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?
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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.
Reviews
Ned F.
“One great guide. ”
Inez spent a day with us in Lisbon and we covered a large area and got a good understanding of the history and culture of the city. She recommended a restaurant and helped us order a great selection of tapas. Also went with her the next day to Sintra and had a second wonderful tour.
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Ines P.
Dear Ned, Thank you for such a lovely review! I really enjoyed spending those two days with you, exploring Lisbon and Sintra. I’m glad you enjoyed the tours and that you liked the restaurant recommendation! It was a pleasure showing you around, and I hope to see you again next time you’re in Portugal!
Ned F.
“Wonderful guide. I’m”
Inez gave us a great tour of Sintra. She worked there in two palaces for ten years and knows the details inside and out. We learned so much and had a wonderful time with her. She also took us to a nice pastry shop where we had a local snack and coffee. She is a perfect choice if you want to have thorough tour and a good time.
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Ines P.
Dear Ned, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure showing you around Sintra and sharing some of the details that make these palaces so special. And of course, no visit to Sintra is complete without a good pastry and coffee! I’m so glad you enjoyed the day, and I hope to see you again in Portugal!
Mary M.
“Lisbon tour”
Ines is an amazing person. She was born and raised here and knows so much about Lisbon. We all enjoyed the tour here so much.
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Ines P.
Dear Mary, Thank you so much for your lovely words! It was a real pleasure showing you around Lisbon and spending time with all of you. All the best, Ines
$300/ per group
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