Tours in Lisbon for First-Time Visitors
Lisbon is one of the most characteristic cities I’ve ever visited, with tiles telling a story on every street and bakeries selling fresh pastel de nata. While each European city has its own culture, Lisbon is one that stands out from the rest by its looks, tastes, and environment. This blog post will uncover the best tours in Lisbon for first-time visitors looking for an introduction to its vibrant culture.
Make sure to check out my three-day guide for visiting Lisbon for additional tips on how to spend your time there!
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Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour
I’ll take any excuse to be on a boat, and the same rings true for traveling to Lisbon! This two-hour cruise offers a unique perspective of Lisbon’s most beloved landmarks, like Belém Tower. And while Lisbon has various locations to view the sunset, doing so from a boat would be my top choice every time.
Portuguese wine adds a special touch to this sunset cruise, allowing you to sip on specialty vino crafted in the country’s wine region.
This tour keeps the size intimate, ensuring that you aren’t packed into an overcrowded space with a rowdy open bar. Instead, cruise in style with the beverage Portugal is best known for.
Book your spot below!
Guided Walking Tour
While you can wander aimlessly around Lisbon’s Alfama district, food markets, and infamous inclined streets, booking a walking tour can also introduce you to hidden gems, familiarize yourself with the area, and help you understand the history behind certain landmarks.
This is one of the best tours in Lisbon for first-time visitors due to its detailed introduction to the city’s neighborhoods and monuments. Your local guide will be able to speak about life in the city, favorite restaurants, Fado music, and more.
Included in the tour is a pastel de nata pastry (which I quickly grew to love) and a tapa accompanied by wine tasting.
This is truly one of the best ways to experience the city on your first day and meet other travelers embarking on the tour with you!
Check open dates and availability below.
Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra is a must-visit for those visiting Lisbon for the first time! Located about 45-60 minutes from Lisbon, this charming town is known for its various palaces. The colorful Pena Palace is the most well-known and colorful of these, and it remains one of my favorite travel memories to this day.
When it comes to tours in Lisbon for first-time visitors, one of the best you can book is a day trip to Sintra to see these beautiful works of architecture.
While Pena Palace is my top recommendation in Sintra, the tour below also takes visitors to the Moorish Castle, which I viewed from a distance. This medieval castle is perched on a hill overlooking the town below and keeps the past kingdom’s legacy alive.
This limited guided tour creates an intimate environment for learning about the history of these landmarks, as well as skipping any entry lines. Between visiting the monuments, you’ll also have time to dine in one of the local restaurants and shop around the village.
Touring Sintra is an unforgettable way to spend a day outside of Lisbon. If there’s any day trip from Lisbon that you’re considering doing, make it Sintra!
You can read reviews and book this tour below.
Alternatively, I have a blog post detailing how I did a day trip to Sintra without booking a tour. You can read that post here and buy your entry tickets in advance below!
Historical Private Tuk-Tuk Tour
During your time exploring the streets of Lisbon, you’ll likely come across a number of tuk-tuks. These three-wheeled vehicles are uniquely decorated, my favorite of which is pictured below.
This form of transportation might seem pretty familiar to anyone who has visited Thailand before, and you might be surprised by how many can be found in Lisbon. Due to the city’s steep streets, you might want to opt for a seated tour. And what better way to explore the streets than on a cute tuk-tuk?
Save your feet some troubles by booking a comfortable tour on this fun automobile, receiving insider commentary and tips from your driver along the way.
As the passenger, you have the power. Ask your driver to pull off at any point in case you want a photo or to grab a quick pastry from an enticing shop.
A few highlights of this outing include the Lisbon Cathedral, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and the Alfama district.
Check out the tour below for additional information!
Food and Wine Tour
One of the best tours in Lisbon for first-time visitors is a food and wine tour, as this city has an exceptional “wine and dine” scene. I was in food heaven during my trip to Lisbon and have been dreaming of returning for even just one bite of their cuisine ever since.
Booking a culinary tour can quickly introduce you to the livelihood of a community and give you a chance to sample new flavors that you otherwise might not have felt inclined to order in a sit-down restaurant.
A food and wine tour in Lisbon will allow you to savor local favorites such as tapas, Port wine, local bread, and much more. The tour listed below visits traditional restaurants, finishing up in a 17th-century palace.
Pastel de Nata Class
As I’ve mentioned a few times in this blog, pastel de nata quickly became a favorite pastry of mine during my trip. I’d pop into bakeries while exploring and purchase one of these Portuguese custard tarts as my breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a nightcap.
