free walking tour lissabon

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Free Lisbon Walking Tours

Which free tour is best.

There are essentially 5 types of free Lisbon tours and this post will explain what you will see, tour start times, and other important information.

All tours are led by local guides who are well-versed in the cultures and history of Lisbon as well as the history of Portugal.

• Overview + Schedule
• Alfama + Mouraria
• Fado Music Tour

Lisbon has a fascinating and unique history spanning more than 3,000 years. Visitors and locals are drawn to the culinary scene, beautiful vistas, and architectural gems.

Plus, the seven hills, narrow streets, and colorful houses make it the perfect city to discover on foot.

There are multiple neighborhoods and districts in Lisbon, many of which are home to some of the most historic sites in the city.

And there are several free walking tours you can take that cover a variety of different topics and notable landmarks throughout Lisbon.

The tours listed below are run through us. More tours are available in the following sections.

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The most popular tours focus on downtown Lisbon, and they typically provide stops at various locations in Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa, which are often called " downtown tours ".

Alternatively, you may also want to consider taking a tour of Alfama and the Mouraria neighbourhoods, considered by many to be old Lisbon.

Here you can also see one of the most famous castles in Portugal and learn about the modern culture of street art in these areas.

Belém Tower

There are also tours of Belém that provide information about the important role Lisbon played in the Age of Discovery while revealing some of the most significant and historic buildings in the district.

There are even free tours in both Sintra and Cascais , which are worthy of day trips from Lisbon.

You can also take tours that cover details about Fado music and its origins, as well as where you can hear some of the best examples of it nowadays.

Most of these services are pay-what-you-wish walking tours, which means you can decide how much you think they were worth when the tour is over.

According to online reviews, participants often pay between €10-€20/per person on average. 

We offer tours globally . Here are just a few cities.

•  Barcelona

DOWNTOWN LISBON FREE TOURS

While there are a lot of historic sites spread throughout Lisbon in many different neighborhoods, the downtown area has some of the most notable landmarks.

And most tours that are called "free walking tour of Lisbon" are likely to cover downtown Lisbon.

These downtown Lisbon tours typically focus on three different neighborhoods which make up the historic core of the city: Bairro Alto, Chiado , and Baixa .

You can expect to visit some of the following locations on these tours:

• Luís Vaz de Camões Square
• Elevador de Santa Justa
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
• São Domingos Church
• Praça do Comércio
• Jewish Memorial
• Rossio Square
• Carmo Convent

If you’re interested in seeing any of these historic sites, consider taking one of the free walking tours listed below.

Find out what you are likely to see with our self-guided tours of each area.

• Bairro Alto, Chiado   

We offer an audio tour of Bairro Alto/Chiado/Baixa, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

ALFAMA + MOURARIA FREE TOURS

Located just to the east of the downtown area, both Alfama and Mouraria are some of the most beautiful and historic districts in the city.

These are some of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, and they are also very close to the Tagus River, allowing you to enjoy one of the most excellent views of the water.

Alfama is one of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods. It sits on a hill overlooking the Tagus River and is characterized by mazes of steep, narrow streets and alleys.

You'll find beautiful, brightly colored residences, as well as churches, and plenty of terraces and viewpoints from which to see the city center.

Here are a few of the historic sites you can expect to discover on these outings:

• São Jorge Castle
• National Pantheon
• Santa Luzia Viewpoint
• Sé Cathedral
• São Vicente de Fora Church
• Saint Christopher Street Art Mural

If you’re interested in seeing and learning more about these locations, the following free walking tours are excellent options.

You could also read our self-guided tour of the Alfama District to preview where you will visit.

Free Belém Tours

Belém is an absolute must-see which includes multiple historic landmarks.

It is essential to visit if you want to learn about the Portuguese Age of Discovery, see most of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or try the nation’s favorite pastry in the place it was invented.

Monument to the Discoveries

These tours cover several subjects such as the Marquis of Pombal, the Távoras Massacre, Henry the Navigator, The Great Age of Discovery, and many others.

While learning about these topics, you can expect to visit some of the following sites:

• The Great Age of Discoveries
• Afonso de Albuquerque Square and Garden
• National Palace of Belém
• The Marquis of Pombal and the Távoras Massacre
• Jerónimos Monastery and Henry the Navigator
• Imperial Gardens of Belém
• Monument to the Discoveries: Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Compass Rose and Mappa Mundi: Rosa dos Ventos
• Gardens of the Tower of Belém
• Tower of Belém
• Bom Sucesso Fort
• Custard Tarts: Pastéis of Belém

You can expect to see and learn more about these locations on the following free walking tours.

You can also learn more about Belém with our self-guided tour .

FREE FADO MUSIC TOURS

Lisbon is home to one of the most unique forms of music you’ll ever hear, and there are several locations throughout the city where you can enjoy live performances even to this day.

If you’re interested in learning more about Fado music, there are also a few tours you can take that cover the history of this musical genre and some of the more notable locations related to its origins.

