Lisbon is one of those rare cities with a laid-back vibe and an air of surprises. You may be sipping coffee on a hot terrace one minute and find yourself standing inside a four-hundred-year-old monastery the next. What makes Lisbon magical is that it blends history, food, and culture with effortless perfection in every nook. It is best seen and lived through booking the best tours in Lisbon.
Exploring Lisbon on your own can be overwhelming — long lines at attractions, confusing tram schedules, and hidden gems that never make it onto Google Maps. That’s why booking a Lisbon tour with locals is such a game-changer.
On my first trip, I tried to “do it all” solo. I wasted time, skipped some incredible spots, and ended up frustrated. On my second visit, I booked a mix of food tours, walking tours, and day trips — and it transformed the experience. I tasted dishes I’d never heard of, heard quirky neighbourhood stories, and covered more in three days than I did in a whole week before.
Here are the 10 best tours in Lisbon 2025 — a blend of food, history, nature, and culture that truly bring this city to life and will help you to discover the best of Lisbon.
The 10 Best Tours in Lisbon (2025 Edition)
1. Lisbon Food & Wine Walking Tour
If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Lisbon, it’s the food. Sure, you’ll find pastel de nata everywhere, but Lisbon’s culinary story goes so much deeper. On this Lisbon food tour, you’ll wander into tiny taverns you’d never find alone, taste bacalhau (salted cod), sample cheeses and cured meats, and sip Portuguese wines.
The guide weaves history into every bite, explaining how Portugal’s seafaring past brought spices home or why locals still love ginginha (cherry liqueur). By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve eaten your way through Lisbon’s culture, not just its restaurants.
👉 Book the Lisbon Food & Wine Tour here
2. Alfama Walking Tour + Fado Night
Alfama is Lisbon’s soul — a maze of cobbled alleys, hidden courtyards, and colourful tiled houses. By day, this Lisbon walking tour takes you through its winding lanes, where you’ll hear stories about its Moorish roots and earthquake survival.
By night, you’ll settle into a traditional tavern for a Fado show in Alfama. The dim light, the strum of the guitarra, and the singer’s haunting voice create goosebumps you’ll never forget. I’ll admit — I didn’t think Fado would move me until I experienced it here. With a glass of Vinho Verde in hand, it was pure magic.
👉 Reserve your spot for the Alfama Walking & Fado Tour
3. Sintra, Cascais & Cabo da Roca Day Trip from Lisbon
If you’ve seen photos of a candy-colored palace perched on misty hills — that’s Sintra’s Pena Palace. Visiting Sintra on your own is possible, but the buses and ticket queues can eat up half your day. This Sintra day trip from Lisbon solves all that.
You’ll explore Pena Palace, wander the mysterious gardens of Quinta da Regaleira (with its spiral initiation well), then continue to Cascais, a chic seaside town. Finally, you’ll stand at Cabo da Roca, the dramatic cliffside marking Europe’s westernmost point. It’s a packed but seamless day — one of Lisbon’s must-do experiences.
👉 Check availability for the Sintra & Cascais Day Trip
4. Belém Highlights & Jerónimos Monastery Skip-the-Line Tour
Belém is Lisbon’s showcase of grandeur — home to Portugal’s Age of Discovery monuments and the world’s most famous custard tarts. On this Belém Lisbon tour, you’ll skip the long lines at Jerónimos Monastery and step inside its stunning Manueline cloisters.
The guide brings history alive, explaining how explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail from these very docks. You’ll also see Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries before indulging in a warm pastel de nata from the original bakery.
👉 Skip the line at Belém’s top sites here
5. Tram 28 Lisbon Ride & Guided Walking Tour
The yellow Tram 28 Lisbon experience is iconic — rattling up steep hills, squeezing through narrow streets, and offering postcard views. The problem? It’s always overcrowded, and getting a seat is nearly impossible.
This tour combines a relaxed Lisbon walking tour through Baixa and Alfama with a pre-arranged ride on Tram 28. Instead of stressing about queues, you’ll enjoy the ride with context: why this tram is so beloved, and how it connects Lisbon’s past and present.
👉 Book your Tram 28 experience here
6. Lisbon Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River
There’s nothing like watching Lisbon glow in golden light from the water. On this Lisbon sunset cruise, you’ll drift along the Tagus River, passing the 25 de Abril Bridge, Cristo Rei statue, and Belém Tower.
