Urban Exploration, A Walking Tour of Lisbon – Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Without a doubt, one of the greatest ways to explore a new city is with your own two feet.
During my crazy travel career, I’ve been lucky to see plenty of places and have some pretty cool experiences that saw me walk around Prague Castle on a snowy day, get lost on the streets of Havana and wander around Amsterdam.
I was a teensy bit doubtful that Lisbon could continue to impress me – as the night before, we’d been treated to a whirlwind motorcycle tour of Lisbon at dusk. Watching sunset over the city was seriously one of the most romantic and swoon worthy experiences of my life.
A Walking Tour of Lisbon
Then the very next day, we did a tour with Urban Adventures. On their Experience Lisbon walk, I once again found myself overwhelmingly impressed. It turned out that a walking tour of Lisbon was all it would take.
Lisbon Architecture
The tour takes you to some Lisbon’s most elegant squares. The city’s architecture, although much of it fading and falling into disrepair remains stunning and absolutely beautiful.
Portuguese Pastries and Cool Cafes
If you plan on visiting Lisbon, I’d suggest going on a diet before you get there and to continue daily exercise once you arrive. Doing a walking tour of Lisbon definitely helps! It will allow you to eat lots of Portuguese pastries without feeling guilty.
I’d suggest pairing your pastry with a coffee and hanging out at cool cafes like this.
Multicultural Lisbon
You’ll also roam through some of Lisbon’s most multicultural and bohemian neighbourhoods like Mouraria, Chiado, Bairro Alto and Bica. This was my favorite part of the tour as we really got a feel for everyday life here.
Among my favorite photos were these of the one car trams, a system in operation since 1873.
Lisbon Street Art
Of course, there was some nice street art along the way. You can find a much better account (and photos) of Lisbon street art over at unurth.com.
Cacilhas
Lastly, we took a ferry across the Tagus River to Cacilhas where we chowed down on seafood and sipped vino verde! But not before stopping for a cliched photo opportunity. This is me, loving Lisbon.
A Walking Tour of Lisbon: Good to Know
1) The Experience Lisbon walk was booked through Urban Adventures. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and costs about 30 euros per person.
2) Bring plenty of water during hot weather to stay refreshed along the way. Also, wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.
3) One of the stops includes Restaurant Casa do Alentejo – a rather pretty restaurant set in a former Moorish palace.
4) If you’re feeling wild, be sure to take a motorcycle tour through Lisbon. Even better, read about how to experience Lisbon to the fullest.
5) For more on the country in general, check out my Portugal content. Or read this one about things to do in Algarve.
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*Disclosure – My time in Lisbon was complimentary, courtesy of Housetrip. Any opinions expressed about my love for Lisbon (and the pastries) are entirely my own.
Darn, those natas look so inviting. If only there was a Portuguese bakery nearby. Last time we went to Lisbon, we came back with pastries a plenty for family and friends.
I totally agree with you… Walking the streets is the best way to explore a city. Every city has it’s hidden treasures that can only be found on foot. You could drive by them every single day in a bus or taxi and never even know they were there.
Yeah, those pastries are hard to resist! I feel like I must now seek out some local shops in Toronto to get a fix now.
You must have been quite popular with your family and friends. 🙂
Yeah, it’s a great way to discover a city. Not to mention budget friendly as well. 🙂
Such a beautiful and tasty city! Thanks for the tour, Cheryl!
Not a problem. Glad you enjoyed the post. 😀
I love Lisbon. Did you get a chance to venture outside Lisbon to the National Palace of Queluz? My Portugal highlight was watching the horses and riders perform at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art – magical!
Lisbon is one of my all time favorite cities! It’s so beautiful. I never went to the National Palace – sounds like that would be something really cool to check out. Next time! 😉
I really enjoyed my 24 hours in Lisbon a year ago, and am really looking forward to going back. I’m always up for some cool cafes and street art, so this kind of walking tour sounds perfect. Bookmarking!
Lisbon is a seriously cool city! If you take the tour, let us know here whether or not you enjoyed it as much as I did. 🙂
So beautiful! Great shots! What are those pastries called btw? Nothing like some good coffee/espresso and a few baked goods…mmmmm..
Thanks Devlin! They’re called Pastel de Belém – http://www.pasteisdebelem.pt/.
Walking is the definitely the best way to explore a place. You get to see so much more. Lisbon looks like a cool place to take a stroll.
Lisbon is very cool! I look forward to going back on my own someday. I just can’t get enough of Portugal.
Great photos Cheryl! Haven’t been to Lisbon in 20 years…pretty city.
Frank (bbqboy)
Thank you Frank! I hope you can get back there soon. 🙂
As a Portuguese person I love seeing my country through the eyes of visitors.
I used to call Lisbon home. Now I travel all the time, but the more I go around the more I also appreciate where I come from.. the weather, the food, the people and the over all down-to-earth feeling of Lisboa.
I am glad to see you enjoyed your time there! 🙂
You have reminded me how much I miss Portugal. An in Lisbon I have been only once, so maybe it’s time for me to return.
Zara – Thank you. I really loved Lisbon a lot as you can see. 🙂
It’s true, once you go abroad that you come to see your home differently. I feel that way about Toronto too.
Laura – Go! I would love to see your blog posts from Portugal. 🙂
Great photos! You inspired me to check out Lisbon’s cafes next time I’ll be there. Love those old trams!
Thanks – the trams are almost as surreal as the old cars in Cuba. 🙂
I do love those blue tiles in Portugal! And the yellow trams – so cute! What lovely sea views you had too.
Jennifer, thank you! I fell in love with Portugal during this trip. Such wonderful memories.
Amazing photos! Crazy that the tram has been in operation since 1873! Thanks for sharing your tour!
Mary – Thank you! I love the tram – it was amazing to see it with my own eyes.