While on these tours, you can expect to learn about some of the following subjects:

• Notable Fado Musicians
• The Portuguese Guitar
• The Origins of Fado
• Brazilian Influence
• Different Types of Fado

Take one of the free walking tours listed below for more information about these topics.

SINTRA + CASCAIS TOURS

There is currently only one company offering free walking tours in either Sintra or Cascais, but they provide separate outings for each neighborhood.

While on these outings, you’ll learn about some of the most notable locations in these districts and the history behind them.

Here are just a few of the sites you can expect to see on the Sintra tour:

• Moorish Fountain
• Sintra National Palace
• São Martinho's Church
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Queijadas of Fábrica da Sapa

If you’re more interested in visiting Cascais, you’ll see some of these attractions:

• Boca do Inferno
• Bay of Cascais
• Historical Centre
• Condes do Castro Guimarães Palace

No matter which area you’re interested in discovering, you can find out even more about them on one of the following free walking tours.

And much, much more

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Lisbon Free Walking Tours – The Definitive Guide [+ Free Maps]

Walking tours are the best way to explore Lisbon, but the question is:

How to find in Lisbon free walking tours that are 100% free?

The answer: go on a self-guided walking tour.

I’ve created 3 self-guided walking tours that you can follow to discover Lisbon, one of the best cities in Portugal , for free.

Let’s see them!

Lisbon is small enough that you can see most of the city by walking around. Of course, 1 walking tour won’t be enough for you to discover Lisbon to the fullest : for this reason, I have created 3 free walking tours in Lisbon that you can follow.

Each tour is designed so that you truly get a feel for the district you’re visiting: the Alfama district , the Belém district, or Lisbon City Center.

In this travel guide about the free walking tours in Lisbon Portugal, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from maps of the walking tours, to self-guided walking tours and guided walking tours.

Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Interactive Maps

Lisbon free walking tours, alfama free walking tour lisbon, belém free walking tour lisbon, city center free walking tour lisbon, more free walking tours in lisbon, where to stay in lisbon, visit portugal.

Don’t have time to read this full guide, and just want to download a map with the itinerary for the free walking tour?

I’ve got you covered.

Just click on the desired map to open it in Google Maps; then, click on the “star” at the top. It will automatically add the map to your Google Maps. In Google Maps, you will find it under Menu>Your Places>Maps

Download the free Lisbon walking tour maps below:

Alfama Walking Tour

Belém Walking Tour

City Center Walking Tour

So there you have them, your free interactive maps of free walking tours, Lisbon.

If you want more information about each walking tour, including the places to see, with information, tips and photos, keep reading below.

One of the best ways to discover Lisbon is to walk around the city, going from postcard view to epic monument. The only way to have a truly free tour is to go on a self-guided walking tour .

Don’t worry, you won’t have to create your own tour, to plan everything and to guess where to go.

I’ve done all the work for you. 

Just choose the part of Lisbon you want to explore, and follow the free walking tour I’ve created for you!

You’ll find in this guide the following Lisbon free walking tours:

• Lisbon free walking tour: Alfama Walking Tour
• Lisbon free walking tour: Belém Walking Tour
• Lisbon free walking tour: City Center Walking Tour

Click on any of the buttons below to jump straight to the free Lisbon walking tour you want to see

Alfama is a district of Lisbon, situated in the east of the city. It almost feels like a village within the city: it’s the oldest district of Lisbon, and you really feel like you went back in times when wandering the streets of Alfama. Don’t miss it as visiting Alfama is one of the best things to do in Lisbon .

• What to expect: medieval streets, going uphill a lot, and epic views
• Walking time: 37 minutes

Total time recommended: 2 hours

Alfama – Lisbon Walking Tour Map

Ready to explore Alfama? We’ll go on the first Lisbon free walking tours: the Alfama walking tour . To explore the neighborhood, we’ll visit 10 spots, that will give you a perfect experience of this part of Lisbon.

In the map below, you’ll find the 10 spots , as well as the itinerary we’ll follow.

How to use the map

Navigate : Click on the top left logo to open the side panel. You’ll see all of the spots in the itinerary; you can click on any to have more information

Download : To download the map, simply click on the “ star ” next to the title. It will automatically add the map to your Google Maps. In Google Maps, you will find it under Menu>Your Places>Maps

Here are the main spots you’ll see on this Free Walking Tour of Alfama:

• Igreja da Madalena
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Palacete Chafariz d’El Rei
• Igreja de São Miguel
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Secret Lisbon Tunnel
• Street Art Amália Rodrigues by Vhils
• Miradouro do Recolhimento
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Miradouro do Castelo de S. Jorge

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Alfama in Lisbon.

For more information about all of the places included in this walking tour, along with photos, keep reading below.

1 – Igreja da Madalena

The Alfama free walking tour starts in the West of Alfama, at the Igreja da Madalena.

In addition to seeing the church, you’ll also see the iconic yellow tram , going right in front of the church.

2 – Lisbon Cathedral

We then move on to our second spot of the day, the Lisbon Cathedral, a 2 minutes walk away. We’ll follow the trams track, so that’s even more opportunities for you to see the tram passing by.

Feel free to go inside the Lisbon Cathedral, the entry is free .

There is so much to see in Lisbon, one of the main reasons to choose Lisbon vs Porto for your next trip.

3 – Palacete Chafariz d’El Rei

The 3rd stop of the day is the Palacete Chafariz d’El Rei, a stunning Moorish building from the 19th century. The facade is made of pink and blue tiles, truly a hidden architecture gem in Lisbon.

Bonus : check out the Arco de Jesus while on your way to Chafariz d’El Rei, a beautiful hidden passage covered with blue tiles.

4 – Igreja de São Miguel

Before moving on to your next spot, you can take a few extra minutes to go next to the Tejo river; I always love relaxing for a while, with the sound of the waves gently clapping along the docks.

Our next spot is the Igreja de São Miguel , a 2 minutes walk away.

More than the church itself ( which is beautiful, by the way ), you’ll now be exploring the classic Alfama , going up to the heights of Lisbon.

Once you’ve rested in the square in front of the church for a while, make your way to the right of the church, all the way up the steps.

Don’t forget to turn back when you get up the stairs for a nice view over the church and the streets .

5 – Miradouro das Portas do Sol

If you keep going up the steps, you’ll reach the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

“Miradouro” is “viewpoint” in Portuguese – if you see a Miradouro sign, follow it, you’ll usually get a pretty nice view!

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers the best view over the Alfama neighborhood. To the east, you’ll see the white dome of the National Pantheon , and the Saint Vincent church on the left. To the south, you’ll have an unobstructed view over the Tejo river.

6 – Secret Lisbon Tunnel

Lisbon is also famous for its street art; after enjoying the views over the city, we’ll now go underground in our search for street murals.

Well, not underground underground, but in a tunnel.

You’ll discover the secret tunnel: History of Lisbon Mural by Nuno Saraiva . The inside of the tunnel is covered in drawings, depicting the history of Lisbon.

Address : R. Norberto de Araújo 14-18, 1100-117 Lisboa, Portugal

7 – Street Art Amália Rodrigues by Vhils

We’ll go right next to a second street art spot in Alfama: Amália Rodrigues by Vhils. Don’t worry, it’s only a 2 minutes walk to reach this spot.

8 – Miradouro do Recolhimento

Onwards to our last street art spot of this free Lisbon walking tour. To reach the Miradouro do Recolhimento, you’ll go through an abandoned building , all covered in street art!

When you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a grand view of the city.

Bonus : there is often way less tourists in this spot than in the other miradouros

9 – Castelo de São Jorge

Right on the south west border of the Alfama district is the Castelo de São Jorge. It’s a massive medieval castle , built in the 11th century by the Moors.

Go inside and explore the impressive ruins of the castle, before moving on to the last spot on our list.

10 – Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge

There it is: the last stop on our free Lisbon walking tour.

You can only access this viewpoint by going through the castle; it’s located on a hill, the highest point of the Alfama district.

At the viewpoint, you’ll have a different view from all the miradouros we visited earlier on our walking tour: a view to the west .

From up there, you’ll see the whole city going up to the Tagus river, all the way to the 25 de April bridge in the background.

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Alfama, Lisbon! If you follow this 10 stops itinerary , you’ll discover the main points in Alfama, and you’ll have a good feel of the district.

Of course, this walking tour is meant to be used as a starting point – don’t follow it to the letter !

I highly encourage you to be curious along the way: follow that quaint street; go in this appetizing bakery.

Bonus locations

Do you want more suggestions of spots to check out on your walking tour?

8 minutes from Miradouro das Portas do Sol: Igreja de São Vicente da Fora

10 minutes from Miradouro das Portas do Sol: Panteão Nacional

Ready to explore another part of Lisbon? Check out the Belém walking tour below.

Belém is the South West district of Lisbon, along the Tejo river. It was the starting point of most of the great Portuguese expeditions during the Age of Discovery, and the district definitely has a medieval feel to it.

What to expect: walks along the Tejo river, absolutely epic monuments and medieval vibe

Walking time: 44 minutes

Total time recommended: 1h30 (no visits) to 5 hours (visit all)

Warning : Most places are closed on Mondays

Belém – Lisbon Walking Tour Map

Ready to explore Belém ? We’ll go on the second Lisbon free walking tours: the Belem free walking tour . To explore the neighborhood, we’ll visit 9 spots, that will give you a perfect experience of this part of Lisbon.

In the map below, you’ll find the 9 spots , as well as the itinerary we’ll follow.

Here are the main spots you’ll see on this Free Walking Tour of Belém:

• The Combatants Overseas Monument
• Belém Tower
• Belém Lighthouse
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Praça do Império
• Pastéis de Belém
• Jardim de Belém
• Church Santa Maria de Belém
• Jerónimos Monastery

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Belém in Lisbon.

For more information about all of the Lisbon attractions included in this walking tour, along with photos, keep reading below.