The atmosphere is laid-back — a small group, wine or beer in hand, and plenty of time for photos. Whether you’re a couple looking for romance or a solo traveller craving calm after a busy day, this is one of the best evening activities in Lisbon.
👉 Sail into the sunset on this Lisbon cruise
7. Évora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon
Want to escape the city? Head to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage town in the Alentejo region. This Lisbon wine tour combines history and countryside indulgence.
In Évora, you’ll see Roman ruins, a grand cathedral, and the eerie Chapel of Bones (lined with human skulls). Then it’s on to the vineyards of Alentejo, where you’ll sip bold reds and fresh whites under the Portuguese sun. It’s slower-paced and a great way to balance Lisbon’s hustle.
👉 Book your Évora & Wine Tour here
8. Lisbon Street Art Tour & Creative Quarter
Lisbon is an open-air gallery, with entire buildings transformed into canvases. This Lisbon street art tour takes you beyond the postcard-perfect views into Bairro Alto and Mouraria, where murals tell political, social, and cultural stories.
Your guide explains the artists behind the works — from world-famous Vhils to local rising talents. It’s eye-opening, colourful, and one of the most unique ways to experience Lisbon’s modern creative spirit.
👉 Explore Lisbon’s street art scene here
9. Arrábida Natural Park Hiking & Beach Escape
Sometimes you need a break from city life — and Arrábida Natural Park is the perfect escape. Just an hour from Lisbon, it offers rugged cliffs, turquoise bays, and Mediterranean-style beaches.
On this Lisbon day trip, you’ll hike scenic trails with panoramic ocean views before unwinding on sandy beaches. It’s a refreshing balance of activity and relaxation, perfect for nature lovers.
👉 Reserve your Arrábida Hiking & Beach Day here
10. Lisbon Cooking Class & Market Tour
Want to bring Lisbon home with you? This Lisbon cooking class starts at Mercado da Ribeira, where you’ll shop with a local chef and learn about Portuguese ingredients. Then you’ll head into the kitchen to cook a full meal — often including seafood, meats, and a dessert.
The best part? Sitting down to enjoy the feast with wine and new friends. It’s hands-on, fun, and a delicious way to connect with Lisbon’s food culture.
👉 Book your Lisbon cooking class here
Suggested Itineraries
- 1 Day in Lisbon: Morning Food Tour → Afternoon Belém Tour → Evening Sunset Cruise.
- 3 Days in Lisbon: Add a Sintra Day Trip and Fado Night.
- 5 Days or More: Add Évora Wine Tour + Arrábida Hike for the perfect mix of city, culture, and countryside.
FAQ About Lisbon Tours
Are Lisbon tours worth it?
Yes — booking Lisbon tours with locals is absolutely worth it. Not only do you save time with skip-the-line access, but guides also give cultural context you’d miss on your own. Many tours include food, drinks, or transport, making them excellent value.
Is Sintra worth a day trip from Lisbon?
Absolutely! A Sintra day trip from Lisbon is one of the most popular excursions for good reason. You’ll see the fairytale Pena Palace, mystical gardens at Quinta da Regaleira, and finish with dramatic ocean views at Cabo da Roca. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and scenery.
What’s the best evening activity in Lisbon?
Two stand out: a Lisbon sunset cruise on the Tagus River for romance and views, or a Lisbon Fado tour in Alfama, where you’ll hear Portugal’s most soulful music over dinner and wine. Both give you an unforgettable taste of Lisbon at night.
Where can I see Fado in Lisbon?
The best place to see Fado in Lisbon is in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighbourhood. Booking a Lisbon Fado walking tour with dinner ensures you get a quality performance, an authentic atmosphere, and insider stories about this UNESCO-recognised tradition.
What’s the best Lisbon tour for foodies?
If you love food, start with a guided Lisbon food tour — you’ll taste pastel de nata, bacalhau, cheeses, wines, and local snacks while learning the history behind them. For hands-on travellers, a Lisbon cooking class and market tour is another fantastic choice.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon is a city that rewards curiosity — and the right tours bring it to life. Whether you’re sipping wine in Alentejo, hearing Fado in Alfama, or riding Tram 28 through the old town, each experience deepens your connection to Portugal’s capital.
👉 Don’t wait until you arrive to book. Many of these tours sell out fast, especially during the summer. Click the links above to check availability today and secure your Lisbon adventure.
Safe travels — and enjoy every pastel de nata along the way!
