Lisbon is built on seven hills, and anyone who has walked it knows what that means: steep streets, slippery stone pavements and neighbourhoods that are close on the map but a real climb apart. Most first-time visitors try to see everything on foot and by tram, and end the day exhausted, having spent half of it waiting at stops.
A private full-day tour solves this. Your driver handles the hills and the traffic, and you get the whole city — from the riverside monuments of Belém to the medieval lanes of Alfama — in one relaxed day.
The route
Morning: Belém
We start by the river, in the district where Portugal's Age of Discoveries is written in stone. The Jerónimos Monastery is the masterpiece of the Manueline style, with carvings of ropes, sea creatures and armillary spheres, and it holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama. A short walk away stands the Belém Tower, the fortress that guarded the entrance to the Tagus, and the Monument to the Discoveries.
Then comes the part nobody forgets: warm pastéis de Belém, the custard tarts made to a secret recipe just around the corner from the monastery.
Midday: Baixa and Chiado
The grid of straight, elegant streets in Baixa exists because of one day: the great earthquake of 1755, after which the city centre was rebuilt from scratch. You will see how, from the vast riverside square of Praça do Comércio up to Rossio. Just above lies Chiado, Lisbon's literary quarter of historic cafés, bookshops and theatres — a natural place to stop for lunch.
Afternoon: Alfama
Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon and the one that survived the earthquake best. Its tangle of alleys, staircases and tiny squares follows a layout from Moorish times. This is the home of fado, of laundry hanging between windows, and of the best viewpoints over the city's terracotta rooftops. Your driver takes you up; you wander down.
Why do Lisbon privately?
- No hills to climb between districts. Belém is several kilometres from Alfama; you are driven door to door.
- No tram queues. The famous yellow trams are charming but often packed, especially in summer.
- A day that adapts. More history, more food, more photos — the day follows your interests. Want the full story? Add a certified guide for +120€ per group.
- Skip-the-line access at the monuments, arranged for you.
Tips for your Lisbon day
- Wear shoes with grip. Lisbon's traditional limestone pavements are beautiful and very slippery.
- Check the day of the week. Several major monuments close on Mondays, so we plan the route around opening days.
- Save an evening for fado. If the day inspires you, we can recommend a fado house in Alfama for dinner.
Lisbon Full Day — 8 Hours
Hotel pickup, private driver, Pastéis de Belém tasting and skip-the-line access. Add a certified guide for +120€ per group.
From 110€/person (2–3 people, Mercedes Station) · 125€/person (3–7 people, Mercedes Van) · Minimum 2 people (Station) · 3 people (Van) · No payment required to enquire
Plan your trip: Lisbon
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