1 – The Combatants Overseas Monument

We’ll begin our second Lisbon free walking tour in the West of Belém, and we’ll make our way towards the East.

The first spot is the Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar ( the Combatants Overseas monument ). It sets the tone for the visit of Belém.

The monument is a memorial to the more of 9,000 soldiers dead during the Overseas War (1961-1974).

You’ll find an eternal flame burning under the monument; the names of the dead soldiers are written on the walls all around the monument.

2 – Belém Tower

Our second spot is probably the most famous location in Belém : the Torre de Belém ( Belém Tower ).

The medieval tower was once an important part of the city defense system ; today, you can visit the tower, and even go on the rooftop terrace for stunning view over the Tejo river.

3 – Belém Lighthouse

We’ll stay on the river banks for visiting the next spot: Belém Lighthouse . It’s a short 8 minutes walk, along the shore, to reach the spot.

The walk in itself is pretty nice; walking next to the water, under the sun, watching the lighthouse grow taller as you get closer.

4 – Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Right next to the lighthouse is our next spot, Padrão dos Descobrimentos ( Monument to the Discoveries ). You’ll see the monument from the lighthouse, as it’s pretty massive (50 meters / 164 feet).

The monument is a tribute to the Portuguese explorers of the Age of Discovery . Make sure to go to the other side of the monument, where you’ll see more statues of famous explorers.

Bonus : you can go to the top of the monument for a view over the Belém neighborhood (6€ adult / 3€ child)

5 – Praça do Império

Our next stop is literally across the street: just cross the street, and you’ll be in Praça do Império .

The square was built for the Portuguese World Exposition in 1940, held for the celebration of the 800 years since Portugal became independent.

The square is actually a huge garden , made of 32 mosaic coat of arms. Enjoy strolling through the square, and make your way to the next spot, for a well deserved break.

6 – Pastéis de Belém

We’re already half way through our free walking tour of Lisbon in Belém; it’s time for a break !

Exit the park through the north entrance, and take a right. Follow the road for 2 minutes, and you’ll reach a spot with many buildings.

There are a lot of restaurants and places where you can eat there. I highly recommend going to Pastéis de Belém .

If you haven’t yet eaten any Pastéis de Nata in Portugal, it’s time to try! The little custard tart is a Portuguese specialty, and if you love sweet food, you’re in for a treat.

7 – Jardim de Belém

If the weather allows ( well you’re in Lisbon, it’s probably going to be sunny! ), order your pastéis as a takeaway, and cross the street to reach the Jardim de Belém .

Enjoy your little break by sitting down on the grass, while munching on your snack . When you’re ready to get going again, move on to your next spot!

8 – Church Santa Maria de Belém

The Igreja Santa Maria de Belém is the tall building you saw earlier when exiting the Praça do Império; it’s now time to visit it!

If you were impressed by the beauty of the church from the outside, wait until you get in: it’s insanely gorgeous !

Bonus : entry is free

9 – Jerónimos Monastery

Aaaand we’re now getting to our last spot on our Belém waking tour! The Jerónimos Monastery is right next to the Santa Maria church, and definitely worth a visit.

There is often long lines to visit this jewel of architecture, so make sure you plan enough time for walking around Lisbon. If you’re short on time, strolling along the street and seeing the monument from outside is a possible alternative.

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Belém, Lisbon! If you follow this 9 stops itinerary , you’ll discover the main points in Belém, and you’ll have a good feel of the district.

16 minutes from Belém Tower:  Algés beach

17 minutes from Jerónimos Monastery:  MAAT museum

Ready to explore another part of Lisbon? Check out the City Center walking tour below.

Lisbon City Center is the heart of the city, and typically what most people see on their first visit to Lisbon. There is plenty to see in the area, and it can be quite challenging to decide on what to see, where to go, and how to plan your itinerary.

Everything is within walking distance in the city center, and you can go on a walking tour – Lisbon edition – to discover the neighborhood.

What to expect: beautiful squares, luxurious streets and Lisbon icons

Walking time: 45 minutes

City Center – Lisbon Walking Tour Map

Ready to explore Lisbon City Center? We’ll go on the third and last Lisbon free walking tours: the City Center walking tour . To explore the neighborhood, we’ll visit 11 spots, that will give you a perfect experience of this part of Lisbon.

In the map below, you’ll find the 11 spots , as well as the itinerary we’ll follow.

Here are the main spots you’ll see on this Free Walking Tour of the City Center:

• Monumento aos Restauradores
• Praça do Rossio
• Carmo Convent
• Santa Justa lift
• Arco da Rua Augusta
• Praça do Comércio
• Praça do Municipio
• Secret Pink Street
• Praça de São Paulo
• Ascensor da Bica
• Miradouro de Santa Catarina

So there you have it, your free walking tour of the City Center  in Lisbon.

1 – Monumento aos Restauradores

We’ll start our Lisbon walking tour in the north of the city center, at the Praça dos Restauradores .

At the center of the square, you’ll find the Monumento aos Restauradores , a monument to celebrate the Portuguese Restoration War victory.

