Tours & activities in Lisbon

Free Tour of Lisbon

Book the original Lisbon Free Walking Tour and discover the city's rich history with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of Lisbon

Join us for a 2-hour Free Walking Tour of Lisbon and uncover the city's most iconic sites with a local guide. Lisbon, with its 3,000 years of history, has always been a gateway between continents—where Europe meets Africa and the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. From the rise and fall of a global empire to the dramatic rebuilding after the devastating 1755 earthquake, this Free Tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through Lisbon's fascinating past.

 

Your Lisbon Free Tour begins at the Camões Monument in Largo de Camões and ends at the famous Praça do Comércio. Whether it's rain, hail, or shine, we never cancel—ensuring you can always experience the beauty of Lisbon with us!

 

Meet the Portuguese Explorers

Step into the Age of Discovery as your local guide shares the dramatic stories of Portugal’s legendary explorers. Learn about the daring voyages to Africa, the opening of the spice trade with India, and the impact these discoveries had on the world. Did you know that Christopher Columbus lived in Lisbon before his historic journey to the Americas? Get to know the city that shaped his skills and ambitions!

From Earthquakes to Revolution: Uncover Lisbon’s Resilient History

Discover how Lisbon has been shaped by both natural disasters and political upheavals. One of the most significant events in the city’s history was the devastating 1755 earthquake, one of the deadliest ever recorded. On this tour, you'll visit the striking ruins of the Carmo Convent, where the arches stand as a poignant reminder of the destruction. Your local guide will transport you back to pre-earthquake Lisbon and explain how the city was rebuilt in the aftermath.

You’ll also delve into the era of António de Oliveira Salazar’s dictatorship, Europe’s longest-running, and learn about the peaceful Carnation Revolution of 1974, which brought an end to the regime and restored democracy to Portugal. This Free Walking Tour offers a comprehensive journey through the events that have defined Lisbon, from its darkest days to its moments of triumph.

Free Tour concept

The Free Tour model is tips-based, allowing you to reward your guide according to the quality of your experience and your budget. This ensures that the tour is accessible to everyone while maintaining the highest standards.

SANDEMANs Tours, the birthplace of the Free Walking Tour concept, offers daily tours in both English and Spanish. We support local communities by working with passionate freelance guides who share Lisbon’s history and culture with their own engaging and entertaining style. Join the original Free Walking Tour of Lisbon and experience this vibrant city like never before!

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Image for meeting point

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

Today
11:00 AM2:00 PM
11:00 AM
PHOTOS
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
  • Local English-speaking guide
What’s not included
  • Gratuities for the guide (optional)
Additional Information
  • 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
MAP
people queueing at the lisbon free tour meeting point
The Free Tour starts by the Camões Monument in Praça Luís de Camões Open in Google Maps
carmo convent
Carmo Convent
lisbon walking tours
Bairro Alto
lisbon walking tours
Praça do Comércio
Santa Justa Elevator
lisbon walking tours
Lisbon Baixa
Tour start Tour starts here
End start Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers

Customer reviews

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

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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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