By eleven in the morning, Portas do Sol has three coaches parked outside it and a queue for the photo spot. At seven, it has you.
This tour exists because our guides got tired of apologising for the crowds. So we start early, before the souvenir shops open and before the first tour groups reach the old town, and we take the same route through Alfama, Mouraria and Graça with the streets essentially empty.
The light is the other reason to do it. Lisbon faces the river to the south and east, so the early sun comes in low across the rooftops and turns the whole city the colour of the buildings. If you take photographs, this is the two hours to book.
We drive around São Jorge Castle on the narrow roads, come down through Baixa and Chiado while the cafés are still setting out chairs, and finish along Avenida da Liberdade before the traffic builds.
Where we go
Tap a numbered pin for the stop. Lines show the order we visit, not the exact streets we drive. Scroll-zoom activates after you click the map.
1
Santa Luzia & Portas do Sol
Alfama’s two famous terraces, at the hour when they’re empty.
2
Nossa Senhora do Monte
The highest viewpoint in Lisbon, catching the first sun.
3
Castelo
A drive around São Jorge Castle on the narrow lanes below the walls.
4
Mouraria & Graça
The old quarters as the neighbourhood wakes up and the bakeries open.
5
Baixa & Chiado
Downtown squares before the crowds — Rossio, Commerce Square, the Arch.
6
Bica & Bairro Alto
The steep funicular hill and the São Pedro de Alcântara terrace.
Usually between 6:30 and 8:00 depending on the season and sunrise. We’ll confirm the exact time when you book — earlier in summer, a little later in winter.
Our guests overwhelmingly say yes, and it’s our highest-rated tour for a reason. If you’re only in Lisbon for a day or two, it also frees the rest of your day entirely.
Not included, but your guide knows which bakeries are open at that hour and will happily stop at one.
REVIEWS
What our guests say
☆☆☆☆☆Rated 5 out of 5
“Er kannte die schönsten Miradores, die besten Wege dorthin und immer wieder interessante Anekdoten und Hinweise auf den Routen. Spontan gewünschte Zwischenstopps wurden prompt ermöglicht.”
“He knew the most beautiful miradores, the best ways to get there, and always had interesting anecdotes and tips along the route. Spontaneous requests for stops were promptly accommodated.”
Written in German
Nicole
Germany · Verified GetYourGuide review
☆☆☆☆☆Rated 5 out of 5
“Très bon guide. Idéal pour découvrir la ville et des lieux insolites.”
“Great live guide. Ideal for discovering the city and unusual places.”
Written in French
Christophe
France · Verified GetYourGuide review
Ready to see the real Lisbon?
Tell us when you’re in town and we’ll build the route around you. Private tuk-tuk, local guide, no crowds.