Bonus : check out the iconic Gloria tram from the top of the street, on the square (address: Calçada da Glória 6, 1250-144 Lisboa, Portugal)

2 – Praça do Rossio

Our second spot is also a square, a 4 minutes walk away from the first square. The square is famous for its optical illusion on the ground.

On the photo above, you can see on the top left our next 2 spots in this free Lisbon walking tour: the Santa Justa lift on the far left, and the Carmo Convent right next to it.

Bonus : avoid the restaurants on the square (tourist traps), but check out the tiny shops on the square for good pastries and coffee

3 – Carmo Convent

Let’s head to our next spot, the Carmo Convent , that you saw from the plaza. The convent looks impressive from the outside, but it’s even more special from the inside.

It’s one of the rare places where you can be both inside a monument and outside at the same time. The convent was partially destroyed during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake , which made it really unique.

4 – Santa Justa lift

Probably one of the most famous spots in Lisbon, the Santa Justa lift . It’s a stunning structure, standing above the Lisbon skyline.

If you want to go up the lift, make sure you get there early, because it gets crowded pretty fast.

Bonus : You can access the top for free from the Top Entrance , next to the Carmo Convent.

5 – Arco da Rua Augusta

To reach the next spot, you’ll go through the Baixa district: the classic Lisbon city center, with recent architecture (18th century).

At the end of the Rua Augusta, you’ll walk under a massive stone arch, the Arco da Rua Augusta .

Bonus : you can go on top of the arch, for one of the best views over the Baixa district

6 – Praça do Comércio

The Rua Augusta opens up on the biggest square in Lisbon, the Praça do Comércio.

Walk to the center of the square, to see the grand statue of King José I . Make sure you go all the way to the shore, and check out the tiny beach Playita del Muelle de las Columnas.

Tip : avoid shopping and eating in the area, it’s really overpriced. Wait until the next spots!

7 – Praça do Municipio

And the next spot is… a square, you guessed it! The Lisbon city center is full of stunning squares, and this one is no exception.

The Praça do Municipio (Municipal Square) is surrounded by incredible buildings : the City Hall, the Appeal Court, and the Ministry of the Sea.

8 – Secret Pink Street

To reach our next spot, we’ll walk on the Arsenal Street, along the Courthouse. A quick walk (4 minutes), that will take us to one of the many Lisbon hidden gems .

As you can see above, the hidden gem is a pink street . It doesn’t go on for very long, but it’s such a cool street ! The pink on the floor leads all the way under this yellow arch and through the other side.

9 – Praça de São Paulo

Whaaaaat? Another square! That’s the last one we’ll visit on our walking tour in Lisbon city center.

The Praça de São Paulo is on our way to the next spot, so you won’t even have to walk a long way to see it.

On the square, you’ll find the Igreja de São Paul (Saint Paul church), which is worth a visit if you have the time. The painted ceiling of the church is incredible – I definitely didn’t expect it!

Bonus : stop at the cute little kiosk on the square to grab a drink and a snack

10 – Ascensor da Bica

It’s time to see an icon of Lisbon: the yellow tram ! While the famous yellow tram number 28 runs in the Alfama district, there is also one in the city center.

The Ascensor da Bica was originally a cable car , but it’s now electrified; it runs like a tram. It goes all the way up to Bairro Alto.

Go up the street to see the tram at different points in the street. Don’t forget to look back after going up for a while, for a nice view over the river.

11 – Miradouro de Santa Catarina

We’ll end our Lisbon free walking tour by going to a miradouro ; the Miradouro de Santa Catarina is right next to the Bica street, only 2 minutes away.

The viewpoint offers a nice view over the Tejo river and the suspension bridge in the estuary. It’s the perfect spot to end your walking tour: grab a drink and enjoy the view!

So there you have it, your free walking tour of Lisbon City Center! If you follow this 11 stops itinerary , you’ll discover the main points in the center, and you’ll have a good feel of the district.

3 minutes from the pink street: Mercado da Ribeira, local massive food-court

20 minutes from Miradouro de Santa Catarina: Basilica da Estrela

Not a fan of these self guided walking tour in Lisbon? Check out below more free walking tours in Lisbon, accompanied by tour guides .

All of the Lisbon free walking tours that I created and suggested above are self guided ; you’ll be on your own, following the itineraries and doing your own walking tour.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, there are also several options for free guided walking tours in Lisbon.

Word of advice: all of the “free tours” led by a tour guide that you can find online -and those mentioned below- are not really 100% free.

Yes, you can join the tours without paying . However, you are expected to “ tip ” your guide at the end, based on how much you think the tour was worth.

The only true free walking tours in Lisbon are the self-guided walking tours, just like the one I gave you above.

