Lisboa Trip Overview
Looking for something to do in Lisbon? Try 1 of our 3 tourist scavenger hunt to visit Lisbon’s Historic Center, the Alfama district or the Belém district!
Each will take your for a 3-hour tour of all the sites, share some history and fun facts, and present you with challenges at every step. Each leads to another location while offering local history and trivia.
All our scavenger hunts end within 2 blocks of their starting point.
Additional Info
* Duration: 2 to 3 hours
* Starts: Lisboa, Portugal
* Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
Looking for something to do in Lisbon? Try 1 of our 3 tourist scavenger hunt to visit Lisbon’s Historic Center, the Alfama district or the Belém district!
Each will take your for a 3-hour tour of all the sites, share some history and fun facts, and present you with challenges at every step. Each leads to another location while offering local history and trivia.
All our scavenger hunts end within 2 blocks of their starting point.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Lisbon Cathedral, Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal
The Lisbon Cathedral, Sé Lisboa, is also called the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Mary Major. It is the oldest church in the city and the seat of the Archbishop of Lisbon.
Close to:
– St. Anthony’s Church
– Casa dos Bicos
– Roman Theatre Ruins
– Aljube Resistance and Freedom Museum
Pass By: St Anthony’s Church, Largo de Santo António da Sé, 1100-401 Lisboa, Portugal
Igreja de Santo Antonio de Lisboa honors Saint Anthony of Padua..
The current church, in Rococo Baroque style, was built in 1767. There is a neoclassical decoration inside. Pope John Paul II visited this church in 1982.
His family home was converted into a chapel, then enlarged into a church in 1730 under King Joao V (1689-1750).
Close to:
– Lisbon Cathedral
– Casa dos Bicos
– Roman Theatre Ruins
– Aljube Resistance and Freedom Museum
Pass By: Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade, R. Augusto Rosa 42, 1100-059 Lisboa, Portugal
This museum is about the fight against a dictatorship in Portugal and the recognition of the resistance to it.
Portugal was under a dictatorial rule between 1926 and 1974. This period ended on April 25, 1974 with the Carnation Revolution.
It brought about the fall of the Salazarist dictatorship. The “revolutionaries” wore a carnation in their buttonholes as a unifying symbol.
Close to:
– Lisbon Cathedral
– Casa dos Bicos
– Roman Theatre Ruins
– St. Anthony’s Church
Pass By: Museu de Lisboa – Teatro Romano, A, R. de São Mamede 3 A, 1100-532 Lisboa, Portugal
The Roman Theater Museum is an archaeological excavation of the ruins of an ancient Roman theater dating from the city of Olisipo.
Olisipo was a Hispanic village of 30,000 inhabitants which joined the Roman Empire in 138 BC.
It became a municipality in 31 BC, in the Roman province of Lusitania. Olisipo was fortified at the time.
Lisbon is no stranger to earthquakes. Significant earthquakes are documented in 60, 47 and 44 BC. As well as in 33 and 382 CE.
Stop At: Arco do Castelo, R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo 10, Lisbon 1100-223 Portugal
Looking at the rampart, you will see the Arch of the Castle.
There’s a large map of the area on the wall. It was built in the 19th century, bears the name of Queen Maria II as well as the coat of arms of Portugal.
It is the gateway to Sao Jorge Castle.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Castelo de S. Jorge, R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
Sao Jorge Castle dates back to medieval times and sits on the highest peak in Lisbon.
Its name comes from the devotion of the then King Joao I (1357-1433), to St. George, the patron saint of the Knights of the Crusades.
The earliest parts of the castle date from the 11th century. It served as the home of the Portuguese monarchy until 1640, when the Restoration War broke out.
Stop At: Monumento a Amália Rodrigues, Rua dos Cegos 42, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
Amàlia Rodrigues (1920-99) is a Portuguese singer and actress, considered to be the queen of Fado.
Fado is a Portuguese musical genre dating back to the 1820s. You’ll see the Fado Museum later.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Church of São Vicente de Fora, Largo de São Vicente, 1100-572 Lisboa, Portugal
This is the Church and Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora, built in the Mannerist style between 1147 and 1629 – 482 years!
The initial monastery built by King Afonso Henriques in 1147 was in the Romanesque style and stood outside the city walls.
It is dedicated to St.Vincent of Saragossa whose relics are safeguarded here. He lived in the 3rd century CE.
Stop At: Arco Grande de Cima, 1100-572 Lisboa, Portugal
It was built in the 1800s to connect the Monastery to its gardens.
