3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Take a deep dive into the history of the war and the neutrality of Lisbon with our 3-hour walking tour. During the Second World War, Portugal was under the dictatorship of António Oliveira Salazar and remained neutral during the conflict. Between 1932 and 1945, the country, particularly Lisbon, received thousands of refugees looking to escape the war and Nazi persecution, waiting for a visa to leave Europe. During those years, Lisbon became the „waiting room" or sad paradise" for the refugees but was also one of the many stages of international espionage. Spies of different nationalities, including British, German, and American, roamed the city and its surroundings under the surveillance of the Portuguese political police. On this guided tour, we highlight the policy of the Estado Novo toward the refugees and glimpse the shadow of the various spies that crossed the city. Come with us and discover the fascinating role of Lisbon between refugees and spies during the Second world war.
Inclusions
What's included
- Guide fee
What's not
- Snacks
Itinerary
One of the major meeting points in Lisbon, where the old town meets the modern Lisbon. Our route starts hear next to the Monument to Marquês de Pombal. This where we find the location of the Hotel Aviz, at the time, one of the most renowned hotels in the capital. Crossing the avenue we find the pensions and assistance organizations that helped the refugees in a strange land.
Opened at the end of the 19th century, this large avenue was home to several hotels during the Second World War
Famous for the monument celebrating the end of Spanish monarchy over the Portuguese throne, this square used to house several movie theaters. Cinema was both entertainment but also the opportunity to pass on propaganda from both sides of the war
Built in the late 1800s, it was once the international train station, where several refugees arrived
Pedestrian street with several traditional stores
very close to the river, several bars and brothels were the perfect spot to recruit agents and get information about naval activities.
The elegant district of city of Lisbon, with several shops but also the seat of the political police during the Dictatorship of Salazar
The heart of Lisbon with several cafés and hotels where the refugees waited for good news and visa.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
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Ratings come from 4 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- In front of the Café "A Padaria Portuguesa"
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Guide in Lisbon
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Lisbon
- Its from-price is 12% below the median of the 4320 experiences we list in Lisbon.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 1690 of 4320.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Lisbon
Lisbon spills down its hills to the Tagus estuary, a city of tiled façades, rattling yellow trams, viewpoint terraces and late, unhurried dinners.
The old quarters hold most of the charm. Alfama's tangle of lanes climbs to São Jorge Castle and echoes with fado in the evening, the Baixa's orderly grid runs down to the vast Praça do Comércio on the river, and Bairro Alto and Chiado mix bookshops and cafés by day with bars by night. Viewpoints such as Santa Luzia and Senhora do Monte frame red rooftops and shining water.
Top-ranked sights in Lisbon: Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena), Alfama.
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