Best of Lisbon Walking Tour: Rossio, Chiado, Alfama and More - Small Group

This walking tour is the perfect introduction to the compelling mix of religion, politics and culture that have shaped modern-day Lisbon.

Explore the city’s lovely squares such as Rossio – the heart of both old and new Lisbon. Learn how the old city of Lisbon was destroyed in the 18th century by an earthquake at 8.7 on the Richter scale – one of the largest ever recorded in Europe. Many important structures were lost and then totally rebuilt to become the city of today.

In the middle of Restauradores Square, view the Obelisk that commemorates Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640, after 60 years of Spanish rule. From here, also admire the Liberdade Avenue; the Éden Theatre, one of the best examples of Portuguese Art Deco; and the Foz Palace, from the 18th Century.

Next, you’ll visit the beautiful Carmo Square, the spot where Portugal’s old dictatorial regime fell in 1974 after ruling for 48 years. From revolution and religion, you turn to the very chic Chiado neighbourhood, with its old cafés, boutiques, theatres and bookstores. Try a typical Portuguese pastry (the famous Pastel de Nata) here.

In contrast to Chiado, the Moorish Alfama area offers you the chance to wander through a maze of small squares, twisting streets and blind alleys where the roofs almost touch each other to afford protection from the hot sun. This is the birthplace of Fado, the haunting and mysterious musical genre that celebrates love, desire and loss.

After this secular interlude, you can visit Lisbon’s Cathedral, Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa (or Sé de Lisboa) the city’s oldest church. End your tour in Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). For centuries the Praça do Comércio was the great reception hall for visitors arriving by sea and was one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful squares.