Portugal

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

This tour offers an immersive exploration of Lisbon's rich history and how it has evolved. You'll delve into its 18th, 19th and early 20th century bourgeois ambiance, following the rebuilding of Lisbon after its destruction in the tragic earthquake of 1755. During this period, Lisbon came to be designed as the home of the bureaucrat, the merchant, and the middle-class, and later, the financial elite. Some of the iconic squares, architectural landmarks, historic old-world shops, and restaurants from this period remain, to be rediscovered by you with the guidance of Tiago Neiva. "Where Time Has Paused" captures the essence of exploring historic neighborhoods with several hidden gems, shops and boutiques where the ambiance and charm of past eras are still very much alive. It’s an experience that is both reflective and immersive, appealing to those who are interested in history, culture, gastronomy and the timeless beauty of the city.

Lisbon is easily accessible from the airport, cruise terminal, and train stations, with the historic center reachable by walking or using public transport, taxis, or Uber.

Old Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is older than Rome by 400 years, which makes it the second oldest capital in Europe, after Athens. Both physical and cultural artifacts of its history remain intact. This experience offers a deep dive into Lisbon's architectural and gastronomic heritage, narrated by Tiago Neiva, who brings a local's insight and passion to the tour. This comprehensive tour promises a rich blend of Lisbon's history, architecture, culture, and gastronomy, making for an unforgettable experience.

Between the main stops identified in the “Experience Details”, you'll explore a variety of historic and unique old-world shops, showcasing Lisbon's rich retail heritage such as haberdasheries, antique shops, and specialized stores in tiles, hats, and jewelry. These shops are integral to understanding Lisbon's commercial and cultural heritage. The tour also includes visits to historic restaurants and coffee shops, each offering a unique taste of Lisbon's culinary traditions.

Rossio Square is the central hearth of Lisbon. Here you'll find Café Nicola, a bohemian restaurant and coffee shop from the 18th-19th century, the Neoclassical National Theatre Queen Maria II - a cultural landmark,  several highly decorated fountains and portuguese cobblestone covering all the pavement.

Café Nicola's history as a literary and intellectual hub offers a glimpse into Lisbon's artistic past. Near Rossio Square, expect to find health and wellness shops, including historic pharmacies, old jewelry shops, newspaper kiosks and other relevant historic landmarks, like the Rossio Train Station and the National Theatre.

Rossio Square is the hearth of Lisbon with its famous coffee-shops and traditional commerce.

Rossio Square

Carmo Square is the place where Carnation Revolution had it's peak on 24th April 1974, putting an end of Fascist Government and the beginning of Democracy.  The Square hosts an impressive half destroyed 14th century Gothic Church and the  Elevator of Santa Justa, an early 20th-century structure resembling Eiffel's work. Closeby, we will have a lunch at Trindade, a freemason inspired tiled restaurant, once a brewery and before, a convent. 

The elevator offers a splendid panoramic view of Lisbon, and it's a testament to Lisbon's architectural evolution and ingenuity. The surrounding area is famous for its restoration and buildings with architectural and historical significance.

Carmo Square reflects the rich history of Portugal, from the medieval to the contemporary period.

Carmo Square

Popularly known as S. Roque Square - due to host the former Jesuit S. Roque Church, has a rich history and architectural beauty. It also features the Brotéria Institute, located in a former 16th-century noble residence, rebuilt as a bourgeois palace in 19th century and today, a modern cultural hub, reflecting Lisbon's evolving heritage. 

The square juxtaposes historic and contemporary Lisbon. Close to this square, you'll find historic bookstores, art galleries, restaurants and the best viewpoint of Lisbon, in harmony with the intellectual, bohemian and artistic history of the area.

Trindade Coelho Square is a real memory of Jesuit presence in Portugal.

Trindade Coelho Square

The Commerce Square was built in 18th center and is the biggest in Lisbon. Its defined by geometric standards and dominated by the central Arch of Rua Augusta. Finished almost a century later, the arch is an iconic symbol of Lisbon's post-earthquake resilience and architectural grandeur.

This square represents the ideals of the iluminism and the absolutist monarchy, with the riding horse king's statue, the Triumphal Arch and columnated lateral galleries. The vicinity of this square is ideal for visiting several shops that specialize in various services and repairs, showcasing Lisbon's longstanding craftsmanship.

Commerce Square is the biggest square in Lisbon and an majestic open gate to the river Tejo.

Commerce Square

Largo Chiado is the most striking place of the 19th century, where the financial elite and the intellectual elite crossed paths, in cafes, theaters, bookshops or boutiques. A highlight here is the Brasileira Coffeehouse, a famous Lisbon establishment dating back to 1905, known for its intellectual and literary significance. 

Being a cultural hotspot, this area is perfect for exploring historic cafes and bakeries, offering a taste of traditional Lisbon cuisine, side by side, with the most prestigious boutiques., bookstores, churches and jewelry stores.

Chiado Square is the most iconic bourgeouis, chic and bohemian corner of Lisbon.

Chiado Square

This Square- Garden is home to the Embaixada Concept Store Palace, a neo-Arab palace from the 19th century. Today, it serves as a gourmet shopping center, offering a unique blend of historic architecture and modern Portuguese retail culture. Surrounding the garden, there's several other palaces, kiosks, restaurants, art Galleries and historic shops. The garden also host one of the most famous and beautiful trees in Portugal.

Embaixada Concept Store Palace is a testament to Lisbon's historic architectural charm and modern retail evolution. Nearby, there are historic shops offering unique clothing, accessories, and home decor, reflecting the area's upscale and artistic character. With Tiago, you’ll be able to step into a few of these, or look through their windows for a fascinating perspective.

Príncipe Real Garden is surrounded by fancy palaces, cultural equipments  and trendy shops.

Príncipe Real Square 

A 7-hour walking tour of Lisbon's historic squares, old-world shops, and its bourgeois romanticism.

Traverse through Lisbon's Baixa, Chiado and Príncipe Real neighborhoods, experiencing their historic bourgeois and bohemian ambiance, stunning architecture, unique shopping, and exquisite gastronomy.

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

Where Time Has Paused

This rare and exclusive experience accommodates a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 people to make base costs and logistics work. Included are: Access to special locations and old-world stores, lunch in a traditional restaurant and afternoon snacks.

Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and an eagerness to explore!



[Photo Credits: José Vicente. Lisbon Shopping. Lojas com História. Pedro Sá da Bandeira. Reinaldo Rodrigues. Tiago Miranda Neiva. Unsplash: Paulo Evangelista, Reiseuhu, Vladan Raznatovic. Visiting my Lisbon. Wikimedia: Bznein, Correia Pm, Deensel, Rehman Abubakr, Simon Burchell.]

Born and raised in Lisbon, Tiago Neiva has an extensive background in Architecture, and a master's degree in the Teaching of Visual Arts. Tiago's guided tours are known for their depth and insight, covering aspects like Lisbon's architectural heritage, its cultural, artistic and social context, and the unique characteristics that define the city. 

Commerce Square

Lisbon | Portugal