Lisbon Audio Tour
Explore Lisbon's historic charm with this self-guided walking audio tour. Wander from the Castelo de São Jorge to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the grand Praça do Comércio, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the Portuguese capital. Pass through the majestic Arco da Rua Augusta and hear the fascinating history of Lisbon, from its founding to the Age of Exploration and beyond.
Tour details
Everything you need to know before you start your Lisbon self-guided walking audio tour.
Welcome to the Lisbon Walking Tour
Explore Lisbon's historic charm with this self-guided walking audio tour. Wander from the Castelo de San Jorge to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the grand Praça do Comércio, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the Portuguese capital.
About the Tour
Your walking tour of Lisbon begins at the Arco do Castelo, a gateway that introduces you to Lisbon's deep history. Next, absorb the panoramic views at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, offering a sweeping vista of the city's oldest neighborhoods. As you descend into the Alfama district, you'll journey through time and discover Lisbon's medieval history.
Experience the vivid tales of Crusaders and conquest at the Lisbon Cathedral. As you walk, admire the intricately designed Azulejos, Lisbon's tile treasures, which tell stories through their colors and patterns.
Then, visit the Praça do Comércio, a grand square lined with historic buildings and overlooking the sparkling sea. Here, you'll delve into stories from the Age of Exploration, from Henry the Navigator to Magellan and beyond! Next, stroll beneath the grand Arco da Rua Augusta and discover a vibrant street packed with shops and restaurants. Finally, you'll reach the Praça da Figueira, where your tour will conclude.
Where to start?
We recommend starting from: Arco do Castelo, R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo 10, 1100-509
How does it work?
Get your instructions
Once you book a tour, you'll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app
Download the app while in good Wi-Fi/signal and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available, download all the audio guides.
Set up your audio
Bring headphones for walking tours. (Connect via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for driving tours — CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported.)
Head to the starting point
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
Let the audio guide you
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Go at your own pace
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Lisbon Audio Tour — things to do on the tour
The full stop-by-stop itinerary, from the Arco do Castelo to the Praça da Figueira.
Welcome
Welcome to Lisbon! Start your tour at Saint George Castle's archway. Visit the castle now or later; the tour starts downhill.
3,000 Years & Counting
Lisbon's narrow, cobblestone streets highlight its 3,000-year history, older than London and Rome, once thriving under Roman and Visigoth rule.
Punic Wars: Carthage vs Rome
In 205 BCE, Romans offered Lisbon's people freedom in exchange for help against Carthage, changing the city's fate.
Roman Rule
Rome elevated Lisbon to a booming city with theaters, bathhouses, and temples under Julius Caesar.
Did Phoenicians Name Lisbon?
Settled over 3,000 years ago, Lisbon's name might derive from the Phoenicians' word for "delightful little port."
Cross Street to Church
Cross to the plaza near the Church of Santa Luzia. Admire the vibrant greenery and serene atmosphere.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Enjoy the romantic terrace, stunning ocean views, and the Alfama's red rooftops. The Moors transformed Lisbon in 711, building a city of winding streets and steep stairs.
Church of Santa Luzia
Built for the patron saint of blindness, this church was reconstructed in a baroque style after the Great Earthquake.
Tile Murals
Admire the blue tile murals on the church's side, depicting Lisbon's history, including the fall of the Moors.
City of Seven Hills
Lisbon's seven hills offer breathtaking views and natural defenses against invaders.
Pause at Stairs
Check out nearby viewpoints, Miradouro das Portas do Sol and another large plaza, for more stunning views before descending the stairs.
History Mural (Stairs Tunnel)
The tunnel's comic strip by Nuno Saraiva details Lisbon's history. Explore the panels before continuing down the stairs.
Welcome to the Alfama
Turn right at the bottom of the stairs into the Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood filled with street art and history.
"Lisa" Mural (Descend Stairs on Left)
Descend the stairs to see Tami Hopf's "Lisa" mural. Continue down the next set of stairs.
Crumbling Neighborhood or Golden Age?
