If you are visiting Lisbon for the first time, my obvious advice is for you to book my Old Lisbon tour. The tour is designed to give you an overview of the major attractions within the city center. You can customize the tour according to your interests and the time available.
The Old Lisbon tour
This is a must-book tour and destination for anyone interested in history culture and scenic views. Ideal for those visiting Lisboa for the first time and planning on staying for a couple of days.
Alfama
The old part of Lisbon, also known as the Alfama and Castelo districts, is one of the city’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. It is a maze of narrow streets, steep alleys, and colorful houses that offer visitors a glimpse of Lisbon’s rich cultural heritage. Located on a hillside overlooking the Tagus River, it is home to some iconic landmarks, including the Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge), the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), and the National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional).
With this tour, you can explore these historic sites and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the many viewpoints scattered throughout the neighborhood. In addition to its historic landmarks, the Alfama district is also known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant culture. The area is home to many traditional fado houses, where visitors can enjoy this unique form of Portuguese music while sipping on a glass of wine.
The Downtown/ Baixa
Another district not to be missed is the Baixa, the downtown area of Lisbon. Baixa is a bustling and vibrant neighborhood that is often referred to as the heart of the city. It is characterized by wide avenues, elegant squares, and historic buildings that date back to the 18th century.
The Baixa was totally rebuilt after a terrible earthquake that destroyed not only Lisbon but several cities in the south of Portugal. Learn more about this great tragedy and see some of the most popular tourist attractions, such as the Praça do Comércio, the Rua Augusta, the historic Elevador de Santa Justa and Rossio Square.
In addition to its historic landmarks and tourist attractions, the Baixa is also a great place to shop Visitors can find a wide range of shops selling everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion.
Chiado and Bairro Alto
Chiado and Bairro Alto are two of Lisbon’s most popular and fashionable neighborhoods, located in the heart of the city, not far from Rossio Square. These are two of the most exciting districts in Lisbon, each with its own unique character and charm.
Chiado is known for its elegant buildings, upscale boutiques, and trendy cafes. It is a great place to go shopping, with many designer stores and high-end fashion boutiques. It is home to the oldest operating bookstore in the world, the Bertrand Bookstore and not far you can see the iconic café A Brasileira with the statue of Fernando Pessoa.
The Carmo Square, with its historic landmark, such as the Convento do Carmo, partially destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755 and is the site of the Revolution that ended the Portuguese Dictatorship in 1974.
Bairro Alto, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood comes alive at night, with many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. During the day, Bairro Alto is a great place to explore the neighborhood’s historic buildings and traditional architecture and wander through the neighborhood’s narrow streets, admire the colorful houses.
Join me on this insightful tour of the city of Lisbon, with its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, vibrant atmosphere, and great shopping area The Old Lisbon tour is perfect to introduce you to the capital of Portugal.
