Private 90-Minute Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Pickup Lisbon

Alfama and the Portas do Sol viewpoint

Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon, a tangle of steep lanes, stairways and tiny squares that grew up on the hill below the castle in Moorish times and largely survived the earthquake of 1755. Laundry hangs between tiled houses, and fado music drifts from small doorways in the evening. Many of its lanes are too narrow for buses, which is exactly why a tuk-tuk tour of Alfama is so practical.

Your first big stop is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, one of the most photographed viewpoints in Lisbon. From its terrace you look over a sea of terracotta roofs tumbling down to the Tagus River, with the white dome of the National Pantheon and the twin towers of São Vicente de Fora on the skyline. Your guide gives you time for photos and points out the landmarks below.

Graça and the Senhora do Monte viewpoint

Climbing further, the tuk-tuk takes you into Graça, a traditional residential neighbourhood on one of Lisbon's seven hills, known for its old convent, its local cafés and the tram lines that curve through its streets. It is far less crowded than the centre and gives a real feel of everyday Lisbon life.

At the top waits the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest viewpoint in the city. From beside its small chapel and umbrella pines you enjoy a sweeping panorama over the castle walls, the Baixa, the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge in the distance. Many visitors say it is the most beautiful view of Lisbon, especially in the late afternoon when the light turns golden, so consider an afternoon departure.

Lisbon Cathedral

On the way down you pass Lisbon Cathedral, known as the Sé, the oldest church in the city. It was begun in 1147, soon after the Christian conquest of Lisbon, on the site of the former main mosque, and its two crenellated towers and rose window give it the look of a fortress. Over the centuries it survived several earthquakes and was rebuilt in Gothic and baroque styles.

The yellow trams that rattle past its facade make this one of the classic photo spots of Lisbon. Your guide explains the cathedral's history and the excavations of Roman and Moorish remains in its cloister. The tour passes by the outside; if you want to visit the interior, it is easy to come back on foot afterwards, as the cathedral is a short walk from the Baixa.

São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon

Further east, the monastery of São Vicente de Fora stands out with its white Renaissance facade and twin towers. Founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the late 16th century, it is famous for its cloisters lined with azulejo tile panels and its terrace views. On Tuesdays and Saturdays the Feira da Ladra flea market fills the square behind it.

A little below rises the National Pantheon, originally the Church of Santa Engrácia, whose construction began in the 17th century and was finished only in 1966. Its slow progress gave the Portuguese a popular expression for endless works. Today its great white dome is one of Lisbon's most recognisable landmarks, and the building houses the tombs of notable figures of Portuguese history and culture.

Pink Street and the Ribeira market hall

Down by the river, the tour reaches Cais do Sodré, once the port district where sailors came ashore. Its Rua Nova do Carvalho, painted bright pink in 2011 and nicknamed Pink Street, is now one of the most photographed streets in Lisbon, with umbrellas sometimes hanging above it and colourful facades along both sides.

Close by stands the Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon's main market hall since 1882, where fresh fish, fruit and flowers are still sold in the morning and a busy food hall serves Portuguese dishes from many local kitchens. It is a good place to come back to for lunch after your ride. From here your driver-guide takes you back to your hotel, completing about 90 minutes of easy sightseeing.