Best Free Walking Tours Lisbon

You’ll find below the best “free” walking tours that you can join in Lisbon:

Sandeman – Lisbon Free Tour

What to expect: you’ll walk around the Lisbon city center

Duration: 3h

Languages: English / Spanish

More info: free walking tour lisbon sandeman

Lisbon Chillout – Free Walking Tour Lisbon

What to expect: 4 different tours available: Lisbon city center, Literature tour, Music tour and pub crawl

More info: Lisbon Chillout free tours

FREETOUR.COM 

What to expect: 36 different free Lisbon walking tours, with different themes and locations

Duration: from 1h30 to 3h

Languages: English / Spanish / French / Portuguese / Russian / Italian

More info: Freetour.com

Guruwalk – Free Walking Tour Lisbon Portugal

What to expect: around 20 different tours, with different locations

Duration: 3h in average

Languages: English / Spanish / French / Portuguese / Italian

Reviews: Guruwalk Free Lisbon tours

So there you have them, the best Lisbon free walking tour, led by guides. Reminder that these are not 100% free, you are expected to pay your guide at the end based on how much you thought the tour was worth.

If you’re visiting Lisbon, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:

Budget : Host Bell Rooms and Suites

Very cheap accommodation, around 14€ per night for a bed in a 12 beds dorm room.

This hostel has the best location , it’s right next to the main square, and everything is within walking distance. There’s also tea and coffee machines in every room, which is a big plus.

Check for Best Price

Comfy : Lost Lisbon: Avenida House

Very comfy rooms, with private bathroom, for around 78€ per night.

The two nice bonuses? It’s within walking distance of the city center, and it also comes with a free breakfast !

Luxury : The One Palacio da Anunciada

If you’re looking for the perfect dreamy place to relax and enjoy your stay in Lisbon, look no further.

The One Palacio da Anunciada might very well be your favorite place in the city ; private bathroom, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, indoor pool and even a sauna! It also has breakfast included, and its location is hard to beat.

Planning a trip to Portugal? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Lisbon Guides:

Best Lisbon Itineraries for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days in Lisbon

30 Best Sunset Spots in Lisbon

Cristo Rei – Visit the Highest Point of Lisbon

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I hope you enjoy your trip to Lisbon and to Portugal!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

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Hey, I'm Kevin

I'm a professional photographer, with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. I worked with countless travel brands, and my travel advice has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Forbes & the New York Magazine. But the best travel advice is definitely found here on my website! I'm all about adventure travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors - even if I often find myself exploring cities with my wife Nesrine. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this post or reach out by email at: [email protected]

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I did the Lisbon city center walking tour as you suggested and it was by far one of the best walking tours I have done. It took me through every single attraction I wanted to see. Now I am ready to do the Alfama tour as well. Yours is definitely one of the better self guided walking tours out there.

Hi Sharad, thank you so much for your feedback! We’re so happy to know it helped you discover Lisbon properly and enjoy your trip 🙂

Unable to save the tour maps as Google Maps Engine says it’s no more. Any other ideas?

Thanks, Des

Thank you for the suggestions. I’m very excited to try them all. I’m planning to visit Portugal next year, possibly in the spring, to avoid major crowds. Do you recommend a good month to visit?

Hi Linda! I strongly recommend going on mid-May-June, or in the beginning of September. The weather is very good, so you’ll be able to stroll around the city and enjoy drinks on a terrace without sweating too much (July-August are very crowded and weather quite hot).

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• Santiago de Chile
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Free Tour of Lisbon

Book the original Lisbon free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of Lisbon

Lisbon's 3,000 years of proud history has always been on the edge, where land meets sea and Europe meets Africa, making this a city built on exploration, conquest and adventure. From the rise and fall of a global empire, to the clutches and release of a reclusive dictatorship, from a city destroyed by earthquake, to one rebuilt as a cultural destination, keep your cameras at the ready as we take you on a journey of this stunning city and its fascinating history.

Your 2-hour Lisbon Free Tour starts by the Camões Monument in Largo de Camões and finishes at Praça do Comércio.  We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

Meet the Portuguese explorers

The Age of Discovery was a time in world history where explorers ventured out to the ends of the earth. Listen to dramatic stories of the first voyages to Africa, and how the Indian spice trade came to Europe.

In fact, history's most famous explorer Christopher Columbus lived in Lisbon and learnt navigation techniques here before discovering the Americas! To learn more about the Portuguese voyages, hop on our Belém Tour that takes you along the waterfront that launched some of the most famous explorations.

Learn how one earthquake shaped a town

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake was one of the deadliest earthquakes in the history of the world. This tour will take you past the Carmo Convent to see the bare arches that once held up the roof that collapsed during the earthquake.

Your guide will paint a picture of how the city used to be and how it has changed because of this one prominent event in Lisbon’s history.

Discover the hardships during the Portuguese dictatorship and the peace that prevailed

The Second Republic was developed by António de Oliveira Salazar and was Europe’s longest running dictatorship. During this walking tour you will learn about the peaceful Carnation Revolution that ended the dictatorship. 

