The castle, the alleys of Alfama on foot and the whole city from the highest viewpoint.
A first look at Lisbon, from the top down: the castle on its hill, the lanes of Alfama on foot and, to finish, the whole city from its highest viewpoint. Your driver takes care of the climbs and waits at each stop, so the walking is nearly all downhill. Made for your first day, in the morning or late afternoon.
The day, stop by stop
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Castelo de São Jorge
On top of the city's oldest hill, São Jorge Castle has Moorish origins and became a royal residence after the Christian conquest. Today you wander the walls and towers in the shade of pines and olive trees, with peacocks roaming free and all of Lisbon below, from the Tagus to the Baixa. Entry is paid separately. Come at opening time or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds thinner, and bring water on hot days.
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Alfama
Alfama is the oldest quarter of Lisbon, a tangle of alleys, stairways and small squares running down from the castle to the river. Washing hangs from the windows, neighbours chat in doorways and, in the evening, fado drifts out of small taverns. Along the way are the cathedral and the viewpoints of Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol. Your driver drops you at the top and waits at the bottom, so the walk is all downhill. Wear shoes with a good grip, as the cobbles are slippery.
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Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
The Senhora do Monte viewpoint, in Graça, is the highest in Lisbon and also one of the quietest. From here you look straight across at the castle, over the Baixa and Mouraria to the river. There is a small chapel and a stone wall where people sit to watch the city change colour. Your driver goes most of the way up, which saves you the steep climb. Come at sunset and bring a jacket, as it is nearly always breezy up here.
The essentials
- Duration
- 4 h · Morning or late afternoon
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- First day in Lisbon.