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.
Read moreThe 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
- 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
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
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.