Free Tour concept

The tips-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

The Lisbon Free Tour starts by the Camões Monument in Praça Luís de Camões

• Explore the central district of Bairro Alto
• Learn about the Great Earthquake of 1755
• Enjoy the elegant architecture of Baixa Pombalina
• Learn about the peaceful Carnation Revolution and the end of the dictatorship
• Marvel at the beautiful waterfront of Praça do Comércio
• Learn about the Portuguese Inquisition
• Learn about the Age of Discovery and Portugal’s great explorers
• Hear about the hardships during the Salazar dictatorship
• Get a bird’s eye view of Lisbon from the Santa Justa Elevator

TOUR SCHEDULES

Click on 'See more dates' to check availability

• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the guide (optional)
• Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
• Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible

Customer reviews

Sophia's free tour made me fall in love with Lisbon

We did the free tour all around the city and Sophia was great! The way she showed us the city and told us all the most important events that happened in Lisbon made me fall in love with this city! And I think this is the aim of every tour guide! :-) moreover I loved the way she ended the tour connecting two of the most important parts of Lisbon/Portugal's story! im so happy we got the tour with her and I wish her all the best!

Free walking tour with FRED

Having gone for a series of free tours in Europe... I must say Fred has exceeded expectations of what an excellent guide is! truly rockstar guide - with engaging communication style, rich history and clearly highlighting relevant facts about Lisbon! Loved the secrets / hacks he shared on the city. Thanks Fred!

One of the best walking tours out there. Enjoyable, packed with interesting facts and sense of humour. On top of that, guides like Rita for the English tour, make it even better.

When I visited Lisbon I did the free walking tour of Lisbon and also the paid tour of Alfama! I had such a great experience!!! I would totally recommend! On the tour the guides show you some neat sites to take photos, history of the area, and lots more!!!

Free tour great way to plan your stay

We found the free tour on TripAdvisor, and gave it a go just because we had no idea what to do on our trip. We met the guide and were quickly given an overview of the food, culture, history, and sightseeing options available in this amazing city. This free tour gave us all we needed to plan out the rest of our trip. All the guides seemed to be excellent based on what we saw.

Diaz! Free Walking Tour of Lisbon

Diaz really knows his city and, boy, is he ever proud of it! Over the course of 2.5- 3 hours, we received a comprehensive, history-soaked, funny, romantic, and competitive tour of Lisbon. So good was it, as a matter of fact, that at one point the next day, we were a little out of sorts and confused about where we were when I recognized something small detail Diaz had pointed out and we found our way back to our Airbnb apartment as quick as a whistle. I always love these free tours, as you get a really personal side of a city.

Excellent 3 hour walking tour covering Lisbon history and many must see sights. Luis is an entertaining and very informative guide. Good orientation & introduction to this beautiful & interesting city.

Done 2 tours with them, the free one and the pub crawl, both of them super fun and interesting, if you go to Lisbon, or Europe in general, CHOOSE SANDEMANs!

What is a Free Tour?

The Free Tour is the best introduction to Lisbon! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 3 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Lisbon's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

• The route covers many of Lisbon's major landmarks
• The meeting point is centrally located in Praça Luís de Camões
• The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
• The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LISBON

• Private Tours

Alfama Free Walking Tour

See the original Lisbon district and meet the locals of Alfama

Belém Free Walking Tour

Walk along the waterfront of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Belém

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2-hour Lisbon Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Lisbon's main attractions with your private tour guide

3-hour Lisbon Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Lisbon's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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Free Tour of Porto

Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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WE WILL MAKE YOUR

Visit unforgettable.

A little bit about us

Hi Lisbon Walking Tours is a local company founded to provide tours in different languages with small groups for a better experience of the city and take you out of the beaten track to show the authentic Lisbon. 

Our team of local guides, are very knowledgeable, well informed, entertaining and free to give their touch according to the expectation of each group.

With over 3000 years, the history of Lisbon is very interesting, diverse and full of curiosities. Many different civilizations have lived here and this melting pot of cultures gives an unique character to the city, making Lisbon one of the most charming cities in Europe, with its seven hills, narrow streets, lovely architecture, colorful houses and fantastic weather.

Look out for the orange umbrella and join us on a fantastic tour to discover the best of Lisbon!

Free Tour Lisbon

Join one of our famous Free Walking Tours and let our guides take you around the best spots of the city and show you why Lisbon is such a beautiful and popular destination.

Private Tour Lisbon

Have you ever considered doing a walking tour with a Private Guide just for your group? It can be cheaper than you think and we have the best options and prices.

Free Tour Sintra

Join one of our guides on a fantastic walking tour  and discover the history and secrets of Sintra, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

 Tours in Porto

If you've enjoyed our tours in Lisbon and is also visiting Porto, join one of our fun and knowledgeable guides and discover the best of this fantastic city. 

Our Blog 

Fado – The Soul of Portuguese Culture

The Great Earthquake of Lisbon

The Seven Wonders of Portugal

Contact us

[email protected], +351 939 102 917.

What our guests say about us!

"I was walking alone in Lisbon and decided to check for a walking tour. Was the best decision I made! I did Baixa and Chiado and got Samuel as the tour Guide. Samuel is very knowledgeable about Lisbon he is charming and fun. We passed places that I had walk before not knowing all the history that was behind it and Samuel told me about it making me appreciate and like Lisboa even more ! He does not rush you and takes his time. He speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese very well. Highly recommended. Muito obrigada Samuel!"