Today, it connects the high school with the monastery.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: National Pantheon, Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisboa, Portugal
The Church of Santa Engracia was built and dedicated to the martyr of the city of Braga, Saint Engracia, in 1681. Construction lasted until 1712.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: National Pantheon, Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisboa, Portugal
This church was converted into a National Pantheon in 1916 during the 1st Portuguese Republic.
Here are buried many of the country’s important personalities: Presidents, military leaders, writers, and footballers. Amalia Rodrigues, the queen of Fado is buried here.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Lisbon Army Museum, R. Museu da Artilharia 51, 1100-366 Lisboa, Portugal
Dating to 1876, it is the oldest museum in the city. 34 sumptuous baroque rooms present various collections of artillery and other war-related artifacts.
These include a 14th century cannon and Vasco da Gama’s sword.
The inner courtyard is lined with cannons and tile panels illustrating many of Portugal’s historic battles.
Stop At: Santa Apolónia, Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1, 1100-105 Lisboa, Portugal
Santa Apolonia Station is the oldest rail station in Portugal, having been built in 1844, next to a busy maritime pier on the Tagus River.
This was during the reign of Queen Maria II (1819-1853).
Thus, it served both passengers and merchandise.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Tagus
Lisbon is on the Atlantic coast, as well as on the Tagus River that flows into the Atlantic.
It is the 2nd largest river in the Iberian Peninsula (which includes Spain) after the Douro. There are some hydroelectric dams on this river and other dams to conserve drinking water for some areas.
2 bridges connect Lisbon to the other side of the river, neither of which can be seen from here.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Cruise Port, Santo Estêvão, 1100 Lisbon, Portugal
What used to be a merchandise pier is now Lisbon’s Cruise Passenger Terminal of Santa Apolonia.
Pass By: Museu do Fado, Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, Lisbon 1100-139 Portugal
The Fado Museum opened in 1998 to celebrate the music and musicians of the Fado style and its role in the cultural identity of Portugal.
Stop At: Chafariz D’El Rei, R. Cais de Santarem 23, Lisbon 1100-603 Portugal
Chafariz d’El Rei / the King’s Fountain. This old fountain (no longer functions), is from the 16th century.
On its top is a luxury boutique hotel.
To the left is a special shop selling Taylor’s Port Wine, a specialty of Portugal.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Casa dos Bicos-Museu de Lisboa, Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10 R/C, Lisbon 1100-070 Portugal
The Casa dos Bicos, or the House of Spades was built in the 16th century and survived the earthquake of 1755. It was originally a mansion, converted into a warehouse and now a library museum.
It initially housed Afonso de Albuquerque’s family and was called the Casa dos Diamantes.
What makes it special is its visual allure, the peaks that cover its facade.
Today it houses an archeology museum.
Stop At: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Velha, Rua da Alfandega, Lisbon 1100-016 Portugal
This church also dates from the 16th century and is one of the oldest in Portugal.
It is the Church of the Immaculate Conception and was declared a national monument in 1910. It was built in Renaissance and Gothic styles.
It was built on the site of a 15th century synagogue and consecrated as Our Lady of Mercy under the orders of King Manuel I (1469-1521).
At the time, it was the 2nd largest church in Lisbon.
The Church was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, then rebuilt using materials from the ruins.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Conserveira de Lisboa, Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 34, Lisbon 1100-071 Portugal
This is a shop opened in 1930 that only sells canned fish. It attracts buyers from all over the world!
You may have seen many canned fish shops around the city, but this is the original.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Torre de Belem, Avenida Brasilia – Belem, Lisbon 1400-038 Portugal
The Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also called St. Vincent’s Tower.
Learn about its history and function while you solve your 1st challenge.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Tagus
The Tagus is the 2nd largest river in the Iberian Peninsula (which includes Spain) after the Douro. There are some hydroelectric dams on this river and other dams to conserve drinking water for some areas.
Pass By: 25 de Abril Bridge, Praca 25 de Abril Almada, Lisbon 1950-358 Portugal
See and learn about the 25 de Abril bridge and the Carnation Revolution it honors.
Pass By: Monument to the Overseas Combatants, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
The monument, erected in 2000, honors the over 9,000 soldiers who died in Africa while Portugal was trying to maintain its colonies there between 1961 and 1974. This was during the Salazar dictatorial period.
Stop At: Sacadura Cabral and Gago Coutinho Monument, Av. Brasilia Belém, Lisbon 1400-038 Portugal
This monument honors Artur of Sacadura Freire Cabral (1881-1924), as well as Gago Coutinho (1869-1959), the pioneers of Portuguese aviation.
