* Monument fees (15 euros per adult).
* Food
Tour Important Information
Comfortable shoes are recommended: Lisbon’s traditional Portuguese calçada (stone paving) can be uneven and slippery, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is advisable.
*The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, including some hills. We proceed at a calm, relaxed pace.
*As some parts of the tour follow pedestrian streets and the pace is relaxed, the tour can be easily adapted for families.
*Due to the hills, uneven paving, and amount of walking, this tour is probably not suitable for guests with serious walking difficulties.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Ines P.
Hi! My name is Ines and I would be thrilled to be your guide in the Lisbon area. I studied history of art, holding both a degree and a masters, and have 10 years of experience as a tour guide. I am passionate about art, architecture, history and culture. Whereas you want to enjoy the architecture highlights and hidden gems of the Lisbon area; explore the art scene being or contemporary art or Portugal’s unique crafts; or even combine history, art and indulging in gastronomy and wine tasting I am more than welcome to cater to your preferences.
I am also a mother of two young children, plus I have worked for more than 12 years as a museum and heritage educator so, I am very happy to create tours or adapt them to families travelling with children of all ages.
$300/ per group
More tours by Ines P.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Lisbon
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24661/14c8baf8-93a3-401f-978a-7b7413c40543.jpeg)
Half-Day Historical Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon
Discover Lisbon´s rich history and breathtaking viewpoints on this half-day Tuk Tuk tour. Visit Lisbon Cathedral, the stunning Senhora do Monte viewpoint, São Vicente Monastery, the National Pantheon, and wander through the charming streets of Alfama. Continue to Belém to taste the famous pastel de Belém before exploring Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. A perfect blend of history, culture and unforgettable views.
Half-Day Historical Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/110360/6a2dde64-c7d6-43e7-a8c5-109022e2332b.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25052/b2852a9e-babc-4aea-9d97-83c646f9a1eb.jpg)
Full day Lisbon architecture tour with an art historian
Discover Lisbon through its architecture and history, from Roman and Islamic remains to Gothic and Manueline treasures. Explore the remarkable rebuilding of Baixa after the 1755 earthquake, experience the flair of 19th-century Lisbon, discover a beautiful 17th-century garden and venture off the beaten path into the architecture of the Estado Novo era. We finish at MAAT, looking toward Lisbon's architectural future.
Full day Lisbon architecture tour with an art historian
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/111525/cd441d6d-326d-4e56-9104-f0cc1c8eae5b.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13654/bd212f7c-8dc2-4de1-b3b1-13b5a46ef756.jpg)
Lisbon: Main highlights - The Half Day Tuk-Tuk Tour
Embark on a captivating 4-hour Tuk Tuk tour through Lisbon, the perfect introduction to this enchanting city. Enjoy all main highlights as you traverse iconic neighborhoods like Alfama, Graça, Bairro Alto, and Belém, and allow yourself to immerse in the rich tapestry of Lisbon's history and culture. With the convenience of a Tuk Tuk, effortlessly navigate the city's charming streets while soaking in its vibrant atmosphere. This tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Lisbon's soul.
Lisbon: Main highlights - The Half Day Tuk-Tuk Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/51399/a0f7df92-7ae0-444e-812f-1944875a9eb2.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22299/a6b6467b-4847-4035-8b3d-fdaa4cd826ef.jpg)
Lisbon Walking Tour: 7 Best Viewpoints with Wine
Discover Lisbon from 7 different viewpoints on a guided walking tour. Learn about the city’s history, culture, and people from your guide, and enjoy a glass of wine at a viewpoint.
Lisbon Walking Tour: 7 Best Viewpoints with Wine
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/93264/4aab16cf-23c6-402d-a48d-61fe789aff03.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25072/e7f05506-fce1-4e26-b06a-8a0a4b543741.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25072/4ae76923-ba6e-4a29-a0dc-9e90d0e3704e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25072/c3dc9cb3-02da-47eb-9b08-8eedc3eca072.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25072/6946c3d5-79be-4f08-854b-1a1c79bae8f6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25072/85090353-c5f9-4334-b21b-b14ed97651f3.jpg)