The Quintessential Lisbon Experience

We present the sights, the vibes, the special colors of the Portuguese capital. We love to walk and talk about issues like architecture and street art, but also like to discuss styles of living and politics of urban renewal. We are Lisbon Art & Soul and we have a dozen private tours to help you discover one of the most dazzling cities in Europe.

I. LISBON OFF THE BEATEN TRACK - DEEP IN THE HEART OF THE OLD CITY

A walking tour designed to introduce the Portuguese capital to visitors looking for a fresh approach, somewhere between tradition, street vibes and contemporary culture. From Alfama to the Docklands you'll get to know the main attractions, but also the Portuguese capital off the beaten track. First we wander around a string of amazing hilltop terraces over the city and the river, before we dive into the picturesque neighborhoods of the Castle hill, following as guidelines the meandering Moorish Walls. We visit monuments like the Roman Theater, The Sé Cathedral and St. Anthony Church but also quiet backstreets, remote courtyards and puzzling alleyways. Next we get to the monumental riverside and explore Renaissance Palaces, late Gothic Churches and the neoclassical Commercial Square, open to the Ocean and the World. Art and architecture, history and city trends will certainly be on top of the menu in this walk made to measure every Lisbon lover. 

Duration: 4h

Timetable: 10h-14h and 15h-19h

Point of departure: Portas do Sol Square by S. Vincent statue (38.712274, -9.130216)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a four hours walking tour, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 35€ each; 5 to 12: 25€ each; 13 to 20: 20€ each; free under 12 

II. FADO - A STORY OF THUGS, WHORES & URBAN POETRY

Fado is Lisbon Song of choice, the most international of Portuguese music styles. But when and where was it born? And does the actual hits have anything to do with early fado? To answer these questions and try to solve so many riddles concerning this amazing music tradition we’ll stroll around the lower half of Mouraria. We’ll find plenty of old candid images and romantic memories engraved in the walls of this enclave, which doubles as an open air museum. Plus, at the end of the tour, we´ll present you with a fado playlist that, hopefully, will work as as portrait of Fado, a portrait of Mouraria and a souvenir of a unique musical tour.

Duration: 2h-2h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Rua da Mouraria / Escadinhas da Saúde https://www.google.pt/maps/place/38.71554,-9.1359997,19

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: we are going to climb up and down the old town, so you’ll need comfortable shoes

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12

III. LISBON ALL SAINTS TOUR: ON FAITH, DEVOTION AND MIRACLES

Lisbon rejected St Crispim, the first patron saint appointed by the Church, and chose instead St. Vincent, a legendary hispanic saint that later became almost forgotten. Then came Saint Anthony, very popular more or less reinvented by the citizens of the Portuguese capital. Even today (almost) nobody can really tell who is the genuine patron of Lisbon, but the mystic of the saints keeps on feeding the culture and the spirituality of the city. That’s why we propose an itinerary of visions and passions that meander through the ancient districts of Alfama, Mouraria and Graça, swinging between key historical events and incredible legends.
This Lisbon blessed by the Saints is the ultimate alternative program to discover the Portuguese capital, exploring churches, sanctuaries and urban corners touched by the perfume of transcendence, but also visiting a couple of special pagan 'chapels' like cake shops and art galleries.

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: São Vicente de Fora church main entrance (38.714739,-9.1284289)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: we are going to climb up and down the old town, so you’ll need comfortable shoes

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each;13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12

IV. ALFAMA - THE KALEIDOSCOPIC DISTRICT

Alfama is where it all began - the oldest and the most picturesque neighborhood in Lisbon. We’re talking about a district which was constantly built up, fell to ruins and rebuilt again, without a plan or a real sense of order through more than two thousand years of history. We propose a whimsical itinerary of amazing discoveries, including a restaurant crossed by a Roman wall, public bathrooms with Renaissance buildings inside, the most elegant Portuguese royal palace converted into a dark prison and luxury tiles that nobody can tell (not even thieves) if they are copies or precious originals. And does anyone still lives in this open air museum? More info.

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Portas do Sol Square by S. Vicente statue (38.712274, -9.130216)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: we are going to climb up and down the old town, so you’ll need comfortable shoes

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each;13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12.

V. MOURARIA - THE MULTICULTURAL HEART OF LISBON

The Moorish district is one of the most obscure and fascinating parts of Lisbon. For long vilified as a ghetto for outcasts, Mouraria has more recently become a multicultural and bustling enclave, a neighborhood with a feeling like no other in the portuguese capital. At the same time it has been subjected to radical urban renewal, part still in the making, part still under public scrutiny. The tour we promote takes you into this amazing plot of narrow streets, alleys and romantic dwellings. It is a constant meandering between the splendor of ancient palaces and the poetry of abandonment, between memories of ‘fado’ and the latest street art, between the picturesque of the old inhabitants and the incredible mishmash of newcomers.

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Entrada do elevador para o Castelo, 174 - 178 Fanqueiros street (entrance of the Castle’s Escalator, 38.7112958,-9.1361495)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: we are going to climb up and down the old town, so you’ll need comfortable shoes

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12.

VI. Lisbon From the 1755 Tsunami to the Age of Tourism

The large riverside square by the Royal Palace was once the headquarters of the Portuguese Maritime Empire - the place where everything happened, from royal processions with exotic animals to public executions by the Inquisition. The great 1755 Earthquake was particularly damaging for this part of town, but the whole area was soon redesigned and rebuilt as a new urban center. Now Praça do Comércio and its vicinity are at the heart of an ambitious and controversial scheme of urban renewal, a debate where you might want to intervene. Thats why we propose a pleasant walk by the riverside, confronting memories of Lisbon before and after the tsunami, but also introducing more recent improvements and a whole lot of new dilemas.