Pause in the open space, admire the love birds mural, and imagine Lisbon's Golden Age under Moorish rule, marked by growth, knowledge, and new culinary delights.
Crusaders Siege Lisbon
The Church of Saint Michael, built in 1180, stands as a symbol of Lisbon's tumultuous history, especially during the 1147 siege by Afonso Henriques and Crusaders, driving out the Moors.
Igreja de São Miguel
This church, initially built in the 1100s and renovated in the 1600s, features tall bell towers and gilded decor by Bento Coelho da Silveira.
Sancho II & Alfonso III
Alfonso III, despite being the younger brother, managed to oust his unpopular brother Sancho II with the Vatican's help and brought stability to Portugal by enacting middle-class-friendly policies and reclaiming land from the Moors.
Saint Vincent's Crows
Afonso's victory over the Moors was believed to be aided by the spirit of Saint Vincent, whose remains he protected, and whose legend is symbolized by crows on Lisbon's flag.
Lisbon's Tile Treasures
The beautiful blue tiles, Azulejos, became a staple of Portuguese architecture in the 1400s, reflecting both Islamic and European influences.
A Traitor in the Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral, built by Afonso, was the site of a gruesome murder during the 3 Johns' battle and holds layers of historical remnants from different eras.
Age of Exploration
By the 1400s, Portugal leveraged advances in navigation and shipbuilding to explore unknown territories, spurred by tales of immense wealth in Africa and India.
Mansa Musa
The king of Mali from 1312 to 1337, Mansa Musa, made Mali incredibly wealthy through gold and salt mining, spreading its riches during his famous hajj to Mecca.
Sanhaja Berbers & Camel Caravans
The Sanhaja Berbers were expert traders navigating the Sahara, crucial in transporting valuable spices across the desert.
Five Glorious Spices — Or Just One?
The most coveted spice was black pepper, dominating 90% of the trade and being integral to European cuisine and economy for centuries.
Pepper and Power
Black pepper's influence stretched from Egyptian pharaohs to Roman elites and beyond, driving European exploration and trade policies.
Henry the Navigator
Prince Henry's exploration began with capturing Ceuta in 1415, leading to further expeditions along Africa's west coast, where he initiated the slave trade.
Azores and Madeira
Portuguese explorers settled islands like the Azores and Madeira, establishing communities and agriculture.
Slavery Before Gonçalves' Expedition
Slavery existed long before Portugal's Age of Exploration, but the large-scale chattel slavery they introduced was new.
The Pope's Role in the Slave Trade
Pope Nicholas V sanctioned the enslavement of Africans, allowing Portugal to expand the slave trade under the guise of spreading Christianity.
Rivers of Gold
Portugal's persistent exploration led them to Ghana, where they discovered lucrative gold deposits, fueling further expeditions.
Elmina Castle in Ghana
Portugal built Elmina Castle to control the gold trade, which later became a base for the slave trade.
Praça do Comércio
This plaza, built in the early 1500s, symbolizes Portugal's peak during the spice trade boom.
The Calicut King
Vasco da Gama's arrival in India opened new trade routes, although not without conflict and cultural misunderstandings.
Maritime Mafia
Portugal's powerful armadas dominated Indian Ocean trade routes, monopolizing the spice trade.
Golden Goa
Goa became the center of the Portuguese Empire in India, flourishing with new elite classes and lavish lifestyles.
The Empire Falters
Portugal's golden age waned due to conflicts with Spain and other European powers, leading to a decline in its global dominance.
Equestrian Statue
Renaissance, Ruin, and Rebirth: King José I's reign saw the Portuguese Renaissance and the devastating 1755 earthquake, which marked the end of Portugal's imperial aspirations.
Earthquake's Influence on the Enlightenment
The 1755 earthquake spurred philosophical and political shifts, influencing Enlightenment thinkers.
King José and the Earthquake
The earthquake reshaped Lisbon and King José I's reign, leading to innovative seismic architecture.
Columns
The columns by the steps symbolize wisdom and devotion, essential for Lisbon's rebuilding.