While it’s convenient to purchase this affordable pastry throughout the city, it’s also extremely rewarding to make one of your own! In my experience, foods always taste 100% better when I fully understand the time and attention that goes into making them.
Take your pastel de nata sampling a step further during your trip and opt for a class where you’ll receive step-by-step instructions from an experienced cook. Throughout the class, you’ll receive information on the history of this recipe that has remained a favorite among the Portuguese people for over 200 years.
By the end, you’ll be able to sample your fresh pastel de nata, comparing it to the others you will have likely already sampled around the city by that point. Return home with a new skill under your belt and offer to make some for your family!
Book your class below!
Portuguese Cooking Class
If pastries aren’t your thing, consider booking a Portuguese cooking class to make and sample a wider array of the city’s favorite dishes. This is a great tour in Lisbon for first-time visitors looking to actively participate in the culture.
The cooking class linked below includes an educational start to the activity and a four-course meal featuring a starter, fish dish, meat dish, and dessert. Throughout the class, you’ll also be able to taste local products and will finally enjoy the meal with your class of 10 students.
One of the best things about this class is that the menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that you have fresh ingredients to cook with. If you find yourself visiting Lisbon a second time and want to try out a different menu, the class will likely have new recipes to try out if you’re visiting in a different season.
Check out availability below!
How Many Days in Lisbon Is Enough?
Spending three days in Lisbon, which included a day trip to Sintra, provided me with a fun introduction to this Portuguese city. I could easily have seen myself spending another full day here, although I was able to cram it into three.
The city's strategic location also makes it an ideal base for day trips, like the one to Sintra, allowing travelers to travel to nearby destinations while staying based in the capital city. Allocating an extra day would definitely allow you to return to any favorite spots or visit new places that locals may have recommended.
In my opinion, it's always best to have an extra day somewhere and risk being "bored" (which likely won't happen) than to have left a destination earlier than you would have liked and miss out on certain activities.
Which Part of Lisbon Is Best to Stay In?
Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its unique charm, offering a different atmosphere and experiences. Here are a few recommendations based on different preferences:
Baixa and Chiado: Ideal for those who enjoy a central location with easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Baixa is known for its grand squares, while Chiado offers a lively arts and entertainment scene.
Alfama: Perfect for those seeking a historic and authentic atmosphere. Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district, characterized by narrow streets, Fado music, and stunning views. It's a great choice for those who want a taste of traditional Lisbon.
Bairro Alto: Suited for night owls and those looking for lively nightlife. Bairro Alto comes alive in the evenings with numerous bars, restaurants, and Fado houses. During the day, it's a charming area to explore with its narrow streets and unique boutiques.
Belém: Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts. Belém is home to iconic landmarks such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. However, this is a bit further from central Lisbon and closer to capital buildings.
Avenida da Liberdade: Great for luxury travelers who appreciate upscale shopping and a more modern vibe. This grand boulevard is lined with designer stores, elegant hotels, and beautiful gardens.
Begin your search for accommodation below!
What Is the Best Month to Visit Lisbon?
I traveled to Lisbon in March and was greeted with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the low 70s, which was a perfect escape from the cold climate I was coming from. March can be an excellent choice as it marks the transition from winter to spring, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities without the intensity of summer heat.
One of the notable advantages of visiting in March is the relatively lower tourist crowds compared to the peak summer months. While you'll enjoy your time in Lisbon no matter what time of year you visit, you'll likely find the most pleasant temperatures and an ideal number of tourists in the shoulder seasons, although the summer is still a beautiful time to visit!
Is Lisbon an Expensive City?
I found Lisbon to be very affordable! My first trip here was done as a broke college student, and I found a boutique hotel at a fair price.
While prices can vary depending on the specific area and type of establishment, you can also find affordable options for meals in local eateries and pastry shops, and public transportation is reasonably priced. Although, if you've ever traveled with me, you know that I love to walk around European cities until I can't feel my feet anymore!
Exploring Lisbon's attractions won't break the bank either, with many historical sites and museums offering reasonable entrance fees.
Lisbon has an extremely evident culture beaming through every weathered sidewalk and neighborhood pastry shop. These tours in Lisbon for first-time visitors will help you feel more connected to Portuguese traditions and history. Let me know in the comments if you end up booking one of these tours and if you enjoyed it!