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Entrance of Terreiro do Paço Underground Station (38.7075306,-9.1357102)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25 € each; 5 to 12: 20€ each; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12

VII. LISBON TRENDY DOWNTOWN - FROM ROMANTIC CHIC TO POSTMODERN GLAMOUR

Sooner or later while visiting Lisbon you’ll end up strolling in the Baixa and Chiado area, the vibrant Downtown of the Portuguese capital. For more than two centuries that’s where everything has happened including political conspiracies, religious processions, intellectual get-togethers and outrageous art performances. After a ravaging fire 30 years ago, Baixa and Chiado experienced a striking renaissance and are now again a lively and cosmopolitan area - the area with the greater concentration of fancy shops, innovative coffee shops and cool restaurants. Through this comprehensive walking tour you’ll explore some of the most original and exclusive addresses in Lisbon, while you get acquainted with amazing and insightful stories of this unique urban niche.  

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Entrance of Terreiro do Paço Underground Station (38.7075306,-9.1357102)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12

VIII. LIBERDADE - LISBON BOULEVARD OF MEMORY AND DREAMS

Modern times in Lisbon began with Liberty Avenue, the one and only local Boulevard. Designed from scratch as main axe of the city’s late 19th century development, it quickly became an upmarket residential area and entertainment hot spot, but also the green arrow that lead to the establishment of Edward VII park, the largest park in central town. Today Liberty Avenue area has the highest concentration of upmarket shops, luxury hotels and large companies offices. Surprisingly, though, it’s also one of the most overlooked and unknown areas of the Portuguese capital. Exploring Avenida da Liberdade and Parque Eduardo VII is an unique invitation to rewind and mull over the city’s evolution for the last two centuries and the major challenges it now faces. 

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Entrada do Teatro D. Maria, Largo do Regedor (38.7148005,-9.1399243)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each ; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12

IX. CAMPO DE OURIQUE - LISBON COOLEST QUARTER

Campo de Ourique is one of the most original and vibrant neighborhoods in Lisbon. It’s a densely populated borough, where the prevailing demography is middle-class with a strong emphasis on liberal professions. By today’s standards it’s probably the most sought after quarter to inhabit and enjoy a high standard of living in the Portuguese capital. New spaces and business opportunities emerge all the time. Nevertheless traditional retail is still very much alive. Campo de Ourique remains a village in the heart of the city, but it’s also becoming a very cosmopolitan and trendy neighborhood - the kind of unique combination the entire Lisbon would like to have in the 21st century.

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: entrada Amoreiras Plaza, R. Carlos Alberto da Mota Pinto 9 (38.722756,-9.1611525)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12

X. BELÉM DISTRICT OR THE DICTATORSHIP AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION

Belém is the beach from where departed the ships of the Portuguese discoveries, where King Manuel ordered the construction of the majestic Jeronimos Monastery and also where the President has its official residence since the advent of the Republic. But what turned Belém into the most majestic and tourist district of Lisbon was the Portuguese World Exhibition in1940, a rare peak of celebration during four severe decades of Salazar in power. In this tour we will rewind the amazing festive event of the dictatorship during the Second World War, while we admire what was left for posterity, including the Square of the Empire, the Monument of the Discoveries and the the exotic "Portuguese House for the Colonies". More info.

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 17h-20h from 1 Abril to 1 November (16h-19h rest of the year)

Point of departure: Belém Maritime Station[North entrance] (38°41'42.2"N 9°11'55.2"W)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12

XI. LISBON BY THE RIVER - IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE FIRST GLOBAL CITY

A walk by Lisbon riverside, the strip of land where the city grew towards the sea, from the shipyards of Ribeira das Naus to the Alcântara and Rocha do Conde de Óbidos maritime stations, including the filthy Bôa-Vista beach and the elegant 24 de Julho high street. A stroll full of cross references, between the fortune of the Discoveries and the sadness of refugees from the Colonial War, but also between the paradoxical development of the industrial city in the late 19th century and the big housing and leisure plans born under the 25th of April Bridge at the start of the 21th century.

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Entrance of Terreiro do Paço Underground Station (38.7075306,-9.1357102)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each ; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12 (+one ticket valid for local transport)

XII. CASCAIS: GLAMOUR, LUXURY AND DECAY BY THE LISBON COASTLINE

Nowadays Cascais is one of the most popular leisure, sports and culture destinations in the Lisbon region, for locals and tourists alike. It's also the most sought-after and expensive residential area in the metropolitan area of Lisbon, this in stark contrast with most of its history as a small and humble fishing village. In this tour we try to show, but also to understand how Cascais changed so radically.

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Cascais Train Station, Largo da Estação de Cascais (38.7004571,-9.4186102)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each ; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12 (+one ticket valid for local transport)

XIII. FROM CASCAIS TO ESTORIL - SECRETS AND WONDERS OF THE PORTUGUESE RIVIERA

The fishing town of Cascais became a Court’s summer haven in the late XIX century, while the neighboring coastal valley of Estoril was converted into the first Portuguese seaside resort after WWI. The memories of the early age of beach tourism linger on this precious coastline that keeps intact the bulk of its original architectural gems, but has since gone through many changes. In this stroll we discover the so-called Portuguese Riviera through its awesome tourist legacy set against more recent developments.

Duration: 3h-3h 30

Timetable: 10h-13h and 15h-18h

Point of departure: Cascais Train Station, Largo da Estação de Cascais (38.7004571,-9.4186102)

Groups: 2 at least, no more than 20

Suggestion: this is a walking tour, most probably under the sun, so you’ll need comfortable shoes and a hat too

Contact: +351 93 3389473

Ticket prices: 4 or less: 25€ each; 5 to 12: 20€ each ; 13 to 20: 15€ each; free under 12 (+one ticket valid for local transport