Lisbon Through Time: Kings, Convents & the Tagus

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Start the tour at Dom Pedro IV Square (lovingly known as Rossio), the very heart around which the activities in the city resolve, from political uprisings in the past to lively gatherings. Vibrant at any time of the day, the main meeting point has many things to offer: the photogenic Column of Pedro IV of Portugal, the prestigious National Theatre, the 17th-century Rossio Railway Station, and the unique wave-patterned mosaic pavement - a reminder of Portugal’s glorious maritime past.

   15 min

2. Then, step uphill to the colossal Carmo Convent. Losing the ceiling during the devastating 1755 earthquake, the ruins of imposing arches and columns are prominent figures in Lisbon’s skyline and a solemn testimony of the city's resilience.

   15 min

3. To the right of the site is a path leading up to the Santa Justa Elevator. The 18th-century Neo-Gothic lift is attractive in its own right with ornate iron-wrought decorations and an observation deck providing panoramic views sweeping across the city.

   15 min

4. Continue to stroll along the Augusta Road. Stretching from Rossio Square downhill to the riverfront, the rolling thoroughfare offers strollers a chance to browse through stately historic architecture, glittering high-end stores, and unique traditional boutiques in the air filled with joyful street music, bustling sound, and tempting aroma of local foods

   15 min

5. Proceed to turn left and stop in front of the 12th-century Lisbon Cathedral, Lisbon’s most important and oldest church. Its sober Romanesque façade boasts an exquisite central rose window and two looming bell towers making it look like a mighty fortress that miraculously survived the earthquake.

   20 min

6. Next, encounter the emblematic Augusta Road Arch at the end of the cobbled street. The imposing construction which is a sculptural and architectural feat itself bears a significant testimonial meaning: its grandeur and splendor commemorates the city's rapid recovery after the disastrous earthquake.

   15 min

7. The triumph arch opens to the expansive Commerce Square, overlooking the Tagus River. Thanks to its strategic location, the grand square was the symbol of Lisbon’s maritime and trade power. Today, the meaning of the popular venue where tourists and locals gather, dance, and sing harmoniously has transformed into celebrating the diverse culture of the cosmopolitan city.

   15 min

8. Finally, approach the Columns Quay where historical figures traveling to the city by boat set foot on. Cooling your feet off in the water after the long walk, you will have a chance to soak up the beautiful views of the river and the historic ambiance that lingers there. And if it’s time to get something to eat, check out Martinho da Arcada on the northeast corner of the square, Lisbon’s oldest café since the 18th century.

   10 min

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Know before you go

How it compares in Lisbon

• Its from-price is 106% above the median of the 4320 experiences we list in Lisbon.
• It is shorter than most of them.

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.

See all 4320 experiences in Lisbon