Learn about their exploits and solve another challenge here based on their flight path.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Belem Lighthouse, Avenida Brasilia, Belem 1400-038 Portugal
See the lighthouse and solve another challenge. Take in your surroundings.
Close to :
– Monument to the discoveries
– Lisbon’s Folk Art Museum
– Torre de Belem
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Popular Art Museum, Av. Brasília 202, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
This pavilion was built for Lisbon’s 1940 World’s Fair, coinciding with the country’s 800th anniversary, and the 300th anniversary of the restoration.
Close to:
– Belem Lighthouse
– Monument to the Discoveries
– Torre de Belem
Stop At: Padrao dos Descobrimentos Avenida Brasilia Belem, Lisbon 1400-038 Portugal
The Grand Monument to the Discoveries celebrates the many Portuguese who participated in the age of discovery, or the age of exploration, of the 15th-16th century. It is from here that many ships left for destinations often unknown.
Solve a challenge involving the personalities carved around the base of the monument.
See from here:
– 25 de Abril bridge
– Christ King monument in Almada
– Jeronimos Monastery
– Torre de Belem
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Sanctuary of Christ the King, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal
As you look across the Tagus river, to the Almada side, you will see a large statue on top of the hill. It is the Christ King monument, inspired by Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Stop At: Jardim da Praca do Imperio, Rua Belem, Lisbon Portugal
Here you will find several sculptures of seahorses (west side) and a statue honoring Augusto Gil (1873-1929), a Portuguese poet and precursor of Neo-Realism.
Solve another challenge in this park.
You’ll see:
– Belem Cultural Center
– Jeronimos Monastery
– Monument to the Discoveries
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Vasco da Gama Garden, Rua Vieira Portuense Belém, Lisbon 1300-571 Portugal
Learn about Vasco da Gama as you cross this park towards another park.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Estatua de Afonso de Albuquerque, Rua de Belem Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque, Lisbon 1300-598 Portugal
Learn about this Governor of Portuguese India in the 15th-16th centuries while you solve another challenge involving his statue.
You’ll see:
– Belem National Palace
– National Coach Museum
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: National Coche Museum, Avenida da India n 136 Located on the Afonso de Albuquerque Square in the western area of Lisbon in the Belém district, Lisbon 1300-300 Portugal
Learn about this museum and its history.
Pass By: Palácio Nacional de Belém, Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, 1300-004 Lisboa, Portugal
Learn about this pink palace as you walk by it.
You’ll also learn about the 1755 earthquake which forced the royal family to relocate here until 1910.
Pass By: Pastéis de Belém, R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
Discover the world-famous custard tart the Jeronimos monks invented in the 17th century, and why it came about.
You’ll face a simple challenge here.
Pass By: Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Praca do Imperio Belém, Lisbon 1400-206 Portugal
Admire this grand UNESCO World Heritage site, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s historic journey to India.
Solve another challenge here.
Pass By: Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, Lisboa, Portugal Praca Imperio, Lisbon 1400-206 Portugal
The Museu Nacional de Arqueologia is the largest museum of archeology in Portugal. Founded in 1893 by the archaeologist José Leite de Vasconcelos, it occupies the western part of the Jerónimos Monastery.
Learn more about it and surrounding monuments on our scavenger hunt:
– Jeronimos Monastery
– Praça do Império
– Navy Museum
– Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
– Belem Cultural Center
Pass By: Museu de Marinha, Praca Imperio -, Lisbon 1400-206 Portugal
The Marine Museum is also in the Jeronimos Monastery, on the far west side. It is the most visited museum in Portugal.
Walk by:
– Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
– Jeronimos Monastery
– Praça do Império
– Belém Cultural Center
– Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
Pass By: Planetario de Marinha, Praca Imperio, Lisbon 1400-206 Portugal
Learn about this planetarium and its surrounding sites.
Walk by:
– Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
– Jeronimos Monastery
– Praça do Império
– Belém Cultural Center
– Marine Museum
Pass By: Centro Cultural de Belem – CCB, Praca Imperio, Belem 1449-003 Portugal
In front of you and slightly to the right, is the Belem Cultural Center. Originally built in 1988 to host the European Union Presidency. It has become a conference center.
Learn more about it on our scavenger hunt.
Stop At: Praça do Comércio, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal
This is the historical Gateway to Lisbon and Portugal. Learn a little history of the country, which King had a palace here before the 1755 earthquake, and which King was assassinated here. Your first challenge is faily simply – only require some observation.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Museu De Lisboa, Campo Grande 245, Lisbon 1700-091 Portugal
Learn more history of the country and the city, and more specifically about the 1755 earthquake which affected not only the county and its citizens, but the architecture itself as you’ll see throughout this hunt.
