Secret Lisbon Walking Tour

Lisbon’s Secret Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s hidden gems. Spanning 2.5 hours, this captivating experience takes you off the beaten path, revealing medieval monasteries, the birthplace of Fado music, and more. With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate setting to explore Lisbon’s rich history, from WWII to the Roaring 20s. As you indulge in a complimentary Pastel de Nata or Ginginha, you’ll be left eager to discover what other secrets this vibrant city holds.

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour walking tour offers access to off-the-beaten-path locations, including a medieval monastery and the birthplace of Fado music.
• Participants can discover hidden graves, stunning street art, and WWII spy stories during the tour.
• The tour includes entry to either the Independence Palace or Dolls Hospital, as well as a complimentary Pastel de Nata or Ginginha.
• Highlights encompass a medieval cemetery, Roman hippodrome, and medieval hospital, providing unique historical experiences at a reasonable price.
• The tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with reviewers praising the informative nature and access to lesser-known buildings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Secret Lisbon Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour excursion that allows participants to explore the city’s hidden gems.

Priced from £29.46 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and available in English and French.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or opt for the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour promises unique access to off-the-beaten-path locations, including a medieval monastery, Lisbon’s birthplace of Fado music, and a Dolls Hospital with a secret door.

Highlights and Activities

Exploring Lisbon’s hidden secrets is at the heart of this walking tour. Participants will discover the medieval monastery of Nossa Senhora da Graca with its secret crypt, the old freemason hangout, and the birthplace of Fado music in Mouraria.

The tour also visits a medieval cemetery, the city’s oldest well, and the Dolls Hospital with a secret door. Other highlights include the Roman hippodrome, a medieval hospital, and historical sites related to Jewish history and WWII.

Key experiences include:

• Walking over hidden graves near the monastery

• Discovering stunning street art

• Learning about Lisbon’s Roaring 20s casinos and nightclubs

• Visiting Rossio Square and its WWII spy stories

• Entering the Independence Palace and its secret garden

Unique Experiences

One unique experience on this walking tour is the opportunity to walk over hidden graves near the medieval monastery of Nossa Senhora da Graca.

Visitors can discover stunning street art as they explore Lisbon’s hidden corners.

They’ll also learn about the city’s Roaring 20s casinos and nightclubs, as well as WWII spy stories connected to Rossio Square.

Included in the Tour

Although the Secret Lisbon Walking Tour is reasonably priced, it includes several valuable experiences for participants.

The tour provides entrance to either the Independence Palace or the Dolls Hospital, allowing guests exclusive access to these unique sites. Plus, a complimentary Pastel de Nata or Ginginha is included, giving visitors a chance to sample traditional Portuguese treats.

The tour’s highlights encompass:

• Medieval monastery with a secret crypt

• Old freemason hangout

• Mouraria, the birthplace of Fado music

• Medieval cemetery and the city’s oldest well

• Roman hippodrome and medieval hospital

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Customer Feedback

The Secret Lisbon Walking Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. According to reviews, the tour is informative and provides unique access to buildings not typically visited by travelers.

One reviewer noted the tour’s focus on Lisbon’s hidden secrets and historical sites was a highlight. However, some feedback suggested a lack of choice regarding the specific sites visited.

Exploring the Medieval Monastery

What makes the medieval monastery of Nossa Senhora da Graca so intriguing? For starters, it boasts a secret crypt that few visitors ever get to see.

Plus, the tour delves into the monastery’s history as a former freemason hangout. Guests can explore:

• The monastery’s hidden graves

• Its stunning architecture and design

• The role it played in the city’s Jewish history

• How it was connected to Lisbon’s WWII spy stories

• Its connections to the city’s Fado music heritage

This off-the-beaten-path gem offers a glimpse into Lisbon’s medieval past that even many locals rarely get to experience.

Discovering the Birthplace of Fado

Moving from the secret crypt and Freemason history of the medieval monastery, the tour next explores Mouraria – the birthplace of Fado music.

This traditional working-class neighborhood is where the soulful, melancholic sound of Fado originated. Visitors will learn about the cultural significance of Fado and its evolution over the centuries.

Mouraria, the birthplace of Fado, where visitors learn about the cultural significance and evolution of this soulful, melancholic Portuguese music.

They’ll discover hidden alleyways, unique architecture, and local landmarks that played a role in the development of this iconic Portuguese music.

The tour provides a deeper understanding of Mouraria’s rich cultural heritage and its lasting impact on Lisbon’s identity.

Visiting the Roman Hippodrome and Medieval Hospital

Departing from the vibrant Mouraria neighborhood, the tour then leads participants to the remnants of Lisbon’s Roman hippodrome and a medieval hospital.

Visitors will discover:

• The ruins of the ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, an impressive feat of engineering and design.

• The medieval hospital, which cared for the sick and poor for centuries, offering a glimpse into the city’s medical history.

• Intricate architectural details and historical significance of these lesser-known sites.

• Insights into how these structures have endured and evolved over the centuries.

• The opportunity to envision Lisbon’s rich past, from Roman to medieval eras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

While the tour has a set itinerary, customers can often request to visit specific sites if they notify the tour operator in advance. This allows for some customization to suit individual interests.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location on the Tour?

The tour allocates around 20-30 minutes at each location, allowing guests to explore the unique sites in depth. The duration at each stop may vary depending on group size and interest level.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The tour guides typically provide recommendations for local restaurants where participants can enjoy authentic Lisbon cuisine after the walking tour. These suggestions help enhance the overall experience by allowing travelers to further enjoy the city’s culture.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The walking tour does not offer an option to extend the duration beyond the 2.5 hours. The tour is fixed at this length, though customers can choose to explore further on their own after the tour concludes.

Can We Arrange a Private Tour for Our Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers private tours for groups. Guests can request a private tour, which allows them to customize the itinerary and have the guide’s undivided attention. Private tours can be booked for an additional fee.

The Sum Up

The Secret Lisbon Walking Tour offers an intimate exploration of the city’s hidden gems. With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides access to off-the-beaten-path locations and captivating stories from Lisbon’s past. Highlights include a medieval monastery, the birthplace of Fado music, and a medieval cemetery. Participants also enjoy a complimentary Pastel de Nata or Ginginha, making it a delightful and immersive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: