Good Ol’ Lisbon: Guided Walking Tour

The ‘City of Seven Hills’ has a perfect balance of history and modernity which makes it one of the most visited European destinations. Much of Lisbon’s authenticity is retained in the cobbled alleyways of its historic quarters where you will find those guidebook illustrations of Lisbon - flowered balconies, narrow streets, local folks carrying on with their daily chores, historical sites springing up here and there and hear the real Lisbon fado. Join your guide as he takes you on a walk around the part of Lisbon that holds a fascinating history of merchants, natural disasters and rulers.

The walk begins from Rossio Square from where you will climb the medieval hill of Lisbon through the iconic Mouraria neighbourhood, which came up as a Moorish ghetto in 1147 and is the most culturally diverse areas in Lisbon. It is here that the fado music originated and spread to Portuguese aristocracy via a love affair. We will take a sweet break here and taste a juicy custard tart and cherry liqueur.

With more history on your way when you visit St George’s Castle and the nearby medieval quarter of Santa Cruz. Plunge into the labyrinthine ancient streets of Alfama neighbourhood, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood and the only one that survived the effects of the devastating earthquake of 1755. Get wonderfully lost in the cobblestoned lanes lined with tiled buildings with wrought iron balconies, the walk will finally conclude at the old Cathedral, much older than it looks, and constructed on the site of an important Moorish mosque. Listen to your guide closely, it has an interesting story.

Know your guide

Lisbon is best explored on foot and a group of professional guides have come together to form Lisbon Steps showing tourists the best of this Portuguese city. The walking tours are crafted to show you that gorgeous building round the corner, a colourful street or a pleasant square, a quaint café that offers the best coffee and breathtaking views of the many belvederes of Lisbon.