Your challenge here requires understanding how a map works.
Stop At: Arco da Rua Augusta, R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal
We explain the significance of the persons represented on this monument.
The challenge here will see you squint, or zoom your camera, to get the proper count of an item.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Municipal Square, Santa Maria Maior, Lisbon Portugal
See Praça do Municipio and city Hall. Learn a little history and solve a math problem based on architectural elements on the building’s facade.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Museu do Dinheiro, R. do Comercio 148 Baixa / Chiado area, Lisbon 1100-150 Portugal
See the Money Museum, next to City Hall.
You’ll need to count properly something regarding security when you’re here.
Pass By: MUDE-Museu do Design e da Moda, Rua Augusta 24, Lisbon 1100-053 Portugal
See Lisbon’s design and fashion museum, which resides in an old bank building.
The challenge here relates to one of the beautiful carvings beside the entrance.
Stop At: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitoria, Rua da Vitoria 104 Centro, Lisbon 1100-619 Portugal
Walk on rua do Augusta, see the shops and restaurants and stop at the Our Lady of Victory Church for your next challenge.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Elevador de Santa Justa, Rua do Ouro, Lisbon 150-060 Portugal
This cast iron lift was built to connect the lower town here, to the upper town at Praça do Carmo.
The challenge here is simple, but your next decision is not. Whether to take the lift up, or walk up to your next destination.
Pass By: Carmo Archaeological Museum, Largo do Carmo, 1200-092, Lisbon 1200-092 Portugal
Learn about this old convent, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and never rebuilt. Learn about the Carmelites who lived here.
Your challenge takes you to the fountain out front.
Pass By: Casa Do Ferreira Das Tabuletas, R. Trindade 32, Lisbon 1200-468 Portugal
This is a local history museum. It’s the building with painted sculptures on the facade.
Your challenge is with those sculptures and their names
Pass By: Teatro da Trindade, Rua Nova da Trindade 9 Bairro Alto, 1200, Lisbon 1200-301 Portugal
Your challenge here is to discover who the Peruvian architect for this theatre was.
Stop At: Church of Sao Roque, Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal
This was the Jesuit’s central church in Portugal for 200 years before they were expelled from the country. Learn more about them and the beautiful art within.
Your challenge relates to a statue out front.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara, Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcantara Bairro Alto, Lisbon 1250-237 Portugal
This long terrasse on 2 levels offers a grand view of Sao Jorge Castle and the city below.
Your challenge is date-related, with one of the monuments in this park.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Elevador da Gloria, Calcada da Gloria, Lisbon Portugal
Walk down the long staircase, or take the funicular.
Stop At: Praca dos Restauradores, Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon 1250-188 Portugal
This grand public square is the southern end of Liberdade avenue. This place’s name, Restauradores, translates to restorators and honors the movement which led to the independence of Portugal in 1640, after 80 years of Spanish rule. The restoration of the kingdom of Portugal.
Your challenge here is to decode a cipher on the central column.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Museu Nacional do Desporto, Praca dos Restauradores Com Entrada Gratuita, Lisbon 1250-187 Portugal
The National Sports Museum is on the west side of the square, the one you came from. It is a # 112 in the pinkish/reddish building. This museum opened in 2012 to commemorate 100 years of participating in the Olympic Games.
Another challenge awaits you here.
Stop At: Rossio Square, Praca Dom Pedro IV, Lisbon 1100-026 Portugal
This large square dates back to the middle ages and remains an important site for public manifestations.
Rossio is Portuguese for common or public. At the center, you’ll find a large statue of King Pedro IV.
The challenge here relates to the central statue.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II Praca Dom Pedro IV, Lisbon 1100-201 Portugal
This theatre honors Pedro’s eldest daughter and Queen of Portugal. It presents all sorts of theatrical arts, including dance.
The original building from 1450, was called Estaus Palace. It housed visiting foreign dignitaries. When the Inquisition (1536-1821) came to Lisbon, this palace became its seat and Rossio the site of many executions.
Another architectural challenge awaits you here.
Stop At: Figueira da Foz, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra District, Central Portugal
Figueira Square is another large public square, circled by restaurants, shops, and hotels. Learn about the history of the square and its central statue.
Here you will need to decode a date from Roman Numerals – we’ll give you some hints
Duration: 10 minutes