—  Name, Title

Free Walking Tour of Lisbon

• 9.60 / 10 61,716 reviews | 426,149 travellers Lost Joao and couldn’t find him to give him the tip at the end, I think there was 30 minutes left when we lose him :( 10 Danaeljebbeh
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Join us on a free walking tour of Lisbon  to take an insightful journey through the most iconic spots in the Portuguese capital.  Immerse yourself in the city of Fado's vibrant   past and present .

Tour Highlights

• Monumento al Calceteiro
• San Roque Church
• Santo Domingo Church
• Praça Rossio
• Jewish Memorial
• Santa Justa elevator

Lisbon Walking Tour

Our free walking tour of Lisbon will start at the indicated time at the obelisk in Praça dos Restauradores . After a brief introduction to the Portuguese capital, we'll start our walk by the statue of the Monumento al Calceteiro , dedicated to the workers in charge of maintaining the Portuguese artistic pavement .

Afterwards, we'll continue our walk towards other gems of Lisbon's city centre, such as the San Roque Church  and the  Santo Domingo Church . As we stroll, we'll hear about how Lisbon was the scene of events that shook the whole country, like the 1755 earthquake  or the Carnation Revolution , which put an end to the reign of the 'New State' and its dictator Salazar. We'll get to see the remains left by these episodes of the past as we walk through areas steeped in history. Continuing on, our tour will take us to the famous  Praça Rossio , where we'll admire the monumental façade of its railway station and the  Jewish Memorial .

Next, we'll make our way to the area of the Convent do Carmo and the Santa Justa elevator . This famous lift dates all the way back to 1902! Then, we'll head towards the Chiado district. In this iconic area, we'll learn all about the famous figures of Portuguese literature:  Luís Vaz de Camões and Fernando Pessoa. These literary giants wrote about Portugal's role as one of the world's major powers.

While in Chiado, we'll also stop at the Bertrand shop , the oldest bookshop in the world . This landmark has even been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records !

Finally, we'll take a walk along Rua Augusta , where we'll pass under its emblematic monumental arch. After a journey of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, we'll conclude our walking tour of Lisbon in the central Praça do Comércio . See you next time!

Private Tours

This free tour doesn't admit groups of more than 6 people , even if they book the activity separately. If you're a large group, we recommend  checking out our private tour of Lisbon .

More Information

2 hours 45 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

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Corporate name: Take Traveller's Hub Unipessoal Lda.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Is it possible to borrow a wheelchair?

Q - How long is the free walking tour of Lisbon?

A - Our free walking tour of Lisbon lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

Obelisk Praça dos Restauradores

Praça do Comércio

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• Destinations
• Tours in Lisbon

Downtown and Bairro Alto Free Tour: History versus Modern Facts

Overview of the tour in Lisbon

Cross the downtown of Lisbon and discover its most representative neighborhoods, Baixa, Chiado, Cais do Sodré, Bica, Bairro Alto, all brought up during the discoveries era and risen from the ashes into glory in the romantic period with the reconstruction made after the big earthquake in 1755. Learn all about the discoveries, the romantic period, the end of monarchy and the dictatorship and revolution periods. Learn the history and legends of the old town most representative neighbourhoods, told by real local guides, getting a truly personal and insightful view on Lisbon, walking through the city's narrow alleys up and downhill, lost in time on a genuine "back to the past" tour. Along the way, we will be visiting points of interest in the historic center of the city on an entertaining and informal guided tour where history, stories, and fun facts combine together.

This activity includes:

• Church of Sao Roque
• Pink street
• Elevador da Bica
• Santa Justa Lift
• Dom Pedro IV Square
• Carmo Convent
• Rua AUGUSTA
• Garden of Carmo
• Commerce Square
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
• Real Portuguese Local Guide
• Honest and Reliable Content on the reconstruction of Lisbon after the big Earthquake in 1775, Inquisition, Romantic and Dictatorship periods
• Walking tour through the Downtown neighbourhoods
• Exterior Visit to Historical Sites and Monuments
• Inside Visit to the Church of Saint Roque

Meeting point

Praça Dom Pedro IV

Join us a bit before 10:45 by the statue at the center of Praça Dom Pedro IV. Our team is easy to identify using white umbrellas with our company branding Live History Walking Tours. Please take special attention that it is not the subway or train station called Rossio, but a big oval square called Praça Dom Pedro IV with a statue on a high pedestal and two fountains on each side.

Things to note

Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are advisable. These are free walking tours: donations are asked for at the end, so do not forget us when the time comes to "pass the hat". Children don't need to be accounted for when making a reservation (up to 16 y.o.). Baby strollers should be avoided on this tour because there are a lot of hilly paths and stairs. Travel agencies should make bookings only when providing direct customer detailed info. Use a group inquiry feature if you need pricing for a group event tour or a private tailor-made tour.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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