Aqueduct
The Aqueduct of the Free Waters, a Roman-inspired structure, survived the 1755 earthquake and showcases Lisbon's engineering prowess.
Arco da Rua Augusta
This grand arch, originally a simple belltower, took nearly a century to complete and features statues symbolizing Glory, Valor, and Genius. Rua Augusta is a vibrant street full of shops and food — we'll explore iconic Lisbon eats here.
Pastel de Nata
Indulge in Lisbon's iconic pastry, the Pastel de Nata, a creamy egg custard tart dusted with cinnamon.
Fishy Business
Lisbon's cuisine is rich in seafood, with sardines and bacalhau (salted codfish) being local favorites.
Cross to Rossio Square
Head to the plaza ahead and stop by the nearest fountain.
Praça do Rossio
Known as the heart of the city, this historic plaza features beautiful mosaic pavements and has been a central gathering place since the 1200s.
Statue of Pedro IV
This statue, possibly of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, represents Dom Pedro IV, the first emperor of Brazil and an advocate for Brazilian independence.
Teatro Nacional
Use the crosswalk to reach the grand National Theatre.
A Ginjinha
This small shop serves Ginjinha, a cherry liquor infused with cinnamon, a popular Lisbon drink with a storied past.
Star Jewish Memorial & Church of St. Dominic
The star-shaped memorial honors the Jewish victims of the Portuguese Inquisition. Behind it is the Church of St. Dominic, a historic site for royal weddings.
Britain Takes the Wheel
After losing Brazil, Portugal's influence waned, and by the late 1800s, they surrendered African territories to Britain.
Praça da Figueira
This square features a statue of King John I, who set the stage for Portugal's Age of Exploration. Your tour concludes here.
Preview the tour
Listen to a sample of the Lisbon Audio Tour narration below.
Tour FAQs
What will I see on the Lisbon Self-Guided Walking Tour?
The tour highlights Lisbon's historical and cultural sites, including the Castelo de San Jorge, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and the grand Praça do Comércio.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Arco do Castelo, a historic gateway to Lisbon's old quarters.
How long does the tour take?
The walking tour is approximately 1 to 2 hours long, covering a distance of about 1.9 miles.
What kind of stories and insights will the tour provide?
The tour includes over 40 audio stories that explore Lisbon's medieval history, the Age of Exploration, and the rich architectural heritage showcased in the city's tiles and monuments.
Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the walk is relatively easy, suitable for most fitness levels, and offers several stops to rest and enjoy the sights.
Can I take the tour at any time of the day?
Yes, the tour is designed to be taken at any time, allowing you to start whenever it suits your schedule.
Does the tour operate offline?
Yes, you can download all the necessary content on your phone and access it offline, ensuring you can enjoy the tour without needing an internet connection.
What should I bring on my walking tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, water, and possibly a snack are recommended to enhance your tour experience.
Are there any entrance fees involved in the tour?
The tour itself has a fee for downloading the guide, but most public spaces and viewpoints do not require additional entrance fees.
How do I access the tour once I am at the starting point?
Once you reach the starting point, you can launch the app, and the audio will start automatically, guiding you through each location.
Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Typically, these tours are available in multiple languages; check the app for specific language options available for the Lisbon tour.
What are some safety tips for walking around Lisbon?
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and keep your valuables secure.
Can I pause the tour and resume later?
Yes, the self-guided nature of the tour allows you to pause and resume the walk at your convenience.
Are there any discounts available for purchasing multiple tours?
Yes, there are bundle options available which offer significant savings if you plan to take multiple tours.
Inclusions and exclusions
✓ Inclusions
- App on your phone: a link to download the Action Tour Guide App and a password for your tours.
- Easy to use: stories play automatically via GPS, hands-free.
- Flexible schedule: use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
- Interactive audio stories: experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
- At your own pace: no group — take breaks for photos, snacks, or hikes, and go at your own pace.
- Offline use: no cell signal or Wi-Fi required — offline GPS map & route, stop-to-stop direction.
- Don't miss a thing: a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated guides, and hidden gems.
✕ Exclusions
- Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
- Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
- Car rental — please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
